Chapter 182: Ancient Void Dragon
In the courtyard—
Zi Yan sat leisurely next to Yao Yan, swinging her dirty little feet while happily munching on pills. She showed no interest in the conversation between Yao Yan and Grand Elder Su Qian. What did catch her attention, however, was the little rainbow-colored snake poking its head out from Yao Yan's hair.
The Heaven Swallowing Python, which was Cai Lin's transformed form, had already awakened. Her gem-like eyes met Zi Yan's, pure and clear.
Perhaps due to the powerful bloodlines within both of them, they instantly connected with just a glance.
"Big Brother, what is that? Is it your pet magical beast?" Zi Yan tugged on Yao Yan's clothes and asked curiously.
Hearing her, Su Qian, who had been speaking with Yao Yan, also turned his attention to the tiny snake nestled in Yao Yan's hair. The little creature's rainbow-hued body radiated a rare beauty despite its small size. And yet, the moment he saw it, Su Qian instinctively tensed.
He could faintly sense danger from it.
That little snake… Su Qian's expression shifted. Last time he'd seen Yao Yan, this terrifying magical beast hadn't been with him. Although it looked harmless, it exuded a sense of pressure even he couldn't ignore. And this beast, currently coiled in Yao Yan's hair, seemed extremely attached to him.
Just how many secrets was Yao Yan still hiding?
Su Qian pondered silently.
Faced with Zi Yan's question, Yao Yan turned his head to look at the adorable little creature, reached out to scratch its chin, and answered, "That's my wife~"
"?!"
Su Qian's eyes widened in disbelief, nearly yanking out his own beard. Did he hear that right? Wife…? Was Yao Yan playing some sort of fantasy raising game?!
Looking at the cute little snake, Su Qian fell into deep thought. This kid's tastes might be a bit… unconventional.
"What's a wife?" Zi Yan blinked and asked innocently.
"It means someone who'll be with me for life."
Yao Yan took advantage of the fact that Cai Lin couldn't refute him at the moment and chuckled softly. The rainbow snake being teased didn't resist—instead, she affectionately nuzzled his finger, radiating trust and intimacy.
At that moment, Zi Yan suddenly declared, "Then I want to be Big Brother's wife too!"
Yao Yan was immediately stunned, and Su Qian jumped in with a harsh cough to interrupt the conversation. He glared fiercely at Yao Yan and growled, "You can raise a magical beast if you want, but don't you dare touch Zi Yan. I brought her back, and I'm responsible for her future!"
Right now, Su Qian looked exactly like a protective mother hen, shielding her chick.
Yao Yan couldn't help but laugh. "Grand Elder, you've misunderstood. She really is my wife. She underwent a bloodline evolution recently and fell into slumber. Her body's temporarily in this form, but she'll return to human form soon. I'll introduce her to you then."
"…And who is your wife?" Su Qian asked suspiciously.
"Have you ever heard of the Snake-People Tribe? My wife is their queen—Queen Medusa." Yao Yan said calmly.
"?" Su Qian's eyes narrowed even further. He looked between Yao Yan and the little snake, unable to connect the dots between this adorable creature and the infamous Queen Medusa.
He'd certainly heard of her. Every year, when Canaan Academy recruited in the Jia Ma Empire, they gathered all sorts of intelligence. Queen Medusa's name—both for her beauty and her terrifying power—was well-known throughout the region.
Yao Yan didn't bother explaining further, because the look in the little snake's eyes had changed. From innocent and playful, she suddenly turned cold. A voice rang in his mind:
"When did this queen ever agree to be your wife?!"
"You're awake?" Yao Yan was surprised—he hadn't expected Cai Lin to recover so quickly.
"The pill you refined didn't require secluded absorption. Its medicinal effects were very mild. After sleeping for a bit, I've regained some energy. I no longer need to remain in this form... But tell me, is my current body fun to play with?"
Her lazy, charming voice quickly turned icy, filled with accusation. The little snake zipped out from Yao Yan's hair, transforming mid-air in a swirl of violet-red light into a stunning woman clad in red.
She had a tall, seductive figure, her gown clinging to every curve. Her beauty was mesmerizing, her phoenix-like eyes glimmering with allure, and her voice was teasingly sultry: "Shouldn't you explain when exactly I agreed to be your wife?"
With one hand on her curvy hip and a hint of menace in her eyes, she glared at Yao Yan. She was clearly upset that he'd spoken nonsense in front of others—though, oddly, she didn't know why it bothered her so much. In the past, she'd never cared about labels like that… but ever since what had happened between them, things had subtly changed.
Watching the transformation from cute snake to seductive goddess, Su Qian's jaw dropped slightly. He felt like he'd experienced more emotional shocks today than in half his life.
Zi Yan blinked her big eyes and mumbled, "So Big Brother likes this type…"
Cai Lin's phoenix eyes drifted toward Zi Yan. Her brows furrowed slightly. For some reason—likely bloodline-based—she could feel that this little girl wasn't simple. There was a terrifying power hidden within her, and her bloodline actually made Cai Lin feel pressure.
And Cai Lin had already evolved into a Heaven Swallowing Python—a true royal among snake-type magical beasts in ancient times.
"This girl… what is she?" Cai Lin ignored Su Qian entirely and focused her gaze on Zi Yan, asking directly.
"She's my sworn sister. Her real form is a magical beast with a highly unique bloodline," Yao Yan explained.
"Mm." Cai Lin nodded and said nothing more. Her eyes scanned the area, flickering with rainbow light. "So this is Canaan Academy… It's quite special."
She could sense the unusual nature of the surrounding space.
"How's your strength?" Yao Yan asked.
"I'm currently a one-star Dou Zong. Once I finish absorbing the pill's full effects, I should reach two stars. As for three… that depends on luck," Cai Lin said with a confident smile.
With her bloodline fully awakened, the shackles that once bound her were gone. Even her dou qi had subtly transformed.
Cai Lin now felt that reaching Dou Zun was no longer a dream—it was within reach.
"Just as I expected." Yao Yan nodded.
Su Qian remained silent, watching this young couple go back and forth. He suddenly felt like he'd been born in the wrong era. Since when had becoming a Dou Zong become so easy? He even had the terrifying thought that, in just a few years, this kid might catch up to him.
And that thought might not even be wrong.
Whoosh~
Suddenly, several figures flew in from outside. Hu Qian arrived with a few Dou Huang experts, expecting an enemy—but instead found a familiar face.
"Yao Yan?!" Hu Qian said with disbelief, his voice trembling.
He'd missed this kid so much.
Especially his Breaking Zong Pill!
"Long time no see, Dean," Yao Yan greeted politely. Then he took out a jade bottle containing the promised pill and tossed it over. "Here's the Breaking Zong Pill I promised you."
"Thank you!" Hu Qian caught it eagerly, then looked to Su Qian. "Take good care of him. I'm off to seclusion!"
Without another word, he rushed toward the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
In all of Canaan Academy, there was no better place to attempt a breakthrough to Dou Zong. With the pill's help, his chances of success were now over sixty percent. And even if he failed, the pill would prevent any serious backlash. Plus, he'd learn where he needed to improve. That was what made the Breaking Zong Pill so invaluable.
The other elders all looked on with envy. Their eyes sparkled as they turned toward Yao Yan. If Su Qian weren't there, they might've rushed him on the spot.
"Back to work!" Su Qian snapped, scattering the crowd.
After they left—
Su Qian gave a wry smile and said, "As a tier-7 alchemist, you're quite the hot commodity now… Those elders will definitely come asking for pills."
"No problem. I plan to stay in the Black-Corner Region for a couple more years," Yao Yan replied with a smile. His plan was to break through to Dou Zong before heading to the Central Plains in search of the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Building a good relationship with Canaan Academy along the way would be beneficial—he'd need them to help supply talent.
Those talents might not matter now, but give it a century and everything could change.
He was preparing for the Great Thousand World. Better safe than sorry.
Su Qian nodded slowly. After some thought, he asked, "When will you act against Demon Flame Valley?"
"Once I've gathered enough people."
That was Yao Yan's reply.
Cai Lin's eyes lit up with interest, her red lips curving into a smile. "Let this queen handle it… It's been a while since I've fought. I want to see how strong I am now~"
"Alright," Yao Yan nodded.
He then turned to Su Qian.
"Grand Elder, I won't stay any longer today." Yao Yan was preparing to leave, but his gaze lingered briefly on Zi Yan. "I'm a bit busy these days. Once I'm done, I'll come back for you."
He could tell Zi Yan wanted to go with him. But for now, staying at Canaan Academy was best. There were things he still needed to confirm.
"…Okay," Zi Yan murmured, looking a bit disappointed.
Yao Yan reached out to ruffle her hair, left her a few bottles of pills to keep her full, and then took off with Cai Lin, both transforming into streaks of light that shot toward Black Seal City.
Zi Yan watched them grow smaller and smaller in the sky. She whispered, "I'll grow up fast… Then Big Brother won't leave me behind."
Hearing her mutter, Su Qian couldn't help but laugh and sigh. He shook his head and looked in Yao Yan's direction, feeling certain the boy was about to turn the Black-Corner Region upside down.
…
…
High in the sky, two streaks of light raced through the air.
"That girl named Zi Yan… What is she really? I could feel a bit of bloodline pressure from her," Cai Lin said, her expression serious. She glanced at Yao Yan, who wore a calm face.
She didn't believe Yao Yan didn't know. In fact, she was sure he was deliberately hiding Zi Yan's identity from everyone.
"You felt bloodline suppression too?" Yao Yan asked, surprised. The Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline was top-tier—royalty among ancient snake beasts. It shouldn't be suppressed so easily.
"A little, but it's not overwhelming," Cai Lin replied.
"With the Heaven Swallowing Python's status in ancient times, being suppressed at all… means that girl's true form…" Yao Lao's voice echoed in Yao Yan's mind, clearly intrigued.
"Ancient Void Dragon," Yao Yan answered directly.
"?!"
Yao Lao and the Heavenly Flame Master were both stunned. They knew the weight of that name. While other magical beast races had risen and fallen, the Ancient Void Dragon clan had always been number one. Even the second-ranked Sky Demon Phoenixes were mere prey to them.
Of course, that was their peak. Nowadays, the Ancient Void Dragons had vanished from the world, with no known trace of them on the continent.
"She's one of them? But how did an Ancient Void Dragon end up like this?" the Heavenly Flame Master asked, confused. In his time, that clan had been feared by all.
"The Ancient Void Dragons have been missing for over a thousand years. No one knows what happened. Back when I was at the Pill Tower, I heard some rumors. Seems like the clan really did run into major trouble," Yao Lao said seriously.
For such a powerful clan, protecting their young would have been paramount. It was inconceivable that one of their children would end up like Zi Yan—almost eaten by low-tier magical beasts.
If that story spread among magical beasts, many would be scared witless.
(END CHAPTER)
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