BTTH: From Genius to Invincible

Word Count: 2,833 Words

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Little Fairy Doctor froze momentarily before a blush spread across her delicate face. Her bashful demeanor rivaled the moon in its beauty and flowers in their modesty.

Due to her innate Woeful Poison Body, who would dare touch her? Only Xiao Yan dared.

"You... you should go help Zi Yan refine her pills. I'll return shortly to use the Clear Soul Nether Orchid to suppress my Woeful Poison Body," Little Fairy Doctor said softly as she turned her face away.

"Mm. Try not to use your Woeful Poison Body for a while," Xiao Yan advised as he rose to his feet. He stretched lazily, preparing to find a suitable location to refine a specialized pill for Zi Yan.

Suddenly, a powerful aura surged from the distance, and a graceful figure appeared before him.

"Cai Lin?"

Cai Lin wore a black gown that failed to conceal her enchanting figure. Her tall, poised stature exuded an air of mature charm.

"Come with me," she said coldly, her beautiful eyes fixed on him.

"Where to?"

"Why so many questions? Just follow me."

Xiao Yan glanced at Zi Yan, who looked somewhat aggrieved. Zi Yan, in turn, cast a look at Cai Lin's icy expression and forced a smile. "You should go with Sister Medusa first. But remember to come back quickly and refine pills for me!"

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. We're probably just discussing a few things. I'll be back soon."

With that, he followed Cai Lin toward Misty Cloud Mountain.

Upon arriving, Xiao Yan asked with confusion, "I thought we were discussing Yan Alliance matters?"

"No. The elders from my tribe wish to see you," Cai Lin replied softly.

"See me? Do they need my help refining pills?"

Cai Lin pondered for a moment before nodding. "Probably. When I attempted to break through to the Dou Venerate realm using that Demon Saint's essence blood, I noticed something unusual with my soul that ultimately led to my failure. It must be related to that soul connection."

"Oh, I see. That makes sense. You're at Rank 7 now, and the original Spirit Fusion Pill was only tier 6; perhaps it's insufficient. Sigh, medicinal ingredients for soul-type pills are always so hard to find." Xiao Yan couldn't help but lament. It wasn't that he didn't want to refine a pill for Cai Lin to sever the soul connection, but the required ingredients were simply too rare.

No wonder the elders of the Snake-People Tribe wanted to hold him accountable. Cai Lin's failure to advance was partly because he hadn't yet been able to refine a suitable pill. He indeed bore some responsibility.

Misty Cloud Mountain had undergone a significant transformation, especially the area promised to the Snake-People Tribe. It now resembled the Sky Serpent Mansion, with various serpents visible throughout. The environment had grown more humid, and numerous structures had been erected, creating the impression of a hidden city nestled within the mountain forests.

He followed Cai Lin through several wide streets. After about ten minutes, they gradually entered a slightly dim area. It was situated in a corner of the city, where towering walls cast long shadows, keeping the area in a perpetual twilight. This was where many experts of the Snake-People Tribe resided.

Armed guards patrolled continuously. When they spotted Cai Lin and Xiao Yan, their eyes filled with fanatical devotion as they bowed deeply, prostrating themselves in reverence.

After passing through the area, they finally stopped before a large courtyard. Cai Lin waved her slender hand, and the courtyard gate swung open. She walked inside while Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before following.

At a room's entrance, Cai Lin knocked lightly. An aged voice responded from within: "Come in."

The door opened, and they entered together.

Faint lights flared to life within the spacious chamber, revealing four elderly figures before Xiao Yan's eyes. Cai Lin took her place on a cushion to the side.

Xiao Yan was momentarily baffled. There were only five cushions, and none had been prepared for him. He could only remain standing.

The elderly woman seated in the center slowly opened her eyes. Her pair of diamond-shaped pupils locked onto Xiao Yan like those of a venomous serpent, sending a chill across his skin. He noticed that all four elders possessed human torsos and snake tails like Cai Lin once had, though their tails remained concealed beneath their garments.

Their strength had reached the peak of Rank 6, equivalent to a 9-star Dou Emperor. Moreover, if he wasn't mistaken, all four were Medusas.

The current Cai Lin, however, had evolved into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, surpassing Medusa in hierarchy.

'These must be the former queens of the Snake-People Empire,' Xiao Yan mused.

The eldest woman at the center asked slowly, "You must be Grandmaster Xiao Yan?"

Whether out of consideration for Cai Lin or as the Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan replied politely, "Junior Xiao Yan greets the four elders of the Snake-People Tribe."

"Who would have thought... at such a young age, you've already reached the level of an 8-star Dou Emperor and 7th-tier alchemist. Such talent is truly rare in this world." The central elderly woman revealed an unsettling, even chilling smile before continuing, "I am the First Elder of the Snake-People Tribe. These are the Second Elder, Third Elder, and Fourth Elder."

Xiao Yan bowed to each in turn, his manners impeccable.

The First Elder fell silent momentarily, seemingly contemplating her approach. After a while, she said, "A few days ago, when Medusa failed her breakthrough, we used our tribe's secret technique to examine her condition."

"We discovered that she shares a mysterious soul connection with you, Grandmaster Xiao Yan. We heard this connection formed when you used a Soul Skill while she was evolving with the Heavenly Flame. Is that correct?"

Even someone as thick-skinned as Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel sweat forming on his brow at this direct question. He swallowed hard, feeling suddenly unsteady.

They had already put it very politely. In truth, his intentions back then had been malicious. He had used Soul Impact hoping to cause spiritual trauma that would make her evolution fail and allow the Heavenly Flame to burn her to death.

If Cai Lin hadn't been blessed with great fortune, there would be no Cai Lin now, and who knows how tall the grass on her grave would be.

Her desire to kill him afterward had been entirely justified.

Cai Lin cast him a sidelong glance.

"Well... hahaha... I'm sorry. I will make amends. I will do everything within my power to help Cai Lin resolve the hidden dangers in her soul and will refine pills to aid her in breaking through to Rank 8," Xiao Yan said, choosing not to make excuses. He directly admitted his mistake and expressed his willingness to take responsibility.

He would be a responsible man!

Hearing his response, the four elders exchanged glances. Apparently, this wasn't their primary concern!

Finally, the First Elder spoke again. "Actually, when we examined her using our secret technique, we discovered that the reason for your soul connection is because a new soul exists within her soul body."

"It appears to be a soul embryo, produced from the merging of your two souls."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Xiao Yan's eyes widened dramatically. His mind went blank as if struck by lightning. Beside him, Cai Lin leapt to her feet in even greater shock!

The atmosphere seemed to freeze instantly. Both Xiao Yan and Cai Lin stared dumbfoundedly at the First Elder who had dropped such a bombshell. No matter how composed they normally were, this revelation had stunned them into speechless disbelief.

Xiao Yan's mind raced chaotically. He suddenly recalled that the Soul Impact technique he had used involved ramming his own soul against the opponent's soul body.

At that time, he had used it three times in succession. The final time, he had even risked his soul nearly shattering from the pain. He had felt as if his soul was scattering.

'Could it have been from that time? No, no, no, how is this possible! How can such a thing happen!'

Even with knowledge from two lifetimes, he couldn't explain this phenomenon!

But both Cai Lin and Xiao Yan knew the First Elder wasn't lying. The profound connection they felt deep within their souls was undeniable proof.

"My... my soul body has a soul embryo?"

Cai Lin was visibly panicked. The four elders hadn't informed her of the specifics, only instructed her to bring Xiao Yan.

Her crimson lips parted slightly. Her slender jade-like neck moved as she swallowed hard. No woman could remain composed in such a situation. She resembled a flustered young girl, utterly uncertain how to respond.

The First Elder coughed lightly, bringing them back to their senses. She continued slowly, "This is also why Medusa failed to break through to Rank 8. Her soul couldn't advance because a portion of its power was being absorbed by the soul embryo within her."

Cai Lin's eyes narrowed. No wonder she had felt her power dissipating during her attempt!

"If this continues unchecked, not only will breaking through to Rank 8 remain impossible, but the embryo might continue draining her Spiritual Strength, or perhaps the soul embryo itself might perish."

"After deliberation, we have developed two options. The first is to follow the principles of the Heavenly Dao—allow nature to take its course. Give that soul embryo a physical body and let it be born. For this, we would need to borrow something from you, Grandmaster Xiao Yan."

!!!!!!!!!!!

Xiao Yan's eyelids twitched violently. Borrow something? Having lived two lives, how could he not know what they wanted to borrow!

"The second option," the First Elder continued in a low voice after a brief pause, "is to use a secret technique to eliminate it completely."

"NO!" *2

Both Cai Lin and Xiao Yan shouted simultaneously. They glanced at each other, then abruptly turned their heads away. Xiao Yan had lived two lifetimes, and Cai Lin for who knew how many centuries, yet neither had ever encountered such a situation before!

The four elders were secretly delighted by Xiao Yan's reaction. They had successfully ensnared this golden goose for their Snake-People Tribe!

"Then we shall proceed with the first option," the First Elder said with a smile.

"However, Grandmaster Xiao Yan, Medusa is, after all, our tribe's queen and still a maiden. This matter is of utmost importance to our tribe. Her bloodline is exceptionally powerful, so while the infant remains in the mother's womb, it will require countless spiritual pills and medicines for nourishment. This will ensure that when born, the child's strength and potential will be truly formidable." The First Elder now resembled a mother-in-law discussing bride price.

"According to our tribe's secret methods, the nourishment for Medusa's infant comes in three grades—upper, middle, and lower," she explained. "The child's potential varies accordingly. Those nourished with the lower-grade method will likely stop at the Dou Emperor realm without exceptional fortune. The middle-grade method allows potential up to the Dou Ancestor realm, while the upper-grade method offers even greater possibilities. Medusa herself only received the middle-grade nourishment back then."

Xiao Yan was stunned. She had received merely middle-grade nourishment, yet had been powerful enough to challenge the Green Lotus Core Flame head-on!

"The upper-grade method requires a tier 7 medicinal pill called the 'Heaven Soul Blood Bone Pill.' As a 7th-tier alchemist, Grandmaster Xiao Yan, this shouldn't prove difficult for you to refine, correct?" The First Elder's smile deepened.

The bride price: a tier 7 medicinal pill.

Xiao Yan hesitated slightly. "Refining the pill isn't a problem... but..."

Cai Lin snapped back to reality upon hearing his response. She instantly reverted to her usual cold demeanor and said icily, "There's no need. I will find a way to obtain the pill myself. And I will find a way to give birth to this soul embryo on my own."

The First Elder immediately grew anxious. Why is this child being so stubborn?

"Medusa, no matter how powerful you are, you cannot accomplish this alone," she said.

Xiao Yan felt a sharp pang in his heart when he heard Cai Lin's cold words. It was as if he could sense her inner turmoil through their deep soul connection.

Or perhaps it was the influence of the soul embryo, which already possessed emotions and was conveying its own desperate desire to be born.

"The Dou Qi Continent is vast. There will always be a way." Cai Lin flicked her sleeve forcefully and turned to leave.

But as she brushed past him, Xiao Yan's fingers hooked around her slender jade hand. A wave of warmth spread from the point of contact, allowing him to feel the tension and fear coiling within her.

Cai Lin's body trembled. She turned her head, and their eyes met. Beneath the panic and unease, Xiao Yan caught a flicker of joy in those beautiful eyes. Though deeply hidden, his Soul State spiritual perception detected it clearly.

In turn, she saw that his gaze had hardened like iron, filled with a sudden, fierce resolution to claim the pristine beauty before him.

With a decisive wave of his hand, the Nihility Devouring Flame erupted, tearing open a spatial passage. Before the four elders could react, he pulled her through, and they vanished.

In that moment, when Xiao Yan shouldered the responsibility, Cai Lin completely succumbed. In truth, after all the time they had spent together, he had already left an indelible mark on her heart.

All they had lacked was a catalyst.

Her lips parted slightly. Finally, biting down on her lower lip, she retrieved the Green Lotus from her storage space. Though she had evolved beyond her previous form, she had preserved this memento.

The sight of the lotus flooded Xiao Yan with memories.

It was about two meters wide, more spacious than an ordinary bed. Instantly, the Green Lotus Core Flame surged from within him and merged into the lotus with a soft whoosh, returning the platform to its original, vibrant state.

As the flames subsided, Xiao Yan stepped closer. Cai Lin's black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of ink. He reached out and brushed his fingers against her warm skin. The coldness that had once defined her was gone, replaced by an inviting warmth.

His hand trailed down her neck, tracing the delicate curve of her collarbone. He could feel her pulse quickening beneath his fingertips. It was a frantic rhythm matching his own. With a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled her closer until their bodies pressed together. The heat from her skin seeped into his bones, igniting a fire that threatened to consume them both.

Cai Lin's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers splaying across the hard planes of his muscles. As their faces came closer, an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them. Their lips met, tentatively at first, then with a growing hunger that was both startling and exhilarating. The sensation was electric, and years of unspoken tension dissolved in an instant.

A soft moan escaped her lips as Xiao Yan's hands roamed her body, exploring every curve with a reverence he hadn't known he possessed. He marveled at the softness of her skin and how it seemed to glow in the flickering light of the Green Lotus Core Flame. His fingers traced the contours of her waist and dipped lower, to the flare of her hips. This elicited another shiver and a breathy sigh from her parted lips.

He lifted her effortlessly, laying her down upon the Green Lotus. The petals caressed her skin as he settled beside her. His eyes were darker than usual and held a hunger that mirrored hers. She reached for him, pulling him down for another searing kiss. Their tongues danced together in a sensual rhythm until they were both left gasping for air.

Their kisses grew more desperate. Cai Lin's fingers tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer and arched against him. The air grew thick with the scent of desire and the sweet fragrance of her skin. His hands roamed lower, slipping beneath the fabric of her robe to explore the silken skin of her thighs. A sharp intake of breath, a bite of her lip, and her legs parted in a silent, undeniable invitation.

A low moan escaped her as his fingers found the sensitive flesh between her legs. She writhed beneath him, her hips bucking against his hand as he teased her, circling and stroking until she arched against him. Her jade-like legs wrapped around his waist with desperate strength, urging him on.

Xiao Yan's breath hitched. He positioned himself at her entrance, his gaze locked with hers. The Green Lotus Core Flame flickered, casting a warm, ethereal glow over their entwined forms as their bodies joined, finally becoming one.

A night went by, filled with sounds, but with no need for words.