The desert night was cold.
Unlike the burning daytime heat, the temperature in the Tagore Desert dropped sharply after sunset.
A silver moon hung high above the endless sand dunes.
In the distance, a massive city slowly appeared on the horizon.
Tall stone walls.
Torch towers.
And guards patrolling the gates.
This was the capital of the Snake People.
The city ruled by the feared queen—
Medusa.
Standing on a distant sand dune, Xiao Tian silently observed the city.
Beside him, Xiao Yan frowned.
"So this is their capital…"
"It's bigger than I expected."
Meanwhile, Gu Xuner stared at the tall walls thoughtfully.
"The defenses are strong."
"If we try to sneak in, we'll be discovered instantly."
But Xiao Tian simply smiled faintly.
"We're not sneaking in."
Xiao Yan blinked.
"What do you mean?"
Xiao Tian calmly replied.
"We're walking through the front gate."
Walking into Danger
Moments later—
Three human figures walked directly toward the city gates.
The Snake People guards instantly noticed them.
"Humans!"
"Stop right there!"
More than a dozen guards surrounded them immediately.
Sharp spears pointed toward Xiao Tian's group.
The leader of the guards glared at them coldly.
"This is the territory of the Snake People."
"Humans are not welcome."
Xiao Yan quietly whispered to Xiao Tian.
"This was a terrible plan."
But Xiao Tian stepped forward calmly.
"I want to meet your queen."
The guards froze for a moment.
Then they burst into laughter.
"Meet the Queen?"
"You humans must be tired of living."
One guard raised his spear threateningly.
"Leave now or die."
But Xiao Tian didn't move.
Instead—
A tiny crimson flame appeared on his fingertip.
The moment the flame appeared—
The air temperature instantly changed.
The guards' laughter stopped.
Because the flame looked like a blooming lotus.
And its aura…
Was terrifying.
Even though it was extremely small.
One guard suddenly stepped back in fear.
"T-that aura…"
Xiao Tian calmly said,
"Tell your queen."
"Someone carrying a Heavenly Flame wants to meet her."
The guards looked at each other nervously.
Because everyone in the Snake People tribe knew something important.
Their queen was searching for a Heavenly Flame.
After a moment of hesitation—
The leader finally ordered,
"Take them inside."
The Palace of the Snake Queen
The capital city was quiet at night.
Tall stone buildings lined the streets.
Snake People citizens watched the three humans with hostile eyes.
But no one dared attack.
Because the guards were escorting them directly to the royal palace.
The palace stood at the center of the city.
A massive white structure built from ancient stone.
Inside the throne hall—
Torches burned along the walls.
And at the end of the hall stood a magnificent throne.
A woman sat upon it.
Her long purple hair flowed down like silk.
Her golden eyes were cold and proud.
Her beauty was breathtaking.
But the pressure she emitted was terrifying.
The legendary Snake Queen—
Medusa.
Her gaze slowly fell upon the three humans entering the hall.
The guards bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"These humans requested an audience."
Medusa's cold eyes examined them carefully.
First Xiao Yan.
Then Gu Xuner.
Finally—
Her gaze stopped on Xiao Tian.
And suddenly…
Her pupils shrank slightly.
Because she felt it.
A faint but terrifying aura.
Something hidden deep within his body.
A flame.
Not just any flame.
Something far more terrifying.
Medusa slowly stood up.
The entire hall instantly became silent.
Her voice echoed calmly.
"You said…"
"You carry a Heavenly Flame."
Her golden eyes stared directly into Xiao Tian's soul.
"Show me."
The Crimson Lotus
For a moment—
No one spoke.
Even Xiao Yan and Xuner watched Xiao Tian carefully.
Then Xiao Tian slowly raised his hand.
A small crimson spark appeared.
The flame slowly expanded.
Petals of fire formed around it.
A blooming lotus made entirely of flame.
The legendary—
Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
The moment it appeared—
The entire throne hall temperature skyrocketed.
Even the stone floor began to crack.
The guards stepped back in fear.
Medusa's golden eyes widened slightly.
Because she immediately recognized something terrifying.
This flame…
Was far stronger than the Heavenly Flame she originally planned to obtain.
Her voice became lower.
"Where did you get that flame?"
Xiao Tian calmly extinguished the lotus.
Then he looked directly at the Snake Queen.
"I came to make a deal."
The hall became silent again.
Medusa narrowed her eyes.
"A deal?"
"Yes."
Xiao Tian said calmly.
"I know you're preparing for an evolution ritual."
"I can help you succeed."
Even Xiao Yan looked shocked.
Because Medusa's evolution was supposed to be a secret.
Medusa's aura suddenly became dangerous.
"How do you know about that?"
Xiao Tian smiled faintly.
"Because…"
"I know your future."
A Queen's Interest
The hall remained silent for a long time.
Medusa slowly walked down from her throne.
Each step echoed across the floor.
She stopped directly in front of Xiao Tian.
The difference in aura between them was enormous.
Yet Xiao Tian didn't step back.
Medusa stared into his eyes.
Searching for fear.
But she found none.
Instead—
She saw something unexpected.
Confidence.
Ancient confidence.
Like someone who had already seen countless emperors rise and fall.
Finally—
Medusa smiled slightly.
It was a dangerous smile.
"Interesting human."
"You know my secret."
"You carry a powerful flame."
"And you dare walk into my palace alone."
She leaned slightly closer.
"Tell me."
"What exactly do you want in return?"
Xiao Tian met her gaze calmly.
Then he said something shocking.
"I want you."
The entire hall froze.
Even Xiao Yan nearly choked.
Gu Xuner's eyes widened slightly.
Meanwhile—
Medusa's golden eyes turned extremely dangerous.
For a moment…
It felt like the entire palace might explode.
But Xiao Tian simply stood there calmly.
Waiting for the queen's answer.