Such scales would normally look strange on a human, but on Qinglin, they appeared oddly harmonious, carrying a unique beauty.
Qinglin turned her head and noticed Xiao Jian's interested gaze. She subconsciously followed his line of sight and saw her exposed arm.
Her face instantly turned pale. She hurriedly pulled down her sleeve to cover it, her body trembling slightly as her eyes filled with tears.
Xiao Jian immediately understood. He stepped forward before she could speak and gently rubbed her head, speaking softly:
"I don't like the name Qinglin. I'll change it to Qinglian.
It means 'growing from mud without being tainted, washed by clear water without becoming seductive.' What do you think?"
Looking into Xiao Jian's gentle eyes, Qinglian became dazed. In her wounded heart, long used to bullying, a strange warmth quietly arose.
She blinked her watery eyes, hesitated, then nodded timidly.
But in her heart, she couldn't help thinking that although Qinglian sounded much better, the meaning Young Master mentioned felt… strange. She didn't quite understand it.
Seeing the faint confusion in her eyes, Xiao Jian paused, then explained helplessly:
"It means a lotus grows from mud without being stained, and after being washed by clear water, it still doesn't look artificial."
"Young Master… aren't you afraid?"
Qinglian bit her lip and asked carefully.
"Afraid of what? Are you going to eat me?"
Xiao Jian laughed, spreading his arms to let her help him dress.
Qinglian quickly understood and stepped forward obediently, dressing him while speaking softly:
"Everyone dislikes me. Even kind people get scared when they see my… scales, and then they feel disgusted."
Her voice carried deep sadness. Clearly, life had not been kind to her.
"This isn't your fault," Xiao Jian said gently after getting dressed.
"People like you usually don't even live past two years. The fact that you grew up is already a miracle. So you deserve to enjoy this world more than anyone.
As for others' opinions, you don't need to care. Know what you want and work for it. The meaning of your life is decided by you. Being alive is not a mistake.
If someone wants you dead because of your birth, and even acts on it, you shouldn't cry and wait to die. You should find a way to kill them instead. Understand?"
"Huh?"
Qinglian was completely stunned. This was the first time she had heard such words.
"In short, you're not wrong. If others hate you, that's their problem.
Humans and snake-people have fought for years, and hatred has built up over time.
But you must never hate yourself. If you abandon yourself, then there truly is no hope. You're a pretty little girl.
I like pretty girls. If you're willing, stay by my side as a maid."
After saying this, Xiao Jian rubbed her head again and walked outside.
Qinglian stood there in a daze. After a moment, a foolish smile bloomed on her face.
In her pupils, three tiny green dots slowly appeared.
She quickly came back to her senses, picked up the basin, and chased after him, smiling sweetly.
"Young Master! Wait for me!"
From then on, Xiao Jian cultivated daily under the careful service of his little maid. When he felt like it, he would take her around Stone Desert City, or even bring her along with mercenary teams to move around.
On the other side, Xiao Yan's cultivation was much harsher.
After getting the map of the Heavenly Flame's location from Hai Bodong, he trained while traveling, finally reaching the first possible location.
Two days passed. Nothing.
However, under Yao Lao's guidance, his progress was impressive. Even so, he dared not relax.
Before leaving Desert City, Hai Bodong had told him that Third Brother had already reached five stars.
Terrifying.
He even suspected that by the time he saw Third Brother again, Xiao Jian might already be a six-star Dou Shi.
"Teacher… could that old man have tricked us?"
Xiao Yan sighed.
"I don't know either," Yao Lao said helplessly. "This place looks no different from anywhere else."
"Then… should we go to Stone Desert City? My elder brothers have been there for years. They know the terrain better."
After thinking, Xiao Yan asked.
"Alright."
Yao Lao nodded.
Morning.
Qinglian pushed open the door and saw Xiao Jian in simple clothes, sitting in a cultivation posture and opening his eyes.
"Young Master… you didn't sleep again?"
"I'm used to it. One day without cultivating feels uncomfortable."
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