Chapter 3
Edward Quan ·
He knelt obediently on a cushion and confessed.
“No young serpents have been born to our clan for a hundred years. At this rate, we may become extinct.”
“I heard you knew how to make Fertility Pills. I disguised myself as a mortal and became your disciple to steal the technique.”
7
I frowned.
“Who told you that?”
A hundred years ago, Sương Sương, the Snakefolk chieftain who fell to darkness, had developed the pill.
First, flesh and blood from ninety-nine Foundation Establishment cultivators formed its embryo.
Then the clan’s purest bloodline formed its soul.
So cruel it became forbidden.
I had acquired the recipe by chance and told no one.
“A mysterious person with extremely high cultivation,” he answered.
“He said you loved beautiful faces and would fall for me at first sight.”
“He told me to stay beside you and find a chance to steal it.”
A mysterious person again.
I clenched my fists, nails sinking into my palms.
A hundred years earlier, plague devastated the Snakefolk.
My closest friend, Sương Sương, became chieftain in that crisis.
To preserve their bloodline, she followed that stranger’s advice, killing countless righteous disciples to develop the pill.
When it was exposed, the righteous sects surrounded her. Gravely wounded, she fell into the Smokeless Sea.
I suspected the stranger was my mother’s killer, the Blood-Drinking Patriarch.
Risking my life, I rescued her.
She confirmed it.
He had lived over a thousand years. His body had long been destroyed, and he wanted to refine a perfect replacement.
When she discovered his plan and stopped obeying, he discarded her.
Following her last wish, I refined her body into a Fertility Pill and gave it to the Snakefolk, helping them settle in the desert.
I had searched for him for years without success.
Had he brought Mặc Thanh here?
“Don’t be angry, Master. I don’t have to learn it.”
【What’s so impressive about relying on pills?】
【A true Mystic Serpent relies on himself.】
【Master is so powerful. Continuing our bloodline should be no problem.】
8
Bloodline, my foot.
Suppressing the urge to hit him, I sipped Jade Clarity tea.
“You need ninety-nine Foundation Establishment cultivators’ flesh and blood, and a prince’s spirit as sacrifice. Come back when you have them.”
“So much trouble? Forget it.”
He shook his head immediately.
“I finally found someone I like. Anyone who tries to sacrifice me dies.”
Seriously, I said:
“If the stranger contacts you again, tell me.”
“Yes. But I haven’t seen him in five years. I don’t know when he’ll appear.”
“He brought you here for a reason. He won’t leave you alone forever.”
After considering, I warned:
“Stay inside unless necessary. Don’t expose yourself.”
If he was expelled, my plan couldn’t proceed.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
9
He proved it by clinging to me daily.
When I drank tea:
【Master’s lips are so soft. Like a juicy pear.】
When I refined pills:
【Her hair smells so good. Like autumn spinach.】
When I practiced swordplay:
【Her fingers are so white. Like young spring onions.】
Unable to bear it, I threw him a bottle of Fasting Pills.
“Stop thinking nonsense all day.”
【Master has such a temper.】
【Our spinal marrow is a sacred antidote too.】
【Perhaps extract some for her to taste?】
Taste it yourself!
Such a beautiful, innocent face. Such outrageous thoughts.
And I couldn’t let him discover my mind-reading.
【Why is she staring?】
【Has she fallen in love with me?】
“Mặc Thanh! The sect assembly is next month. Unless you come first, don’t call yourself my disciple.”
I couldn’t endure the mental harassment.
I kicked him into the Ice-and-Fire Cave to cultivate.
Without him, my ears were peaceful.
But my appetite suffered.
I was sleepy, craved sour food, and felt drained. Most of the time, I slept.
The Law Enforcement Elder visited, said an old demon-hunting injury had flared, and gave me Nine-Revolution Panacea.
It really improved my spirits.
“How is the fox investigation?”
“It was deliberately corrupted to distract us.”
Frowning, he lowered his voice.
“I suspect a demon spy in the sect.”
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My heart jumped.
“Any suspects?”
He shook his head.
“Not yet. Keep watch for me.”
“I will.”
“It’s late. I must prepare the assembly formations.”
He hurried away.
I couldn’t settle.
After thinking for a long time, I summoned Mặc Thanh by voice transmission.
Before half an incense stick had burned, he came flying back.
His handsome face flushed, eyes shining.
Dust covered his black training clothes. Clearly, he had come straight from the cave.
【Master, I missed you, missed you, missed you…】
The endless refrain made me dizzy.
I rubbed my temples.
“The elder was here. He suspects a demon spy.”
“I’m certainly not one.”
【If I hadn’t fallen for Master’s portrait at first sight, I wouldn’t have bothered leaving the mountain.】
【Spying is hard work with no reward. What fool would do it?】
【If I catch him, I’ll skin him for soup.】