Fate Unresolved

At this moment, Ye Shu was completely unaware that his physical body had fallen into an incredibly dangerous situation. Or rather, his consciousness had sunk deep into his sea of consciousness, losing all perception of the outside world.

Splash! Crash!

Within the sea of consciousness, the sound of raging waves echoed.

Ye Shu stood at the center of his sea of consciousness. Beneath his feet were surging tides, and above his head was endless darkness.

In the distance, a giant python coiled upward, much like Jormungandr, the World Serpent of Norse mythology. It blotted out the sky and the sun, stretching endlessly as it slowly devoured the seawater in his sea of consciousness.

Not far in front of him, a fiery red figure floated quietly, looking at him with a cold sneer. In her eyes, there was hatred and embarrassment, but mostly, it was the sheer gratification of finally getting her revenge.

Little thief, how are you feeling now?

Medusa floated in mid-air with her legs crossed, looking down at him condescendingly.

Outside, you suffer the agony of the strange fire burning your body.

Inside, you endure the pain of your sea of consciousness being eroded.

Giggle... Seeing Ye Shu's ugly expression, Medusa couldn't help but chuckle. If you can still survive under these circumstances, then this Queen might as well quit. I'd just retire, step down from the throne, and learn from mortal women to marry a good husband and raise children at home.

The seawater in his sea of consciousness was continuously being devoured by the giant snake.

Ye Shu's soul power was also diminishing.

He raised his head and looked at Medusa. His face was pale, but he still managed a smile. No matter what, we've kissed each other before. Why go to such extremes?

As the saying goes, even if a deal falls through, the goodwill remains.

Can you really bear to kill your lover?

Shut your mouth!

Medusa suddenly floated right in front of him, pointing her index finger at the tip of his nose. Her fingertip trembled with anger, and her face was full of shame and fury. If this Queen hadn't been at a critical moment in cultivation, how could a shameless scoundrel like you have succeeded so easily? You lecher, you are exactly the same as described in the booklet!

Just bringing this up made her furious.

She had clearly tried her best to avoid the future written in the small booklet, but in the end, this brat still took advantage of her, kissed her lips, and even lifted her skirt.

For a moment, Medusa even felt a bit bewildered.

Was the future truly inevitable?

She shook her head, tossing aside this absurd thought.

Anyway, it wouldn't be long before this little thief would undoubtedly die. The moment she thought of this, Medusa's mood became incredibly beautiful.

Little thief, just enjoy acting tough while you still can. Medusa crossed her legs again, speaking with complete composure. Once this seawater dries up, let's see if you can still smile.

A desperate situation?

Looking at the boundless giant snake, Ye Shu's eyes held an inexplicable expression.

He had to admit, Medusa was truly the most headache-inducing opponent he had ever met. Not only was she incredibly powerful, but she was also deeply scheming, calculating every step, and utterly ruthless.

The very first thing she did after learning of the future.

Was to set a trap to kill everyone who dared to lay a finger on the spiritual fire.

If it weren't for Xiaobai having heaven-defying abilities, he probably would have perished in the underground cavern too.

Even so, he had still fallen one step short.

Ye Shu raised his head and suddenly asked, I'm very curious. After I struck and killed you, I clearly inspected your corpse and only felt relieved after confirming there was no sign of life. How exactly did you survive?

Hmph!

Hearing this, Medusa crossed her arms and sneered disdainfully, Why should I tell you?

At least let me die knowing the truth.

Ye Shu shook his head, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes. Just treat it as... the last shred of affection between us.

Heh, this Queen has no affection to speak of with you.

Medusa glanced at him coldly, her nose turned up at the sky, yet her mouth still honestly began to explain. Did you know that every time our Snake-People tribe evolves, we shed a molted skin?

I know.

Ye Shu nodded.

When he first arrived in this desert, Bingxuanzi had explained to him that every time a Snake-Person broke through a realm, they would shed a skin, which could be used for alchemy or artifact forging.

But what does that have to do with you surviving?

Of course it does.

Medusa sneered. The moment this Queen opened her eyes and saw you, I knew that you and I were essentially the same kind of person. Therefore, it was absolutely impossible for you to just sit back and watch me evolve successfully.

So from the very beginning, I knew this evolution wouldn't be peaceful. Thus, the moment you slashed down with your sword, I resolutely chose a different method of breakthrough, choosing to only break through my divine soul and bloodline.

In this way, all my cultivation base was left in that molted skin. My true body hid within the Green Lotus Heavenly Fire. Waiting for you to lower your guard and attempt to collect the heavenly fire, I suddenly launched a violent strike, supplementing it with a soul invasion. Although my strength is far less than before, my divine soul has genuinely advanced to the Void Return Realm. Dealing with a Foundation Establishment brat like you is more than enough.

So that's how it is.

Ye Shu suddenly understood. No wonder I couldn't detect any life aura on that corpse; it was nothing more than an empty shell.

Correct.

Medusa nodded. Speaking of this, she couldn't help but feel a bit smug. You exhausted all your schemes, playing those Soul Formation experts like fools in the palm of your hand. Even this Queen didn't expect you to make it all the way to my bedchamber.

What a pity... this Queen was still one step ahead!

Hearing this, Ye Shu remained noncommittal.

He looked at Medusa floating in the air, his eyes full of emotion. The heroes of this world are as numerous as carps crossing the river. Even dragons and phoenixes among men struggle to move forward, yet I, Ye, was confident I could scheme against everyone...

It was truly too arrogant.

Heh, for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to achieve this much, you already have enough to be proud of. Medusa offered a rare word of praise. It's just a pity you ran into this Queen.

After all, as the ultimate victor.

Praising Ye Shu was essentially praising herself.

That's enough idle chatter.

Medusa stood up, her bare feet stepping on the void as she walked toward him step by step. With every step she took, the waves in the sea of consciousness surged higher, submerging Ye Shu's ankles.

It's time to send you on your way.

Ye Shu stood in the center of the water and sighed softly.

Therefore, fate is merciless.

What? Medusa was taken aback.

In the next second, ten thousand flowers suddenly drifted down within the sea of consciousness. Streaks of red silk ribbons spread and fluttered through the void, firmly binding the giant python that was acting so recklessly.

Once known as Pill Venerable Ling Jiuqing, unmatched in alchemy above all living things.

When the tribulation struck, the body died but the soul proved hard to extinguish, a remnant spirit hiding within a fifteen-star ring.

I should have accompanied you to the ultimate peak, yet I was deluded into harboring murderous intent.

Fortunately, I realized one should judge deeds and not thoughts, and not condemn this life for things yet to come.

Ding-a-ling~

The crisp sound of bells rang out.

A fiery red figure descended from the sky, slowly landing in front of Ye Shu. She wore a red dress and stood barefoot. As her skirt fluttered, the red bells at her waist swayed gently, looking breathtakingly beautiful.

Danxia lightly tapped the surface of the water with her toes.

The originally turbulent water instantly calmed down, like the most docile lamb prostrating at her feet.

Tsk, tsk, tsk...

Looking at Danxia's back, Ye Shu couldn't help but marvel. No matter what anyone said, his master was truly stunning, even a few degrees more beautiful than all the other female leads combined.

It was just that she was a bit silly.

Feeling his gaze, the corners of Danxia's lips curled up slightly.

Little rascal, as if you wouldn't be captivated to death by me.

She had spent a long time coming up with this poem and her grand entrance, all just to completely mesmerize her silly disciple.

Despite her inner thoughts.

Her face revealed nothing. She merely stared coldly at Medusa in front of her and flicked her sleeve. "Is a disciple of my Danxia someone that just anyone can bully?"

..............

Meanwhile, on the flying ship of the Qingxuan Sect.

Almost the instant she saw those five figures.

Lin Qingxue abruptly hoisted Ye Shu and Xiao Qingli from the ground onto her shoulders, slipping away like a gust of wind.

"There's no time."

Lin Qingxue gritted her teeth, her expression grim.

If she chose to continue fleeing on the flying ship, it would be far too conspicuous, and they would definitely be discovered.

She could only make a desperate last resort and hope for the best.

Carrying the two of them, she returned to her own room.

She had just placed them on the bed and did not even have the time to wipe the beads of sweat from her forehead.

When a crisp knock on the door suddenly rang out.

Knock, knock, knock........