Chapter 595: Xiao Yi Xian's Opportunity
"You seem to really value your own life, don't you?" Xiao Ze commented with a tinge of surprise, observing that the beast before him differed from the magical creatures he had encountered before. Typically, magical beasts he met were either wild, cautious, or cunning, but rarely were they afraid of death.
"Master, you can call me a coward if you like. I indeed fear death, which is why I have spent such a long time in this poison lake," the emerald scorpion said, bowing low in a display of submission and without a trace of shame for its cowardice.
"The Dou Qi Continent is extraordinarily perilous, a bit of cowardice can extend one's life considerably," the scorpion added, worried Xiao Ze might misunderstand its intentions. "Of course, I will carry out your orders to the best of my ability, even if it costs me my life."
Xiao Ze looked curiously at the scorpion, "Why? In the end, the orders that might cost you your life would also come from me. If you're going to die either way, why not make me suffer as well before you die?"
"Master, I've ended up in this situation because I am inferior in both skills and cultivation," the scorpion buzzed in response. "If it were not for your mercy in sparing my life, I would likely be dead by now."
"Since you've granted me this extra lease on life, sacrificing it in the face of a powerful enemy would be my way of repaying you," the scorpion reasoned, leading Xiao Ze and Xiao Yi Xian to exchange a glance and shake their heads, unable to comprehend the creature's logic.
Throughout his journey, Xiao Ze had always preferred to face destruction rather than submit to disgrace if completely overpowered by an enemy.
"Truly, it is hard to understand the perspectives of different beings," Xiao Ze remarked and then addressed the scorpion, "My name is Xiao Ze. You may address me as 'Sir' and not 'Master'. This is Xiao Yi Xian."
The scorpion respectfully greeted them, "Yes! It's an honor to meet Sir Xiao Ze and Lady Xiao Yi Xian!"
"What shall we call you?" Xiao Ze asked.
"You can call me Tian Xie," the scorpion responded.
"Do you know the origin of this poison lake?"
"I am not aware of it. I came across this place by chance and do not know about its formation or history," Tian Xie answered honestly.
Xiao Ze nodded, not really expecting the creature to know much. He and Xiao Yi Xian approached the edge of the vast Poison Lake. He dipped his fingers into it, allowing various toxins to seep into his body. Tian Xie watched in astonishment—despite Xiao Ze's formidable cultivation, plunging unprotected into the lake seemed recklessly confident.
The poison indeed penetrated Xiao Ze's body, but after a moment, he shook off the excess liquid and stood up unharmed. "It's quite potent. It should greatly enhance your Ecliptic Poison Body. Meditating here might elevate you to a Five-Star Dou Saint, surpassing Zi Yan."
Xiao Yi Xian was visibly thrilled at the prospect. To achieve such a rank would typically take her hundreds of years, so the shortcut through the Poison Lake was a welcome opportunity. Tian Xie looked on enviously. For beings like him, the lake was advantageous, but for someone with an Ecliptic Poison Body, it was a perfect sanctuary.
"However, reaching Five-Star Dou Saint might take years. You'll need to be patient and dedicate yourself to training here for a while," Xiao Ze advised.
"Understood," Xiao Yi Xian agreed, somewhat reluctantly, knowing that Xiao Ze couldn't stay with her. They walked to the center of the Poison Lake, where Xiao Ze placed a root of the Primordial Tree. It swiftly grew into a massive golden tree, the roots forming a cushion connecting with the lake.
Xiao Yi Xian approached Xiao Ze, wrapped her arm around his, and lightly kissed him on the cheek as a prelude to their long separation. "This is to ease the ache of missing you in the years to come," she said, her cheeks blushing slightly. Then she quickly sat down on the cushion, closed her eyes, and began her cultivation.
Xiao Ze smiled wryly, having yet to explain some details to her. He turned back to Tian Xie, who seemed to deliberately ignore the intimate scene.
"Don't worry, I'm not so cruel as to punish you over trivial matters," Xiao Ze assured him, seeing the cautious stance of the scorpion. "After all, your life is in my hands, but as a Four-Star Dou Saint, you are worthy of respect."
"Thank you, Sir Xiao Ze!" Tian Xie responded, still motionless.
Xiao Ze then instructed, "I have set up protections here, but to prevent others from accidentally entering the Poison Lake, I need you to guard this place. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Sir. If an enemy approaches, I will eliminate them immediately. If I am unable to handle it, I will notify you at once. I will ensure Lady Xiao Yi Xian's safety as long as I live," Tian Xie vowed, his posture tensing with duty.
Xiao Ze nodded and stayed a while longer, strengthening the area's defenses and practicing with the energy of the Poison Lake until he felt no further advancement. As he prepared to leave, he realized the gap to reaching Seven-Star Dou Saint was immense, requiring much more than what the Poison Lake could offer. Only with immense fortune or prolonged effort could he hope to bridge it. The lake could help Xiao Yi Xian reach Five-Star Dou Saint, but its effects would dwindle beyond that level.
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