Medusa arrived at Xiao Zhitian's room. Seeing the wide-open door, she immediately understood that he was already aware of her presence.
She walked inside, her enchanting purple snake tail trailing behind her.
Xiao Zhitian's gaze unconsciously fell upon her exposed, perfectly toned waist and abdomen. It was a sight he never seemed to tire of.
"May I know why Queen Medusa has come to see me?" Xiao Zhitian asked calmly, sitting on a chair and looking at her.
Medusa sat down directly on the chair beside him, turning sideways to face him."You've been staring at me ever since I entered. Do you have some intention toward this Queen?"
"Queen Medusa is simply too beautiful. It's only natural to take a few extra glances. A fair maiden deserves a gentleman's admiration," Xiao Zhitian replied without the slightest embarrassment.
Since Medusa had already said it openly, there was no reason for him to pretend otherwise.
"Since you like this Queen so much, why not stay with the Snake-People Tribe? I can grant you the position of elder," Medusa said with a faint smile, studying his immortal-like appearance.
"Your Majesty is joking. I'm not someone who serves others—I'm more accustomed to being served. I wonder if Your Majesty has any such thoughts?" Xiao Zhitian replied, a faint smile on his lips.
"That's unfortunate. It seems we are both the same type of person." Medusa covered her lips and chuckled softly, her charm unconsciously spreading.A storage ring appeared in her hand, which she placed on the table between them.
"These are the medicinal ingredients from your list. However, there is still one missing."
Xiao Zhitian took the ring and inspected it with his soul. Sure enough, only Cold Marrow Branch was missing.
"Perhaps it will be delivered to us soon," he said meaningfully.
Medusa did not understand his words. Just as she was about to ask further, she suddenly sensed several unfamiliar auras outside the city.
"I am Gu He. I apologize for my sudden arrival. I wish to discuss something with Queen Medusa. May Your Majesty grant me an audience?"
The voice echoed across the Snake-People Tribe.
Hearing it, Xiao Zhitian knew Gu He and the others had arrived. It was time for his plan.
"These newcomers are likely here for your Heavenly Flame," Xiao Zhitian said calmly. "I want to make a deal with you."
"Haven't I already promised you the Heavenly Flame after my evolution? My word is my bond. What other deal do you want?" Medusa asked, confused.
"I need you to capture everyone except that Dou Huang. I will handle the Dou Huang myself. Afterward, provide me a place to imprison and guard them. They will be very useful to me."
He continued, "In return, I will give you the Han Sui Zhi you need, and I will owe you one favor."
The medicinal ingredient was no great loss to him.As for a favor… Xiao Zhitian smiled inwardly. He planned to abduct the evolved Medusa anyway.
Hearing his conditions, Medusa's expression changed slightly. Whether it was the missing ingredient or the favor of someone backed by a Dou Zong, both were impossible for her to refuse.
"Alright. I agree."
"Then, pleasant cooperation. I leave everything to Your Majesty."
Xiao Zhitian stood and extended his hand. Medusa hesitated for a moment before extending hers as well. Their hands met briefly—cool and soft—before separating.
Medusa turned and left, unfurling her purple wings as she flew toward the city perimeter.
Xiao Zhitian donned a cloak. Together with Shui Ye, he concealed himself and silently followed.
From a hidden position, Xiao Zhitian observed the confrontation between the Snake-People factions and Gu He's group.
Gu He attempted to negotiate for the Heavenly Flame, but compared to Xiao Zhitian's offer, his conditions were clearly insufficient. Medusa rejected him without hesitation.
Seeing negotiations fail, Gu He prepared to retreat.
"You trespassed into my territory, injured my people, and destroyed many places. Do you plan to leave without discussing compensation?" Medusa said coldly. "How about entering the city to discuss this properly?"
The three tribal leaders and Hua She Er—four Dou Kings in total—surrounded Gu He's group.
"What compensation does Your Majesty require?" Gu He asked quickly.
"Let us discuss it inside the city. Negotiating here lacks sincerity," Medusa replied, releasing her peak Dou Huang aura.
"This is bad. I'll hold them off—everyone else retreat!" Yun Yun said, stepping forward and releasing her own peak four-star Dou Huang aura.
Gu He and the others immediately tried to flee.
Medusa signaled the four Dou Kings to intercept them.
Yun Yun attempted to block Medusa, but Medusa smirked."There is only one female Dou Huang in the Jia Ma Empire. Wouldn't you agree, Sect Master Yun Yun?"
Her identity exposed, Yun Yun said nothing. A rapier appeared in her hand."If you want to fight, then fight. I'd like to test Queen Medusa's strength."
"Your opponent is not me," Medusa said lightly. "If you don't act quickly, the others will escape."
She turned slightly toward the void.
In the next instant, Yun Yun felt her body freeze in mid-air.
Shui Ye appeared above her, instantly suppressing and sealing her Dou Qi.
Yun Yun looked up at the old man and the cloaked figure beside him."You are not Snake-People. Who are you?"
Xiao Zhitian remained silent. Though his heart felt heavy, this had to be done.
Elsewhere, Gu He's group, sensing the terrifying aura and seeing Yun Yun captured, could only surrender.
"Consider yourselves sensible," Medusa said coldly, sealing their cultivation before ordering Hua She Er to guard them.
With the matter resolved, Xiao Zhitian and Shui Ye brought Yun Yun back to the Snake-People Temple.
…
Back in the hall, Medusa sat upon her throne, studying Xiao Zhitian, who remained cloaked.
"Why are you still wearing that cloak?" she asked curiously.
"The situation is special. Let's not discuss it for now," Xiao Zhitian replied in a deliberately hoarse voice.
"That voice of yours…" Medusa frowned. "Strange."
"Don't worry. You still have value. I won't kill you."
Xiao Zhitian's gaze fell upon the captives in the hall. Yun Yun stood restrained, while the others lay bound like caterpillars.
He walked over to Gu He and removed the storage ring from his finger without hesitation.
"Wuwuwu…"
Gu He, sealed and unable to speak, could only glare in fury as his entire life's collection was taken—utterly powerless.