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Reborn: I Chose The Snake HD 720p ASM
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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.
00:06If 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.
00:22He 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.
01:17Bella, enamored by the fox clan's beauty, had chosen their heir, Lucian.
01:21But 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 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.
02:24Father joked.
02:25But 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.
02:55For 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.
03:04Eventually, they were cast out from the ranks of the five great beast families and reduced to the lowest tier
03:08of the Beast Clans.
03:09He was denied 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.
03:18He tried to save me.
03:19But the flames were too fierce.
03:21And he, could do nothing.
03:23Although 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.
03:35But 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.
03:52The 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.
04:08In 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.
04:25When 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?
04:49You'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.
05:08The 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.
05:46For 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.
06:05If anything has been done poorly, you're welcome to tell me.
06:08Thank you, I replied.
06:09I truly love it.
06:11Just 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.
06:20Jacob had ten dresses made for me.
06:22Ten.
06:22Jacob looked down at Bella with affection in his eyes.
06:26Bella 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.
06:47Elias will never betray you in this lifetime.
06:50Bella snorted.
06:51Anyone can talk sweet.
06:52Let's see if you can actually produce a child.
06:55Now, 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.
07:03Even before marrying Jacob, she had already moved into his home.
07:07In that sense, she and Jacob were a perfect match both obsessively fixated on heirs.
07:12Bella, 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.
07:24Behind me, I could still hear Bella's shrill voice clinging to Jacob, her words faint but unmistakable.
07:30Pregnancy, child, next ruler.
07:32Oh, my foolish sister.
07:34Even 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.
07:53A strange yet pleasant scent drifted into my nose.
07:55I looked up at him and said slowly, with deliberate clarity,
07:59Elias, I chose you willingly.
08:00A flicker of something unreadable passed through Elias' eyes.
08:04All right, Selina.
08:06Three days later, the wedding arrived as scheduled.
08:09Both 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,
08:19and 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.
08:29After all, this was their first marriage to a human A sign,
08:32they 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.
08:43Selina, I didn't know Wolfman had such stamina.
08:46At this rate, I'll be giving them an air in no time.
08:49I 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.
08:58Our 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.
09:10She even boasted to the Wolf Clan that she'd be pregnant within six months.
09:14Word had spread quickly.
09:16Seeing how confident she was, Jacob hadn't even questioned it.
09:19But to Bella, my composure looked like a personal challenge.
09:23Forget it.
09:24It's not like you'd understand anyway.
09:26You'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.
09:33I grabbed her arm, stopping her.
09:35Bella, apologize.
09:36Apologize to the Serpent Clan.
09:38Her expression darkened.
09:39She yanked her arm free and yelled,
09:41Selina, have you lost your mind?
09:43The remaining guests in the hall stopped to watch as we argued, eager for the drama.
09:47In 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,
10:02Selina, I'm going to win this life.
10:04Just you wait.
10:04On our wedding night, I stared at Elias's bare body, frozen in place.
10:09No one had ever told me snakes had two.
10:11Seeing me motionless on the bed, Elias misunderstood.
10:14With a pale expression, he bent down to gather his clothes and began dressing.
10:18What do you think you're doing?
10:19I snatched the fabric from his hands, my displeasure written all over my face.
10:23I, I thought you didn't want to.
10:25He stammered, standing awkwardly by the bed, the emerald in his eyes dimming.
10:28If he hadn't made the first move, then I would.
10:31I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his neck,
10:34pulling him down onto the bed as our bodies touched.
10:36That subtle familiar scent surrounded me again.
10:38Elias, you smell really nice.
10:40I murmured without thinking.
10:42He froze for a moment, then the tips of his ears turned faintly pink.
10:45The 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's strength made them the best choice in bed.
10:56But the serpent clan had their own, unique qualities.
10:59Elias didn't stop until dawn lit the sky, and I practically begged for rest.
11:03Three months later, news broke, Bella was pregnant.
11:05I was stunned.
11:07In thousands of years, no human had ever conceived of a beast kin in just three months.
11:11Had I not seen her swollen belly with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it.
11:15The wolf clan threw a grand celebration for the unborn child, inviting all the noble families to share their joy.
11:20Our ancestors must be watching over us.
11:22A child in just three months, what a miracle.
11:24Jacob 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.
11:41But 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.
11:49Selena, three months and still no news from your belly?
11:52Seems like you're really lacking.
11:53Your womb doesn't even try.
11:55Half-beasts matured rapidly.
11:57Two months was enough for them to be born.
11:59Based on her size, her child would arrive next month.
12:02But 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,
12:13and the pain nearly made me wish for death.
12:15But the moment I saw my child safely born, sleeping peacefully in my arms, I knew I had no regrets.
12:20I 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.
12:34Selena, what are you implying?
12:35She couldn't even withstand the slightest probing.
12:38Bella still couldn't keep her composure.
12:40May you have a safe delivery, Bella.
12:41I raised my glass to toast her, then left the banquet with Elias by my side.
12:46One month later, Bella endured three full days and nights of labor before finally giving birth.
12:51But seven days passed, and the wolf clan still hadn't announced the child's arrival.
12:55Even when father tried to visit, they refused him entry.
12:58There was no doubt something was wrong with the child.
13:00Half a month later, father summoned me home.
13:03Seeing the worry in Elias' eyes before I left, I finally relented and asked him to come with me.
13:08In the living room, Bella sat on the floor sobbing, clutching a half-beast red wolf pup in her arms.
13:13This is Jacob's child.
13:14Isn't a color mutation in wolf fur completely normal?
13:17Bella 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 purebred white wolf.
13:24His bloodline had never carried the gene for red wolves.
13:27Jacob's expression was stormy, his entire body radiating fury.
13:30Bella, whose bastard is this?
13:32Who did you sleep with behind my back?
13:34If 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.
13:43Bella loves you so much.
13:44How could she possibly betray you?
13:46Encouraged by father's support, Bella quickly brought the child to Jacob, her voice soft and coaxing.
13:50Look, he looks just like you.
13:52His eyes are identical.
13:53Jacob 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.
14:01That heart-wrenching cry stabbed through me like a knife, evoking the memory of Tristan screaming in the fire in
14:05my past life.
14:06Pain seized my chest.
14:08I could barely breathe.
14:09My 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
14:21strength.
14:22Elias and I lunged at the same time.
14:24In 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.
14:31Everyone in the hall was stunned.
14:32Especially Bella.
14:34Her face went ghostly pale, and she trembled uncontrollably.
14:37Jacob, how could you be so cruel?
14:39Jacob looked at her with none of the affection he once had.
14:42Bella, the Wolf Clan values loyalty and devotion to our mates.
14:45You 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.
14:53In our past life, even after I failed to conceive for six months, he never considered taking another mate.
14:58He just tortured me to vent his frustration.
15:00I wondered now if Bella would be able to endure that same devotion.
15:04The argument between them exploded in the hall.
15:06Bella insisted she had never cheated, while Jacob refused to acknowledge the red pup as his own.
15:11Our father, completely at a loss, turned to me.
15:15Selina, what do you think?
15:16This pup wasn't even mine.
15:18I only came here for the show.
15:20I had no intention of getting involved.
15:23Elias stepped in calmly.
15:24I'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.
15:37No.
15:38This is my and Jacob's child.
15:40We don't need the Phoenix Clan to confirm anything.
15:42But Jacob nodded coldly.
15:45We'll do as he says.
15:46News of the Phoenix Clan's involvement spread like wildfire.
15:49People were already curious about the Wolf Clan's newborn half-beast.
15:52And three days later, crowds flocked to the Wolf Clan's domain to watch the ritual.
15:57Under the phoenix's spell, five crimson marks flew from the red pup's forehead.
16:01One mark landed on Jacob's hand, and the other four shot off toward various residences within the Wolf Clan territory.
16:07You are one of the child's fathers.
16:09The phoenix priest declared solemnly.
16:11A ripple of gasps swept through the hall.
16:14What do you mean, one of the fathers?
16:16You mean this pup has multiple dads?
16:18But the pup clearly carries red wolf blood.
16:21But Jacob is a purebred white wolf.
16:24Bella really knows how to have fun.
16:25With a personality like that, she should have married into the Fox Clan instead.
16:30I stood in the crowd with Elias, protected within his arms.
16:34Hearing the murmurs around us, I nearly laughed out loud.
16:37I had always wondered how Bella managed to get pregnant.
16:40Now that the truth was out about the pup having multiple fathers, it all made sense.
16:44Bella had likely sought out several lovers within the Wolf Clan to increase her chances of conceiving.
16:49A shotgun fertility gamble.
16:51But she hadn't accounted for one red wolf with particularly dominant genes unintentionally exposing her plan.
16:57Was she clever or just reckless?
16:59If she wanted to take that kind of risk, why not stick to white wolves?
17:03Why go and add a red wolf to the mix?
17:05Jacob's expression was black as thunder.
17:07His fists clenched tightly, and he shouted at the servants,
17:11Bring me every wolf in the clan who bears that same crimson mark.
17:14Soon, four wolf beast men were brought in.
17:16Three of them were white wolves.
17:18One was a red wolf.
17:19When I saw the red wolf's face, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.
17:23That seductive beauty could rival anyone from the Fox Clan.
17:26Bella had always been obsessed with appearances.
17:29No wonder she risked everything for a night with him.
17:32Jacob stared at the four beast men none of whom denied their involvement and completely lost his temper.
17:37You stood before me and swore you'd bear me a child, and this is how you repaid me?
17:41Bella rose to her feet, still clutching the baby.
17:44She 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,
17:51I wouldn't have had to take such desperate measures.
17:53If you weren't so useless, would this child look like a red wolf?
17:57Her voice grew increasingly self-righteous.
18:00And didn't the phoenix just say the child is yours?
18:02Isn't that enough?
18:04The next ruler of the Alliance will still come from the wolf clan.
18:07Why are you blaming me?
18:08You should be grateful.
18:09At her words, the leaders of the Fox and Dragon Clan stepped forward from the crowd.
18:14The Fox and Dragon Clan leaders immediately stepped in to challenge Bella's claim.
18:18We 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
18:26a Beast Clan household.
18:27If the wolves start bending the rules like this, what happens to Bloodline Purity?
18:32Who knows what kind of monsters we'd end up with?
18:34This matter requires the unanimous consent of the remaining four clans.
18:38As far as the Fox and Dragon Clans are concerned, we firmly disagree.
18:43The Phoenix Clan, standing quietly to the side, also voiced their stance.
18:47Our clan has long withdrawn from worldly affairs.
18:50We will not participate in these political decisions.
18:54Four clans.
18:55One abstained.
18:56Two objected.
18:58As for the lowly snake clan, no one even bothered to ask their opinion.
19:02Whatever sliver of hope Jacob had felt after hearing Bella's words instantly vanished.
19:06Rage consumed him once more.
19:08Bella, look at what you've done.
19:10You've disgraced the entire wolf clan.
19:11On our way home after the spectacle, Elias remained unusually quiet.
19:16Only after my persistent prodding did he finally speak his mind.
19:19You were staring at that red wolf just now.
19:22Were you thinking I'm not good looking enough?
19:24His jealous tone made me grin, and just like that, I decided to tease him.
19:28To me, no one's more handsome than you Elias.
19:31Especially at night in bed.
19:33I didn't get out of bed for an entire day after that.
19:36A month later, Bella showed up at the snake clan, battered and bruised, begging for my help.
19:41Her eyes were red with tears.
19:43Selena, please, help me.
19:45Jacob's gone mad.
19:47He 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.
19:53If I don't get pregnant soon, I'll die.
19:56Do you know any secret techniques that can help?
19:58Her words didn't shock me in the slightest.
20:01After all, I had lived through this nightmare in my past life.
20:05Bruises covered her exposed skin, fresh wounds layered over old scars.
20:09But she had brought all of this upon herself.
20:11In my previous life, she tricked me into coming home, pretending she missed me.
20:15Then she drugged the water my son and I drank.
20:18When we were too weak to resist, she set the house ablaze and trapped us inside.
20:23I still remember the way she looked at me before leaving eyes mad with hatred as she screamed.
20:27Selena, your life was supposed to be mine.
20:29I should have married into the wolf clan.
20:31I should have born their heir.
20:33Now that she had stolen my life for herself, what was there to regret?
20:37I gently pulled my hand free from hers and calmly replied,
20:40Bella, it's not that I don't want to help you.
20:43Simply that pregnancy between humans and beast kin is incredibly rare.
20:48After giving birth, your body was damaged.
20:50It'll take at least three to five years before you can even try again.
20:54Bella shot to her feet, her eyes flashing with fury.
21:08She flung open the door and stormed out.
21:10I could only shake my head.
21:12Everything I said was true.
21:14Pregnancy between species simply couldn't be forced.
21:17In my past life, the only reason I succeeded was because of the mermaid blood that flowed through my veins.
21:21Back when war broke out, the mere folk refused to ally with humans and retreated into the ocean depths, cutting
21:27ties with the outside world.
21:29My mother, still young and reckless at the time, had shapeshifted into human form and ventured onto land, where she
21:34fell in love with my father at first sight.
21:36To stay with him, she severed her tail and transformed permanently into a human.
21:40It cost her dearly she only had five years left to live.
21:43Before she died, she gave birth to me and sealed away my beastly nature.
21:47Mare folk are naturally fertile.
21:49In my past life, I broke the seal on my beast blood to bear Jacob a child.
21:53It was a slow form of suicide.
21:55Though I eventually succeeded in conceiving, my mermaid essence drained day by day, until my life ran out.
22:01This time, I would never sacrifice myself so foolishly again.
22:05I thought I'd made peace with the idea of never becoming pregnant in this life, until something unexpected happened.
22:10Two months later, one night, Elias placed a hand on my belly, and suddenly froze.
22:15Selena, he asked.
22:17When was the last time you had your period?
22:19I stopped and thought carefully.
22:20It had indeed been almost two months.
22:22My belly had only slightly rounded, so I just assumed I'd gained a little weight.
22:26I stared at him, stunned.
22:28That can't be, can it?
22:30Before I could even finish speaking, Elias leapt out of bed, dressed, and bolted out the door to fetch the
22:35physician.
22:36Less than 15 minutes later, the doctor arrived in our room.
22:39He placed his fingers on my wrist and began to examine my pulse, his brow furrowing deeply as he alternated
22:45between shaking and nodding his head.
22:46The room was oppressively quiet.
22:48Elias sat beside me, his face etched with concern.
22:52Finally, the physician stood and offered us a congratulatory bow.
22:56Congratulations, Elias.
22:58Selena is two months pregnant.
23:00Judging by the signs, she should be ready to lay her egg in just a few days.
23:04I had remained calm until that last part.
23:07Wait, what?
23:08Lay an egg?
23:10I blinked.
23:11Aren't we talking about having a baby?
23:13Elias chuckled and gently stroked my head, explaining,
23:16The snake clan is a bit different from the others.
23:18We lay eggs, then hatch our young.
23:21From the moment we confirmed the pregnancy, Elias wouldn't let me lift a finger.
23:25He followed me around all day, trying to feed me tonics and supplements.
23:28He even bought three immortal honey fruits legendary, priceless treasures said to be the most coveted nourishment for expectant mothers.
23:35In my past life, Jacob had only ever let me have half a fruit.
23:38How could the impoverished snake clan afford three whole ones?
23:42How did you afford this?
23:43I thought the snake clan was supposed to be...
23:46Before I could finish, Elias sat beside me and held a freshly washed fruit up to my lips.
23:51Selena, who told you the snake clan is poor?
23:53Look around our home.
23:54From the flooring to the vases, everything here is expensive.
23:58I glanced around properly for the first time.
24:01The decor, though simple and clean, was unmistakably high-end.
24:04But isn't the snake clan ranked last among the great families?
24:08Don't they say you barely get a share of resources?
24:11Elias gave a soft laugh.
24:12We snakes have always kept a low profile.
24:15We earn our wealth through business, unlike the other clans, who rely on power and politics.
24:20If we rank the clans by wealth, we'd confidently claim first.
24:23Our people pursue immortality.
24:25Most of our wealth goes toward cultivating and refining spiritual medicine.
24:29This world's resources are limited.
24:31We have no interest in squabbling with other clans for scraps.
24:34Our ambition lies beyond all that.
24:36His explanation made everything click.
24:38No wonder every snake clansman I'd met had carried an ethereal aura.
24:42They were secretly training to ascend.
24:44Now that I knew we weren't short on money, I immediately dragged Elias out for a shopping spree.
24:48Halfway down the street, we ran into Bella.
24:51Her belly was noticeably swollen as she clung sweetly to Jacob's arm, picking out accessories.
24:56Since her second pregnancy, Jacob had apparently forgiven her for her past betrayal.
25:01The two were back to playing the doting couple.
25:03Now that Jacob was watching her like a hawk, there was no question this child truly belonged to him.
25:08Selina, what a surprise to see you out and about.
25:10Bella cooed, deliberately resting both hands on her belly to flaunt her pregnancy.
25:14I 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.
25:22Well, make sure it's something decent.
25:24Even if you don't have much money, you shouldn't embarrass father.
25:27The 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.
25:38As 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.
26:14Just as we were leaving, Bella suddenly began clutching her belly and moaning in pain.
26:19Someone in the crowd cried out,
26:20Bella is going into labor too, get her to the birthing hall.
26:23At that moment, the sky lit up with a burst of violet light.
26:27Multicolored rays spread across the heavens, and birdsong filled the air a divine omen.
26:31Before I lost consciousness, I heard the sound of joyous cries echo through the hall.
26:35It's a heavenly sign, this child is destined to lead us into a new golden age.
26:39When I woke, three eggs lay nestled in the incubator beside me.
26:43Elias sat at my side, gently wiping the sweat from my brow with a soft towel.
26:47I was just about to speak when a scream pierced the air it was Bella.
26:51Pre-Rees concert.
26:52I can't do this, I don't want to give birth anymore.
26:55Just kill me, please, kill me now.
26:58Bella, hold on, you're almost there.
27:01Her sobbing and the midwife's encouragement overlapped in a chaotic chorus.
27:05Our birthing rooms were separated by only a single wall.
27:07She was still in the middle of labor.
27:09Selina, you've been through so much.
27:11Elias murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
27:14His gaze held concern, guilt, and overwhelming tenderness.
27:18Is it too noisy here?
27:19Should I take you and the little ones home, so you can rest properly?
27:22In my past life, after I gave birth, Jacob had eyes only for the child.
27:26He didn't care that I'd labored for an entire day and night.
27:29He shoved the baby into my arms and demanded I start nursing immediately.
27:32To him, I was nothing more than a means to produce a half-beast air, someone to help him
27:37secure power.
27:38He didn't care about my body or my pain.
27:40But Elias was different.
27:41From beginning to end, his eyes never left me.
27:44He hadn't even asked me to hatch the eggs myself.
27:47Instead, he'd placed them gently in the incubator and watched over them himself.
27:50It's alright.
27:51I said softly.
27:52I want to see how Bella's labor is going.
27:55This time, I hadn't felt the agony of childbirth.
27:57Delivering three tiny snake eggs had been unusually easy it was over before I even realized, like
28:02waking from a short nap.
28:04I got up and went next door, leaving Elias behind to watch over the eggs.
28:08Inside, Bella was writhing on the bed, sobbing like her heart was being torn apart.
28:12Every time she nearly lost consciousness from the pain, the midwife pried her eyes open and
28:17screamed at her to stay awake.
28:18Half an hour later, the child was finally born.
28:21The moment the midwife caught sight of it, she shrieked in horror.
28:24A monster.
28:25Bella has given birth to a monster.
28:27I stepped closer to see and recoiled in shock.
28:30The child had three legs and four eyes.
28:33Hearing the commotion, Jacob burst into the room.
28:35He froze at the sight before him.
28:38Bella, however, smiled with motherly affection.
28:41The three-legged four-eyed creature clung to her chest, nursing loudly as if nothing were
28:45amiss.
28:46Jacob gagged, turned green, and ran out the door, clutching his mouth.
28:50Bella let out a cold, mocking laugh.
28:53He's the father, so why is he so disgusted?
28:55News of the wolf clan's monstrous birth spread quickly and even reached the ears of the phoenix
29:00clan's high priest.
29:01The priest examined the drooling child carefully and then turned to Bella.
29:05Bella, did you consume anything unusual during your pregnancy?
29:09By all accounts, this child should have been normal.
29:12Bella paled.
29:13Her right hand trembled as she retrieved a small bottle from her sleeve and handed it over.
29:17I took this.
29:19You can save my baby, can't you?
29:21The priest didn't respond right away.
29:23He uncorked the bottle and upon smelling the contents, gave a knowing sigh.
29:27This is a rat clan fertility aid, rat eggs.
29:30There's a folk remedy that claims taking one a day for 30 days will guarantee conception.
29:35But even so, the child shouldn't have turned out this.
29:38Malformed.
29:38The rat clan was immediately summoned and dragged before the wolf clan.
29:42The moment Bella saw the man responsible, she stormed over and grabbed him by the throat,
29:46screaming.
29:47Why isn't my baby normal?
29:49What did you do to me?
29:50Rat clansman, trembling under the weight of the moment and visibly shaken by the sight
29:54of the creature, shoved Bella away and dropped to his knees before Jacob.
29:58This, this must be because Bella didn't follow instructions.
30:01She must have overdosed on the rat eggs.
30:04Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened.
30:06Bella stared him down, eyes blazing.
30:08You said 30 days would guarantee one child, so I figured, if I took them for 60 days,
30:14wouldn't I get two?
30:15As soon as Bella spoke, everyone present finally understood the truth.
30:19Had she followed the instructions properly, she might have had a healthy child.
30:23But her greed had doomed her.
30:25The scandal made the wolf clan a laughingstock yet again.
30:28Rumors spread that Jacob was impotent, and that his wife had not only cheated on him but
30:32even resorted to using a crude fertility folk remedy from the lowly rat clan.
30:35Jacob, already in a foul mood, would only grow more cruel to Bella after this humiliation.
30:40A month later, just as I was shopping for cloth to make clothes for my babies and preparing
30:44to head home, I saw Bella cradling a basket to her chest and sneaking into a secluded alley.
30:49Word on the street was that Bella had lost her mind.
30:52She was said to be snatching children from around the wolf clan.
30:55I didn't give it much thought.
30:57With a cheerful heart, I returned home, eager to welcome my soon-to-hatch little ones.
31:01But the door to my room stood wide open, and the incubator was empty.
31:05All three snake eggs were gone.
31:08Panic surged through me.
31:09I suddenly remembered the green cloth covering Bella's basket.
31:12It looked exactly like the handkerchief I'd left on my writing desk.
31:15I grabbed the dagger Elias had given me for self-defense and sprinted toward the alley
31:19where Bella had disappeared.
31:20Deep inside, I found a dilapidated courtyard, where her eerie voice echoed.
31:25Babies, don't be afraid.
31:27Mommy's right here with you.
31:28I caught her off guard and pressed the blade to her neck, cold fury in my voice.
31:33Bella, give me back my children.
31:34But when I looked down into the basket, my heart dropped.
31:38The eggs had already hatched, and the baby snakes were gone.
31:41Dead?
31:42Escaped?
31:43As I stood frozen, Bella shoved me back and let out a crazed maniacal laugh.
31:47They're dead.
31:48My babies are dead.
31:49And now, so are yours.
31:51Isn't it wonderful?
31:52Truly wonderful.
31:53My eyes burned with rage.
31:55I lunged forward, ready to drive the blade into her and avenge my children.
31:59Suddenly, Elias burst in.
32:02A flash of silver streaked from him a tiny snake, mouth wide, sank its fangs deep into
32:06Bella's neck.
32:07In an instant, she collapsed, coughing up blood, dead with her eyes still wide open.
32:12The little silver snake slithered up my arm and coiled itself there.
32:15Mom!
32:16It said.
32:17I avenged you.
32:18It was Tristan's voice.
32:19He had become my child once more.
32:21I cupped him gently in my palms and kissed his forehead.
32:24Bella's death didn't stir any waves.
32:27My father, already disgraced by her actions, had long stopped acknowledging her as his daughter.
32:32As for Jacob, he couldn't have been more eager for her to disappear.
32:36Seven days later, all three of my baby snakes took human form.
32:40The sky once again erupted in violet light and dazzling rainbow clouds.
32:44Birds filled the heavens with song.
32:45It was another divine omen.
32:47Then, my entire body began to glow with golden light.
32:50In the blink of an eye, a shimmering emerald serpent's tail extended from me, and my eyes
32:55turned a brilliant green.
32:56A voice echoed from the heavens.
32:57It was the Celestial Emperor.
32:59Snake Immortal Selina, for your mischief a thousand years ago shattering the Celestial
33:04Furnace and plunging the three realms into chaos you have now completed your ten lives of tribulation.
33:09You may return to heaven and resume your post.
33:12Memories flooded my mind.
33:13I had once been a flower, a stone, a phoenix, a mermaid.
33:17In every life, Elias had been there, guarding me faithfully.
33:20He could have ascended long ago, but in our final life, he gave up a thousand years of
33:25cultivation to save me.
33:26Before I left, Elias held my hand and whispered,
33:29Wait for me, Selina.
33:30I'll be with you in heaven soon.
33:32The blessing of ascension rained down upon the earth.
33:35All the serpent beastkin knelt to receive the divine light.
33:38We respectfully be a farewell to the snake, immortal.
33:41May she protect us for generations to come.
33:44In a flash of white light, I returned to heaven and resumed my role as the snake immortal,
33:48guardian of the Celestial Garden.
33:50Five hundred years later, I was curled up under the covers, enjoying a lazy nap, when
33:55a familiar fragrance drifted into my nose.
33:57A warm embrace wrapped around me.
33:59Then came a voice, deep and beloved.
34:02Selina, I'm back.
34:03Everyone who ever hurt you, is gone.
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