Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Somewhere in the Desert

A serpent-like beast, nearly ten zhang long, coiled in the desert sky, its massive shadow blanketing the yellow sands below. Its head swiveled, eyes locking on a distant point.

From the far horizon, a Dou Huang's aura faintly pulsed. A green streak of light sped toward it. "Bai Ya, you really sensed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?" a voice called, brimming with excitement, before its owner appeared.

Before the beast, Bai Ya, could respond, a woman in green robes materialized. Her graceful figure was veiled, her expressive eyes alight with anticipation. "Huh? You're injured?" she exclaimed, noticing the beast's state.

Bloodstains marred Bai Ya's dark scales, its eight purple-black wings tattered, and a wound scarred the base of its black spiral horn. It looked wretched. "Heh, just a tumble," Bai Ya said, its cunning eyes flickering evasively.

"You didn't actually go after that woman, did you?" the green-robed woman, Lu Man, asked, her mind racing as she caught his expression.

"No hiding it—I went for Queen Medusa!" Bai Ya admitted brazenly. "That perfect woman was made for this emperor!"

"You're not afraid she'll kill you?" Lu Man scoffed, eyeing his lovesick demeanor with disdain.

"Heh, I love her ferocity!" Bai Ya grinned, its massive head swaying as it savored the memory.

"Forget it, I don't care. Where's the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupil?" Lu Man, repulsed by his fawning, pressed for business despite her contempt.

"Well…" Bai Ya hesitated.

"What's going on? You didn't lie, did you?" Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"No, no!" Bai Ya gritted its teeth. "I sensed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupil's fluctuations, but on my way, I ran into Medusa. Then… I noticed she was heading the same way, so I called you!"

"You idiot, Bai Ya The Sky Serpent Mansion's hunted the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupil for decades, and you ditched the mission for a woman? No wonder you didn't bring anyone back. Wait till the mansion punishes you!" Lu Man fumed, glaring. His expression confirmed he'd abandoned duty for Medusa.

Worry crept in. Is Medusa after the same target? If so, we're no match for her. "Lead the way!" she snapped, kicking Bai Ya's tail.

"Hey, Lu Man, show some respect!" Bai Ya grumbled, its colossal body shuddering as it slithered toward a direction.

___

Deep in the Underground Magma, Cyan Space

Medusa formed hand seals, lifting Hai Bodong's seal. When Xiao Bai requested this, she agreed without hesitation. To her, Hai Bodong was insignificant. Without Xiao Bai's mysterious soul seal, the two men and one soul posed little threat. She could escape even if outmatched.

Xiao Bai's offer to aid her evolution without conditions stirred both excitement and unease. Why's he helping me? His stated reason—needing her stronger—rang half-true. Evolving was a life-or-death gamble, a desperate bid after failing to break through. Doesn't he know the risks? She doubted his ignorance but pushed the thought aside. This chance is too rare to miss. I've waited too long.

If she succeeded, she'd address his motives. If she failed, it wouldn't matter. Will he chase me to the underworld to enforce his deal?

Hai Bodong, trembling with excitement, hadn't expected Medusa, even under Xiao Bai's control, to unseal him. He'd assumed Xiao Bai would fetch the Sand Mandala from the holy city, refine the Breaking Calamity Pill, and then break the seal. This vicious queen agreed just like that! After twenty years, his burden lifted, how could he not be thrilled?

"Done!" Medusa's icy voice rang like celestial music to Hai Bodong. He nearly leapt to stretch, but her cold, regal gaze froze him. Offering an awkward smile, he faltered.

Ignoring him, Medusa turned to Xiao Bai. "I've fulfilled your request. I trust you'll keep your word."

Xiao Bai nodded, smiling. "Thank you. Rest assured, I, Xiao, honor my promises." He knew she referred not to the flame evolution but to unsealing her and returning the crown after her tasks.

"How do you feel, Elder Hai?" Xiao Bai asked, noting Hai Bodong's glowing vigor, free of his former faint despondency.

"Thanks, young friend!" Hai Bodong bowed solemnly. "I feel great. I'm at two-star Dou Huang now, but I'll soon reclaim my five-star peak. Whatever you need, I'm at your service!"

This deal with Xiao Bai was his life's best—ending a decades-long curse and befriending a prodigy. Xiao Bai's feats in the Jia Ma Empire showed he'd outgrow it, perhaps becoming untouchable in years. Hai Bodong saw no limit to his potential.

"No need for formalities," Xiao Bai said lightly. In the novel, Hai Bodong's Breaking Calamity Pill caused some strength loss, requiring a Purple Restoration Pill later. Medusa's direct unsealing avoided that, and his elation suggested a swift full recovery.

With matters settled, Xiao Bai stored the Green Lotus Core Flame's lotus seat in an empty storage ring. Without the seat, only a high-grade ring could contain the flame's power. The seat's containment allowed a low-grade ring, but nothing else could share the space, or the flame would incinerate it.

"Let's head back to Stone Desert City, then to the Snake-People's holy city. What say you, Your Majesty?" Xiao Bai said with a leisurely smile, eyeing the queen, now restored to her poised elegance.

Medusa lifted her eyelids, her beautiful eyes flicking to him, nodding faintly.