Battle Through the Heavens: Beauties Abound Starting with Yunlan and Her Disciples

218: Section 218”Oh?” A sharp light flashed in Yun Xiancheng’s eyes. ”A bloodline connection? A powerful existence? To the southeast?”

He quickly exchanged glances with Yun Ziyi and Xiao Yan, and a judgment formed in his mind almost instantly.

”Something that can trigger your bloodline resonance, possesses an aura that even you find incredibly powerful, and appeared in the southeastern region of the Tagor Desert...”

Yun Xiancheng mused, ”There is likely only one person who fits these criteria.” ”The Medusa Protagonist!” Xiao Yan interjected with a certain tone.

”It seems that the Snake-People Clan protagonist indeed moved through the southeastern region of Stone Desert City not long ago,” Yun Ziyi added with a nod. ”This might be related to the Heavenly Flame.”

However, just as Yun Xiancheng and the others were making deductions based on the information provided by Qing Lin, the girl who had spoken those words suddenly turned deathly pale!

She suddenly realized that in her haste, she had actually mentioned a ”bloodline connection”! It was over!

She had accidentally let it slip!

Would her masters guess because of this that she wasn’t purely human, but a half-blood with Snake-People bloodline?!

In this world, the grudge between humans and the Snake-People Clan ran deep, and they viewed each other as mortal enemies. Half-bloods like her were despised and rejected by both sides!

After her masters learned her true identity, would they hate her? Discriminate against her? Or even... drive her away? Or... do something even more terrifying?

At the thought of these possibilities, a massive wave of fear instantly gripped Qing Lin’s heart, leaving her cold all over, as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.

She instinctively lowered her head, not daring to look into anyone’s eyes, her body trembling uncontrollably as she waited for the ”judgment” that might descend. However...

To Qing Lin’s surprise, the expected interrogation, disgust, or even anger did not appear. The atmosphere in the bath didn’t seem to change at all because of her words.

After a brief discussion about the possible reasons for the Medusa Queen’s appearance in that area, Yun Xiancheng, Xiao Yan, and Yun Ziyi shifted the topic back to the specific plan for finding the Heavenly Flame.

They seemed completely unconcerned with the detail of the ”bloodline connection” in her words. Or rather, even if they noticed, they didn’t show any particular reaction?

Could it be that her masters didn’t care that she was a half-blood Snake-Person?

This thought was like a tiny spark quietly lighting up in Qing Lin’s heart, bringing a sliver of unbelievable hope. While Qing Lin was lost in thought, a large, warm hand gently landed on her head.

”What are you thinking about? Your little face has gone pale.” Yun Xiancheng had approached her at some point and asked in a gentle voice. Seeing the girl’s terrified and tearful expression, he had already guessed most of it.

Qing Lin was startled and jerked her head up, meeting Yun Xiancheng’s deep eyes that seemed to see through everything. Her lips moved, but she couldn’t say a word.

Yun Xiancheng smiled slightly and didn’t press her.

Instead, he picked up a clean, soft cotton cloth nearby, dampened it with the warm pool water, and began to gently wipe Qing Lin’s back.

”Don’t be nervous. What’s wrong with being a half-blood Snake-Person? In my home, everyone is equal.” His voice carried a power that soothed the soul. ”We still need to thank Qing Lin; her information is crucial.”

”I saw you playing around just now, you haven’t washed properly yet. Let me help you wash your body.”

The warm cotton cloth brushed over her skin with just the right amount of pressure, wiping gently. The movement was so natural, so tender.

There wasn’t a hint of disgust or anything unusual. It was as if what he was doing was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Under such gentle treatment, Qing Lin’s stiff body relaxed bit by bit.

She could feel her master’s broad palm occasionally touching her skin inadvertently; the sensation was warm and firm, yet it didn’t make her feel

offended. Instead, it brought a strange sense of security.

”Let me help you wash your front.” At that moment, Yun Ziyi also walked over gracefully with a lazy and charming smile. Being cared for so ”intimately” by her masters, Qing Lin felt her mind go blank, as if she were in a dream.

The warm pool water enveloped her body, dispelling the chill. The gentle wiping brushed over her skin, bringing comfort. The soft words reached her ears, smoothing away her fear.

There was no discrimination, no disgust, only indescribable care and acceptance.

A massive surge of warmth slowly welled up from the depths of her heart, instantly filling her entire body. Unknowingly, Qing Lin’s eyes grew moist.

But this time, it was no longer because of fear or grievance, but because of... a feeling she had never experienced before, called ”happiness” and ”belonging.”

She sniffled hard, trying not to let the tears fall, while a shy and satisfied smile, as bright as the morning sun after rain, bloomed on her small face.

”Thank you. Thank you, Master,” she said softly in a voice thick with a nasal tone.

In this moment, she felt as if she possessed the whole world. It was so good; meeting her masters was... truly wonderful... Qing Lin thought silently, her body relaxing completely as she peacefully enjoyed this sudden yet incredibly real warmth and care.

135 Exploration

The next day, as dawn broke, the morning light cast a soft golden edge over the boundless sea of sand.

Under Qing Lin’s guidance, Yun Xiancheng’s group left the Mo Tie Mercenary Group’s base and headed toward the desolate land southeast of Stone Desert City. Although Qing Lin was still a bit timid, after the ”honest” bath last night and the masters’ unspoken acceptance and care, most of the fear in her heart had vanished, replaced by a cautious dependence and trust.

She tried hard to recall the direction from which that heart-palpitating bloodline resonance had come several months ago, earnestly guiding everyone along the way. After traveling for about half a day, they entered a region with more complex terrain, filled with jagged rocks and massive sand dunes.

Yun Ziyi, who had been calm, suddenly knit her elegant brows slightly. ”Hmm?”

She stopped in her tracks, a trace of gravity flashing in her purple eyes as she looked toward the seemingly ordinary sandy ground ahead. ”Such strong residual energy... this aura...”

She sensed it carefully for a moment, then spoke slowly with a hint of complexity in her tone:

”Judging from the strength of this residual power, the visitor has already firmly stepped into the realm of Peak Dou Huang.” At this point, Yun Ziyi’s tone carried an indescribable sigh:

”Peak Dou Huang... only one step away from the Dou Zong realm.” She shook her head gently, whispering as if she could relate:

”But it’s very difficult... her coming here to find the Heavenly Flame this time is for the sake of breaking through to Dou Zong, isn’t it?”

In that tone, there was both pity for a powerhouse of the same level like the Medusa Queen, and seemingly a faint, hidden worry about her own future. ”What is the landscape like after Dou Zong?”

Yun Xiancheng gently embraced her from behind: ”I am here, and everyone is here.”

Feeling the warmth and strength coming from her waist and the confident whisper in her ear, that faint trace of worry in Yun Ziyi’s heart vanished instantly. She reached back and held Yun Xiancheng’s hand, her lips curling back into a confident and charming smile:

”Yes, you’re right. With you here, what do I have to fear?” The two looked at each other and smiled, their understanding needing no words.

Having determined the general direction, Yun Ziyi no longer hesitated.

She took a deep breath, and the surging Dou Qi within her body suddenly circulated. She raised her jade-like hand and pressed it down toward the seemingly solid sand ahead! Boom—!

A muffled roar echoed, and the ground shook violently!

The violent purple Dou Qi struck the sandy ground like a physical force, instantly blasting open a bottomless, massive crater several zhang in diameter! Sand and stones flew, and dust filled the air.

A passage leading deep underground had been forced open by her with her overwhelming strength!

”Let’s go.” Yun Ziyi withdrew her hand, brushed off the non-existent dust from her sleeves, and took the lead toward the deep opening. Yun Xiancheng, Xiao Yan, and Little Lion followed closely behind.

Qing Lin looked at the miracle-like scene before her, her small mouth slightly agape, her eyes filled with shock and awe.

She hurriedly composed herself and followed closely behind the others, cautiously stepping into the underground passage leading to the unknown; the interior of the passage was not pitch black.

As they went deeper, a faint red light began to emanate from the surrounding rock walls, the air became increasingly scorching, and the dull sound of flowing magma could be heard faintly from deep underground.

Clearly, they were steadily approaching the area where the Heavenly Flame might exist.

Just as the group reached a depth of about several hundred meters underground, a sudden ”hissing” sound came from around the corner ahead!

Immediately after, a massive snake, as thick as a water bucket and covered entirely in dark red scales, suddenly lunged out from the shadows!

A cruel light flickered in the giant snake’s eyes, and its head was slightly bulged, clearly possessing a certain level of intelligence; its strength had impressively reached the Dou Ling level!

It seemed to be the guardian of this underground world, and upon sensing the intrusion of outsiders, it immediately showed vigilance and hostility.

However, when the Dou Ling serpent’s gaze met Yun Ziyi, who was walking at the very front, its originally cruel eyes were instantly replaced by boundless terror!

The absolute suppression of a superior being from the depths of its bloodline made its massive body tremble violently like chaff! Flee! It had to flee immediately!

This was its only thought at this moment!

The Dou Ling serpent whipped its tail suddenly, and with an agility completely unbefitting its size, it turned around, wanting to flee deeper into the passage.

But right at that moment! Another change occurred!

Qing Lin, who had been following at the very back of the group and appeared somewhat inconspicuous, felt her body tremble uncontrollably the moment the Dou Ling serpent appeared!

But this time, it was not entirely due to fear.

In her emerald-green eyes, a strange and brilliant light suddenly burst forth!

Three tiny, petal-like emerald-green spots quietly emerged deep within her pupils and began to rotate slowly!

A mysterious and powerful soul force suddenly erupted with Qing Lin as the center! ”Hiss—?!”

The Dou Ling serpent, which was about to flee, was enveloped by this sudden soul force, and its massive body stiffened abruptly, as if bound by invisible chains, unable to move!

It twisted its body in terror, only to find that an irresistible, eerie link originating from the soul level had been established between itself and this seemingly weak green-haired girl!

”Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?!” A hint of surprise flashed in Yun Xiancheng’s eyes; he hadn’t expected Qing Lin to awaken directly at this moment.

As an innate divine ability of human-snake hybrids, the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils would be the foundation for little Qing Lin’s future growth. Moreover, as a specialized technique against snakes, she had forcibly bound the Dou Ling serpent as a battle pet.

The giant snake slowly lowered its massive head and prostrated itself before Qing Lin, letting out a low hiss of submission. Then, it transformed into a small snake-shaped bracelet and coiled around her wrist.

”Wow! Sister Qing Lin is so amazing!” Little Lion was the first to cheer, running to Qing Lin’s side and curiously examining the incredibly well-behaved giant snake.

”Not bad, Qing Lin.” Xiao Yan also stepped forward and patted Qing Lin’s shoulder appreciatively, ”I didn’t expect you to possess such a powerful innate Pupil Technique; it’s truly impressive.”

”Well done.” Even Yun Ziyi, who was usually concise, gave Qing Lin a look of approval and a smile.

Being praised by the three mistresses in succession, especially seeing the giant snake that had just frightened her now submissively prostrate at her feet, caused two flushes of excitement to instantly rise on Qing Lin’s small face.

An unprecedented sense of accomplishment and joy surged into her heart like a tide, making her feel a bit lightheaded; the feeling of receiving her masters’ recognition and praise was truly... wonderful!

She couldn’t even help but secretly think in her heart: If... if I could stay in this warm ”home” forever and be with my masters, how great would that be?

However, just as this thought arose, another rational voice immediately rang in her mind, dousing her with cold water. ”Wake up, Qing Lin! You are just a Servant!”

”Do not get carried away by this bit of praise and forget your identity!”

”You and they are simply not from the same world! Do not harbor delusions of truly integrating with them!” ”Remember, you will always be just a Servant! You must be grateful, stay in your place, and have self-awareness!”

Two completely different voices clashed fiercely deep within Qing Lin’s heart. One was the longing for a warm home and the hope of being accepted.

The other was the sober realization of her inferior status and deep anxiety about the future.

The immense sense of contradiction plunged the young girl, who had just tasted a hint of joy, back into deep confusion and bewilderment.

She stood there, looking at the Dou Ling serpent that was submissive to her, and then at the masters around her with their appreciative gazes.

For a moment, she didn’t know where to go, and the flush of excitement on her face was gradually replaced by a complex and indescribable emotion. ”What are you thinking about?”

Yun Xiancheng suddenly picked her up and pinched her little nose.

”Don’t be too self-deprecating. Now that you’ve joined our family... you should be a bit happier.”

The girl blushed and, looking at the comforting Yun Xiancheng, hugged him as if possessed.

”Um... Master... do you really not despise me?” Yun Xiancheng rubbed her head:

”What are you thinking? The answer is simple: I won’t.”

136 Xiao Yan thought about capturing the Medusa Protagonist to offer to Shi Yuan once she grew stronger.

A scorching air wave rushed toward them, carrying a thick scent of sulfur; even from a distance, one could feel the terrifying high temperature capable of melting gold and iron.

The crimson magma flowed and rolled slowly like viscous blood, with huge bubbles occasionally rising from the depths, bursting with a ”pop” and splashing soul-stirring waves of molten lava.

”So... so scary.”

Qing Lin instinctively grabbed Little Lion’s arm, her small face pale, her emerald-green eyes filled with fear at this apocalyptic scene.

Just then, the exquisite storage ring at the center of the silent Xiao Yan’s forehead trembled slightly, and a soul fluctuation that only she and Yun Xiancheng could perceive quietly came through.

”It’s probably... down there.”

Medicine Lady was currently dressed lightly, lying in Xiao Yan’s Sea of Consciousness, looking a bit excited; after all, for her, finding a second different Heavenly Flame held some commemorative value.

Although it wasn’t hers, it belonged to her husband’s wife who had already joined the family, so by extension, wasn’t it basically hers?

”It seems we’ll have to go down.” Yun Xiancheng looked at Xiao Yan beside him, his tone calm but his eyes filled with determination. ”Yeah!” Xiao Yan nodded vigorously, excitement and nervousness making her heart rate accelerate involuntarily.

Yun Ziyi stretched out her jade-like hand, and majestic purple Dou Qi surged from her body, quickly condensing around Yun Xiancheng and Xiao Yan into a translucent, shimmering

energy shield with a purple glow.

”I will construct a barrier for you with Dou Qi to temporarily isolate you from the erosion of high temperatures and magma. Go and return quickly; you should know your limits, so I won’t remind you further.”

Purple Wing smiled; it was clear she didn’t really want to jump into the magma.

Anyway, she wasn’t interested in the Heavenly Flame; guarding them from above was enough. ”Thank you, Purple Wing.” Yun Xiancheng nodded gratefully.

”Qing Lin,” he then turned to the still somewhat fearful green-haired girl:

”Your ’new partner’ should be a native here; if possible, you can have her lead the way for us.” ”Understood!”

Qing Lin was happy to be able to help Yun Xiancheng.

The three emerald-green petals deep within Qing Lin’s pupils began to rotate slowly once more.

The Dou Ling serpent received the command, and its massive body was the first to slide into the boiling magma. ”Let’s go!”