Chapter 10: Yun Xiu’s Jealousy
The next day, Yan Zhen slept until late morning, then had a leisurely breakfast with Yun Xiu.
Around noon, as described in the script, the Southern Fortress’s commander, the Serpent Queen, arrived with two subordinates. She bowed to Yan Zhen.
“I am Ye Mei, this fortress’s commander. Last night, I was indebted to you for your assistance, young master. If it weren’t for your help, I would have surely perished at the hands of that scorpion, and this fortress would have fallen, with dire consequences.”
Yan Zhen responded modestly, “I only played a small part. The credit for slaying the Purple Scorpion King goes to Commander Ye Mei for her valiant efforts.”
Ye Mei chuckled, her narrow eyes flashing with charm. “You are too humble, young master. That was no small feat. It was the decisive blow that turned the tide of the battle. — I haven’t yet asked for your name.”
“I am Yan Zhen. ‘Yan’ as in ‘flame,’ ‘Zhen’ as in ‘true.’”
“Yan Zhen…a lovely name. I have a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it.”
Ye Mei turned and took an ornate box from one of her subordinates, opening the lid with a flourish.
Inside was a crimson crystal, radiating potent fire attribute energy.
Yun Xiu, standing next to him, was surprised. “A Fire Elemental Heart?”
Like Water Elemental Hearts, Fire Elemental Hearts were unique to the Great Marsh Desert, precious treasures for cultivators of Fire Mystic Power.
Ye Mei glanced at the veiled Yun Xiu, inwardly curious about her relationship with Yan Zhen. With a smile, she nodded. As a fire cultivator herself, she had chosen something from her personal collection to express her gratitude for his aid.
Yan Zhen blinked, a shy expression on his face. “The Fire Elemental Heart is truly a rare treasure, but… would it be possible to exchange it for a Water Elemental Heart? I’m willing to pay extra.”
Ye Mei and her subordinates were taken aback. The Serpent Queen asked, puzzled, “Young Master Yan Zhen, you cultivate Fire Mystic Power, correct? Why would you need a Water Elemental Heart?”
Yan Zhen scratched his head. “To be honest, I’m a Pill Master, and I’m currently in dire need of a Water Elemental Heart to refine some medicine.”
“You’re a Pill Master as well?”
Ye Mei’s jaw dropped. Fifteen or sixteen years old, a Three Star Mystic Scholar, wielding such advanced Mystic Skills, and a Pill Master?!
Quickly regaining her composure, she chuckled, her gaze lingering on Yan Zhen with undisguised admiration. “Young Master Yan Zhen, you are truly gifted. I am deeply impressed… However, I cultivate Fire Mystic Power, so I have no use for a Water Elemental Heart. I don’t happen to have one at the moment.”
“Then… never mind.” Yan Zhen’s disappointment was evident. “I’ll buy one in the Water City myself.”
“Elemental Hearts are rare items. You can’t simply buy them whenever you wish. They usually only appear at auctions, and even then, they are often reserved for the nobility.”
“Oh…”
Ye Mei smiled faintly. “I happen to be returning to the Water City to report last night’s attack. Why don’t you join me, Young Master Yan Zhen? You can be my guest. Once I’ve taken care of my duties, I’ll acquire a Water Elemental Heart for you as a token of my gratitude. How does that sound?”
Just what I was hoping for. Yan Zhen thought.
“Would that be too much trouble, Commander Ye Mei?”
She shook her head with a smile. “I live alone. You wouldn’t be disturbing me at all. — Then it’s settled. Do you have any other pressing matters, Young Master Yan Zhen? If not, we shall depart immediately.”
Yan Zhen nodded his agreement.
Yun Xiu, sensing something was amiss, didn’t speak, silently following them.
They arrived at the fortress’s central plaza, where a giant bird was perched.
According to the script, this bird was a “Giant Sand Eagle,” the most powerful variant of the Sand Eagle, a Tier 3 Mystic Beast, essentially the equivalent of an airplane in the desert.
Suppressing his urge to rant about the cliché, he followed Ye Mei, mounting the Giant Sand Eagle with Yun Xiu.
Since Ye Mei was holding the reins, and Yun Xiu refused to be too close to strangers, he ended up sandwiched between them.
With powerful flaps of its wings, the Giant Sand Eagle soared almost vertically into the air, then swiftly flew away from the fortress.
In the air, the scorching sun, the intense heat, and the strong wind were incredibly uncomfortable.
Ye Mei, sitting in front, suddenly turned to him.
“If you’re feeling unsteady, Young Master Yan Zhen, you can hold onto me~”
He blushed at her teasing, quickly assuring her he was fine.
She giggled, apparently finding his reaction amusing.
Yun Xiu frowned, then, after a moment of hesitation, she put her arms around his waist, deliberately pressing her breasts against his back. She rested her head on his shoulder.
— No one will see us up here.
He stiffened, surprised by her touch, the comforting softness of her body against his back, her cheek against his neck, her breath warm against his ear. He quickly became aroused.
His “dragon,” stirring from its slumber, brandished its Crescent Blade, ready for action.
Ye Mei was the first to sense the shift in his aura, her body trembling slightly, a blush coloring her cheeks. Thinking he might also be interested in her, she felt a thrill of excitement.
Serpent descendants admired both strength and beauty. He possessed both. And he had “rescued” her last night. She had to claim him.
As they flew further, the oasis, the only patch of green in the vast expanse of yellow sand, came into view. It looked unreal, like a mirage.
But as they approached, the temperature cooled, and the air became less dry. The lush forest and wide river, teeming with life, were a welcome sight.
Before dusk, they reached their destination.
Nestled amidst the mountains, on the shore of a large lake, lay a beautiful city.
From above, canals crisscrossed the city, boats docked along their banks, even shops built on boats. It was a bustling and prosperous scene.
The city could be accessed by both bridges and waterways, forming a network of interconnected paths.
The tallest building was the palace, the residence of the city’s ruler, the Serpent Queen.
Ye Mei steered the Giant Sand Eagle directly into the city. The guards, recognizing the markings on the bird, didn’t stop them.
The giant bird landed before a luxurious mansion in the inner city. Servants immediately emerged to greet them.
They dismounted. Ye Mei gestured for a servant to take the bird away, then led Yan Zhen and Yun Xiu inside, arranging two adjacent guest rooms for them.
“It’s getting late. Why don’t you two freshen up in your rooms? I’ve already instructed the servants to prepare dinner. We’ll dine together later.”
She winked at Yan Zhen, then left, her hips swaying.
Yun Xiu, observing the Serpent Queen’s suggestive gesture, felt a surge of annoyance.
This Serpent Woman… she’s clearly after him!
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