Long Yi didn't dwell on it, seeing Nie Kong’s casual demeanor. He assumed they were merely two Snake Spirit clansmen at the Dan Spirit level and chuckled, "Two poisonous snakes, dead is dead! Nie Kong, I'll take you to Xue Chan's residence first."

Nie Kong nodded, and the two continued forward.

"Hold it!"

Snake Fang abruptly called out, stopping them both, sneering, "Brother Long, if my memory serves, guests are forbidden within Dragon Valley. Are you not afraid of the Dragon King’s punishment for doing this?"

Long Yi replied calmly, "Nie Kong is not a guest; he is a son-in-law of my Dragon Spirit Clan. Moreover, escorting Nie Kong into Dragon Valley to reunite with Mei Xian and Xue Chan is precisely the Dragon King's wish."

"..."

Snake Fang was left speechless.

Nie Kong poured oil on the fire, letting out a strange, mocking laugh, "Brother Snake, spending the evenings in this little wooden hut listening to the sea breeze must offer a unique kind of pleasure. However, seeing you so utterly alone makes me feel quite bad. In a few days, perhaps I will visit you here with both of those beautiful sisters."

"You..." Snake Fang was choked with fury, sputtering for a long moment before a string of sounds finally grated out from between clenched teeth, "Nie Kong, I sincerely hope you stay on Dragon Island for a very long time."

"Certainly, certainly."

Nie Kong nodded with a placid smile, "Accompanied daily by my two radiant, exquisitely beautiful wives, Mei Xian and Xue Chan, I fear I wouldn't be able to leave this lifetime." As he finished, an expression of sheer bliss spread across Nie Kong's face, as if recalling certain scenes not suitable for young eyes.

"Good. You had best never leave."

Nie Kong’s words struck at the raw nerve of Snake Fang's humiliation. The failure at Ling Yu City flooded his mind, bringing with it an overwhelming sense of disgrace. His eyes instantly flushed crimson, his expression turning glacial. Yet, he knew his standing within the Dragon Spirit Clan could never rival Nie Kong's now, and pressing the issue further would only bring greater self-abasement. With two cold, ominous glances cast toward Nie Kong, Snake Fang turned and departed. Before long, his figure vanished around the corner of the wooden hut.

Long Yi stated gravely, "It seems Snake Fang hasn't given up hope yet."

"It would be strange if he did."

"..."

Neither Nie Kong nor Long Yi gave much thought to the crown prince of the Snake Spirit Clan.

As they spoke, the two entered the mountains. Along both sides of the path, exquisitely crafted valleys were arranged with meticulous order. The architecture within these valleys was a diverse array, featuring courtyards, towering pavilions, grand palaces, stone fortresses, and even caves. One structure even mimicked the Dragon Pearl Hall located at the dragon's mouth.

After two or three li, Long Yi guided Nie Kong down a fork in the path to the left, weaving past one valley after another. Along the way, Nie Kong noticed quite a few Dragon Spirit clansmen. The men’s facial contours were notably rugged, while the women, regardless of beauty or plainness, all possessed figures as stunningly voluptuous as the Dragon Xue Chan sisters.

This, it seemed, was a distinctive trait of the Dragon Spirit people.

"Nie Kong, Xue Chan resides in that valley ahead. You can go on by yourself; I won't accompany you further. As for Mei Xian's lodging, Xue Chan can show you the way when the time comes." After another thousand meters, Long Yi stopped, pointing toward a small valley ahead, clearly hesitant or perhaps fearful of confronting Dragon Xue Chan.

"That works well."

Nie Kong nodded in understanding and proceeded alone.

Gradually, the full expanse of the valley came into Nie Kong's view. The valley floor was rich with medicinal herbs, interspersed with vividly blooming, exceptionally gorgeous flowers. Deep within the valley stood a residence whose outward appearance already radiated an aura of opulence.

This indeed suited Dragon Xue Chan's taste and her status as a Spirit Medicine Master.

"Master."

In a small pavilion at the valley entrance, two girls, appearing to be sixteen or seventeen, stood tall and graceful, with delicate features and alluring forms. They were leaning forward, peering intently, as if awaiting someone. When Nie Kong’s figure appeared, two simultaneous cries of delight rang out, and both girls rushed toward Nie Kong in unison.

"Hm?"

Nie Kong focused his gaze. Upon seeing their identical features, he paused in surprise—they were none other than Long Ping and Long Ting.

Much like Gu Qi, the Ping Ting sisters were no longer the young lolis they once were. Their appearances had transformed dramatically; their budding, curvaceous forms now hinted at the mature grace of Dragon Xue Chan, and their faces were dewy, radiant, and porcelain-smooth, capable of being broken by a mere touch. In a few more years, they would surely blossom into two peerless beauties.

The distance rapidly closed...

"Ping Ping, Ting Ting."

Nie Kong opened his arms, a genuine joy spreading across his face.

"Master