If a droplet of water fell into boiling hot oil, the entire Snake Tribe erupted.

The crowd knelt down in masses, offering three kowtows and nine bows of great reverence, "We greet the Dragon Queen."

The group of snakes were overwhelmingly excited, producing waves of hissing.

Some were so moved they sniffled, trembling as they said never in their lives had they expected to see the Dragon Queen again.

"I, as a Dragon Queen, have never been worshipped by the Snake Tribe, nor publicly recognized by your Dragon Emperor. I have no formal title, there’s no need for such grand ceremonies." Qing Li crossed a long leg over the armrest, lazily blowing on her fingernails.

Her posture, both arrogant and aloof, exuded an aura far stronger than Yu Longting’s.

Chang Hao prostrated his body to the ground, speaking with utmost sincerity, "When the Dragon Emperor was alive, he often instructed us, saying you are our only mistress."

"Your visit to the Snake Sect is like the Dragon Emperor himself visiting, the Snake Sect is graced with your presence, we are all in awe, and hold you in the highest esteem." Liu Xianzhi also declared his loyalty.

The other snakes echoed in unison, humbly bowing under Qing Li’s skirt.

Qing Li raised an elegant brow, touching her small daughter’s braided hair, "Alright, you may all rise. I’m only staying temporarily with my daughter-in-law, there’s no need for such a big fuss."

"Yes, yes, the Dragon Queen orders it, everyone rise." Chang Hao was the first to stand, waving his arm to get all the snakes on their feet.

He slithered next to Qing Li, asking in a low voice, "Why don’t we see the Snake Lord? Has the Snake Lord returned?"

"Yes, has my big brother returned? I really miss my big brother." Lin Xintang softly said, then glanced at her thumb, whispering, "I miss Second Brother too~"

Ah, that’s really strange.

Yu Rongling and Shenshen unexpectedly hadn’t returned to the Snake Sect, it was unclear what the two of them were up to.

Could they have eloped in the height of their affection?

"Your Snake Lord went to take care of something, he might return another day." Qing Li replied nonchalantly, "Chang Hai Snake, where’s my grandson? You came to greet me, why didn’t you bring him along?"

Hearing Qing Li’s question, my heart tensed up too.

I had only just given birth to Dumpling a few days ago and hadn’t had the chance to properly care for him before falling into the Nether Spring.

Afterwards, I remained separated from Dumpling, failing entirely in my maternal responsibilities.

Would Little Dumpling hold a grudge against me? No longer like me?

"He... he’s practicing talisman drawing in the back mountain, this old minister has not had the chance to notify him." Chang Hao said, deliberately glancing at me.

I thought I misheard, "What? He’s practicing talisman drawing?? You’re not joking, are you?"

"Haha, how could this old minister dare? The Little Snake Lord’s lineage is unique, so... cough, cough... he’s a bit different from ordinary people." Chang Hao coughed lightly, reporting.

Qing Li yawned, "I’m tired, Xintang stay here with me, Wanwan, go bring Dumpling for me to play with."

Lin Xintang seriously nodded to Qing Li, affectionately curling her long tail around Qing Li’s ankle, giving me a toothy smile, "Sister-in-law, hurry and see your little nephew, he’s really missed you."

"Alright, alright, mother-in-law, I’ll go get Dumpling right away." I was immensely grateful in my heart, my mind already flying to the back mountain, reuniting with my Dumpling.

Chang Hao volunteered to lead the way, "Madam, this old man will take you to the back mountain."

"Thank you, has Dumpling been well-behaved lately, is he easy to manage, how has he been... drinking milk?" I followed alongside Chang Hao, my mind filled with thoughts of my soft little dough ball.

Upon hearing my question, Chang Hao’s spine suddenly stiffened, casting a long, meaningful look my way.

Seeing his expression as if he had suffered a grave injustice, I became instantly worried, "Is Dumpling ill? Or has he caused trouble in the Snake Sect, troubling you?"