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