Chapter 123: Departing Dragon Island

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Zi Yan stared at the box of pills before her, her small eyes gleaming with golden light. "Wow, so many! So many!"
"They're all yours, Zi Yan!"
Without hesitation, Zi Yan tucked them into her ring. These pills would last her for a very long time.
"Alright, now you should consume the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit. I happen to have time to oversee the process," Qian Mo said, waving his hand calmly.
Indeed, taking the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit was a perilous matter, as it contained intertwined Dragon and Phoenix essences; one wrong move could lead to body explosion. But with the Hall Master present, such risks were greatly reduced.
"Yes, yes, quickly find a secret chamber for Zi Yan to enter seclusion," Xu Kun nodded, turning to Long Yu.
Long Yu’s face lit up with joy; the stronger the Little Dragon Emperor became, the stronger Dragon Island would be. "Understood, Dragon Emperor."

...

Soon, Long Yu found a secret chamber. Qian Mo held a fruit resembling a strawberry, but larger, adorned with interlaced dragon and phoenix patterns spiraling across its surface.
Zi Yan sat cross-legged, fully aware of the importance of this moment, chewing the pills solemnly. She thought, these pills taste even better than last time!
Qian Mo watched Zi Yan chewing the pills with amusement, shaking his head slightly—this girl was never serious enough.
"Zi Yan, how long will you keep eating?" Qian Mo asked gently.
Zi Yan swallowed and replied, "I'm finished."
"Good. Then it’s time to begin." Qian Mo handed the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit to Zi Yan. Once she refined it, she could break through to the first star Dou Sheng.
Zi Yan’s expression turned solemn as she nodded, took it, and bit halfway to taste it. The flavor was sweet—quite delicious. She then ate the rest, swallowing it all.
She pursed her lips, clearly reluctant to let go of the taste.
But just as she was happy, a sudden burning heat surged through her body.
"It's so hot!" Zi Yan cried out.
Qian Mo instructed, "Zi Yan, meditate, steady your mind, don’t panic. Circulate your Dou Qi and begin refining!"
Zi Yan nodded slightly and followed his instructions.

Outside the chamber, Xu Kun and Long Yu waited anxiously. Long Yu was especially nervous, for the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit was a double-edged sword—more often bringing disaster than fortune.
The Dragon Emperor, however, remained calm and unruffled.
"Dragon Emperor, is the princess really alright?" Long Yu asked worriedly, though seeing the Dragon Emperor’s composure eased him somewhat.
"Young Yu, Zi Yan is my own daughter. If I’m not worried, it means there’s no problem. If there were, I’d be more anxious than you. Calm down—there’s the Hall Master here, so there’s truly no danger. Rest assured." Xu Kun smiled warmly, patting Long Yu's shoulder in comfort.
Hearing Xu Kun’s words, Long Yu relaxed greatly.

...

Inside, Zi Yan’s body transformed into a human-shaped dragon surrounded by flickering red flames.
She could feel the Dragon and Phoenix essences clashing within her—these two forces repelled each other; only one could dominate.
They could not coexist. The stronger would prevail.
The more they fought, the more Zi Yan suffered.
"These two little spirits are quite unruly," Qian Mo remarked, his sharp eyes watching their struggle with a wry smile.
But no matter how they fought, they could not overcome the presence of the emperor.
Qian Mo raised a finger gently, and a golden light entered Zi Yan’s body. The battling Dragon and Phoenix essences trembled before the terrifying force and were swallowed in an instant, replaced by a golden orb of light.
Zi Yan’s aura surged rapidly, breaking through from Dou Zun to first, second, up to ninth stage Dou Zun, then the pinnacle ninth stage Dou Zun—finally reaching First Star Dou Sheng!
At this moment, the transformation ceased.
Qian Mo watched with envy at the swift progress. Without his system, he might never have achieved such a feat. He truly envied these people.
Indeed, comparing oneself to others can be infuriating.

Refining required time to digest the change.
Now Zi Yan’s body was calm, still sitting in meditation, needing to become familiar with her new aura.

...

An hour later, a golden light enveloped Zi Yan’s form. When it faded, she had transformed into a taller, more perfect figure, exuding a mature feminine charm—not just womanly, but more refined.
Her long, delicate hair framed a small, heart-shaped face; her dragon-phoenix eyes and slender eyebrows complemented her exquisite attire perfectly.
She was the very definition of perfection.
Qian Mo nodded quietly at the remarkable transformation.
Opening her eyes, Zi Yan stretched lazily, her belly protruding slightly.
"Brother, I succeeded!" she said, turning to Qian Mo.
"Come on, people outside are getting impatient. They haven’t come out after an hour," Qian Mo chuckled, patting her head.
"Hey, don’t touch my head!" Zi Yan pouted, displeased.
"Oh, feeling feisty, huh? You dare talk back to your brother?" Qian Mo grinned.
He then pushed the door open.

Outside, everyone smiled upon seeing the door open; they had been eagerly waiting.
"Princess."
"Zi Yan."
Two voices rang out simultaneously.
"Dad, Uncle Yu," Zi Yan greeted, hiding her hands behind her back.
Xu Kun was astonished by her transformation, then laughed heartily. "Haha, my daughter truly is a beauty! Come, let your father hold you." He rushed forward and lifted Zi Yan into his arms.

...

Time passed slowly. A week had gone by since Zi Yan’s breakthrough to Dou Sheng.
During this week, Zi Yan grew accustomed to controlling her new Dou Sheng power, while Qian Mo traveled with Xu Kun throughout every corner of Dragon Island.
It must be said, Dragon Island was truly a perfect vacation spot, its beauty defying simple words.
Soon, Qian Mo would be leaving Dragon Island.

Standing atop the island’s peak, Qian Mo gazed down at the world below, as if it were all within his grasp.
Beside him stood Xu Kun.
Suddenly Qian Mo spoke, "Kun, I’m leaving soon. You should enjoy your days here. Before long, I will depart the Dou Qi Continent."
Xu Kun trembled slightly at the mention of leaving the Dou Qi Continent, for to him, that meant the outside world.
"Hall Master, may I ask how much time remains?" Xu Kun inquired.
"I can’t say exactly—maybe two, maybe three years. But definitely not less than two," Qian Mo replied with a slight shake of his head.
"I see." Xu Kun fell silent. For someone who had lived thousands of years, two or three years was but a blink of an eye.

...

After bidding farewell to everyone, Qian Mo tore open the void and stepped through.
In a distant space, a large rift appeared, and a figure emerged.
Clad in white robes and wearing a jade pendant, this was Qian Mo, having left Dragon Island.

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He looked very distinguished.
Qian Mo was a supreme being on the Dou Qi Continent, with cultivation at the pinnacle of Ninth Star Dou Emperor—the strongest on the continent, though not so in the outside world.
The Ninth Star Dou Emperor was far from impressive elsewhere.
His strength here was due to the low Heavenly Dao rules; the Dou Qi Continent was a lower-level plane. Should it rise to a mid-level plane, the limits would break, and beyond Dou Emperor ranks, there might be Dou Immortals, Dou Gods, and more.
Who knew?

"Ah! Finally out. Played around for nearly three months, time to get serious."
"But honestly, I don’t really have much serious business to do."
Qian Mo stretched and called out.
His main task was to help Xiao Yan break through to Dou Emperor, after which he could leave.
Other matters were not his concern—for now, he wanted to build his own power.

Looking around, he spotted a small grove ahead.
Using his divine sense, he realized this was the nest of the Black Rock Python, one of the three great demonic beasts.
"Black Rock Python?" Qian Mo murmured.
Without hesitation, he prepared his body.
Now that he was a Dou Emperor, he should do what was fitting—crush opponents with overwhelming strength.
In other words: rob!
Heh heh!
"Hey, little snake babies, uncle’s here!" Qian Mo flew straight toward the python clan.

...

Deep in the forest was a large cave dwelling, marked “Black Python Cave.”
Inside, a crude-looking fool sat on a high seat, holding a beautiful, alluring woman who was a snake-woman, not human.
"My lord, here, eat this spirit fruit," the woman said, holding up a large blue fruit.
Spirit Fruit, also called Black Python Fruit, was one of the pythons’ favorite foods.
"Tsk tsk, beauty, this fruit isn’t as tasty as you," the man smiled slyly, his lecherous gaze making him repulsive beyond words.
Two words described him perfectly: disgusting!
Though the woman smiled on the outside, she was inwardly revolted by his ugliness.
This man was Mang Tian, the second young master of the python clan.

"Master, I haven’t been well lately and can’t serve you anymore. Sorry," the woman said, bowing her head with a sad expression but secretly pleased.
Mang Tian laughed, understanding her mood. No wonder she looked gloomy these days.
He bit into the Black Python Fruit and called to the others below, "Prepare the feast! After we eat, let’s go see if we can loot some treasures from the Yellow Springs Demon Saint’s place."
"Ha ha! Yes! Yes!" the pythons shouted.

At this moment, a black-robed elder whispered into Mang Tian’s ear, his tone grave: "Young Master Tian, we’ve taken care of that matter."
Upon hearing this, Mang Tian’s mouth twisted into a wicked smile.
"Good job. You may leave now. By the way, have you found the clan chief’s staff?"
The elder hesitated, shaking his head: "Mang Zhu hid the staff very well; we haven’t found it yet."
"Damn it! Without the clan chief’s staff, I can’t command respect as leader," Mang Tian growled, gripping his hand tightly until the bones cracked. His voice was dark.
"Young Master, rest assured, the elders support your rise. For the others who resist, we’ll find excuses to sideline them—if that fails, we’ll have to use some means," the elder said grimly, with a hint of murderous intent.
"Don’t kill them; they are our strongest Dou Shengs. Losing them would weaken the clan," Mang Tian stopped him.
The elder nodded. Mang Tian was right; without those elders, the clan’s strength would decline.
"I know what to do," the elder said.
"Good, go on." Mang Tian waved him off.

Mang Tian stared outside, eyes narrowed, teeth grinding viciously. "Big brother, you’re about to die, so why not hand over the clan chief’s staff? Don’t make me ruthless! But it’s your fault for not giving me the staff!"

...

Not far away, Qian Mo arrived at the python clan’s territory, laughing at the three large cave entrances labeled "Black Python Cave." The clan boasted tens of millions of years of heritage, so treasures inside must be abundant.
"So this is the Mang tribe?" Qian Mo sniffed, disgusted by the strong snake odor.
"Ugh, this stench is awful," he said, fanning his nose.

Qian Mo entered the cave. A snake-skinned guard spotted him and shouted, "Stop! Black Python territory! What’s a human like you doing here? Believe me, we’ll skin you and boil you alive!"
Qian Mo sneered inwardly. Snake spirits had gotten arrogant. Skin me? Boil me? He laughed coldly.
"I’m just attracted by a certain smell," he said innocently.
The guard’s interest piqued. "Oh? What smell?"
Qian Mo smiled harmlessly. "Your snake stench!"
"How dare you insult us Black Pythons! You’re asking for death!" The guard roared but was knocked out by Qian Mo’s strike.
"Why scream so loud? Afraid no one knows you’re a snake?" Qian Mo said, crouching to remove the guard’s ring. It contained nothing but trash—low-grade pills and techniques.
"No wonder a mere guard has nothing valuable. The real treasure is with the higher-ups."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "But this snake skin is a good item—durable and medicinal."
Back in Huaxia, snake skin was a valuable medicinal ingredient.
Qian Mo drew his knife and sliced the skin off carefully, revealing a large piece.
A second cut produced a dark object—the snake gallbladder, a prized medicinal item for strengthening and nourishing the body.
The rest of the snake’s body held no worth and was reduced to ashes with a snap of his fingers.

Floating above the cave, Qian Mo shouted, "You little snake skins inside, come out here!"
His voice echoed throughout the python clan’s territory.

...

Inside the cave, Mang Tian leisurely ate the Black Python Fruit, his hand fondling the soft-skinned python woman.

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The python clan was busily preparing the feast.
Suddenly, a strange voice rang out.
Just as Mang Tian was about to bite into his fruit, he froze in anger—someone had dared to call them “little snake skins”!
How dare they!
"Guards! Find out which insignificant ant dares to challenge Mang Tian’s authority!" he roared.
A squad of full Dou Sheng warriors took flight outside.

Seeing the intruder arrive, Qian Mo felt pleased. Though the leader hadn’t come, these warriors might still have treasures worth plundering. He planned to start with the smaller ones.
He summoned Di Dan from the Reincarnation Realm.
Di Dan respectfully asked, "Hall Master, what do you require?"
"Go down and have some fun," Qian Mo pointed to the python warriors below.
Di Dan glanced at them, all Dou Shengs, and sneered disdainfully. A group of mere Dou Shengs dared to offend the Hall Master? They were truly reckless.
"Understood, Hall Master."
"Perfect, it’s been a while since I’ve fought—time for some exercise," Di Dan said as he flew down.

...

"Everyone, please wait!" Di Dan transformed into human form, hands behind his back, emanating an imposing aura.
The python squad leader, Mang Zhen, a Ninth Star Ninth Stage Dou Sheng, looked at the figure ahead with contempt. A mere ant who couldn’t even radiate Dou Qi had the audacity to provoke the Black Python clan? This human was clearly foolish.
Mang Zhen flew into the air, raising his head and glaring at Di Dan with murderous intent. "Old hairy brat, is it you who dares to provoke the Black Python clan?"
Di Dan, stroking his beard, opened his eyes wide as a powerful Dou Emperor aura surged forth.
A Half-Step Dou Emperor—unyielding!
To him, a mere Ninth Stage Dou Sheng was nothing but a small snake.
As the pressure descended, Mang Zhen felt unprecedented strain, staring at Di Dan as if he were a ferocious beast, hastily taking a defensive stance.
Di Dan sneered, "Old hairy brat? You think a mere Ninth Stage Dou Sheng can call me that? Insolent!"
Mang Zhen’s eyes narrowed sharply—how could Di Dan see through his cultivation level?
He summoned a massive blade and retreated, eyes filled with resentment.
"Who are you? Our clan has done nothing to offend you," he demanded.
"Kneel and apologize!"
"Impossible!"
"Kneel and apologize!"
"You, impossible!"
"Kneel, apologize!"
"Hmph! Don’t think your high cultivation lets you act recklessly on my clan’s land! When our clan elders arrive, you’ll die!"
Di Dan laughed loudly, "Die? Do you know why they haven’t come yet?"
Mang Zhen looked around, eyes narrowing. No wonder something felt off—no elders had come despite his loud calls.
"You’ve sealed the space?!"
Looking below, he noticed all his soldiers were unconscious, without a sound.
"How is this possible? When were they attacked?"
A bad premonition filled him—was someone trying to wipe out the python clan?
Di Dan ignored this and continued, "Kneel and apologize!"
"Scoundrel!" Mang Zhen roared, furious and unwilling. Kneeling was humiliating, a coward’s act.
"Senior, you’re a Dou Sheng bullying a mere Dou Zun. Isn’t that improper? It would damage your reputation!" Mang Zhen gritted his teeth, resentment boiling.
Di Dan looked at him like he was a fool, "Heh, no wonder your clan’s intelligence is so low. I kill you, then destroy your clan, who would know it was me?"
Mang Zhen was enraged—this old man was truly despicable.
"You...!"
"Haha! Destroy my clan? Ridiculous! We are one of the three strongest demonic beast races in Zhongzhou. Do you think a mere old man can wipe us out? Laughable!"
"I, Mang Zhen, would rather die than let my clan be humiliated! Kneeling and apologizing? Impossible!"
Di Dan thought, this guy had spirit.
"Fine, I’ll give you a chance. Show me how you defend our clan’s honor. I’ll give you three moves."
"When these three moves are done, if I step back, I lose, and you don’t have to apologize."
"But if you lose, you apologize obediently!"
"Haha, three moves? Arrogant! Let me show you that Mang Zhen cannot be insulted!"
Mang Zhen laughed, raising his blade and charging at Di Dan, shouting, "Mid-level Earth stage, Python Coil Obliteration!"
In an instant, Dou Qi infused the blade, forming a giant python spiraling around it.
"Die!"
He swung fiercely, full of killing intent.
Di Dan stood calmly, unmoving, smiling gently—a smile devoid of any threat.
Mang Zhen was disappointed. Even Dou Shengs wouldn’t stand still against his Python Coil Obliteration; this old man was just a sham.
Bang—

...

Mang Zhen sneered, looking at Di Dan struck by his attack. "Is that all? Just a sham!"
When the dust settled, Mang Zhen looked up, eyes wide in disbelief.
Di Dan remained as before, smiling calmly, motionless.