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