The Nine Serene Ground Abyss was the key passage into the underground world, occupied and heavily guarded by the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. Their defenses were tight, but such vigilance was only effective against ordinary experts.
Before the strength of Xiao Hua's group, these defenses were meaningless—unable to sense even their lingering auras, let alone glimpse their figures.
The group soon appeared atop a mountain overlooking the abyss. Having left their ship once they neared the tribe's territory, they had flown the rest of the way.
Xiao Hua's gaze swept over the surrounding defenses, but he soon shook his head. Such barriers were not worth his attention. What concerned him instead were the presences he had detected in the distance.
With his soul already in the Di State and his strength at the level of a Dou Sheng, it was only natural he had noticed them long before their arrival.
The others in the group had also sensed those presences at nearly the same time, which was why they had halted here instead of directly entering the abyss. Curiosity burned in each of their eyes.
"They seem to be members of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe... I wonder what business they have here," Ming Cheng remarked, his brows furrowing slightly as he fixed his gaze upon the distant figures.
"I doubt Zi Yan dispatched them… She mentioned that she was occupied with resolving matters concerning the three great dragon kings." Mei Ling's eyes narrowed, her gaze turning sharp and cold.
"Moreover, if she truly required assistance, she would have sought us directly, not secretly sent people to the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe—a tribe with whom she shares no ties." Xun Er added, calmly analyzing the distant figures.
"In that case, they must belong to the factions of those three dragon kings." Little Fairy Doctor nodded, her voice tinged with unease. "Even worse, there's a high chance the three have united against Zi Yan…"
Her eyes swept over the distant figures. The colors of their robes revealed three distinct factions. Ordinarily, these factions were hostile to one another, yet now they stood side by side. Such a sight could only mean one thing—the three dragon kings had set aside their enmity and forged an alliance against Zi Yan.
"Which also means," Ming Cheng's eyes gleamed coldly, "that the three dragon kings are attempting to form an alliance with the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe."
"Then, we'll deal with them." Mei Ling's lips curled into a frosty smile.
The next instant, the figures of Ming Cheng and Mei Ling blurred and vanished. In the blink of an eye, they reappeared before the dragon tribe envoys. Without even the chance to resist, the envoys were swiftly defeated. A moment later, under the weight of interrogation, they revealed the current situation on Zi Yan's side.
They soon learned that the Ancient Void Dragon tribe had descended into civil war. As expected, the three great dragon islands had joined forces against the Eastern Dragon Island, where Zi Yan ruled as Dragon Empress.
Yet, because of her strength and presence, the war had reached a stalemate. Moreover, with her authority as Dragon Empress, she had summoned back the ancient dragon elders who had been cultivating in the Empty Realm, further bolstering her side's power.
As they suspected, the purpose of these envoys was to secure an alliance with the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe in order to strike at Eastern Dragon Island together.
"Hmph. To think the once-mighty Ancient Void Dragon tribe, who once ruled over all Magical Beasts, would abandon the pride of a ruler and seek outside aid for an internal conflict…" Mei Ling's cold snort carried biting disdain.
The captured members of the dragon tribe clenched their teeth, their faces pale. Mei Ling's words struck deep, yet none dared to argue. They knew the alliance had been decreed by the three great dragon kings themselves.
Still, under her icy gaze, whatever courage they had crumbled. A single glare from her silenced them utterly, their fear of another "lesson" making them shrink back in trembling obedience.
"I doubt the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe is the only faction you are seeking to ally with, correct?" Cai Lin's voice broke the silence. Her tone was cold, her eyes gleamed with killing intent. She knew well that the a single reinforcement could never tip the scales towards a complete victory.
The bodies of the Ancient Void Dragon tribe members stiffened at Cai Lin's question.
"Speak!" Her cold voice cut through the air, regal and commanding. As the Snake Empress, her majesty was undeniable—her very presence bore down upon them, striking fear into their hearts.
Zi Yan was someone she regarded as her dearest little sister. Time and distance could not sever that bond; even if both now stood as empresses of their respective races, the affection between them remained unchanged.
In fact, it was precisely because they had ascended to such heights that Cai Lin felt an even deeper kinship with her. Thus, anyone daring to harm Zi Yan was an enemy she would never forgive.
"They… they have also invited the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe." Commander Qin finally broke, his voice trembling as Cai Lin's killing intent seeped into his bones. "The Heaven Demon Phoenix have already agreed to lend their strength, but… but they demanded the three dragon kings capture the new dragon emperor and hand her over to them!"
"Bastards!"
Everyone's expression darkened instantly. None of them had expected the three dragon kings to stoop to such shamelessness. Not only had they defied the laws of their tribe by drawing in outsiders for an internal conflict, but they had even pledged to deliver their tribe's own dragon emperor into the hands of their ancient enemies, the Heaven Demon Phoenix!
Even Xiao Hua's expression sank. He had not anticipated the dragon kings would move so swiftly or plan so thoroughly. It was now clear why they had remained silent for so long—they had been laying out their schemes, drawing both the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python and the Heaven Demon Phoenix into their camp.
The weight of the revelation settled upon the group like a mountain. If those two tribes truly allied with the three dragon kings, then even Zi Yan's Eastern Dragon Island would not be able to hold. Capture would be inevitable.
"Seems those three have already revealed she consumed the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit you bestowed upon her, Hua'er…" Mei Ling's gaze turned toward Xiao Hua, her eyes carrying a deep and troubled light.
Hearing Mei Ling's words, the captured members of the Ancient Void Dragon tribe snapped their heads toward Xiao Hua, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
They had heard whispers of such a rumor before but had dismissed it as nonsense. Never would they have imagined that the impossibly rare Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit had truly exist and been given to the Dragon Empress by the young man before them.
"It seems Zi Yan's situation is far more dangerous than we thought…" Xun Er stepped forward, her brows knitted in worry. "Should we rush to the Empty Realm and aid her?"
Even Cai Lin did not reject the idea. To her, Zi Yan's safety outweighed everything—even her own inheritance. After all, the Heaven Swallowing Python tribe's legacy would not vanish, but Zi Yan's life could not be replaced.
Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone steady. "Since Zi Yan has managed to hold the battle in a stalemate, we will not rush blindly. Instead, we will ensure that the Heaven Demon Phoenix and the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python cannot send reinforcements to the Empty Realm."
As his words fell, Xiao Hua waved his sleeve. Spatial ripples surged outward, instantly engulfing the captured Ancient Void Dragon tribe members. The ripples contracted in an instant, condensing into a small, transparent bead that hovered gently above his palm. Within it, the tribe members struggled helplessly, their figures sealed in a self-contained world.
This was a technique born from Xiao Hua's mastery of spatial laws—one he named Small Void Prison.
Their fate, he decided, would not be his to determine. Since they belonged to the Ancient Void Dragon tribe, it was only right that Zi Yan and her Elders pass judgment upon them.
With this matter concluded, Xiao Hua lifted his gaze and swept it across his companions. "Fortunately," he said slowly, "I have also sensed someone imprisoned at the bottom of the Nine Serene Spring. Judging from the aura and the information regarding the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe, there can be no doubt—the one trapped is their previous tribe leader, Yao Ming."
"As I suspected…" Ming Cheng's expression hardened, his tone carrying a trace of cold disdain. "It seems he was betrayed by his younger brother, Yao Xiaotian, the current tribe leader."
Though the official claim was that Yao Ming perished in a cultivation mishap, Ming Cheng had long harbored suspicions. The report had only been confirmed by Yao Xiaotian and the First Elder; no one else had seen the body. That alone had been enough for him to doubt the truth.
"For now, we should head to the Nine Serene Spring," Mei Ling said, decisively setting their next course. "Since it is regarded as a holy ground, any disturbance there will draw their full attention, even above the Ancient Void Dragon tribe's turmoil."
Everyone agreed, and their gazes turned toward the underground passage ahead—a labyrinth of endless tunnels with treacherous, twisting terrain. Even the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe themselves could not fully chart every path.
Without wasting another moment, their figures turned into streaks of light, diving deeper into the complex network. Though the passage was bewildering to most, Xiao Hua's group had long since come prepared, carrying a detailed map. With their strength, it took only a few minutes to reach the underground world, and only a few more before they arrived at the heart of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe's territory—the Serene Snake Network, the seat of their headquarters.
This was a sacred ground in the hearts of countless snake-tribes. As such, it was naturally guarded with utmost rigor; not even ordinary snake-people were permitted to approach.
Xiao Hua's group appeared on a hill near the underground Serene Snake network. Their eyes looked at the mountain range in the distance as they muttered to themselves.
"As expected of one of the three great tribes of the Magical Beast world," Little Fairy Doctor murmured, her gaze sharp. "There are far too many experts gathered here. With this kind of strength, they could easily become one of the top powers of the Central Plains."
Her words were not without reason. For the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe to hold the title of one of the three overlords of the Magical Beast world, there had to be a formidable strength within their tribe.
"It is surprising to see so many snake-people gathered here…" Cai Lin said softly, her eyes rippling with emotion as they fell upon the teeming plains below. "Their numbers alone far exceed my tribe's. I once read in the records that my people migrated to the Tager Desert long ago, but I do not know if our roots truly lie in this Beast Region."
A faint smile tugged at Xiao Hua's lips. His gaze pierced deeper into the underground network as he explained,
"The Nine Serene Spring lies in the deepest depths. It is a sacred place where members of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe soak before attempting a breakthrough, stabilizing their advance. The spring water carries a dark, chilling affinity—harsh yet profoundly suited for serpentine beasts attuned to such an element. It is indeed a perfect ground for their cultivation."
"Yet it is also said to be the resting place of the Heaven Swallowing Python's inheritance…" Mei Ling murmured, her brows arching slightly. "Could it truly be a mere coincidence?"
"According to the ancient texts of my clan, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python is said to be the descendant of the Ancient Heaven Serpent. They share no bloodline with the Heaven Swallowing Python…" Xun Er spoke softly, tapping her chin in thought.
Her meaning was clear—this underground network and the Nine Serene Spring were likely created by the Heaven Swallowing Python itself. If so, it hinted at the possibility of a great battle between the Heaven Swallowing Python and the Ancient Heaven Serpent. Yet the truth of that distant era had long since been buried in the river of time.
"Since they are not of the Heaven Swallowing Python's line, it is no wonder the inheritance has remained untouched all this while…" Xiao Hua murmured, rubbing his chin as he voiced his thoughts.
"Either way, since we are already here, we should proceed inside," Ming Cheng said calmly, his gaze sweeping across the terrain. "Until we reach the Nine Serene Spring and free the previous tribe leader, we should keep a low profile."
Xiao Hua and the others nodded in agreement. There was no need to stir up unnecessary conflict with the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. It was better to forge an ally than an enemy. Besides, aiding Zi Yan and the Ancient Void Dragons would be far easier if they had fewer forces arrayed against them—whether through reinforcements or timely warnings.
Swish—!
As soon as they concealed their auras, Xiao Hua flicked his sleeve. The surrounding space distorted, folding upon itself before wrapping tightly around the group. A ripple spread out, and in the next instant, their figures vanished without a trace.
With his profound comprehension of spatial law, Xiao Hua could command space itself with precise, seamless control, moving his companions as though they were leaves drifting in a current he alone mastered.
Moreover, with everyone's spiritual perception and strength being exceptionally sharp and powerful, their movements were smooth, allowing them to evade the experts hidden within the underground network without being detected.
After silently entering the deepest region of the Serene Snake network, Xiao Hua's group was met with an enormous black abyss.
The abyss stretched over a thousand feet wide, its depths seemingly bottomless. From below surged a shockingly dark and icy gale, whistling upward without pause. Any ordinary expert who stood here would find their blood and Dou Qi frozen stiff.
At the very bottom of this abyss lay the sacred ground of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe—their holy pool, the Nine Serene Spring. It was the very destination Xiao Hua's group sought. Without hesitation, they pressed forward, forcing their way through the bone-piercing gale that seeped endlessly from the depths.
With their speed, it did not take long before the ground of the abyss came into view. As they descended, an enormous lake gradually emerged before their eyes. A chilling aura capable of freezing Dou Qi itself spread from its surface.
The lake was vast beyond measure, its waters a deep, murky yellow. Within that yellow hue faint streaks of blood-like luster flowed, lending the surface an eerie sheen. Wisps of pale-yellow vapor, tinged faintly with blood, continuously rose from the lake before vanishing into the air above.
"Finally… the Nine Serene Spring."
Ming Cheng softly shook his head, his eyes filled with astonishment as he gazed upon the legendary spring. As he drew closer, he could clearly sense an obscure, sinister chill seeping into his body, gnawing at his very marrow.
"This place is far too dark and cold," Little Fairy Doctor murmured, standing at a distance from the lake. Even she felt a faint uncomfortable feeling from the frigid force pervading this place. "Even the Nine Serene Deep Ground Pythons cannot linger here for long. Unless forced by special circumstances, no one dares approach. That gives us sufficient time."
"Since that's decided, I will head to the bottom of the spring to release the imprisoned former tribe leader of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python. Once he is freed, Yao Xiaotian will undoubtedly be alerted—so stay cautious." Xiao Hua's eyes swept across the group as he spoke.
His gaze then lingered on Cai Lin, and he added with a faint smile, "Once this matter is settled, you can safely inherit the legacy of the Heaven Swallowing Python. By then, no one will dare disturb you, nor prevent you from claiming what is rightfully yours."
"Alright… but you must be careful," Cai Lin replied, her nod firm and her tone solemn.
"That's right," Xun Er followed, her voice calm but steady. "We know little of Yao Ming's temperament. If the negotiation breaks down, don't force it—simply pull back." As she spoke, her gaze swept the surroundings. Among their group, only she and the Little Fairy Doctor felt the oppressive chill, though faint thanks to their cultivation. Even so, that slight discomfort was enough to reveal just how terrifying the spring's dark, cold force truly was.
By contrast, Xiao Hua, Ming Cheng, and Mei Ling seemed completely unaffected, their eyes fixed on the Nine Serene Spring with open curiosity. This was, after all, their first time laying eyes upon such a legendary treasure.
Cai Lin, however, stood apart. Though her bloodline was steeped in Yin and thus afforded her greater tolerance, even she felt the biting chill gnawing faintly at her body. The thought left her inwardly astonished—such an extreme cold force, existing so purely in this world, was almost beyond imagination.
'No wonder the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python regards this place as sacred… a spring that can smoothen their path and aid their breakthrough,' Cai Lin mused inwardly, quiet awe flickering in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua gave a slight nod before plunging straight into the Nine Serene Spring. His figure streaked downward with extreme speed, cutting through the oppressive cold.
With the natural defenses of the Heavenly Genesis Flame, Primordial Heaven Lightning, and Celestial Ancient Frost shielding him, there was no need for him to circulate his Dou Qi to resist the spring's sinister chill.
Xun Er, Cai Lin, and the Little Fairy Doctor all relaxed slightly upon seeing this, their worries eased.
Ming Cheng, however, remained vigilant. His gaze swept across the spring before he turned to Mei Ling. "It seems our role will be to block Yao Xiaotian when he arrives. Still… I suspect Yao Ming wishes to personally take his head."
"In that case, why not let them clash? We can simply disguise ourselves and wait," Mei Ling replied evenly.
Ming Cheng considered briefly before nodding. In the next instant, both he and Mei Ling altered their appearances, suppressing their auras to that of mere 1-Star Dou Shengs. Once their disguises were complete, the two stood silently at the edge of the spring, calmly awaiting Yao Xiaotian's arrival.
…
A figure flashed through the muddled-yellow waters with lightning-like speed. The dark and cold force emanating from the spring surged against him, yet each time it touched his body, it was instantly suppressed, cowed by the Celestial Ancient Frost dwelling within him.
"As expected of the Celestial Ancient Frost… it renders me completely invulnerable to the chilling force of this Nine Serene Spring."
Xiao Hua's body continued descending toward the depths. As he sank lower, astonishment gradually surfaced on his face. The cold within this spring was powerful enough to freeze Dou Qi solid, yet before the Celestial Ancient Frost, it became meek and submissive, as if bowing before a sovereign.
Thus, without expending even a wisp of Dou Qi, Xiao Hua traversed freely through the spring. Even the black-scaled serpents guarding these depths recoiled in fear, retreating from his presence.
"It is only natural," came Yu Ru Meng's soft giggle in his mind, filled with pride and certainty. "This mere dark and cold energy dares to compare itself to the authority of the Celestial Ancient Frost?"
Xiao Hua's lips curved faintly at her words. He did not reply, for he too agreed. His figure pressed deeper into the abyss.
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