"Who would have thought that Queen Medusa actually succeeded in evolving...?" Ya Fei murmured softly, surprise and amazement flickering in her eyes.
"Will she... come here?" Hai Bodong asked, his expression stiffening with fear and lingering trauma as he glanced at Xiao Hua with slight apprehension.
"Even if she does, it's better to make sure she arrives as a citizen of the Jia Ma Empire rather than as its enemy," Xiao Hua replied, shaking his head helplessly at the question.
Hai Bodong gave a dry laugh in response, while even Primer Tengshan remained silent. As members of the older generation, they naturally understood how terrifying and merciless that woman could be toward her enemies.
Indeed, with Queen Medusa's ruthless nature, she would surely return to the Jia Ma Empire once she had fully recovered and stabilized her strength. After all, she would want to relocate her people to a better land than that hellish desert—a place utterly unsuitable for their growth and survival.
"Is that why you're seeking our help?" Ya Fei asked.
"That's one reason," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile. "But more than that, I made a promise to assist her with the relocation—even if it was a promise I made only to myself."
"It seems Queen Medusa's determination and will during her evolution must have left quite the impression for you to be this invested," Ya Fei chuckled softly, faint amusement flickering in her eyes.
"In any case, I don't mind helping you with this matter. Compared to what you've done for the Miteer Family, this is a small favor."
Though her tone was casual, the expressions of Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan showed they held no objections either.
Besides, forming some sort of alliance with the Snake-People was now a wise move. With Queen Medusa successfully evolving and breaking through to the Dou Zong class, the political landscape of the Jia Ma Empire had changed.
Aside from Xiao Hua, there was no one else in the empire who could stand against her should she return with hostility.
Moreover, it wasn't just them supporting this effort—Xiao Hua also intended to request aid from the Xiao Clan. With two of the empire's most powerful factions backing the Snake-People, no fool would dare provoke them without cause.
"Then, are you planning to visit the Imperial Family as well? You'll need their permission—not just because this is their empire, but also to avoid stirring any ill will between you," Ya Fei said, tapping her chin thoughtfully as she spoke.
"Seems like they've been keeping a close eye on the Xiao Clan ever since I revealed my strike that day..." Xiao Hua sighed and shook his head. Naturally, he had already heard the Imperial Family's movement from Xiao Ding last night.
"I know, Elder Hai informed me about it." Ya Fei nodded.
"There's another reason they're watching your clan," she added, a hint of annoyance curling at the corner of her lips.
"Jia Xing Tian failed to break through to the Dou Zong class, which has put tremendous pressure on the Imperial Family. They're afraid that Xiao Tao or Xiao Yang might achieve Dou Zong first. If that happens, they fear that it will threaten their authority and shake their status."
"Well, it seems I can use Zong Breaking Pills as a bargaining chip," Xiao Hua said with a teasing smirk curling at the corner of his lips. He was already thinking of the simplest pills he could offer.
Thanks to the numerous Gacha Draws he had made, his storage rings were overflowing with random medicinal pills. Among them, the Zong Breaking Pills were particularly abundant—more than twenty of them sat gathering dust in one of his spare storage rings.
"If that doesn't work, you could always use Queen Medusa's name," Ya Fei said with a faint smile, casually suggesting something so bold it sent a chill down the spines of Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan.
They could hardly believe Ya Fei would so lightly suggest invoking Queen Medusa's name just to intimidate Jia Xing Tian. If that terrifying woman ever learned of it, she would undoubtedly be seeking some pointers with Ya Fei. For her, taking a life was as trivial as killing a chicken.
Noticing the horrified expressions of Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan, Ya Fei glanced at them with a widening smile, amusement gleaming in her eyes.
"Jia Xing Tian belongs to the same generation as Elder Hai and Grandfather. Judging by their reactions, there's no doubt he'll choose to maintain peace over risking enmity—especially when dealing with someone like her."
Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan exchanged glances, then let out dry, bitter laughs. They couldn't deny the truth in her words.
"I was planning to do that anyway," Xiao Hua said with a light shrug, scoffing softly.
"Now that I've informed you about the Snake-People's relocation, I'll head to the Imperial Family. Once I secure a location, I'll let you know."
With that, Xiao Hua departed from the Miteer Family and made his way toward the Imperial Palace. Naturally, news of his presence in Jia Ma Sacred City spread swiftly—but by the time the rumors reached their peak, he had already left, wearing a faint smile.
…
To his surprise, negotiations with the Imperial Family were far easier than expected. As it turned out, Queen Medusa's name was more effective than any formal proposal. The moment Jia Xing Tian learned of her successful evolution, he immediately agreed.
Still, to ensure there were no lingering grudges or resentment, Xiao Hua offered several Zong Breaking Pills as a gesture of goodwill. He even gifted a rare Body Transformation Pill to aid the Serene Sea Scaly Beast—an offering that further cemented their cooperation.
At the end of the day, it wasn't Xiao Hua's status or strength that swayed the negotiations—it was their fear of Queen Medusa.
Xiao Hua could only let out a dry chuckle as he recalled the pale, frightened expressions on Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye's faces.
After returning to the Miteer Family, he informed Ya Fei, Hai Bodong, and Primer Tengshan of the location granted by the Imperial Family for the Snake-People's new home. Without delay, he then departed for Wu Tan City.
Upon his arrival, Xiao Hua immediately summoned a private meeting with Xiao Zhan, the First Elder, the Second Elder, Xiao Tao, and Xiao Yang. The remaining elders and members of Xiao Clan were not invited.
"Haha, Supreme Elder, may I ask why this meeting is limited to just us?" Xiao Zhan asked as he stepped into the room, where Xiao Hua had already set up a sound-proof barrier and was calmly awaiting their arrival.
"I recently encountered two powerful individuals who were looking for something they called the 'Key' of the Xiao Clan," Xiao Hua said without hesitation, cutting straight to the point. "I'd like to ask the Clan Leader and the elders—what exactly is this 'Key' they're referring to?"
His words immediately triggered visible alarm. Xiao Zhan and the others stiffened, their expressions darkening. From their reactions, it was clear they believed the two individuals Xiao Hua encountered had fought him under the assumption that he possessed the 'Key'—the Xiao Clan's most closely guarded secret.
"I suppose it's time we speak of our clan's history... the ancient legacy of the Xiao Clan, back when we stood among the strongest forces on the entire Dou Qi Continent," Xiao Zhan said with a heavy sigh, his tone solemn as he began recounting the long-buried past, including about the Tou She Ancient God's Jade on their hands.
Xiao Hua remained silent throughout the story, his expression calm and attentive. Though he appeared to be listening carefully, inwardly he was indifferent—he already knew everything being said. In fact, there was no doubt he knew even more than Xiao Zhan.
Still, he maintained a solemn expression, knowing full well this history was deeply tied to his future path. He needed to guide them forward without revealing just how much he truly knew.
"This is the extent of the history passed down within the Xiao Clan," Xiao Zhan concluded. "Only the Clan Head, the two Grand Elders, and a few trusted elders are privy to it. We had intended to share it with you, but with you often away from the clan, the opportunity never came."
After a long pause, Xiao Zhan finally finished. As expected, everything shared was already within Xiao Hua's knowledge—and far more remained known only to him.
"I see..." Xiao Hua murmured softly, rubbing his chin as though carefully absorbing the information, his expression contemplative.
"What do you think we should do next, Cousin Xiao Hua?" Xiao Tao asked, seeking guidance for their next course of action.
Considering that someone strong enough to challenge Xiao Hua had appeared, it was obvious that no other member of the Xiao Clan could possibly stand against such opponents.
"I believe it's best for me to head to the Central Plains as soon as possible," Xiao Hua said after a brief pause. "If I act swiftly, I can divert their attention away from the clan."
"Should we entrust the Tou She Ancient God's Jade to you?" Xiao Zhan asked curiously. The Xiao Clan's duty had always been to protect the jade, and the strongest among them traditionally bore that responsibility.
In truth, Xiao Zhan had long intended to pass it on to Xiao Hua, but time and circumstances had prevented it. Now seemed like the right moment.
"No, it's better that I don't take it," Xiao Hua replied, shaking his head. "Since I'll be deliberately drawing their focus, it's safer if someone else holds it. If something happens to me, the jade might fall into the wrong hands."
His words cast a heavy silence over the room. Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang frowned deeply, concern clearly etched on their faces. Even Xiao Zhan and the two elders could not hide their worry for him.
"Rest assured. I'm not foolish enough to confront them head-on or wander about in the open, waiting to be struck," Xiao Hua said, raising his hand to calm their concerns. His tone was light, but firm.
"I only want to draw their attention away—prevent powerful experts from coming here and endangering the clan. Even if they do send others, I hope the threat will be something the clan can handle."
Xiao Tao and the others exchanged glances before lowering their heads slightly. A heavy sigh escaped their lips, each of them feeling the sting of helplessness. They hated that they couldn't do more—that they had to rely on Xiao Hua to shoulder everything alone.
"Then, we must trouble Supreme Elder with this responsibility," Xiao Zhan said at last. Together with the two elders, he stood and bowed deeply.
Though their status was senior, they felt ashamed. Ashamed that the burden had fallen to someone of the younger generation—yet they had no choice. They simply weren't strong enough to carry it themselves.
"It's nothing," Xiao Hua said with a faint smile, shaking his head. "Anyway, there's another matter I'd like to discuss."
He went on to explain Queen Medusa's successful evolution, the planned relocation of the Snake-People, and his request for the Xiao Clan to assist in the process.
"Haha! If it's something that minor, the current Xiao Clan can handle it with ease," Xiao Yang laughed heartily, patting Xiao Hua on the shoulder. "With all the benefits we've received from you, it's only natural that the clan follows your will."
The others nodded in agreement, their expressions calm and resolute. To them, this matter was straightforward and well within the clan's capability.
Though they were surprised to hear of Queen Medusa's evolution and Xiao Hua's involvement with the Snake-People's relocation, their trust in him left no room for hesitation. Since Xiao Hua had given his word, they would offer their full support without question.
With nothing else to address, Xiao Hua bid farewell to the Xiao Clan and the others, then made his way back to the small valley—where several people were already waiting for his return.
…
"So, Sister Medusa turned into this white-colored snake?" Zi Yan stared in disbelief at the dainty, snow-white serpent coiled quietly before her, its large, quartz-like eyes blinking back at her with curiosity.
Apparently, Zi Yan had woken up earlier than expected, thanks to Lady Azure deliberately drawing in the energy of heaven and earth, which in turn stimulated the cocoon where Zi Yan had been resting—greatly accelerating her absorption rate and awakening her from her slumber.
"That's right," Xiao Hua confirmed with a nod. "Her evolution took an unexpected turn... Even I'm unsure how to help her at this stage."
The Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin stood nearby, both at a loss for words. They had already heard Xiao Hua's explanation, but even with that, they couldn't fully grasp the nature of Queen Medusa's transformation.
What they did understand, however, was that her condition had become far too unusual to be called a successful evolution.
Xiao Hua shook his head, a wave of weariness washing over his heart. His gaze shifted to the Heaven Swallowing Python, who seemed to sense his stare and turned to look at him.
'Despite how adorable this little one appears… the being inside her is far more terrifying,' Xiao Hua sighed inwardly as he looked at the dainty white snake.
"Little one, can you switch to your other self? We have something important to discuss," he said softly, tapping her head with gentle care.
"If you do, I'll give you plenty of that purple-colored liquid you like so much," he added with a soft smile.
Feeling the soft nudge of his finger and hearing his words, the Heaven Swallowing Python paused in thought. But the moment the reward was mentioned, her eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly nodded in agreement.
As the Heaven Swallowing Python nodded, it suddenly rose up, and a radiant seven-colored glow burst forth from its body. Within that shimmering light, the small snake began to wiggle rapidly. Then, in a smooth and almost mystical transformation, the figure of Queen Medusa emerged from the glow.
A statuesque and graceful figure stood where the glow faded, her presence a perfect blend of elegance and deadly allure. Her slender waist and poised stance exuded both confidence and power, commanding the attention of all who beheld her.
Her long, black hair flowed behind her like a silk waterfall, highlighting her fair and flawless complexion. Her expression was calm and captivating, and as her eyes slowly opened, they revealed a sharp, intelligent gleam that spoke of dominance and pride.
She wore a striking crimson-red dress, richly embroidered with golden patterns that accentuated every curve of her figure. The dress clung tightly to her body, with a daring plunging neckline and a high slit that revealed her long, snow-white legs—legs that replaced the serpentine tail she once had. Gold accessories, including a delicately crafted belt and a crown-like headpiece, completed her regal appearance, radiating a noble and commanding aura.
The most noticeable change, however, was not her attire, but the human legs now peeking from beneath her dress, replacing the snake tail that once marked her as a member of the Snake-People.
"Sister Medusa! Congratulations on your successful evolution!"
Zi Yan's eyes lit up with joy as she saw the alluring figure before her. Like an excited little sister reuniting with her elder sister, she cheerfully hopped around Queen Medusa, her voice filled with genuine delight.
"Thank you, Zi Yan." Queen Medusa gently patted Zi Yan's head, her lips curving into a faint, rare smile. Then, her gaze lifted, settling calmly on Xiao Hua.
"Does Master Xiao Hua have a method to help me?" She asked softly.
Although she had heard that he was uncertain, she knew it wasn't due to a lack of ability. Rather, it was a question of choosing the right method—one that wouldn't cause her harm.
Xiao Hua didn't immediately respond. Instead, his eyes shifted elsewhere.
Queen Medusa followed his eyes and noticed two women sitting elegantly atop a massive stone head. Even she had to admit—they were strikingly beautiful, radiating a unique and graceful presence.
"What do you think, Sister Azure?" Xiao Hua asked, folding his arms as a thoughtful expression appeared on his face. "Which method would be best to stabilize her current condition?"
Lady Azure tapped her chin with one slender finger, her expression thoughtful as she ponders the question. After a long silence, a playful smile tugged at her lips.
"If you want something simple yet fast," she began, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "you can use the Glazed Soul Flame to carefully temper her spirit and the Heaven Swallowing Python—fusing them together slowly, without incinerating either. Of course, with your exceptional control over flames, the risk of failure is practically nonexistent."
"That's…" Queen Medusa hesitated, her eyes flickering with unease.
She had once endured the torment of the Green Lotus Core Flame—an experience that left a deep scar in her soul. Now, merely hearing the idea of her spirit being tempered by another Heavenly Flame filled her with dread.
In her current state, she existed only as a spirit, while the Heaven Swallowing Python occupied her body. Since she had yet to fully reclaim her physical vessel, she would have no resistance.
The thought alone was terrifying.
"What's the side effect?" Xiao Hua's brows lifted slightly, suspicion flashing in his eyes as he caught the mischievous smile playing on Lady Azure's lips.
"Simple," Lady Azure replied with a soft chuckle, amusement dancing in her eyes. "A tiny sequela will form within you, child… and you'll end up spending a long, passionate night together."
"Courting death!" Queen Medusa's expression darkened, her enchanting, vertical pupils brimming with killing intent the moment she heard those words.
With a wave of her hand, a brilliant crimson arc of energy surged forward, streaking toward Lady Azure like a crimson flash. While Lady Azure had intended it as a mere tease, Queen Medusa—whose pride and arrogance were deeply rooted in her very soul—did not find it amusing in the slightest.
Xiao Hua and the others were caught off guard by the sudden outburst. They were a moment too late to react, watching as the radiant crimson arc closed in on Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue.
The playful glint in Lady Azure's eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness. Without standing, she flicked her finger lightly—majestic flames roared forth, colliding with Queen Medusa's strike in midair with a thunderous burst.
Bang.
With a muffled explosion, Queen Medusa's attack was effortlessly dispersed—shattered like mist under a ray of sunlight.
Seeing her strike unravel so easily, Queen Medusa's brows furrowed. She hadn't expected such overwhelming strength from this graceful woman.
Even if the attack had been blocked, she had assumed the opponent would at least suffer some minor loss. But now, she realized just how wrong she was.
Lady Azure slowly rose to her feet, a cold, elegant smile gracing her lips. She extended a slender hand and gently tapped the space before her, as if touching a fragile artwork that could shatter with the lightest touch.
Bang!
The heavens and earth trembled.
In the next instant, torrents of glorious flames erupted from the void, roaring with a terrifying might. The searing heat distorted the air, and the surrounding space began to collapse and crumble under the pressure.
Despite the efforts to stabilize, the fierce flood of flames showed no mercy—endlessly surging out, wave after wave. Like a divine sea of fire, it surged forward, crashing toward Queen Medusa with unstoppable momentum.
Ziu! Ziu!
Upon witnessing the unfathomable blaze, Queen Medusa's face went pale. It was in that moment she truly grasped the strength of the woman before her. She had initially believed this elegant lady to be on the same level as Xiao Hua—but she couldn't have been more wrong.
She was far more terrifying than Xiao Hua!
And just as the tidal wave of resplendent flames was about to crash down on Queen Medusa with its devastating might and relentless momentum, a figure suddenly appeared before her.
With a calm yet decisive motion, the figure raised one hand, surging Dou Qi forward to condense a dense, shimmering shield of energy. At the same time, his other hand extended behind him, forming a second protective barrier around Queen Medusa.
"You…!" Queen Medusa's eyes widened in shock as she recognized the back of the person who had shielded her—Xiao Hua. But before she could speak further, the tide of flame had already arrived, drowning any words that might have followed.
In the next instant, the overwhelming tide of divine flames collided violently with the shield, engulfing them both in a sea of dazzling fire.
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato