Medusa's body stiffened. In a flash, she appeared on the bed and quickly covered herself with a blanket. Beneath the blanket, her hands were clenched tightly into fists.
Just then, a flood of memories surged into her mind. Previously, she only had some vague recollections, but now the memories were incredibly clear, replaying continuously.
In these memories, Xiao Tian had not only refrained from harming the Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python but had taken excellent care of her. He was never stingy with anything beneficial. Anything useful to her, he would feed her without hesitation — even the precious Earth Fire Lotus Seeds.
It was precisely because of this meticulous care that the Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python had developed a strong dependence on Xiao Tian. And this dependence was now influencing Medusa herself.
Combined with Xiao Tian's previous displays of strength, his combat power, and the help he had given during her evolution, she had already developed a slight fondness for him. During the three-day evolution process, she had also been intimately connected with him.
With the two factors combined, she found herself unable to attack him and was even faintly attracted to him. This was why, upon waking up naked in his arms, she hadn't flown into a complete rage.
Otherwise, the usual her would have attacked without saying a word.
"Shameless…"
As Medusa continued receiving the little snake's memories, some inappropriate images appeared in her mind, causing a strong inner conflict for someone who had always been pure and innocent.
Xiao Tian was momentarily stunned by her sudden outburst. He rubbed his fingers, thinking she was scolding him for his previous actions.
"Medusa, you must realize that during this evolution, you underwent a beneficial mutation. Thanks to my Heavenly Flame and my body, you became the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python instead of remaining a Seven-Colored one. Wouldn't you say this is an immense stroke of luck?" Xiao Tian stood before her and spoke calmly.
"Moreover, I kept you by my side and took meticulous care of you, allowing you to recover so quickly. Doesn't that make me your benefactor — someone who has given you a new lease on life?"
"Hmph, so what? This King will never thank you. Give up that thought," Medusa replied coldly.
She couldn't refute him. Although she knew Xiao Tian's words weren't entirely accurate, she had no way to argue against them.
"I didn't ask you to thank me. You should just stay by my side for the rest of your life. At least you won't be in mortal danger. With your current strength, if others discover you and gang up on you, you might face unimaginable tribulations."
"This King doesn't need your fake concern," Medusa said, though her expression changed slightly. Xiao Tian's words made a lot of sense. She was currently only at the Dou King level.
A hint of emotion flashed in her eyes as she looked at him again, but her proud nature would never allow her to show it openly.
"I'm not concerned about you. I'm concerned about the little one. She and you are one and the same now."
Medusa's brows furrowed imperceptibly in anger. Her heart trembled with cold fury. What a detestable fellow. She didn't know why she always failed to maintain the arrogant and aloof demeanor she had cultivated for over a hundred years whenever she faced this man.
It must be because of that damned Sky Swallowing Python soul. It definitely had nothing to do with her.
As Medusa was lost in thought, a set of elegant red brocade robes suddenly appeared in front of her.
"These are for you. They should fit perfectly."
Medusa looked up, staring blankly at the clothes.
Although she didn't want to accept them, her hand instinctively reached out from under the blanket and took the robes.
"I don't care for the clothes you give me, but seeing your sincerity… I'll reluctantly accept them."
"Also, turn around. Don't even think about peeking. If you dare to peek, you're dead."
Although Medusa tried hard to maintain a cold and indifferent appearance, the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her true feelings.
Xiao Tian immediately turned around without hesitation. He wasn't in a rush. He would first deepen her impression of him. There would be plenty of opportunities to look openly later.
My proud, innocent Medusa… just obediently enter my fish pond.
After the rustling sounds of dressing behind him completely stopped, Xiao Tian turned around. His eyes instantly lit up.
"These clothes look like they were tailor-made for you. They're simply perfect."
Although the red brocade robes were relatively conservative, when worn by Medusa, they combined with her subtle, alluring aura in a way that made people want to get even closer.
The most tempting thing was often what one couldn't fully see.
Medusa slightly raised her chin. "Hmph, do I need you to tell me something so obvious?"
Seeing her tsundere demeanor, Xiao Tian's smile widened.
"Besides the name Medusa, do you have any other names? Like your birth name?" Xiao Tian asked as he sat down on a chair, looking at her with a gentle smile.
"Medusa is both my name and my identity," she replied.
Although Medusa wasn't sure why Xiao Tian was suddenly asking this, she still answered.
"Then… are we considered a couple now?" Xiao Tian rested his chin on his hand and asked with a soft smile.
"Couple?" The word sounded incredibly foreign to Medusa. "That word is too unfamiliar to me. But if you behave well… perhaps I will change my mind."
Medusa slightly turned her head, avoiding Xiao Tian's gaze, and mumbled softly.
The word "couple" was something she had never experienced. From birth until now, no one had ever even spoken to her about friendship, let alone marriage. Now she had suddenly become a married woman.
Xiao Tian naturally heard her soft mumbling. Although it was quiet, this was a cultivation world, after all.
"Since we're a couple, how about I help you choose a name? Otherwise, if I call you Medusa outside, others will immediately know your identity."
"Hmm… how about Cai Li? 'Cai Li' means colorful glass. It fits perfectly since your true form is the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and your body glows like beautiful glass."
Medusa paused for a moment, then quickly recovered. "Oh, how annoying! Don't bother me unless it's important. And next time you do those dirty things, keep me further away!"
With those words, Medusa's figure instantly vanished from the bed, transforming back into the small Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python.
"You proud little devil… 'how annoying,' hahaha!" Xiao Tian almost burst out laughing, but he held it in. Otherwise, Medusa — or rather, Cai Li now — would really beat him up.
"Hmm, these three days have been extremely fruitful. Even this ticking time bomb has been dealt with. At least it won't explode anytime soon."
Xiao Tian tallied up his recent gains and felt joy filling both his mind and body. He felt extra motivated for anything.
He walked over to the bed and picked up the Seven-Colored Little Snake. Currently, the little one's soul was in control and still absorbing energy. Feeling someone holding her, she opened her eyes a crack.
Seeing that it was her master, she happily coiled around his arm.