Master, leave it to me.

The Green Snake lay lazily on a bed paved with spirit stones, though its outward appearance suggested a relaxed demeanor. In truth, it was diligently cultivating.

While the likelihood of being boiled into soup seemed low—after all, if they wanted to cook it, they would have done so when it was still an egg—there was no harm in putting in extra effort. After all, life was full of uncertainties.

Especially now, with only two people left in the sect, neither of whom seemed particularly bright.

The Green Snake coiled its tail around a piece of roasted meat and popped it into its mouth.

At this point, eating was more of a luxury than a necessity, but Ning Qianqian’s cooking was excellent, making it a nice reward after cultivation.

The sect was quiet, with few people around, and Ning Qianqian was always accommodating when it came to its cultivation needs.

The Green Snake had not been born ignorant. On the contrary, it had been aware of its surroundings even while still in the egg.

It also possessed innate memories, granting it an understanding of many things it had never personally experienced.

The Green Snake knew that such abilities were rare among creatures—only the most advanced, like dragons or those of higher lineage, possessed them.

Though it still didn’t know exactly what kind of divine beast it was, and its memories didn’t provide that knowledge, it wasn’t overly concerned.

Life as a demon was long, and knowing it was powerful was enough.

Yet, for some reason…

Despite being fully aware that this sect might not be reliable, and that there was still a risk of ending up as snake stew, the Green Snake had never considered leaving.

It felt almost like an instinct…

Could it be… that its ancestors had been domesticated, passing down this submissive trait?

Tch… what an unfortunate thought.

Still, there were perks. The sect leader had abandoned his old home, disappearing to who-knows-where, yet he still sent spirit stones and other resources back regularly.

The Green Snake had inspected those items earlier. While they were decent, none were particularly useful to it.

But this arrangement suited it just fine—no meddling, just financial support.

All it had to do was focus on cultivation.

After finishing its meal, the Green Snake sprawled contentedly across the spirit stones. Having an endless supply of resources was a luxury it could get used to.

Its cultivation progress was also coming along nicely…

Ning Qianqian picked up the plate and asked, "Would you like more tonight?"

The Green Snake kept its eyes closed and replied lazily, "No, but bring some more spirit stones later. I’ve nearly used up this batch."

"Understood. I’ll take my leave then."

"Mhm."

Ning Qianqian left with the plate, closing the door behind her.

The room fell silent once more.

But after a while, the door creaked open again.

The Green Snake sighed, eyes still shut. "What is it? Forget something?"

It sensed someone approaching but heard no response—just the weight of a scrutinizing gaze.

This wasn’t like Ning Qianqian’s behavior.

Was it Ning Kun?

Slowly, the Green Snake opened its eyes and looked at the newcomer—then immediately coiled its body defensively.

Chu Xingchen stroked his chin, studying the snake with curiosity.

[Target: Green Snake]

[Name: ???]

[Cultivation: Qi Refining, Ninth Layer]

[Gold-tier Trait: Golden Dragon’s Legacy]

[Purple-tier Trait: Karmic Burden]

[Other Traits: ???]

[Meets Disciple Recruitment Criteria]

"It hatched?" Chu Xingchen nodded in approval.

The Green Snake retracted its flickering tongue and nodded cautiously.

Chu Xingchen frowned. "Qianqian said you could talk. Why the silence? Are you stupid?"

The Green Snake hurriedly replied, "Not stupid… With your unparalleled aura, you must be the sect master, right?"

Chu Xingchen raised an eyebrow. This system-gifted egg was interesting—it even knew how to flatter and provide emotional value.

And… a ready-made disciple?

He picked up a spirit stone and twirled it between his fingers. "Technically, I hatched you, and you’ve been cultivating with my resources…"

"I understand!" The Green Snake bobbed its head eagerly. Submitting wasn’t a flaw—if its ancestors had been domesticated, then bowing its head now wasn’t shameful!

Besides, this man’s methods were unpredictable. Even from within the egg, it had sensed something extraordinary about him.

Better to play it safe than end up in a soup pot.

Tilting its head slightly, the Green Snake said in a gentle tone, "Greetings, Master. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Chu Xingchen blinked. Was this not a disciple but a pet now?

The system gave him an egg, and it hatched into something this spineless?

Not even a token resistance?

But the next moment—

[Disciple recruitment successful!]

[Adapted cultivation method issued—Dragon Transformation Art]

[Reward deposited in system inventory]

[Main Quest Completed—Cultivation Breakthrough]

[From Divine Transformation to Unity Realm, Early Stage]

Huh?!

Chu Xingchen was momentarily stunned.

So, in the system’s eyes, recruiting a disciple was the same as adopting a pet?

The Green Snake waited, but Chu Xingchen remained silent, staring at it intently.

Was… was its surrender too hasty? Did it seem cowardly?

Just as it considered explaining itself—

Chu Xingchen’s large hand reached out and patted its head.

Well, raising a disciple or a pet wasn’t so different. Both involved nurturing.

This snake might be timid, but judging by the cultivation method’s name—Dragon Transformation Art—it had the potential to become a true dragon.

He just hoped it wouldn’t be as troublesome as the egg had been, taking forever to hatch.

"Good, you’ve got wisdom. Though you can absorb spiritual energy on your own, it’s too slow."

Chu Xingchen retrieved the Dragon Transformation Art from his system storage.

The system space had its limits—only system items could be stored there.

He placed the manual in front of the Green Snake. "Practice this one."

The Green Snake hesitated but didn’t dare refuse. It flipped open the first page with its tail.

After a moment of careful reading, it cautiously lifted its head.

"I… I can’t read."

"Don’t worry, Master. Leave it to me. I have a way with animals—it’ll learn quickly."

The Green Snake stiffened, turning toward the voice.

Chen Baiqing stood at the doorway, a sweet smile on her lovely face.

At first glance, she seemed warm and friendly.

Yet for some reason…

The Green Snake shuddered uncontrollably.