Chapter 263: Medusa's Strange Request
Beast Domain
A millennium passed swiftly. Huang Min and Ling Yun finally ended up together. However, despite Huang Min's repeated persuasion, Ling Yun remained adamant in rejecting the Emperor's Origin.
Seeing his firm refusal, Huang Min eventually stopped trying. She had already made up her mind when she left the Dou Qi Continent, Ling Yun would accompany her.
Moreover, she learned from Xiao Tianzuo that opportunities for ascension were abundant in the Great Thousand World. Whether it was her or Ling Yun who ascended to Dou Di, it would make no difference.
With this understanding, the two of them, accompanied by Zi Yan, began a journey to search for ancient hidden realms.
Three Days Later: Starfall Pavilion
In Starfall Pavilion, Xiao Yan explained his conversation with Gu Yuan in detail. Across from him, Yao Chen's eyes glimmered with helplessness.
Though Yao Chen had already reached the peak of the Four Star Dou Saint, a level of strength impressive in its own right, he was still far from rivaling the power of the great imperial clans.
In the Dou Qi Continent, strength was paramount. Yao Chen wished to assist Xiao Yan further, but even he had limits.
"Xiao Yan, after hearing what you've told me, I can't say you're wrong. But there's one thing I must remind you of," Yao Chen said with a serious expression.
"Please, Teacher, speak freely," Xiao Yan replied respectfully.
Yao Chen's tone became solemn.
**"No matter what choices you make or how far you go, I urge you never to stand against the Xiao Clan.
The Xiao Clan's strength is unprecedented. In all the historical records of the Dou Qi Continent, no clan has ever reached such heights.
You've benefited greatly from their protection. Whether out of duty or gratitude, you must remain loyal to them."**
Yao Chen paused before continuing.
**"Moreover, Tianzuo's strength is unfathomable. He's the first Dou Di to emerge in millions of years since the Tou She Ancient Emperor.
Soon, the Xiao Clan will likely produce several more Dou Di powerhouses. With such strength, the Gu Clan will never pose a real threat to them.
Even if you wish to stay with Xun'er, I urge you to find another way. Do not agree to the conditions set by the Gu Clan's leader lightly."**
Xiao Yan sighed heavily, shaking his head.
**"Teacher, I don't want to agree either, but Xun'er means everything to me.
As for the Ancient Emperor's inheritance in the Sky Tomb, I'm determined to claim it.
If just if I become a Dou Di, do you think anyone from the Gu Clan would dare to stand between me and Xun'er?"**
Yao Chen smiled faintly but then shook his head again.
**"If you truly ascend to Dou Di, there won't be a woman in the world beyond your reach.
But remember my words: never stand against the Xiao Clan. Consider this my sincerest advice."**
Xiao Yan nodded firmly.
**"Of course, Teacher.
Even though I lack a strong sense of belonging to the Xiao Clan, I know they've supported me immensely over the years.
Without their help, I would've died long ago.
I'll never betray them my father and brothers are still in Tianwaitian, after all."**
Xiao Yan exhaled deeply.
**"For now, I'll take things one step at a time.
Though I promised Xun'er's father to assist the Gu Clan in obtaining the Ancient Emperor's inheritance, it's unlikely they'll succeed.
The Xiao Clan's geniuses have tried and failed countless times why would the Gu Clan fare any better?"**
Yao Chen chuckled softly.
**"As long as you understand.
This matter concerns two imperial clans. My strength is insufficient to intervene. From here, you'll have to walk this path on your own."**
Though he didn't say it aloud, Yao Chen couldn't help but doubt the Gu Clan's chances.
After all, Xiao Tianzuo's wisdom and strength surpassed ordinary comprehension. Could the Gu Clan truly outmaneuver someone like him?
"Thank you for all your guidance over the years, Teacher," Xiao Yan said, bowing deeply.
Yao Chen waved his hand, a satisfied smile on his face.
**"Alright, let's wait patiently for news from Tianwaitian.
It won't be long before they send the invitation for the Sky Tomb trials. When that happens, I'll accompany you."**
"Thank you, Teacher."
Tianwaitian: A Puzzling Visit
Meanwhile, in Tianwaitian, Xiao Tianzuo continued refining his spirit array designs.
No matter how much he studied, a strange barrier prevented him from reaching the level of a Grandmaster.
"Could it be that I can only break through after entering the Great Thousand World?" Xiao Tianzuo wondered silently.
At that moment, Xiao Bieli's voice came from outside the chamber.
"First Elder, the Serpent Clan's leader seeks an audience."
"The Serpent Clan's leader? Medusa?" Xiao Tianzuo muttered, recalling her identity.
"Bring her in."
Soon, the stunning Medusa entered the chamber, her every movement exuding elegance and strength.
"Medusa greets the Elder." She bowed respectfully.
Xiao Tianzuo sized her up with a faint smile.
"What brings you here, girl?"
Medusa's composed demeanor softened slightly in his presence.
**"I heard that the Elder recently ascended to Dou Di. When you returned, I was in seclusion and missed the opportunity to congratulate you in person.
Now that I've finished my training, I wanted to witness your magnificence as the first Dou Di in millions of years."**
Despite her usual cold demeanor, Medusa exuded a stunning charm that felt more refined than imposing.
Xiao Tianzuo chuckled.
**"Sit, girl. It seems you've been working hard these past few years.
Reaching the early Six Star Dou Saint stage in such a short time is no small feat. Truly impressive."**
He used his soul power to pour her a cup of tea.
Medusa accepted the tea gracefully, her tone humble.
"The Elder overpraises me. Compared to you, my so called talent is nothing."
Medusa bowed her head slightly, her voice filled with gratitude.
"If not for my teacher and the Xiao Clan's support all these years, who knows how long it would have taken for me to reach my current level?"
Hearing this, Xiao Tianzuo waved a hand dismissively, smiling.
**"Don't underestimate yourself. Across the entire Dou Qi Continent, very few can compare to your talent.
It's just that you were born in the wrong era. If you had been born ten thousand years earlier, in the same era as the Tou She Ancient Emperor, he might not have beaten you to become a Dou Di.
For someone to evolve from an ordinary magical beast into a Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and now into a Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python this level of talent is anything but ordinary.
By the way, I haven't asked yet how has your Serpent Tribe been adjusting to life in the Tianmu Mountain Range since moving there? Any issues?"**
Medusa stood respectfully and answered, her tone measured.
**"Sir, you flatter me too much; I truly don't deserve such praise.
As for the Serpent Tribe, ever since we relocated to the Tianmu Mountain Range, we've been living well.
We've coexisted peacefully with the Gold Devouring Mouse Tribe, and thanks to the Xiao Clan's influence, there haven't been any conflicts."**
Xiao Tianzuo nodded approvingly.
"That's good to hear. Should any issues arise, don't hesitate to tell me. Since I personally brought you all to the Tianmu Mountain Range, I'll do my best to assist if needed."
While Xiao Tianzuo's gaze held kindness, it was free of ulterior motives. Despite Medusa's stunning beauty perfectly aligning with his aesthetic preferences, just like Xiao Xun'er, she wasn't a suitable candidate for marriage in his eyes.
Medusa bowed once more.
**"Thank you, sir. Things have been going well, and we don't need further assistance.
Actually, apart from congratulating you on ascending to Dou Di, I have another request to make, if you'd be willing to hear it."**
Xiao Tianzuo's curiosity piqued, and he gestured for her to continue.
"What is it?"
Medusa hesitated slightly, her cheeks turning faintly pink.
**"Upon learning that you'll be heading to the Great Thousand World in ten years, I've been thinking I'd like to go and see it for myself.
However, I'm only at the early Six Star Dou Saint level, and my strength might not be sufficient.
So, I humbly ask if you'd be willing to take me along."**
Her words, spoken with a hint of embarrassment, revealed her awareness of the inconvenience this might cause.
Xiao Tianzuo frowned slightly, his tone gentle but firm.
**"Why do you want to go to the Great Thousand World? That place is filled with danger. Even I can't guarantee my safety there.
Besides, I don't see any pressing reason for you to venture there."**
Medusa's cheeks flushed deeper as she bowed her head.
**"I simply wish to see the Great Thousand World's wonders with my own eyes.
If you're willing to take me, I'm even ready to serve as your handmaiden."**
Her declaration startled Xiao Tianzuo.
"A handmaiden?!"
For a moment, he wondered if he'd misheard.
Was this really the proud and noble Medusa, Queen of the Snake People speaking?
In the original storyline, even Xiao Yan had only managed to gain her affection after their intense clash at the Burning Flame Valley. Without that incident, she might never have looked his way, no matter how renowned he became.
Yet here she was, offering to become his handmaiden just to visit the Great Thousand World.
Xiao Tianzuo's expression grew serious.
"Are you joking? You, Medusa, willing to serve as my handmaiden?"
Medusa nodded earnestly, her face a mix of determination and shyness.
**"Yes, sir. In terms of character and strength, you surpass anyone I've ever met.
Now that you've ascended to Dou Di, the first in millions of years, serving you doesn't feel demeaning.
Moreover, I truly want to experience the Great Thousand World. But alone, I know I'd have no way to ensure my safety.
If you're willing, I'll follow you from this moment as your handmaiden."**
Though her expression was sincere, Xiao Tianzuo was taken aback.
He quickly reined in his wandering thoughts and shook his head with a faint smile.
**"There's no need for that. I'm not accustomed to being served.
Since you want to see the Great Thousand World, that's fine. When I leave, you can come along. But as a fellow traveler, not a handmaiden."**
His tone was resolute, leaving no room for debate. A thousand years of cultivation had instilled a strict sense of discipline and self restraint.
Medusa felt a tinge of disappointment at his rejection. Though she had achieved her goal, something felt missing.
She bowed deeply once more.
"Thank you, sir. I'll take my leave now and won't disturb you further."
With that, she turned and departed.
The moment Medusa left, a spatial vortex appeared in the chamber, and Tian Luo emerged with a triumphant grin.
**"Master, mission accomplished. The Soul Clan is no more.
I've brought back all their resources, cultivation techniques, and battle skills from the Soul Realm."**
As he spoke, Tian Luo removed several spatial rings and handed them over.
Xiao Tianzuo gestured, and the rings floated into his hand. After a brief inspection, he couldn't help but exclaim.
"Incredible. The Soul Clan truly lived up to their reputation. The resources here exceed what we took from the Flame Realm by more than half."
Tian Luo chuckled.
**"I was shocked too. The Soul Clan's vast reserves and mysterious methods left me speechless.
When I breached their Soul Realm, even the defenses alone were staggering five grand protective arrays at the entrance alone.
Not to mention, they had twenty Dou Saint level puppets.
But the real treasure was their archive. From Profound Rank Mid Level techniques to more than ten Heaven Rank battle skills, their collection was astounding."**
He poured himself a cup of tea before adding with a grin:
"They say 'great rewards come from great risks.' This operation truly proves it."
Xiao Tianzuo smiled faintly.
**"The Soul Clan was always mysterious and resourceful. I'm not surprised you found such treasures.
Any trouble during the mission? Anything worth noting?"**
Tian Luo shook his head.
**"None at all. After their forces were decimated in the last major battle, the remaining Soul Clan members were too weak to pose a threat.
The strongest ones I encountered were low level Dou Zuns, and for someone at my peak Nine Star Dou Saint level, they were no match. Destroying them was effortless."**
(End of Chapter)
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