Battle Through the Heavens: Starting with Cao Ying as an apprentice

Chapter 18 The Butterfly's Transformation (2)

"Forehead!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Ying blushed slightly, scratched the back of her head awkwardly, and stuck out her tongue. She realized she had indeed misunderstood her master.

Cai Die was so ashamed that she wanted to disappear. Her face turned so red that it looked like it was about to bleed. She buried her head deeply, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

However, beneath those thick eyelashes, deep within her clear eyes, besides embarrassment, a fleeting hint of disappointment, which she herself was unaware of, flashed by.

Su Baichen's attention was completely elsewhere than on their little schemes.

With a flick of his wrist, a smooth and translucent mutton-fat jade bottle appeared in his palm.

The moment the stopper was pulled out, an indescribable, rich fragrance of cinnamon permeated the air, refreshing and invigorating, as if the surrounding energy of heaven and earth had become more active and abundant.

He casually poured out a pill the size of a longan from the bottle. The pill was perfectly round, with a deep purple color, and three crystal-clear silver patterns were clearly visible on its surface, flowing slowly as if they were alive.

The fragrance of the pill emanated from the pill pattern; taking a breath of it made one feel relaxed all over, and even one's fighting spirit seemed to become purer.

The third elder of the snake-people, who stood to the side like a background figure, had his eyes wide open and his mouth agape, wide enough to fit an egg. He was making "hoarse" sounds in his throat, but he couldn't utter a single complete word.

Having lived for hundreds of years, as an elder of the snake-people clan, he had seen quite a bit of the world and was familiar with high-level elixirs.

But the aroma and appearance of this pill before him alone made all the other pills he had ever seen pale in comparison, turning them into mere trash! The energy contained within that aroma was pure and boundless, sending shivers down his very soul. What... what grade of divine pill was this?

"This is a Transformation Pill!" Su Baichen said calmly, as if introducing a candy: "The effect is simple and direct: it allows you to completely shed your beast form and successfully transform into human form. At that time, you will retain the long lifespan of a magical beast and also possess the outstanding cultivation talent that comes with a human body."

As he spoke, he flicked his finger, and the seventh-grade pill, which was enough to cause a bloodbath in the outside world, drew an arc and floated lightly towards the colorful butterfly.

Cai Die instinctively reached out and caught it, feeling the warm touch and powerful medicinal force of the pill in her palm, and was completely stunned.

Although she vaguely guessed that the pill was extraordinary, she never expected it to be the legendary seventh-grade pill—the Transformation Pill!

This is an object of dreams for all snake people who have failed to reach the Dou Zong realm!

"This, this, how can this be!" Cai Die shook her head repeatedly as if burned, holding the pill in both hands to hand it back, her voice trembling: "Young Master, this is too precious! I... I can't accept it! I can't repay the life-saving grace enough, how can I accept such a heavy gift!"

While she was frantically declining, the Third Elder's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. A little voice inside him was screaming, "Damn it! What a waste! Don't give it to me! Give it to me! The Transformation Pill! That's a seventh-grade Transformation Pill!"

"For us snake-people to gain human form and shed our half-human, half-snake bodies, the most basic prerequisite is to cultivate to the Dou Zong realm! How incredibly difficult that is! Countless ancestors spent their entire lives without ever reaching it! But this Transformation Pill... a single pill can directly bridge this insurmountable gap, granting not only a perfect human body but also the cultivation talents of humans... This, this..."

The Third Elder stared intently at the shimmering purple pill in Cai Die's hand, his eyes filled with such longing, jealousy, and envy that they were almost tangible, and he was practically drooling.

He could almost see himself taking the pill, successfully transforming into human form, and rapidly advancing his cultivation in the future.

Just then, Cao Ying, like a little adult, walked over to Cai Die with an air of maturity and tugged at her skirt, signaling her to squat down.

After Cai Die squatted down as instructed, Cao Ying reached out her small hand and patted Cai Die's shoulder in a pretentious manner, saying in a calm tone as if to say, "I know my master."

"Relax, relax, Sister Little Butterfly, you don't need to be so nervous. My master is an eighth-grade alchemist! He can refine seventh-grade pills like it's nothing, he can easily make several in one batch, his storage ring is probably piled up like a small mountain! Eat them without worry, don't be polite with him, just treat them like candy!"

"An eighth-grade alchemist?!"

Cao Ying's casual remark was like a thunderclap, exploding in the minds of Cai Die and the Third Elder!

Cai Die froze completely, her hands holding the Transformation Pill stiffening. She had guessed from Cao Ying's words that Su Baichen was an alchemist, but she never expected him to be at the pinnacle of alchemists on the continent—an eighth-grade alchemist! This title was as distant as a legend to her!

After the initial shock, the third elder of the snake-people was overwhelmed by boundless fear and a chilling coldness! He thought of far more and further things than Cai Die!

Eighth-Rank Alchemist! These five words represent far more than just the pinnacle of alchemy skills! They also represent an unimaginable, intricate, and terrifying network of connections!

On the continent, countless top experts and powerful forces owe favors to eighth-grade alchemists! Offending an eighth-grade alchemist doesn't even require him to take action personally; just showing the slightest dissatisfaction will cause countless forces to tear the snake-people to pieces in order to curry favor with him!

Even if... even if Su Baichen is magnanimous today and doesn't hold the Snake-People's offense against them, once the news spreads that "the Snake-People have offended an eighth-grade alchemist"... then the Snake-People will immediately become the most juicy and easiest piece of meat to be squeezed in the eyes of all the forces in the entire Northwest Continent!

Those forces will never care whether Su Baichen has forgiven the Snake-People. They will only seize this one in ten thousand opportunity to curry favor with this esteemed eighth-grade alchemist by ruthlessly suppressing or even exterminating the Snake-People! In order to establish a relationship!

Never underestimate the terrifying influence of an eighth-grade alchemist! Often, he doesn't even need to do anything; plenty of people will rush to clear away any obstacles in his way!

Thinking of this, the Third Elder seemed to have already seen the tragic future of the Snake People, who would be besieged by countless forces, with their cities destroyed, their people killed, rivers of blood flowing, and their people completely wiped off the continent.

Boundless despair, like an icy tide, instantly engulfed him, causing him to tremble violently and break out in a cold sweat that soaked through his clothes.

However, just on the edge of this abyss of despair, his gaze suddenly focused again on the Transformation Pill in the butterfly's hand, and a thought flashed through his mind, which was almost frozen by fear!

"Wait! Transformation Pill... Butterfly... Maid... Rank 8 Alchemist..."

The Third Elder's eyes suddenly flashed with a terrifying light as he stared intently at the still shocked and terrified Cai Die.

"An opportunity! A turning point! Our snake-people...can still be saved!"

"All our hope rests on her!"

Chapter 19 The Butterfly's Transformation (3)

Cai Die's slender fingers gently caressed the round Transformation Pill, its surface shimmering with iridescent light and faintly emitting a refreshing medicinal fragrance.

She looked up at the figure in white robes not far away, her eyes slightly warming. The pill gleamed gently in the sunlight, as if it contained all the young master's care and promises to her.

This kindness is immense!

She took a deep breath and, under the expectant gazes of everyone, finally put the pill into her mouth.

The pill melted instantly upon entering the stomach, and a gentle yet powerful energy surged to every part of the body.

Butterfly felt a warmth all over her body, and a faint white halo emanated from within her. At first, it was like a firefly, then it grew brighter and brighter, eventually forming a dazzling cocoon of light that completely enveloped her.

The cocoon of light pulsed slowly, as if it were breathing with life, and the outline of the figure inside could be vaguely seen undergoing strange changes.

Half an hour passed in silent waiting. When the white light receded like the tide, a pair of straight, slender, and jade-like legs were revealed where the snake's tail had been coiled.

The newly formed legs were as perfect as the most outstanding work of art by God, gleaming with a white luster in the remaining light, their curves breathtaking.

Even the usually aloof and self-possessed Su Baichen couldn't help but catch his breath when he caught a glimpse of this scene. He felt a rush of heat to his nose and instinctively raised his hand to wipe it, only to find his fingertips stained with bright red.

"Master, why is your nose bleeding?" Cao Ying blinked her innocent big eyes, tugged at Su Baichen's sleeve, her little face full of confusion: "Did you accidentally lose your breath while practicing your skills?"

The clear, childlike voice instantly drew everyone's attention to Su Baichen, focusing on his slightly disheveled nose. Su Baichen cursed inwardly at this rebellious little disciple who always sabotaged him, but on the surface, he forced himself to remain calm, quickly wiping away the blood with his fingertips, clearing his throat, and trying to salvage his image: "It's nothing, I've been eating a bit too much hot food lately, just a bit of a sore throat."

He glanced at Cao Ying with a slightly warning look, and added in a "gentle" tone, "So in order to prevent you from getting a nosebleed from getting too hot, it seems that I will have to add a dish for you tomorrow, bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork, to cool you down in advance, and also to cure your habit of talking nonsense (overthinking)!"

After saying that, before Cao Ying could react, Su Baichen had already turned around and walked towards the cave with seemingly calm but actually slightly hurried steps. However, his slightly red ears betrayed that he was not as calm as he appeared.

"Ah? Master! No!" Cao Ying's face immediately fell, and she chased after his retreating figure, wailing, "Why, Master? I... I didn't say anything this time!"

Cai Die, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but laugh. She quickly covered her mouth with her slender hand, but she couldn't hide the smile and a little bit of pride in her eyes.

Although young Cao Ying was bewildered and didn't understand, she knew perfectly well what was going on. A warm current mixed with shyness and joy rippled through her heart: "So... in your eyes, my new appearance is so charming?"

Just as Cai Die's heart was fluttering, the Third Elder beside her was already dumbfounded. His shock was far beyond what Cao Ying and Su Baichen's interlude could compare to.

His senses were firmly locked onto the butterfly, and he clearly perceived that powerful aura—a ninth-star Dou Wang!

You must know that before taking the Transformation Pill, Cai Die was only a sixth-level Dou Wang. One Transformation Pill allowed her to jump three levels! This is definitely not an effect that an ordinary Transformation Pill could have. It can only be due to the extraordinary medicinal power contained in that pill, and this is the residual medicinal power!

As the name suggests, the Transformation Pill's primary function is to help cultivators achieve physical transformation.

The only explanation for Cai Die's cultivation level increasing by three stars is likely the Transformation Pill. Even the residual medicinal power is so formidable; one can only imagine the immense energy contained within the pill itself!

Even more astonishingly, the three-star cultivation level that Cai Die had suddenly gained was exceptionally solid, showing no signs of being superficial.

This means that Cai Die not only gained a significant boost in cultivation in a short period of time, but that this boost was genuine and without any exaggeration. Such an improvement is extremely rare for any cultivator.

Master Su's alchemy skills are simply unfathomable!

Just as the Third Elder was overwhelmed with emotion and almost knelt before this miraculous alchemy skill, a familiar yet clear and cold voice rang in his ears, pulling him back to reality from his shock.

"Third Elder, how are you feeling now?"

The Third Elder suddenly looked up and met Cai Die's eyes, which had regained their clarity and depth. Her gaze was complex, containing the detachment of being hunted in the past, an understanding of the present situation, and no longer any trace of the confusion caused by amnesia.

"You...you...you've regained your memories?" The Third Elder's voice was dry and incredulous. He had clearly heard from the conversation between the group that Cai Die had lost her memory due to a soul injury, but the Cai Die before him had sharp eyes and a calm demeanor; where was the slightest trace of ignorance?

Cai Die nodded slightly, her red lips parted slightly: "Indeed. Young Master's pills are incredibly effective. They not only helped me reshape my body and gain human cultivation talents, greatly increasing my cultivation level, but also nourished my damaged soul, and my memories naturally returned."

Feeling the surging power within her and the clear memories of the past in her mind, her gratitude towards Su Baichen was beyond measure. This Transformation Pill had brought her new life, hope, and a fortune far beyond her wildest imagination.

Upon hearing this, the Third Elder's expression became extremely complex. The person before him was, not long ago, a "traitor" whom he was ordered to capture, but in the blink of an eye, he possessed power sufficient to influence the fate of the entire Snake-People race, and had become the only link connecting that mysterious powerhouse.

Queen Medusa's fate is unknown, her tribe is beset by internal crises, and powerful enemies lurk outside... Perhaps, this second young lady who has been given a new life is the last hope of the snake people.

Thinking of the desperate situation facing his people and the heavy burden on his shoulders, the Third Elder's face flashed with struggle and shame, which ultimately turned into determination.

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and with a voice filled with endless pleading and humility, he bowed deeply to the colorful butterfly:

"Second Miss... all the past transgressions were my fault. I will accept any punishment without complaint. But now we have offended Senior Su! The influence of an eighth-grade alchemist is too great, and external forces are eyeing us covetously. Our Snake-People race has reached a critical juncture of life and death!"

He raised his head, his old eyes bloodshot, filled with his last hope and pleading:

"I beg you! For the sake of our shared bloodline, for the sake of the countless members of our race struggling to survive, please save the Snake People!"

Before he could finish speaking, this elder, who held a esteemed position among the snake people, knelt heavily before Cai Die, his forehead pressed deeply against the sand.

Chapter 20 The Serpent People in Peril!

Looking at the Third Elder kneeling on the sand, this elder, who was once extremely dignified in the clan and whom even his sister had to show deference to, was now so humble.

She felt a mix of emotions—resentment, pity, and a sense of disorientation at the changes in everything. She tried to reassure him in a lighthearted tone: "Oh, young master won't mind. You don't need to panic. Just give him the compensation."

These words were less a way of comforting the Third Elder and more a way of comforting herself, trying to simplify this thorny issue.

However, the Third Elder suddenly raised his head, his face showing no relief but rather even more anxiety, his wrinkles crinkling together: "No, no, Second Miss! Senior Su's cultivation is powerful, and his alchemy skills are superb. Perhaps he truly doesn't care about this offense, but those covetous forces outside won't think that way!"

His voice was urgent, trembling with despair, "Especially those mortal enemies of the Gama royal family and the snake-people! If they knew that we had offended a powerful figure who was at least a Dou Zong level and also an alchemist, even if it was just a rumor, they would definitely take the opportunity to make trouble! They would see this as a golden opportunity, unite, and under the guise of currying favor with the powerful figure, eradicate my snake-people race from the ground!"

He panted heavily as he continued to analyze the terrifying chain reaction: "By then, even if Senior Su has no intention of pursuing the matter, in the eyes of outsiders, it will become evidence that our Snake-People race has been rejected by the powerful! When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down; when a drum is broken, everyone beats it! The Snake-People race... is in grave danger!"

As Cai Die listened to the Third Elder's meticulous analysis, her rosy lips parted slightly, her pretty face filled with astonishment.

She used to live a carefree life in her clan, her biggest worries being where to go for fun each day, and her sister forcing her to cultivate again. Clan affairs, diplomacy, power struggles—these distant and complex things had never truly entered her world.

At this moment, the Third Elder's words were like pushing open a heavy and dark door in front of her, behind which lay a cruel reality full of unpredictable twists and turns and lurking dangers, making her feel a sense of inexplicable fear and powerlessness.

She instinctively took a half step back, her eyes filled with panic, like a child suddenly thrust into the center of the stage but forgetting her lines: "This... I don't know what to do either?"

She unconsciously twisted the hem of her new dress with both hands, her voice filled with grievance and helplessness: "I am just a lowly maidservant by the young master's side. I have only been serving the young master for a few days, and I haven't even learned how to serve tea and water properly yet... How can you expect me to influence the young master, how can I save the entire snake-people tribe?"

As she spoke, she lowered her head in dejection, her long eyelashes drooping, concealing the complex emotions in her eyes. She thought to herself: Perhaps the young master's bestowal of the Transformation Pill was merely a spur-of-the-moment act, a pity for me. Would he think she was being presumptuous and ungrateful if she rashly bothered him with matters of the clan?

She had finally escaped the strife within her tribe and found a place where she could perhaps settle down. She really didn't want to lose it so soon, and she didn't want to leave a "troublesome" impression in the young master's mind because of the snake people.

"this--!"