Chapter 349

The next morning, Xiao Yan handed Yun Yun a number of Six-Grade Elixirs he had refined, then set off with Qing Lin and Mei Du Sha toward the main mansion of the Snake Race.

Yun Yun, Jia Xingtian, and the others returned to the Jia Ma Empire aboard a Deep Sea Dragon Beast, for the Yan Alliance could not remain unattended for long.

Xiao Yan had certainly entered the Snake Race mansion before—he had even visited Qing Lin's quarters—but he had never set foot in the main mansion.

"So where exactly is this main mansion?" Xiao Yan stared at the endless mountain range before him, unable to help but marvel at the Snake Race's deep roots—this so-called "mansion" had actually seized an entire mountain range.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, the main mansion lies right beneath the giant snake." Qing Lin smiled and pointed to the towering statue of the serpent.

It was clear Qing Lin had lived in the Snake Race mansion for five years and had grown attached to it.

"For some reason, I always feel that statue is strange." Xiao Yan flew toward the giant serpent statue alongside Qing Lin—he had felt something off ever since first entering the Snake Race mansion.

Qing Lin's expression turned solemn and serious. "That's not a statue. That's the corpse of the first Mansion Master of the Snake Race, the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage."

"Huh?!"

Both Xiao Yan and Mei Du Sha could not help but show surprise—this colossal, mountain-sized thing was a snake?!

"That's truly absurd—no wonder he was a Half Sage. He must be dead, right?" Xiao Yan had experience with such ancient monsters—they often feigned death.

Qing Lin nodded. "He's dead. But Half-Sage cultivators can form their own internal space. The inheritance lies within his body."

Cai Lin glanced up at the clouds and asked slowly, "Hasn't any Dou Zun forcibly entered?"

Qing Lin quickly waved her hand. "The inheritance is inside the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's body. Even a Dou Zun who tries to force entry risks being attacked."

"Former Mansion Masters once summoned a Dou Zun who exploited temporary cracks in the Space Seal to storm inside—but he barely escaped, humiliated and battered."

"Oh?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. Even as a Half-Sage, the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage, after all these centuries, remained formidable.

His gaze swept over the lush green mountains around him; with his sharp Soul Perception, he indeed sensed extremely subtle energies.

"Looks like we've arrived. Since we're 'guests' this time, let's walk." Xiao Yan had no desire to provoke She Tianhao further—his sole goal was the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's inheritance.

"Qing Lin, this way." The ones come to greet Xiao Yan and the others were naturally old acquaintances Bai Ya and Lv Man.

"Auntie Lv Man, Uncle Bai Ya." Qing Lin smiled and gently descended onto the mountain range.

Bai Ya bowed respectfully. "Master Xiao Yan, Queen Medusa, this way—the Mansion Master has been awaiting you."

Since the other side showed proper respect, Xiao Yan did not press further; he returned the bow and nodded. "Then we're in your hands."

When Xiao Yan and the others reached beneath the giant serpent, the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's corpse loomed like a mountain—no one could see its head above the clouds, and from below, even its sides were nearly invisible, like a celestial wall.

"There's a Space Lock above the clouds, blocking Soul Force Perception." Xiao Yan tried to extend his Soul Force—but found a Space Lock above the clouds, impenetrable.

Xiao Yan guessed he'd need Qing Lin's help to open this Space Lock, and that the inheritance likely lay above the clouds.

Soon, Xiao Yan and the others met She Tianhao and the Snake Race's array of strong cultivators. Including She Tianhao and Bai Ya, the entire Snake Race had eight Dou Zongs: four low-tier Dou Zongs like Bai Ya, one Four-Star Dou Zong, and two Five-Star Dou Zongs.

Yet Xiao Yan's gaze fixed on the Five-Star Dou Zong standing beside She Tianhao—the old man had not appeared at the Sect Grand Meeting.

"This must be the former Mansion Master, She Heaven Phoenix. His Bloodline Power has clearly withered." Xiao Yan had heard rumors from Bai Ya and Lv Man about She Tianhao's lineage and knew of this old Mansion Master's existence.

Beyond the Dou Zongs, the Snake Race had dozens of Peak Snake Kings and Snake Emperors trailing behind, including several Snake Emperors with Peak Dou Huang cultivation like Lv Man—such strength truly justified their ambition to dominate.

"Mansion Master She seems cautious indeed—the Snake Race has no shortage of strong cultivators." Xiao Yan smiled, sweeping his eyes over the dense crowd behind She Tianhao.

She Tianhao understood Xiao Yan's meaning and replied coolly, "Better safe than sorry. Besides, there may still be Snake Race puppets inside the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's body. Caution is wise."

The Qi San Hua Tong possesses a powerful ability: it can plunge Snake Race members into illusions and then control them through the Qi San Hua Tong.

Though Qing Lin currently has only Three-Star Dou Huang cultivation, she can already control Peak Dou Huang Snake Race members, forcibly establish Soul Contracts with them, and imprison them within the Qi San Hua Tong's space as puppets.

Just as she once controlled the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake—that is the power of the Qi San Hua Tong.

But the terror of the Qi San Hua Tong extends further. After studying it during this time, Xiao Yan discovered that the Snake Race members Qing Lin controls gradually lose their cultivation, and all their power is absorbed by Qing Lin through the Soul Contract.

This ability, akin to the Absorb-Force Art, stunned both Xiao Yan and Mei Du Sha. To control Snake Race members was one thing—but to absorb their cultivation and convert it into her own?

This was why Qing Lin's cultivation had risen so rapidly. Now, within her Qi San Hua Tong space, besides the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake, there were two more Peak Dou Huang Snake Race members.

The terrifying nature of a Special Physique.

Naturally, the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage also possessed the Qi San Hua Tong. As a Half-Sage, though he lived a thousand years ago, it was possible some Snake Race members had already reproduced within his body.

"Let's go."

Xiao Yan wasted no time; with a flick of his hand, his figure shot forward like a streak of rainbow light toward the colossal corpse, followed swiftly by Mei Du Sha, Qing Lin, She Tianhao, and the others.

At this moment, dozens of figures flew above the mountain-like corpse of the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage; beneath this terrifying Spiritual Pressure, even the Snake Race's unique chilling aura was forcibly diluted.

Arriving beneath the Space Lock, She Tianhao slowly produced a green scale—undoubtedly, this was the Snake Race's hereditary token.

As the token appeared, Xiao Yan clearly felt the Space Lock surge violently; a green ripple responded gently to the lock.

A creaking sound echoed—the Space Lock rippled, and a recess appeared.

Seeing the recess's shape, Xiao Yan instantly recognized it—it was exactly the shape of the ring inside the stone.

Clearly, She Tianhao and Qing Lin recognized it too. The Trial token was in Qing Lin's possession. Without hesitation, she pulled out the Trial proof and gently placed it into the recess.

WUM!! HONG HONG HONG!! Instantly, the entire Snake Race mountain range shook violently, as if something was about to emerge!

HONG—LUNG!! At this moment, a scene that made Xiao Yan's scalp tingle appeared!

A colossal serpent head slowly broke through the clouds above.

"Kuang?!!" Xiao Yan couldn't help but cry out—he couldn't be blamed; the serpent's head was simply too massive!

Its entire body was emerald green, its yellow eyes adorned with several green flowers. Not just Xiao Yan—even Mei Du Sha's expression changed in shock.

The serpent's head, like a meteor, blocked all sight as if the moon were crashing into Earth—every person present paled at the sight.

"This… this is too huge!"

"How do we even get inside?!"

In that instant, the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's head felt impossibly vast—towering to the heavens, crushing the earth.

All present looked upward, as if the ancient Half Sage Demon Serpent was gazing down upon heaven and earth—its colossal head, blotting out the sky, radiated overwhelming pressure. At that moment, everyone felt the ancient Demon Saint was looking down on mere ants.

At this moment, all held their breath, staring at the scene before them—this would be unforgettable for life.

Xiao Yan, with his powerful Soul Force, sensed something—he sharply turned to Qing Lin beside him. Her eyes were vacant, absorbing Soul Information.

Moments later, Qing Lin's eyes glowed green; a sudden burst of strange emerald light flashed and struck the colossal serpent head.

Hummm!! The snake's head began to violently ripple, and those lifeless, gemlike eyes now slowly gained luster! The Space Lock also quivered wildly, as if about to shatter at any moment.

"It's opening!" Seeing this, She Tianhao instantly became excited!

If he could enter the inheritance and seize the legacy left by the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage—or even half-Sage bloodline—then his attainment of Dou Zun would be just around the corner!

But at this moment, Qing Lin's body began to tremble, and the light in her eyes started to fade.

"Damn it, Qing Lin's cultivation realm is too weak—she can't open the inheritance yet!" Xiao Yan's Soul Force swept over her and immediately realized: Qing Lin's current cultivation was far too weak.

Originally, Qing Lin needed at least Dou Zong to pass the Trial and obtain the ring's token, but due to Xiao Yan's intervention, she skipped this step.

Seeing the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's eyes lose their glow, She Tianhao's excited heart plummeted; his eyes turned fierce as he roared at Qing Lin: "Hurry up! We're so close!"

At this moment, Mei Du Sha's gaze hardened, and a terrifying force crushed down—immediately, She Tianhao's mouth turned sweet with blood. Sensing Mei Du Sha's fury, he suddenly snapped back to his senses, forcibly swallowing the blood in his mouth, and dared not speak again.

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly; he let out a cold snort and walked to Qing Lin's side, gently taking her small hand. Instantly, an immensely powerful Soul Force flowed into Qing Lin's body.

Along with the Soul Force came the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame possesses the power to strengthen and activate beast bloodlines. Now, because Qing Lin's cultivation is too weak, her bloodline power is too feeble to open the inheritance.

"Y…Young Master." Qing Lin murmured softly; the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame flowed like a warm current, warming her icy body.

"Don't speak. I'll help you." Xiao Yan manipulated the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame and Soul Force to assist Qing Lin in opening the inheritance.

Qing Lin gave a slight nod; after receiving Xiao Yan's aid, her eyes erupted in brilliant green light, and an overwhelming aura burst forth from her body.

Hummmmm!!! Boom! The Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's pupils were completely filled with emerald light—and instantly, the Space Lock before them shattered.

"It's open!"

The old Mansion Master, She Heaven Phoenix, cried out: "Those eyes are the entrance to the Ancestral Inheritance Site!"

Hearing his father's voice, She Tianhao no longer cared for anything else—he leapt forward, stepping on Space, and flashed into the massive emerald serpent pupil, vanishing from sight.

Afterward, the members of the Snake Clan did not lag behind; each transformed into streaks of light and likewise vanished into the serpent pupil.

"Aren't we going in?" Mei Du Sha asked Xiao Yan.

"Not yet. Let them be the vanguard. Qing Lin expended too much—I'll help her recover first." Xiao Yan held the unconscious Qing Lin, pulled out two Six Rank Pills—one to restore Dou Qi, the other to restore spirit and soothe the Spiritual Soul.

Combined with the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame, Qing Lin's pale face soon regained color.

"Young Master Yan," Qing Lin realized she was nestled in Xiao Yan's arms, and blushed deeply, lowering her head.

"Rest for now." Xiao Yan didn't hesitate—he simply lifted Qing Lin onto his back. Feeling the soft pressure against him, his heart stirred wildly.

Gazing at the massive serpent pupil ahead, Xiao Yan and Cai Lin moved as one, entering it as well.

A flash of white light passed; when their eyes adjusted, they found themselves in a dense forest spanning a hundred li in diameter, filled with trees, and even the furious roars of beasts could be heard.

"A half-Sage can actually create a space within his own body? How terrifying." Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel—even after a thousand years, the Dou Sheng's corpse hadn't decayed, and yet it contained such a vast inner space.

"This must be the pupil space of the Qi San Hua Tong. Most Dou Sheng couldn't achieve such an extreme feat," Cai Lin said.

"Qing Lin, can you sense the exact location?" Xiao Yan turned to ask Qing Lin behind him.

Qing Lin's eyes flickered with a flash of green, then she pointed in one direction: "There's a strange feeling over there."

Xiao Yan and Cai Lin exchanged glances—Qing Lin's direction matched exactly where the Snake Clan had advanced.

"It seems the Snake Clan possesses some information about the inheritance, so even without the Qi San Hua Tong, they likely know something," Xiao Yan said slowly.

"If the half-Sage's inheritance went to whoever arrived first, that would be laughable," Cai Lin said dismissively. Her Snake Empire also had Mei Du Sha's legacy site; she herself had received some inheritance, and knew well that ancient masters didn't leave their legacies for whoever rushed in first—the path would be filled with immense trials.

As expected, soon after Xiao Yan and Mei Du Sha followed Qing Lin's direction, they heard the screams of Snake Clan cultivators.

"Sigh, I regret not bringing Zi Yan along. This place has existed for a thousand years—it must be full of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures," Xiao Yan realized upon arriving why the Snake Clan cultivators were screaming.

They had discovered a Six Rank Medicinal Material and were about to harvest it when ambushed—by a tiny, entirely ice-blue snake.

The Snake Clan brought so many people here not merely for the Emerald-Eyed Snake Sage's inheritance; after a thousand years of development, the Qi San Hua Tong space had become a primordial treasure trove.

"Save me," the Snake Clan's peak Snake King cried out—his entire body now sprouted pus-filled sores, and his flesh began to rot.

"Qing Lin, do you recognize this person?" Xiao Yan asked slowly.

Qing Lin shook her head. Though she had lived in the Snake Clan for five years, she hadn't befriended everyone—she didn't know most of the Snake Race members.

"I see." Xiao Yan, being kind-hearted, summoned Mao Wu to "end his suffering."

Xiao Yan didn't hesitate—he casually scooped up the Six Rank Medicinal Material and stored it in his Storage Ring.

"Let's go. The real treasures should be deeper inside."

The forest was vast; Xiao Yan and the others flew through it like tiny birds. Along the way, they saw several Snake Clan Snake Emperor cultivators digging for treasures.

Some even dug three feet deep, scouring the ground. Though the Snake Clan members' actions were brutal, a few lucky ones had indeed unearthed bones and retrieved Scrolls from within.

But their ranks were low—top-tier ones barely reached Earth Grade. Xiao Yan had no interest in competing with them; he surged forward at full speed—the Dou Sheng inheritance was the true prize.

The Qi San Hua Tong space far exceeded Xiao Yan's expectations. Even with Qing Lin guiding them, the three flew for over ten minutes before the horizon suddenly widened. After advancing further, a massive ancient palace finally appeared before their eyes.

The palace was entirely emerald green; centuries had deepened its coppery hue into profound darkness. An ancient aura seeped from every stone slab, carrying the weight of millennia of silence.

The palace was vast; a person standing inside looked like an ant. At its center stood ten enormous light orbs, identical in function to the Library Pavilion of Jia Nan Academy—each protected its contents from time's erosion.

Floating in midair, within the blinding radiance, faint shapes of Scrolls, medicinal herbs, and Pill Bottles could be discerned.

When Xiao Yan and the others saw these orbs, their hearts pounded violently—were these the so-called Yao Sheng Legacy Treasures?

"This is the inheritance site," Qing Lin murmured, scanning the surroundings.

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, shifting his gaze from the orbs to the vast center of the palace, where numerous figures stood—She Tianhao and the other Snake Clan cultivators.

"Tch. Looks like I can't sneak in after all," Xiao Yan sneered as he saw them.

(End of Chapter)