Capítulo 57: Fear and Prestige
Editor: Rainystars
“The King Snake, eh? Only a few days, and it appears that you’ve outgrown your own arrogance.”
The crisp, cold voice floated gently from a distance and exploded next to the ears of the Xuan Ming Snake. The beast froze in mid-act.
It didn’t have to guess whose voice this belonged to.
Shuuaaaaa!
A lightning flash pierced through the air and landed firmly in front of the beauty and the beast. A figure appeared with fully extended, majestic wings that sent dust and rocks across the air with a gentle flap.
Ling Xian landed in between Lin Qing Yi and the Snake, shielding her tattered body with extended arms. He blocked the incoming tail with one hand, snatched it up and smashed it against the ground.
A loud BANG! The hands of steel yanked the tail with such force the entire body of the Snake lost its grip on the tree branch and landed painfully on the cold hard ground.
“Aaaahhhhh!”
The Xuan Ming Snake screamed in agony, a feeling of being shattered into a million pieces. However, the creature didn’t have time to mind the pain. It opened its eyes as wide as it could and stared at the dark cloaked figure with disbelief.
“It can’t be. But I know his voice, I know his shadow… is it really him?” Lin Qing Yi opened her mouth in awe, not shifting her gaze away from the approaching figure even for a moment. Her mind had already wandered away to picture a perfect reunion of two people slowly merging and eventually becoming one.
“Is it really him…”
Lin Qing Yi raised her hand to cover her mouth, her eyes rekindling the spark that was lost.
“Are you surprised to see me?” Ling Xian greeted the terrified Snake with a cold and murderous smile the creature knew all too well.
It’s him!
Damn, how can it be him!
The color drained from the face of the Xuan Ming Snake as fear emerged from the depth of its soul. It had remembered every act it had ever seen this man commit, and they terrified it now more than ever before.
Since Ling Xian’s departure a few days ago, the Snake had adjusted quickly to this newfound freedom. After several rounds of back and forth, it decided to not catch up to Ling Xian. Instead, after it finished feasting on Fang Yun, it decided to round up a few weaker creatures and declare itself their King.
For a beast of its caliber, if it had stayed clear of the Almighty Rulers, there was nothing else to fear inside the Hidden Territory. As a result, the Snake had been very active in pampering itself amongst the sea of praises its subjects were forced to bestow upon it.
Until now, the Snake had been very pleased with its decision to leave the human. But unfortunately, here he was again.
Ling Xian’s sudden and unexpected appearance had wiped all rational thoughts from the Snake’s mind. At this moment, there was nothing to be done but stare blankly at the human.
When it was still in a state of shock, a monkey emerged from behind a tree, pointed its finger at Ling Xian and began cursing, “Who in heaven’s name are you, you dare to speak to the King Snake like that, you must be tired of living!”
The Xuan Ming Snake snapped out of its staleness and began shaking from head to toe. [That…that killing machine had just been cursed…by…by one of my subjects!
No! Shut it!
You want to bury me under three feet of fire?]
The Xuan Ming Snake jumped with fury, but before it could speak, another monkey jumped out and continued cursing,
“An ant, a human ant, how dare you? Let’s skin him, drink his blood and make soup out of him!” The other monkey was quick to join the spit battle. It had secretly hated the fact that the other monkey had been the first to start cursing.
The monkeys were beginning to annoy Ling Xian. His eyebrows scrunched together.
The Snake instantly picked up on this tiny change of emotion and, in a volcanic display of rage, yanked his tail backward and unleashed it onto the first monkey, hitting it square in the chest.
“Shut your stupid mouth! If you want to die so badly, don’t you dare take me with you!”
“King…”
The monkey was flung a mile out by the sheer force of the enormous tail. Bleeding from its mouth, the monkey felt its skeleton crushed under gravity, snapping its veins in half. Before the creature took its last breath, it opened its eyes wide and stared desperately at the Snake, looking for any hint of what just happened to it.
The creature will never know how this human terrifies the Snake.
“And you, how dare you speak to my Master in such a disrespectful tone. I think you are the one who’s tired of living!” The Xuan Ming Snake looked at the second monkey, stretched his tail and smashed the monkey squared in the face.
“Hoommmmmm!”
A pile of raw meat appeared in the same spot where the monkey had been moments ago.
The Snake was furious at those two. Their untimely disrespect could have cost it its life. Hope against hope, Ling Xian would see how faithful it had remained to his service and spared its life.
“Hisssss…”
The Xuan Ming Snake let out a huge sigh of relief after killing those idiotic creatures. Still trembling uncontrollably, it bowed its head as low as it could and begged, “Master… I…I’ve killed those useless idiots, I didn’t teach them well, please forgive me.”
“Ssssshhhhh!”
A wave of shock swept through the surrounding forest. The Snake had been clear in its apology, full of regret and fear. Connecting the dots with the senseless death of the monkeys a moment ago, the rest of the beastly creatures suddenly understood.
Master?!
The King Snake addressed the human as its Master?
Most beasts would never refer to a human as their Master. From the sound of the Snake’s voice, the creatures could tell it had not done it willingly. The Snake was forced into it.
Who is this human? How could he frighten the King Snake so?
The creatures witnessing this scene could not make sense of any of it. But mostly they were secretly celebrating their wise choice of not jumping out as the monkeys had done.
No one was more shocked than Lin Qing Yi. Her eyes must be deceiving her. She knew too well of the Snake’s powers. However, this man, this godlike man, had sent this terrifying beast trembling like a child and referred to him as its Master. Who had such power to do that?
But she didn’t have the capacity to make sense of this now. The only question consuming her thoughts was whether or not this man was her cultivator. She desperately waited for him to turn around, but her body had already begun to turn cold. The world around her fell into a blur. She felt as though at any moment, she would leave this world and never return.
“Good, you did well.” Ling Xian was satisfied with how the Snake had handled the situation, but it wasn’t going to be over just yet. He continued in his icy tone of voice, “I can spare you for this, but how will you be punished for causing her such injuries?”
“Ah…”
The Snake felt a cold, empty air rush through his body. Remembering Ling Xian’s past glory on the battlefield, it suddenly became unnaturally decisive. Summoning its powers, it unleashed an incredible force from within.
“Aaaahhhh!”
The Snake let out another scream of agony. Shaking uncontrollably, its long, slippery body suddenly split in two, revealing a bowl-sized cut.
Blood rushed out instantly, the part that detached went into a septic shock. Through the pain, the Snake forced out a hideous laugh. “Master, I’ve segmented my own body, my powers have been reduced by half, please spare my life, I know I’ve done wrong.”
Another wave of gasps filled the air. How terrifying must this human be? He hadn’t said or done a thing, yet the King Snake voluntarily blew itself up as a form of apology!
What a frightening power!
For the Snake, this type of self-harm would not kill it but would kill half of its powers. This was incredibly painful for the Snake. It was also an incredibly painful decision. However, it had no other choice.
Death at the hands of Ling Xian would be a thousand times worse. This was the thought that motivated its decision.
The harmless looking youth in front of it was a terrifying creature, one that it was no match for. This act of self-pity was perhaps enough to convince him to spare its worthless life.
The Xuan Ming Snake mourned for itself in silence. But upon seeing that Ling Xian was equally silent, it could no longer contain itself. Its scream echoed throughout the forest, “Master, I know I’ve done wrong. Please, think of the days I have served you, let me live!”
“You indeed have a few good senses left.” Ling Xian was genuinely surprised by his act of remorse. Having spent a few days with the Snake, Ling Xian had always thought of the creature as a spineless, useless follower, a cold-blooded beast. This act had indeed had some remedial effect on his perception of the creature.
“You flatter me, Master. This is nothing. I’ll do anything to ease your rage.” Seeing that Ling Xian had softened his tone, the Snake felt a glimmer of hope and continued, shamelessly, “Please, Master, reward me for my loyalty, I won’t ever hurt another soul.”
“Loyalty?”
Ling Xian muttered with a sense of amusement. “I didn’t see any loyalty from you. Perhaps you could show me loyalty by killing yourself.”
“No, please no,” The Snake begged, flustered and trembling, it began to cry, “Master, I beg you, let me off this one time. I’ll follow you wherever you go. I’ll never desert you again. If you are confronted with danger, I’ll always go first, just please, don’t let me die!”
Ling Xian pondered a moment. The Xuan Ming Snake could be of value to him. He did not yet know the location of the treasure. Remembering this, he waved his hand and said, “Fine, I’ll let this go. But remember, next time this happens, you are dead.”
“Yes yes, thank you, Master. You are kind, you are generous, it’s an honor to serve you, there’s no higher honor!” The Snake was ecstatic and relieved at the same time. Its life was safe, for now.
Letting out a giggle, Ling Xian turned around to examine Lin Qing Yi. Her face was as white as a ghost, eyes shut, a dark mark glowed around her temple. She had evidently been poisoned, and the poison had spread into her vitals. Without injecting the antidote immediately, she would die in no time.
“Already fainted, that makes it easier.” Ling Xian squatted. Pointing his finger at her forehead, he unleashed the healing flame, which spread throughout her body, expelling the dark poison that had consumed her.
“Take me to a quiet spot.” Ling Xian lifted her body, turned to the Snake and shot a silvery light into its body.
“Don’t even think about telling anyone where I am. Or I’ll make you implode.”
“Yes, yes, don’t joke, Master, I would never do such a thing. I’m the most loyal.” The Xuan Ming Snake was consumed by fear. It turned around and yelled at the rest of its subjects, “Everyone, kneel, this is your Master, pay your respects!
“Yes, please accept our respect, Master!” Creatures emerged from all over the vicinity and bowed down to Ling Xian. Fear was a mutual feeling.
This was indeed an epic scene.
Carrying Lin Qing Yi in his arms, Ling Xian followed the Snake. With each step, he would hear respects being shouted at him.
One shout per step, One bow per step.
A treatment even Gods would envy.
Capítulo 58: Do Not Approach
Editor: Rainystars
The sun glowed happily, showering the land with warmth and tenderness.
The cave was damp but not dark. Four fist-size evening pearls positioned across the four corners lit up the cave, not quite as bright as the outside world but soothing and comforting.
In the corner, a pile of no less than 1000 spiritual stones glittered next to a few dozen jade vases filled to the top with Dans and a handful of other priceless artifacts left behind by predecessors who had ventured into the Hidden Territory. It was quite obvious that the Xuan Ming Snake had acquired a comfortable life for itself since moving in.
In the center of the cave laid a rug made from the skin of a snow tiger. Lin Qing Yi rested quietly on top of the magnificent rug, a sleeping beauty under a magical spell.
The poisonous dark mole had long evaporated. The ghostly pale complexion had turned a pinkish shade of blush.
The Flame of Purity had diffused the poison that consumed her bloodstream. Her body had recovered internally, but she had sustained significant external injuries during her battle with the Xuan Ming Snake which required more time to fully heal. Though, for now, Lin Qing Yi was no longer in danger. When she awakes, she could expedite her recovery.
“You lead a comfortable life here.” Ling Xian smiled slyly. Everything from the priceless rug to the mountains of treasure pointed to a privileged life the Snake had carved out for itself.
“Hehe, Master, everything here has been prepared for you,” the Snake hissed, stretching his slippery tongue. Its self-inflicted wound had healed. However, the Qi lost from self-harming had caused it to appear flaccid and just a little bit comical.
“Prepared for me? Are you a fortune teller? You knew you’d see me today?” Ling Xian’s eyes narrowed.
The Snake tightened its posture in discomfort, then quickly relaxed and replied, “Not that I’m a fortune teller. We parted in such a rush. After I killed Fang Yun and went looking for you, you had already traveled so far and couldn’t be found. So I settled here and ordered my subjects to seek information on your whereabouts while preparing all this for you for the day that you arrive.”
Ling Xian shook his head and giggled controllably. “Only a moron would believe you. I couldn’t care less. But these items in the cave, you can exchange them for your life.”
“Take them, Master, they were all collected for you,” the Xuan Ming Snake said, painfully. But it had to do anything to please this mass murderer.
“You’re not needed here, you may go outside.” Ling Xian waved his hand, signaling for the Snake to disappear at once.
“Yes, Master, if you need anything, just holler. I’ll do anything for you, even if I have to sacrifice myself.” The Snake couldn’t wait to be dismissed. Every second spent in the company of this fearsome human felt like years. One wrong word, one wrong step could spell the end of its life.
“Wait.”
Ling Xian’s voice fell onto the Snake’s ears mid-retreat. The Snake’s heart skipped a beat. It turned around and let out a miserable, forced smile. “Master, what’s your command?”
“Tell your subjects, they are not to breathe a word about what happened here today,” Ling Xian’s ice cold voice demanded. After a moment of pause, he continued, “Also, tell all the beasts to remain at least a hundred feet away from this cave. Do not come closer.”
“Hehe, I understand, do not worry one bit. You and her do what you do, I won’t let anyone come near you.” the Xuan Ming Snake gave Ling Xian a suspicious smile, then turned around and slithered away.
[Do what?]
Ling Xian was confused for a moment before slowly making sense of it. Shifting his gaze onto the sleeping girl, he blushed.
Lin Qing Yi rested quietly on the rug, dressed in a light green dress so tattered it barely covered her modesty, batches of her pearly white skin exposed to his gaze.
She had the most stunning features, an unearthly beauty. Her form was spectacular, enough to invite lust from the coldest of hearts.
Her beauty was out of this world.
This was perhaps the only suitable expression by which to describe her.
In the exact moment, Lin Qing Yi began to slowly emerge from her deep sleep, startled to see a stranger eyeing lustful after her.
She shot up in an instant and recoiled to a corner of the cave. Hugging her shoulders to protect what was left of her modesty, she appeared on the verge of a breakdown.
Seeing her in such a pitiful state, Ling Xian’s protective instincts took over and pushed himself forward towards her. This motion came to an awkward halt as the girl screamed a warning.
“If you come any closer, I’ll cut my own throat!”
Lin Qing Yi pulled a three-inch blade out of nowhere and held it against her neck. Ling Xian had no doubt she would do exactly that if he continued to move forward.
“Don’t. Calm down, let’s talk, I’m not the bad guy.” Ling Xian smile gently.
“Who are you?”
Lin Qing Yi eyed the man carefully from head to toe. A hint of disappointment flashed across her eyes. This couldn’t be him. Yes, his voice and his figure did resemble that of her cultivator, but this man is way too young. He can’t be the master cultivator with those awe-inspiring powers.
“You don’t remember? I saved you. You hadn’t fainted when I came to save you,” Ling Xian reminded her.
“I know you saved me, and I know you are the master to that Snake. I know you must have incredible powers, but don’t think for even a moment you can make me submit myself to you just because you saved my life.”
Lin Qing Yi would not relent, still holding on to the blade and glaring at Ling Xian with a cold indifference. “I owe you my life, yes, but you will not disrespect me, or solicit anything which I am not willing to give. If you insist, I will drench you in your own blood.”
Inside the cave, a beautiful woman whose hair fell to her waist held a deadly blade against her throat, willing to die before her captor.
A dramatic scene that echoed through the ages.
Ling Xian’s heart almost jumped out of his chest, but he decided to play along. “Drench me in my own blood? Do you think you can do that?”
“I…” Lin Qing Yi hesitated, knowing Ling Xian’s powers and her own sad state. But she insisted, “If I can’t do that, I’ll make sure you’re drenched in my blood.”
Ling Xian was suddenly overwhelmed by a strong wave of admiration for her. Continuing his serious façade, Ling Xian continued, “Fine, I’ll stop badgering you. I apologize for what happened, and I promise it’ll never happen again.”
“Of course, if you don’t believe me and you want to leave here,” Ling Xian pointed towards the opening of the cave, “you can leave through there. Be my guest.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Qing Yi was slightly taken aback. “You’re really willing to let me leave?”
“Be my guest.”
Ling Xian let out a bitter smile and muttered, “You make it seem as if I captured you and imprisoned you here. I was only looking out for you, never thought you’d misinterpret my intentions and slander me like this.”
“You… how dare you! If I hadn’t woken up in time, you would’ve offended me!” Lin Qing Yi roared back at him, feeling fortunate but wronged.
First, she was poisoned by the venom of the Xuan Ming Snake, and while near death, this hypocrite barged in and seeing that she was attractive, saved her not out of pity but wanting payment for saving her life in the form of herself. This was definitely a well-rehearsed act. The Snake calls him Master. Of course, this was staged.
However, she felt fortunate that she had woken up in time and her captor is not insisting on that payment.
“Fine, I’m the bad guy, I’m the pervert.” Ling Xian finally lost his patience. His hope that this misunderstanding would sort itself out was looking increasingly unlikely. Thus he extended his hand and signaled for her to leave.
“Hmm, good thing you have some redeeming qualities. A young lad like you, learn some good, stop with those perverted thoughts.” Lin Qing Yi sneered coldly and headed straight for the opening. But after two steps, her body gave out, and she fell back towards the ground.
Ling Xian reacted instantaneously, taking a huge leap forward and catching her before she hit the ground.
The beauty had fallen back into his arms.
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