Chapter 362: The Snake Empire, His Royal Highness
Inside the bamboo house, the atmosphere seemed to freeze in an instant.
The four elders of the Snake Tribe were utterly shocked, staring at Mo Yu, speechless after his bold words.
No matter how calm they usually were or how esteemed their positions were in the tribe, at this moment, they were completely stunned.
"Hmph, boy, don't think that just because you've accomplished something impressive, you can disregard our Snake Tribe!" the Second Elder finally snapped, her voice cold and stern.
Ignoring the Second Elder, Mo Yu turned to the Great Elder in the center and said, "I assume you didn't call me here just to argue. If there's something you need, say it directly. If it's within my power, I'll help out, especially for Cai Lin's sake. But if you keep throwing out pointless threats, I won't care what you say anymore."
Hearing Mo Yu's composed tone, the four elders exchanged looks. The Great Elder cleared her throat and spoke in a raspy voice, "According to the rules of our Snake Tribe, anyone who defiles the tribe leader must face the punishment of being devoured by a thousand snakes. However, the leader has explained the circumstances, and we can't fully blame Lord Mo Yu for what happened. Therefore, we can waive the punishment. But still, Mo Yu has dishonored our tribe leader, and there must be some form of compensation."
Now that the Great Elder had revealed the true purpose of their meeting, Mo Yu placed his hands behind his back and responded calmly, "Please, Great Elder, speak your request. If it's something I can do, as the Lord of Yuan Manor, I won't hesitate to help."
"Good," the Great Elder nodded and shared a look with the other elders, pleased by Mo Yu's willingness to cooperate. They couldn't help but regret their earlier hostility, realizing they hadn't needed to pressure him by leveraging Cai Lin's honor.
Noticing the elders' subtle shift, Mo Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling a hint of distaste, though he kept quiet. After all, Cai Lin's body had been involved, so he was willing to offer the Snake Tribe a form of "bride price" for her.
Furthermore, helping the Snake Tribe was also a way for Mo Yu to honor the relationship with Cai Lin's guardian, Uncle Snake.
The Great Elder, seeing that Mo Yu was willing to listen, continued, "You must be somewhat familiar with our Snake Tribe's history. We once lived in the Magical Beast Mountain Range but were forced to migrate to the Tagor Desert due to human oppression. Now that our Queen Medusa has completed her evolution into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, we wish to restore our tribe's former glory and return to our ancestral lands.
"However, although Yunlan Sect has fallen, your cousin Xiao Yan's Yan Alliance has risen to become even stronger than Yunlan Sect ever was. Therefore, we hope that, out of respect for our tribe leader, you will ask the Yan Alliance and other human factions not to interfere with our relocation, and to stay out of our new territory. If you can ensure that, we vow that as long as no one offends us, we will not provoke any humans."
Mo Yu blinked, surprised by the request. He hadn't expected the Snake Tribe to ask for this, but it made sense. Historically, there had been deep-rooted animosity between humans and the Snake Tribe. In the original timeline, this animosity was only diminished because the Mulan Empire and two other empires launched a joint invasion of the Jia Ma Empire, forcing humans and the Snake Tribe to unite.
Now that there was no external invasion, the tensions between humans and the Snake Tribe still lingered. With the Yan Alliance, made up of the three major families and the Alchemist Association, they were unlikely to tolerate the Snake Tribe expanding its strength freely.
Mo Yu turned his gaze to Cai Lin, who was sitting quietly beside the four elders. His thoughts raced as he considered the situation, then he spoke slowly, "I fully support the Snake Tribe's desire to return to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. However, the Jia Ma Empire is under the control of my cousin, Xiao Yan. I can certainly help negotiate on behalf of the Snake Tribe, but if two powerful forces occupy the same territory, conflict is inevitable.
"The Yan Alliance, created by Xiao Yan, has immense potential. In time, it could dominate the entire Northwest Continent."
The four elders exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions darkening. They could see that Mo Yu wasn't entirely on board with their plan. If he refused, their hopes of relocating would be dashed. After all, the leader of the Yan Alliance, Xiao Yan, wasn't someone to be trifled with.
Cai Lin's eyes also filled with disappointment. She clenched her delicate hands, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. She had given herself to Mo Yu, yet he seemed unwilling to grant her this one request.
Sensing the shift in mood, Mo Yu quickly smiled and explained, "I think you've misunderstood me. I never said I wouldn't help the Snake Tribe return to the Magical Beast Mountain Range."
The Second Elder sneered, "Then what is your plan? Do you intend to plant a forest in the Tagor Desert?"
Mo Yu chuckled and shook his head. "What I mean is that the Jia Ma Empire is under the Yan Alliance's control, and having two major forces in one place will inevitably lead to conflict. So, my suggestion is for the Snake Tribe to relocate even farther.
"The Magical Beast Mountain Range stretches across multiple empires, not just the Jia Ma Empire. The neighboring Jin Yan Empire also has territory within the mountain range. Their strongest sect, the Jin Yan Sect, has already submitted to me, and I can order them to fully cooperate with the Snake Tribe's relocation.
"In fact, the Snake Tribe could even replace the Jin Yan Sect as the dominant power in the Jin Yan Empire. You could create a kingdom of your own—a Snake Empire. Let this Snake Empire be my bridal gift to Queen Medusa. What do you say?"
"A Snake Empire?"
The four elders were stunned. Then, their old eyes lit up with excitement. The idea of creating their own empire had been a long-held dream of the Snake Tribe, something their ancestors had sacrificed their lives for. But despite their strength, they had always been surrounded by human powers. Even if they managed to overthrow one empire, others would rise against them, making the dream seem more and more unattainable.
Now, Mo Yu's proposal made the Snake Empire a real possibility.
Even Medusa herself was surprised. Her beautiful eyes gazed at Mo Yu, and for once, the cold and decisive warrior disappeared, replaced by a softer expression. Her lips parted slightly, and her graceful neck trembled as she swallowed.
The temptation of the Snake Empire was immense. If it succeeded, she would become the first Queen of the Snake Empire in over a thousand years.
With that thought, the dissatisfaction she'd felt toward Mo Yu quickly melted away. Thinking about his offer of a "bridal gift," her cold cheeks turned pink, and the look she gave Mo Yu softened considerably.
"Hehe, Lord Mo Yu, if you can truly help the Snake Tribe establish a Snake Empire, then I fully support your marriage to our tribe leader. From now on, you will be His Royal Highness of the Snake Tribe!"
"His Royal Highness?" Mo Yu muttered, puzzled by the title.
When he noticed Cai Lin's blushing face, he suddenly understood. As the Snake Tribe's Queen, her partner would be referred to as the king, or in this case, "His Royal Highness."
Shaking his head, Mo Yu quickly turned back to the matter at hand. "Let's save the title of 'His Royal Highness' for when the Snake Empire is officially established, and Cai Lin ascends as its Empress. For now, plan the relocation route carefully. I'll send Yan Tianxing and some experts from Yuan Manor to assist you. As long as you don't attack humans indiscriminately, you can transform the Jin Yan Empire into the Snake Empire within two years."
Hearing Mo Yu's assurance, the Great Elder couldn't hide her joy. She smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly. "His Royal Highness, don't worry. Our Snake Tribe doesn't kill without reason. Once we establish the empire, the humans within it will be our subjects. As long as they behave, we won't harm them."
Mo Yu nodded in agreement. As a human himself, he didn't want to see the people of the Jin Yan Empire enslaved or slaughtered by the Snake Tribe. But with Cai Lin's leadership, he trusted that such horrors wouldn't occur.
After settling the important matters, the four elders' attitudes toward Mo Yu grew noticeably friendlier. They chatted for a while before finally asking Medusa to escort him out.
As Mo Yu and Medusa walked along the quiet paths, neither spoke. Yet, after what had just transpired, there was a new sense of understanding between them.
After all, the title "His Royal Highness" said it all, and Cai Lin hadn't rejected it.
Walking together, Mo Yu calmly headed toward the front courtyard, ignoring the curious gazes from the surrounding Snake warriors.
"Hey, you, stop!"
As Mo Yu passed through the outer courtyard, a loud voice suddenly called out. Several large figures appeared before him, blocking his way.
Mo Yu looked up and frowned slightly. In front of him stood the same snake man who had tried to ambush him earlier—Mebas. Beside him stood another stern-looking male snake warrior, whose aura suggested he was also a Dou Emperor, though likely at a lower level, around six or seven stars.
"Brother Qing Zhan, this is Mo Yu, the one the elders said might become our tribe leader's husband," Mebas muttered, keeping a wary eye on Mo Yu as he addressed the cold-looking snake man beside him.
Qing Zhan nodded, his triangular eyes narrowing as they locked onto Mo Yu. His voice was deep and menacing. "Human, I am Qing Zhan, the Snake Tribe's commander-in-chief. I suggest you stay away from our tribe leader. Otherwise, you'll only be bringing trouble upon yourself. Our Snake Tribe does not associate with outsiders."
Mo Yu's silver eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin after this repeated provocation. A cold light flashed in his gaze.
By now, a number of Snake Tribe warriors had gathered to watch the confrontation, intrigued by the tension between Qing Zhan and Mo Yu. Most of them were aware of Mo Yu's connection with Medusa.
"Step aside," Mo Yu said calmly, lifting his gaze.
Qing Zhan's eyes gleamed with hostility. "I hope I don't see you around here again," he growled.
Mo Yu raised an eyebrow, his patience finally snapping. He took a step forward, moving directly toward Qing Zhan and Mebas.
Seeing Mo Yu approach, Mebas recalled his earlier defeat and quickly backed away.
Qing Zhan, however, stood his ground. Mo Yu showed no sign of hesitation, and as he neared, their bodies collided.
"Boom!"
What seemed like a light bump suddenly exploded with force. To everyone's shock, Qing Zhan was thrown backward as if struck by a heavy blow. He staggered for several meters before falling hard to the ground, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Forcing himself to his feet, Qing Zhan steadied himself, his expression becoming even more serious. Mo Yu wasn't just an ordinary Dou Emperor—he was a Five-Star Dou Emperor. Moreover, his physical strength was terrifying, comparable to that of a sixth-tier magical beast.
Though he had been bested, Qing Zhan's face darkened. As commander-in-chief of the Snake Tribe, his rank was second only to Medusa herself.
Even more humiliating, this defeat had been witnessed by many of the tribe's warriors.
As Mo Yu continued walking toward the gate without breaking stride, Qing Zhan's eyes flashed with murderous intent. With a roar, he unleashed his Dou Qi, the powerful aura spreading out and causing the nearby Snake warriors to step back.
Mo Yu turned, his expression indifferent. A cold smile played on his lips as fiery red lightning slowly began to swirl around his body.
"Whoosh!"
Just as Mo Yu prepared to release the Vermillion Bird Flame Lightning, a sudden gust of wind echoed through the courtyard. A green shadow streaked through the air, striking Qing Zhan in the chest with lightning speed. The blow knocked him backward with a muffled grunt, instantly dissipating his Dou Qi.
The green shadow fell to the ground, revealing itself as a simple green twig.
Recognizing the twig, Mo Yu sighed and withdrew his Vermillion Bird Flame Lightning. There was only one person in the Snake Tribe who could knock back a Dou Emperor with a twig—Medusa.
"Qing Zhan, Mebas, it seems you've grown bold enough to disrespect me," came Medusa's icy voice, her words causing both men to kneel immediately. They could sense the anger in her tone.
"After discussions with the elders, it's been decided that Mo Yu will become the Snake Tribe's Prince Consort, with a status equal to my own. If anyone dares to cause him trouble again, I will personally see to it that they are punished!"
With those cold words, Medusa turned and walked away.
However, just before leaving, she cast a lingering glance at Mo Yu. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Mo Yu could see a hint of shyness in her gaze. It seemed that even the usually fearsome Queen Medusa felt embarrassed by the title "Prince Consort."
The gathered Snake warriors exchanged glances. None of them had expected Mo Yu to be named the Prince Consort of the Snake Tribe.
Everyone understood what that title meant. Many of the male Snake warriors looked at Mo Yu with a mix of envy and jealousy.
After all, Medusa had long been the untouchable goddess of their tribe. Yet today, their goddess had been promised to Mo Yu!
(End of Chapter)
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