- 3 hours ago
Selena y Jacob se amaban, pero Bella se entromete y desata una lucha por matrimonio y herencia. Traicionada, Selena se casa con Elias, líder del Clan Serpiente, pone huevos y tras dolor y venganza renace como la Inmortal Serpiente. Bella intriga, da a luz un hijo monstruoso y deshonra a su familia.
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00:00Selena, Jacob and I truly love each other. Can't you just let us be together? We've already shared a bed.
00:05If I don't marry him, how could I ever marry anyone else?
00:09In a daze, I heard my younger sister Bella crying out. Father stood nearby, speaking up in her defense.
00:15Selena, maybe you could choose another fiancé instead. Bella just made a mistake in a moment of poor judgment.
00:21He had always been biased toward Bella. After all, she was the legitimate daughter of his official wife, while I
00:27was merely the illegitimate child from one of his affairs.
00:30I looked at Bella, who was kneeling on the ground. Though her face was streaked with tears and full of
00:34pitiful sorrow, the ambition and excitement in her eyes were unmistakable.
00:39I knew then, she had been reborn too. And this time, she had made it to Jacob's bed before I
00:44did.
00:45In my past life, I had chosen Jacob, the eldest son of the wolf clan, as my fiancée.
00:50I saw the serpent clan as cold-blooded and unfeeling, the fox clan as frivolous and unfaithful, and the dragon
00:56clan as proud and arrogant.
00:57Only the wolf clan, known for their loyalty and devotion, seemed worthy of trust.
01:02Six months after marrying Jacob, I got pregnant with our child.
01:06And then, I gave birth to a half-beast white wolf, our son Tristan.
01:10As the first half-beast child born from a human-beast union, Tristan naturally became the next leader of the
01:15human-beast alliance.
01:16Bella, in love with the fox clan's beauty, had chosen their heir, Lucian.
01:20But she didn't expect him to be a shameless womanizer, constantly entangled with other lovers.
01:26Eventually, she contracted a disease because of him one that left her infertile and scorned by the fox clan.
01:31She blamed me for misfortune, jealous that I had lived a better life than she did.
01:36One night, she drugged me in secret and set a fire that burned both me and Tristan alive.
01:40In memory, hatred arose in my chest.
01:43I wanted nothing more than to kill Bella right then and there and avenge Tristan.
01:47I clenched my fists inside my sleeves.
01:50The pain in my palms sobered me slightly.
01:52Then I slowly agreed, masking my fury with a look of understanding.
01:56If Bella and Jacob truly love each other, I'd never stand in the way of their happiness.
02:00Bella hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
02:03The tear she had squeezed out now hung awkwardly at the corners of her eyes.
02:07Bella, get up now.
02:09Hurry and thank your sister for stepping aside.
02:12Father urged, purely relieved.
02:14Thank you, Selina.
02:15Bella beamed as she rushed out, eager to bring the good news to Jacob and the Warp Clan.
02:21Girls really do grow up and slip away too quickly.
02:23Father joked.
02:24But when he turned and saw the cold indifference on my face, his voice faltered.
02:29Selina, among the eligible Beast Clan heirs, only two remain.
02:33Elias of the Serpent Clan and Lucien of the Fox Clan.
02:35I still think the Fox Clan would be a better match better looks.
02:38Higher status, clearly superior to the Serpent Clan.
02:42Besides, Bella once said dash.
02:43I cut him off.
02:45Father, I choose to marry Elias of the Serpent Clan.
02:48To most humans, snakes were cold-blooded and heartless.
02:51And that prejudice extended to the Serpent Clan Beast Clan.
02:54Four thousands of years, no human had ever chosen to marry into the Serpent Clan.
02:59As a result, they had never produced a single ruler for the Human-Beast Alliance.
03:03Eventually, they were cast out from the ranks of the five great Beast Families and reduced to the lowest tier
03:08of the Beast Clans.
03:09Denied even the smallest share of resources.
03:12But in my past life, as the fire consumed me, I saw a pair of emerald green eyes Eliases.
03:17He tried to save me.
03:19But the flames were too fierce.
03:21And he could do nothing.
03:22Although Father disapproved of my decision, when he saw the resolution on my face, he didn't press further.
03:27He simply sighed and tried to console me.
03:29If your life in the Serpent Clan becomes too difficult, perhaps Bella can help you out.
03:34But when Bella found out I had chosen to marry into the Serpent Clan, she couldn't resist mocking me to
03:39my face.
03:40Selina, even if you couldn't marry Jacob, surely you didn't have to stoop to the declining Serpent Clan?
03:45Don't end up starving to death before you even manage to bear a child.
03:48I heard they're struggling just to stay fed these days.
03:51The wolf clan is wealthy beyond measure.
03:54Even their bathwater is infused with precious divine herbs.
03:57If your life gets too miserable, I can pack up some leftovers and send them your way.
04:02She covered her mouth and burst out laughing, ignoring the awkward glances from the servants around us.
04:07In Bella's eyes, the wolf clan had vast resources, and Jacob's devotion would guarantee a swift pregnancy.
04:13She was certain I'd miss my chance at bearing the first half-beast child.
04:17But she had no idea how difficult it was for humans and beast folk to conceive.
04:21Nor did she know how obsessed Jacob was with having an heir.
04:24When I didn't show signs of pregnancy after six months, he began taking out his frustration on me, tormenting me
04:30day and night.
04:31Only after I used a secret technique to conceive and gave birth to Tristan, securing the wolf clan's claim to
04:36power, did Jacob finally relent.
04:38I offered Bella a calm smile.
04:41You needn't worry about me, dear sister.
04:43Since I've chosen my husband, I'll live with my decision without regret.
04:47What's there to be proud of?
04:48You're marrying a penniless nobody.
04:51Infuriated by my composure, Bella slammed the table, scattering the pastries across the floor.
04:56I'll be the first one to get pregnant.
04:58My child will definitely be the next ruler of the alliance.
05:02I ignored her tantrum and went off to prepare for my wedding in three days.
05:06For one thing, she wasn't wrong.
05:07The serpent clan was indeed very poor.
05:10I worried they might not even have the money for a proper gown, so I planned to prepare one myself.
05:14To my surprise, that very evening, Elias came in person to deliver my wedding dress.
05:19It was the first time I truly saw his face.
05:22His skin was pale, almost bloodless.
05:25His long narrow eyes carried a quiet authority, and the emerald green of his irises held a mysterious depth.
05:30Yet the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye lent a subtle grace to his otherwise austere expression.
05:36Inside the box lay a floor-length gown of deep green tulle.
05:39The bodice shimmered faintly with scale snake scales stitched into the fabric.
05:42I had never seen such a beautiful dress.
05:45For a moment, I was completely captivated.
05:48Selina, Elias said calmly.
05:50This gown was hand-stitched by our serpent clan's finest seamstresses.
05:54Each scale was a blessing offered by our people.
05:56His gaze carried out a deliberate detachment, as if the person marrying me wasn't him at all.
06:01This is the first time our serpent clan has ever married a human.
06:04If anything has been done poorly, you're welcome to tell me.
06:07Thank you, I replied.
06:09I truly love it.
06:10Just as I was about to put the dress away, Bella strolled in, arm in arm with Jacob, smug and
06:15beaming.
06:16Selina, don't tell me this is the only gown you got.
06:19Jacob had ten dresses made for me.
06:21Ten.
06:22Jacob looked down at Bella with affection in his eyes.
06:25Bella only knew of the wolf clan's famous loyalty, but she didn't understand it was rooted in their biological instincts
06:30and their intense obsession with offspring.
06:32If she failed to conceive, would Jacob still treat her with such tenderness?
06:37Elias' grip on his serpent staff tightened slightly before he raised his eyes to meet mine.
06:41If the serpent clan has caused you any grief, Selina, I can promise you this.
06:46I, Elias, will never betray you in this lifetime.
06:49Bella snorted.
06:50Anyone can talk sweet.
06:52Let's see if you can actually produce a child.
06:54Now, all she ever talked about was children.
06:57Her infertility in her past life had become a thorn in her heart, and now she was fixed on getting
07:01pregnant.
07:02Even before marrying Jacob, she had already moved into her home.
07:06In that sense, she and Jacob were a perfect match both obsessively fixated on heirs.
07:11Bella, perhaps you should focus on your own wedding.
07:14People might start to think you've set your sights on my fiancé instead.
07:17I smiled faintly, and under the sour expressions of Bella and Jacob, I took Elias' hand and walked away.
07:24Behind me, I could still hear Bella's shrill voice clinging to Jacob, her words faint but unmistakable.
07:29Pregnancy, child, next ruler.
07:31Oh, my foolish sister.
07:33Even after a second chance at life, she still believed that a child was her only path to power.
07:38Elias' cool voice sounded beside my ear.
07:41Selina, I know you chose me because you had no other option,
07:44but I promise, within my power, I will never let you suffer.
07:48I turned instinctively at the sound of his voice and accidentally stumbled into his chest.
07:52A strange yet pleasant scent drifted into my nose.
07:55I looked up at him and said slowly, with deliberate clarity,
07:58Elias, I chose you willingly.
08:00A flicker of something unreadable passed through Elias' eyes.
08:03All right.
08:04Selina.
08:05Three days later, the wedding arrived as scheduled.
08:08Both ceremonies were held in the same grand restaurant.
08:10The wolf clan's wedding was even more extravagant than in my previous life.
08:15They had gone so far as to invite the reclusive Phoenix clan to perform,
08:18and all the major noble houses attended in full force.
08:21Meanwhile, the serpent clan celebration was quieter, with no distinguished guests,
08:26yet the clan members beamed with genuine joy.
08:28After all, this was their first marriage to a human A sign.
08:31They might finally have a chance at producing the next ruler of the alliance.
08:34After the ceremony, I ran into Bella face to face.
08:37She deliberately tilted her chin, making sure I noticed the marks on her neck.
08:42Selina, I didn't know wolf men had such stamina.
08:45At this rate, I'll be giving them an heir in no time.
08:48I smiled politely.
08:49Then I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
08:52Bella was grossly underestimating the difficulty of pregnancy between humans and beast kin.
08:57Our species was fundamentally different.
09:00Even in the best conditions, natural conception took at least a year.
09:03She assumed I got pregnant easily in our past life, and so she believed the same would come
09:08just as easily to her.
09:09She even boasted to the wolf clan that she'd be pregnant within six months.
09:13Word had spread quickly.
09:15Seeing how confident she was, Jacob hadn't even questioned it.
09:18But to Bella, my composure looked like a personal challenge.
09:22Forget it.
09:22It's not like you'd understand anyway.
09:24You've married into a beggar's den.
09:26She shot a disdainful glance at the serpent clan members nearby, lifted her skirt, and walked past me.
09:31I grabbed her arm, stopping her.
09:33Bella, please forgive me.
09:35Apologize to the serpent clan.
09:37Her expression darkened.
09:38She yanked her arm free and yelled,
09:40Selina, have you lost your mind?
09:42The remaining guests in the hall stopped to watch as we argued, eager for the drama.
09:46In the end, our father had to step in.
09:48Once he understood what had happened, he forced Bella to apologize to the serpent clan.
09:52Although the serpent clan ranked lowest among the beast kin, they would still unite against human humiliation.
09:57Before leaving, Bella shot me a vicious glare and muttered under her breath,
10:00Selina, I'm going to win this life.
10:03Just you wait.
10:03On our wedding night, I stared at Elias's bare body, frozen in place.
10:07No one had ever told me snakes had two.
10:10Seeing me motionless on the bed, Elias misunderstood.
10:13With a pale expression, he bent down to gather his clothes and began dressing.
10:16What do you think you're doing?
10:18I snatched the fabric from his hands, my displeasure written all over my face.
10:22I, I thought you didn't want to.
10:23He stammered, standing awkwardly by the bed, the emerald in his eyes dimming.
10:27If he hadn't made the first move, then I would.
10:30I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the bed as our bodies touched.
10:35That subtle familiar scent surrounded me again.
10:37Elias, you smell really nice.
10:39I murmured without thinking.
10:40He froze for a moment, then the tips of his ears turned faintly pink.
10:44The next moment, his kiss deepened, trailing from my forehead all the way down.
10:48Fingers interlaced.
10:49We shared a night of wild pleasure.
10:51I had once believed the wolf clan's strength made them the best choice in bed.
10:54But the serpent clan had their own, unique qualities.
10:57Elias didn't stop until dawn lit the sky, and I practically begged for rest.
11:01Three months later, news broke.
11:03Bella was pregnant.
11:04I was stunned.
11:05In thousands of years, no human had ever conceived of a beast kin in just three months.
11:10Had I not seen her swollen belly with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it.
11:13The wolf clan threw a grand celebration for the unborn child, inviting all the noble families to share their joy.
11:18Our ancestors must be watching over us.
11:21A child in just three months, what a miracle.
11:23Jacob raised his cup high, pride written all over his face.
11:26Many guests approached to flatter him, eager to earn the wolf clan's favor.
11:30Everyone agreed, the next ruler of the alliance would undoubtedly come from the wolf clan.
11:34Now was the perfect time to curry favor.
11:36By status, I should have been seated with Elias at the end of the banquet hall.
11:40But Bella had insisted to Jacob that I be placed beside her.
11:43She couldn't pass up a chance to show off.
11:45As she stroked her belly, she cast me a smug look.
11:48Selena, three months and still no news from your belly?
11:51Seems like you're really lacking.
11:52Your womb doesn't even try.
11:53Half-beasts matured rapidly.
11:56Two months was enough for them to be born.
11:58Based on her size, her child would arrive next month.
12:01But she had no idea how large half-beast infants were.
12:04Without managing her diet, she'd suffer greatly during labor.
12:07I had carefully controlled my weight in my past life, yet childbirth still took a full day and night,
12:11and the pain nearly made me wish for death.
12:13But the moment I saw my child safely born, sleeping peacefully in my arms, I knew I had no regrets.
12:19I took a sip of wine and said flatly,
12:21Historically, the quickest conception between human and beast kin took a full year, but you took only three months.
12:27Whatever methods you used, only you know.
12:29Bella whipped her head toward me, her eyes darting in guilty panic.
12:32Selena, what are you implying?
12:34She couldn't even withstand the slightest probing.
12:36Bella still couldn't keep her composure.
12:38May you have a safe delivery, Bella.
12:40I raised my glass to toast her, then left the banquet with Elias by my side.
12:44One month later, Bella endured three full days and nights of labor before finally giving birth.
12:49But seven days passed, and the wolf clan still hadn't announced the child's arrival.
12:53Even when father tried to visit, they refused him entry.
12:57There was no doubt something was wrong with the child.
12:59Half a month later, father summoned me home.
13:02Seeing the worry in Elias's eyes before I left, I finally relaxed and asked him to come with me.
13:06In the living room, Bella sat on the floor sobbing, clutching a half-beast red wolf pup in her arms.
13:12This is Jacob's child.
13:13Isn't a color mutation in wolf fur completely normal?
13:16Bella clung stubbornly to the claim that the red-furred pup was Jacob's.
13:19But what she didn't know was that Jacob was a purebred white wolf.
13:22His bloodline had never carried the gene for red wolves.
13:25Jacob's expression was stormy, his entire body radiating fury.
13:29Bella, whose bastard is this?
13:30Who did you sleep with behind my back?
13:32If you don't tell me the truth right now, I'll kill this mongrel myself.
13:35Our father, pale with fear, rushed to intervene.
13:38Jacob, calm down.
13:39This must be some kind of misunderstanding.
13:41Bella loves you so much.
13:42How could she possibly betray you?
13:44Encouraged by father's support, Bella quickly brought the child to Jacob, her voice soft and coaxing.
13:49Look, he looks just like you.
13:50His eyes are identical.
13:51Jacob coldly took the red pup from her arms.
13:54The small wolf pup, who had been sleeping soundly, burst into loud, terrified wails the moment it saw Jacob's face.
13:59That heart-wrenching cry stabbed through me like a knife, evoking the memory of Tristan screaming in the fire in
14:04my past life.
14:04Pain seized my chest.
14:06I could barely breathe.
14:07My brows furrowed tightly.
14:09Elias noticed my discomfort and gently covered my ears, mistaking my distress for a dislike of a child's crying.
14:14Filthy mutt.
14:15Jacob cursed, raising the red pup high above his head, then suddenly hurled it toward the ground with all his
14:19strength.
14:20Elias and I lunged at the same time.
14:22In the end, the little red pup landed safely in Elias's arms.
14:25No matter how much I wanted to destroy Bella and Jacob, the pup was innocent.
14:29Everyone in the hall was stunned, especially Bella.
14:32Her face went ghostly pale, and she trembled uncontrollably.
14:35Jacob, how could you be so cruel?
14:37Jacob looked at her with none of the affection he once had.
14:40Bella, the Wolf Clan values loyalty and devotion to our mates.
14:43You betrayed me clearly.
14:45What right do you have to accuse me of cruelty?
14:47If there was one redeeming quality about Jacob, it was his unwavering loyalty.
14:51In our past life, even after I failed to conceive for six months, he never considered taking another mate.
14:56He just tortured me to vent his frustration.
14:58I wondered now if Bella would be able to endure that same devotion.
15:02The argument between them exploded in a hurry.
15:04Bella insisted she had never cheated, while Jacob refused to acknowledge the red pup as his own.
15:09Our father, completely at a loss, turned to me.
15:13Selina, what do you think?
15:14This pup wasn't even mine.
15:16I only came here for the show.
15:18I had no intention of getting involved.
15:21Elias stepped in calmly.
15:22I've heard that the Phoenix Clan possesses a bloodline recognition technique.
15:26Since the wolves and phoenixes have always been close, why not invite them to verify the child's parentage?
15:33Bella immediately rejected the idea.
15:35No, this is my and Jacob's child.
15:38We don't need the Phoenix Clan to confirm anything.
15:41But Jacob nodded coldly.
15:43We'll do as he says.
15:44News of the Phoenix Clan's involvement spread like wildfire.
15:47People were already curious about the wolf clan's newborn half-beast, and three days later, crowds flocked to the wolf
15:53clan's domain to watch the ritual.
15:55Under the phoenix's spell, five crimson marks flew from the red pup's forehead.
15:59One mark landed on Jacob's head, and the other four shot off toward various residences within the wolf clan territory.
16:05You are one of the child's parents.
16:07The phoenix priest declared solemnly.
16:09A ripple of gasps swept through the hall.
16:12What do you mean, one of the fathers?
16:14You mean this pup has multiple dads?
16:15But the pup clearly carries red wolf blood.
16:19Jacob is a purebred white wolf.
16:21Bella really knows how to have fun.
16:23With a personality like that, she should have married into the fox clan instead.
16:28I stood in the crowd with Elias, protected within his arms.
16:32Hearing the murmurs around us, I nearly laughed out loud.
16:35I had always wondered how Bella managed to get pregnant.
16:38Now that the truth was out about the pup having multiple parents, it all made sense.
16:42Bella had likely sought out several lovers within the wolf clan to increase her chances of conceiving.
16:47A shotgun fertility gamble.
16:49But she hadn't accounted for one red wolf with particularly dominant genes unintentionally exposing her plan.
16:54Was she clever or just reckless?
16:56If she wanted to take that kind of risk, why not stick to white wolves?
17:00Why go and add a red wolf to the mix?
17:03Jacob's expression was black as thunder.
17:05His fists clenched tightly, and he shouted at the servants,
17:08Bring me every wolf in the clan who bears that same crimson mark.
17:12Soon four wolf beast men were brought in.
17:14Three of them were white wolves.
17:15One was a red wolf.
17:17When I saw the red wolf's face, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.
17:21That seductive beauty could rival anyone from the fox clan.
17:24Bella had always been obsessed with appearances.
17:27No wonder she risked everything for a night with him.
17:29Jacob stared at the four beast men, none of whom denied their involvement and completely lost his temper.
17:35You stood before me and swore you'd bear me a child, and this is how you repaid me?
17:38Bella rose to her feet, still clutching the baby.
17:41She wiped her eyes and sniffled dramatically.
17:44If you hadn't been whispering in my ear every day about how badly you wanted a child,
17:48I wouldn't have had to take such desperate measures.
17:51If you weren't so useless, would this child look like a red wolf?
17:55Her voice grew increasingly self-righteous.
17:58And didn't the phoenix just say the child is yours?
18:00Isn't that enough?
18:01The next ruler of the alliance will still come from the wolf clan.
18:05Why are you blaming me?
18:06You should be grateful.
18:07At her words, the leaders of the fox and dragon clan stepped forward from the crowd.
18:11The fox and dragon clan leaders immediately stepped in to challenge Bella's claim.
18:16We do not recognize this half-beast.
18:18The original agreement clearly stated the child must be born of a union between human and the firstborn son of
18:23a beast clan household.
18:25If the wolves start bending the rules like this, what happens to bloodline purity?
18:29Who knows what kind of monsters we'd end up with?
18:32This matter requires the unanimous consent of the remaining four clans.
18:36As far as the fox and dragon clans are concerned, we firmly disagree.
18:40The phoenix clan, standing quietly to the side, also voiced their stance.
18:45Our clan has long withdrawn from worldly affairs.
18:48We will not participate in these political decisions.
18:51Four clans.
18:53One abstained.
18:54Two objected.
18:55As for the lowly snake clan, no one even bothered to ask their opinion.
18:59Whatever sliver of hope Jacob had felt after hearing Bella's words instantly vanished.
19:04Rage consumed him once more.
19:06Bella, look at what you've done.
19:07You've disgraced the entire wolf clan.
19:09On our way home after the spectacle, Elias remained unusually quiet.
19:13Only after my persistent prodding did he finally speak his mind.
19:17You were staring at that red wolf just now.
19:19Were you thinking I'm not good looking enough?
19:21His jealous tone made me grin, and just like that, I decided to tease him.
19:26To me, no one's more handsome than you, Elias.
19:29Especially at night, in bed.
19:31I didn't get out of bed for an entire day after that.
19:33A month later, Bella showed up at the snake clan, battered and bruised, begging for my help.
19:39Her eyes were red with tears.
19:41Selena, please help me.
19:43Jacob's gone mad.
19:44He says if I can't give him a child that's truly his, he'll torture me every single day.
19:49I can't take it anymore.
19:50If I don't get pregnant soon, I'll die.
19:53Do you know any secret techniques that can help?
19:56Her words didn't shock me in the slightest.
19:58After all, I had lived through this nightmare in my past life.
20:02Bruises covered her exposed skin, fresh wounds layered over old scars.
20:06But she had brought all of this upon herself.
20:08In my previous life, she tricked me into coming home, pretending she missed me.
20:13Then she drugged the water my son and I drank.
20:15When we were too weak to resist, she set the house ablaze and trapped us inside.
20:19I still remember the way she looked at me before leaving eyes mad with hatred as she screamed.
20:24Selena, your life was supposed to be mine.
20:27I should have married into the wolf clan.
20:29I should have born their heir.
20:30Now that she had stolen my life for herself, what was there to regret?
20:34I gently pulled my hand free from hers and calmly replied,
20:38Bella, it's not that I don't want to help you.
20:40Simply that pregnancy between humans and beast kid is incredibly rare.
20:45After giving birth, your body was damaged.
20:47It'll take at least three to five years before you can even try again.
20:50Bella shot at her feet, her eyes flashing with fury.
20:54You're lying.
20:55You just don't want to help me.
20:57You can't stand to see me happy.
20:59I don't need your help.
21:00I'll find another way.
21:02Do you think you can beat me to it?
21:03You'll never give birth before I do.
21:05She flung open the door and stormed out.
21:08I could only shake my head.
21:09Everything I said was true.
21:11Pregnancy between species simply couldn't be forced.
21:14In my past life, the only reason I succeeded was because of the mermaid blood that flowed through my veins.
21:19Back when war broke out, the mere folk refused to ally with humans and retreated into the ocean depths,
21:24cutting ties with the outside world.
21:26My mother, still young and reckless at the time, had shapeshifted into human form and ventured onto land,
21:31where she fell in love with my father at first sight.
21:33To stay with him, she severed her tail and transformed permanently into a human.
21:37It cost her dearly.
21:38She only had five years left to live.
21:40Before she died, she gave birth to me and sealed away my beastly nature.
21:44Mare folk are naturally fertile.
21:46In my past life, I broke the seal on my beast blood to bear Jacob a child.
21:51It was a slow form of suicide.
21:53Although I eventually succeeded in conceiving, my mermaid essence drained day by day, until my life ran out.
21:58This time, I would never sacrifice myself so foolishly again.
22:02I thought I'd made peace with the idea of never becoming pregnant in this life, until something unexpected happened.
22:07Two months later, one night, Elias placed a hand on my belly, and suddenly froze.
22:12Selena, he asked.
22:14When was the last time you had your period?
22:16I stopped and thought carefully.
22:17It had indeed been almost two months.
22:19My belly had only slightly rounded, so I just assumed I'd gained a little weight.
22:23I stared at him, stunned.
22:25That can't be canon.
22:26Before I could even finish speaking, Elias leapt out of bed, dressed, and bolted out the door to fetch the
22:32physician.
22:33Less than 15 minutes later, the doctor arrived in our room.
22:36He placed his fingers on my wrist and began to examine my pulse, his brow furrowing deeply as he alternated
22:41between shaking and nodding his head.
22:43The room was oppressively quiet.
22:45Elias sat beside me, his face etched with concern.
22:49Finally, the physician stood and offered us a congratulatory bow.
22:52Congratulations, Elias.
22:55Selena is two months pregnant.
22:57Judging by the signs, she should be ready to lay her egg in just a few days.
23:01I had remained calm until that last part.
23:04Wait, what?
23:05Lay an egg?
23:07I blinked.
23:08Aren't we talking about having a baby?
23:10Elias chuckled and gently stroked my head, explaining.
23:13The snake clan is a bit different from the others.
23:15We lay eggs, then hatch our young.
23:17From the moment we confirmed the pregnancy, Elias wouldn't let me lift a finger.
23:21He followed me around all day, trying to feed me tonics and supplements.
23:25He even bought three immortal honey fruits legendary, priceless treasures said to be the most coveted nutrition for expectant mothers.
23:32In my past life, Jacob had only ever let me have half a fruit.
23:35How could the impoverished snake clan afford three whole ones?
23:39How did you afford this?
23:40I thought the snake clan was supposed to be...
23:42Before I could finish, Elias sat beside me and held a freshly washed fruit up to my lips.
23:47Selena, who told you the snake clan is poor?
23:50Look around our home.
23:51From the flooring to the vases, everything here is expensive.
23:55I glanced around properly for the first time.
23:57The decor, though simple and clean, was unmistakably high-end.
24:01But isn't the snake clan ranked last among the great families?
24:04Don't they say you barely get a share of resources?
24:07Elias gave a soft laugh.
24:09We snakes have always kept a low profile.
24:11We earn our wealth through business, unlike the other clans, who rely on power and politics.
24:16If we rank the clans by wealth, we'd confidently claim first.
24:20Our people pursue immortality.
24:21Most of our wealth goes toward cultivating and refining spiritual medicine.
24:26This world's resources are limited.
24:28We have no interest in squabbling with other clans for scraps.
24:31Our ambition lies beyond all that.
24:33His explanation made everything click.
24:36No wonder every snake clansman I'd met had carried an ethereal aura.
24:40They were secretly training to ascend.
24:41Now that I knew we weren't short on money, I immediately dragged Elias out for a shopping spree.
24:47Halfway down the street, we ran into Bella.
24:49Her belly was noticeably swollen as she clung sweetly to Jacob's arm, picking out accessories.
24:55Since her second pregnancy, Jacob had apparently forgiven her for her past betrayal.
24:59The two were back to playing the doting couple.
25:01Now that Jacob was watching her like a hawk, there was no question this child truly belonged to him.
25:07Selina, what a surprise to see you out and about.
25:09Bella cooed, deliberately resting both hands on her belly to flag her pregnancy.
25:13I smiled politely.
25:15I'm picking out a gift for father's upcoming birthday celebration.
25:18Her gaze drifted down to our empty hands, and she scoffed.
25:21Well, make sure it's something decent.
25:23Even if you don't have much money, you shouldn't embarrass father.
25:26The snake clan hadn't yet made my pregnancy public, and Elias worried her words might upset me.
25:32He immediately stepped forward, shielding me behind him.
25:35Bella, our family matters are none of your concern.
25:37As for father's gift, we will prepare it with due care and respect.
25:41Bella gave a cold snort, flicked her sleeves, and walked off.
25:45Seven days later, at the birthday banquet, Bella and I sat on either side of father.
25:49Her belly was enormous, clearly carrying more than one child.
25:53Mine, by contrast, was still only faintly rounded.
25:56You knew how to get pregnant all along and still hid it from me, she sneered.
26:00But it doesn't matter, I beat you to it.
26:02You'll never catch up now.
26:03I opened my mouth to ask what she meant, but a sudden sharp pain twisted in my abdomen.
26:07It was the onset of labor.
26:09Elias noticed right away.
26:10He sprang to his feet, scooped me into his arms, and rushed for the door.
26:15Just as we were leaving, Bella suddenly began clutching her belly and moaning in pain.
26:19Someone in the crowd cried out.
26:21Bella is going into labor too.
26:23Get her to the birthing hall.
26:24At that moment, the sky lit up with a burst of violet light.
26:28Multicolored rays spread across the heavens, and birdsong filled the air a divine omen.
26:32Before I lost consciousness, I heard the sound of joyous cries echo through the hall.
26:37It's a heavenly sign.
26:38This child is destined to lead us into a new golden age.
26:41When I woke up, three eggs lay nestled in the incubator beside me.
26:45Elias sat at my side, gently wiping the sweat from my brow with a soft towel.
26:49I was just about to speak when a scream pierced the air it was Bella.
26:54I can't do this.
26:56I don't want to give birth anymore.
26:58Just kill me, please.
27:00Kill me now.
27:01Bella, hold on.
27:02You're almost there.
27:04Her sobbing and the midwife's encouragement overlapped in a chaotic chorus.
27:07Our birthing rooms were separated by only a single wall.
27:10She was still in the middle of labor.
27:13Selena, you've been through so much.
27:15Elias murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
27:17His gaze held concern, guilt, and overwhelming tenderness.
27:21Is it too noisy here?
27:23Should I take you and the little ones home so you can rest properly?
27:26In my past life, after I gave birth, Jacob had eyes only for the child.
27:30He didn't care that I'd labored for an entire day and night.
27:33He shoved the baby into my arms and demanded I start nursing immediately.
27:37To him, I was nothing more than a means to produce a half-beast air, someone to help him secure
27:42power.
27:43He didn't care about my body or my pain.
27:45But Elias was different.
27:46From beginning to end, his eyes never left me.
27:49He hadn't even asked me to hatch the eggs myself.
27:52Instead, he'd placed them gently in the incubator and watched over them himself.
27:56It's all right, I said softly.
27:58I want to see how Bella's work is going.
28:00This time, I hadn't felt the agony of childbirth.
28:03Delivering three tiny snake eggs had been unusually easy.
28:06It was over before I even realized, like waking up from a short nap.
28:09I got up and went next door, leaving Elias behind to watch over the eggs.
28:13Inside, Bella was writing on the bed, sobbing like her heart was being torn apart.
28:18Every time she nearly lost consciousness from the pain, the midwife pried her eyes open and screamed at her to
28:23stay awake.
28:24Half an hour later, the child was finally born.
28:27The moment the midwife caught sight of it, she shrieked in horror.
28:31A monster.
28:31Bella has given birth to a monster.
28:33I stepped closer to see and recoiled in shock.
28:36The child had three legs and four eyes.
28:39Hearing the commotion, Jacob burst into the room.
28:42He froze at the sight before him.
28:44Bella, however, smiled with motherly affection.
28:46The three-legged, four-eyed creature clung to her chest, nursing loudly as if nothing were amiss.
28:52Jacob gagged, turned green, and ran out the door, clutching his mouth.
28:57Bella let out a cold, mocking laugh.
28:59He's the father, so why is he so disgusted?
29:02News of the wolf clan's monstrous birth spread quickly and even reached the ears of the phoenix clan's high priest.
29:08The priest examined the drooling child carefully and then turned to Bella.
29:12Bella, did you consume anything unusual during your pregnancy?
29:15By all accounts, this child should have been normal.
29:18Beautiful palette.
29:19Her right hand trembled as she retrieved a small bottle from her sleeve and handed it over.
29:24I took this.
29:25You can save my baby, can't you?
29:27The priest didn't respond right away.
29:29He uncorked the bottle and upon smelling the contents, gave a knowing sigh.
29:33This is a rat clan fertility aid, rat eggs.
29:36There's a folk remedy that claims taking one a day for 30 days will guarantee conception.
29:40But even so, the child shouldn't have turned out this, malformed.
29:45The rat clan was immediately summoned and dragged before the wolf clan.
29:48The moment Bella saw the man responsible, she stormed over and grabbed him by the throat, screaming.
29:54Why isn't my baby normal?
29:55What did you do to me?
29:57Rat clansman, trembling under the weight of the moment and visibly shaken by the sight of the creature,
30:01shoved Bella away and dropped to his knees before Jacob.
30:04This, this must be because Bella didn't follow instructions.
30:08She must have overdosed on the rat eggs.
30:11Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened.
30:13Bella stared at him down, eyes blazing.
30:15You said 30 days would guarantee one child.
30:18So I figured, if I took them for 60 days, wouldn't I get two?
30:23As soon as Bella spoke, everyone present finally understood the truth.
30:27Had she followed the instructions properly, she might have had a healthy child.
30:30But her greed had doomed her.
30:32The scandal made the wolf clan a laughingstock yet again.
30:36Rumors spread that Jacob was impotent, and that his wife had not only cheated on him
30:39but even resorted to using a crude fertility folk remedy from the lowly rat clan.
30:43Jacob, already in a foul mood, would only grow more cruel to Bella after this humiliation.
30:48A month later, just as I was shopping for cloth to make clothes for my babies and preparing to head
30:52home,
30:53I saw Bella cradling a basket to her chest and sneaking into a secluded alley.
30:57Word on the street was that Bella had lost her mind.
30:59She was said to be snatching children from around the wolf clan.
31:03I didn't give it much thought.
31:04With a cheerful heart, I returned home, eager to welcome my soon-to-hatch little ones.
31:09But the door to my room stood wide open, and the incubator was empty.
31:13All three snake eggs were gone.
31:15Panic surged through me.
31:16I suddenly remembered the green cloth covering Bella's basket.
31:20It looked exactly like the handkerchief I'd left on my writing desk.
31:23I grabbed the dagger Elias had given me for self-defense and sprinted toward the alley where Bella had disappeared.
31:28Deep inside, I found a dilapidated courtyard, where her eerie voice echoed.
31:33Babies, don't be afraid.
31:34Mommy's right here with you.
31:36I caught her off guard and pressed the blade to her neck, cold fury in my voice.
31:40Bella, give me back my children.
31:42But when I looked down into the basket, my heart dropped.
31:45The eggs had already hatched, and the baby snakes were gone.
31:49Dead?
31:49Escaped?
31:50As I stood frozen, Bella shoved me back and let out a crazed maniacal laugh.
31:55They're dead.
31:55My babies are dead.
31:57And now, so are yours.
31:58Isn't it wonderful?
32:00Truly wonderful.
32:01My eyes burned with rage.
32:03I lunged forward, ready to drive the blade into her and avenge my children.
32:07Suddenly, Elias burst in.
32:09A flash of silver streaked from him a tiny snake, mouth wide, sank its fangs deep into Bella's neck.
32:15In an instant, she collapsed, coughing up blood, dead with her eyes still wide open.
32:19The little silver snake slithered up my arm and coiled itself there.
32:23Mom!
32:23Said.
32:24I avenged you.
32:25It was Tristan's voice.
32:27He had become my child once more.
32:29I cupped him gently in my palms and kissed his forehead.
32:32Bella's death didn't stir any waves.
32:34My father, already disgraced by her actions, had long stopped acknowledging her as his daughter.
32:40As for Jacob, he couldn't have been more eager for her to disappear.
32:43Seven days later, all three of my baby snakes took human form.
32:47The sky once again erupted in violet light and dazzling rainbow clouds.
32:51Birds filled the heavens with song.
32:53It was another divine omen.
32:54Then, my entire body began to glow with golden light.
32:57In the blink of an eye, a shimmering emerald serpent's tail extended from me,
33:01and my eyes turned to brilliant green.
33:03A voice echoed from the heavens.
33:05It was the Celestial Emperor.
33:07Snake Immortal Selina, for your mischief a thousand years ago shattering the Celestial Furnace
33:11and plunging the three realms into chaos you have now completed your ten lives of tribulation.
33:16You may return to heaven and summarize your post.
33:19Memories flooded my mind.
33:20I had once been a flower, a stone, a phoenix, a mermaid.
33:24In every life, Elias had been there, guarding me faithfully.
33:27He could have ascended long ago, but in our final life, he gave up a thousand years of cultivation to
33:33save me.
33:34Before I left, Elias held my hand and whispered,
33:36Wait for me, Selina. I'll be with you in heaven soon.
33:39The blessing of ascension rained down upon the earth.
33:42All the serpent beastkin knelt to receive the divine light.
33:45We respectfully be a farewell to the snake, immortal.
33:48May she protect us for generations to come.
33:51In a flash of white light, I returned to heaven and resumed my role as the immortal snake,
33:56guardian of the Celestial Garden.
33:57Five hundred years later, I was curled up under the covers, enjoying a lazy nap,
34:02when a familiar fragrance drifted into my nose.
34:04A warm embrace wrapped around me.
34:06Then came a voice, deep and beloved.
34:09Selina, I'm back.
34:10Everyone who ever hurt you is gone.
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