The countless energy snakes Yue Mei had manifested continued to roam frantically within the space sealed by Old Shui, yet none could escape.
It became clear then why the two intruders had remained so calm.
They were never worried she could flee.
Old Shui's aura suddenly erupted.
The energy snakes below began to collapse one after another, dissolving into nothingness. Eventually, Yue Mei's true body was revealed. She leaned weakly against the invisible spatial wall, her face pale, a trace of blood at the corner of her lips.
"See? You had to suffer unnecessarily. If you had cooperated, you wouldn't have been hurt. Now look, it's rather heartbreaking."
Xiao Zhitian clicked his tongue as he spoke, though his expression remained perfectly calm.
"Old Shui, take this gift. Let's go."
He lifted his gaze toward the distance.
"Let's see how magnificent and peerless Queen Medusa truly is."
Shui Ye stepped forward, instantly sealing Yue Mei's cultivation. With a light strike, he knocked her unconscious and locked her within spatial confinement.
Then, without delay, he carried Xiao Zhitian toward the direction of the strongest aura he had sensed.
Along the way—
"System check-in."
Ding!Checked in at the territory of the Snake-People's Eight Major Tribes.Reward obtained:
Soul Purification Talisman ×1
Snake Evolution Secret Art
Soul Purification Talisman: Removes all soul restraints.Snake Evolution Secret Art: Records methods for assisting snake-type magical beasts in evolution.
Xiao Zhitian raised an eyebrow slightly.Both rewards were extremely useful at this stage.
Not long after, they arrived at the very heart of the Snake-People territory.
A majestic giant city stood proudly in the desert.
Flying into the city, they soon reached a grand and solemn divine temple. Its aura was ancient, heavy, and filled with authority.
"Hall Master," Shui Ye said softly, stopping mid-air."Medusa is inside."
Xiao Zhitian nodded.
"Then let's go. No need to knock."
They entered directly.
Inside was an expansive, luxurious main hall. At its center stood a high platform, and atop it sat a purple crystal throne.
Upon the throne lay a woman.
She wore an elegant purple brocade robe, her figure full and graceful like a ripe peach, exuding an irresistible charm. Golden ornaments adorned her forehead and temples.
Her face was breathtakingly beautiful.
Yet beneath that beauty lay a noble, queenly dignity that stirred the heart unconsciously.
From beneath her robe, a section of a purple snake tail was faintly visible.
Queen Medusa.
She sensed the intrusion and slowly sat upright.
Her eyes swept over the three intruders.
One was Yue Mei, one of her tribal leaders.The other two—an elderly man and a young man.
The old man appeared ordinary, as if lacking any aura, yet instinct screamed danger.
The young man, however…
His features were exquisitely sculpted. Dressed simply in black, yet every movement radiated confidence and composure. Even Medusa, who was never shallow, found herself momentarily distracted.
Her gaze sharpened.
"Humans," she said coldly,"Do you know where you stand? You have trespassed into my divine temple and even injured my subordinate. Is this not a capital offense?"
Xiao Zhitian ignored the killing intent in her voice and casually sat down on a nearby chair. Shui Ye remained behind him, guarding quietly.
"I came specifically to pay my respects to Queen Medusa," Xiao Zhitian said calmly."I have no ill intentions."
"You brought my subordinate here injured and restrained, yet you claim no ill intentions?" Medusa's tone grew colder.
"I merely thought you might appreciate a reunion. I also lacked a proper gift, so I improvised."He shrugged lightly."Unfortunately, she wasn't very cooperative. I had no choice but to knock her out."
"Then should this King thank you?" Medusa licked her lips faintly, her eyes locked onto Xiao Zhitian.
She raised a hand. Yue Mei was drawn toward her by invisible force.
After examining her condition and confirming she was only exhausted and unconscious, Medusa awakened her.
"Please punish me, Your Majesty." Yue Mei knelt instantly, guilt-stricken. Then she whispered urgently,"Your Majesty… that old man is a Dou Zong."
Medusa's pupils contracted slightly — but only for an instant.
"This matter is not your fault," she said calmly."Leave. And ensure that nothing of this is spoken."
Yue Mei bowed deeply and departed.
Xiao Zhitian watched without interference.
"Is Queen Medusa satisfied with this doorstep gift?" he asked with a smile, clearly provoking her on purpose.
Medusa's expression darkened.
"Presumptuous!"
Her aura erupted toward him.
But—
"Hmph."
A single soft snort from Shui Ye.
Medusa's aura was shattered instantly, and a powerful backlash forced her back onto her throne.
Her eyes sharpened.
"You are a Dou Zong…" she said quietly."Then tell me. What do you truly want?"
In the next instant, her expression softened. A beautiful, charming smile bloomed across her face, as though nothing had happened.
Beauty and danger coexisted within her.
"I came for the Heavenly Flame," Xiao Zhitian said lightly."And to make a deal with Queen Medusa."
Medusa's eyes narrowed.
"How do you know I possess a Heavenly Flame?"
"When we passed by, we sensed its aura," Xiao Zhitian replied calmly."You are using it to gamble on evolution. But the success rate… is extremely low."
He leaned back slightly, resting his chin on his hand.
Medusa studied him carefully.
"You truly know quite a lot."
"That's not the important part."Xiao Zhitian smiled faintly."The important part is… I'm here to make an exchange."
"An exchange?" Medusa became interested."With a Dou Zong backing you, your background must be extraordinary. Very well. Speak."
Xiao Zhitian looked directly into her eyes.
"What if I said… I can help you evolve successfully—without any life-threatening danger?"