Hearing Yue Mei's words, Mo Ba Si's expression darkened.
He said in a low voice, " What does Her Majesty intend? At such a critical moment, she still refuses to step forward and take command. Is she waiting for the enemy to arrive?"
Yue Mei idly toyed with her jade-like fingers, her tone indifferent. "Perhaps Her Majesty has her own plans?"
Just as she was about to close her eyes, Yue Mei's delicate face suddenly shifted. She bolted upright from her chair, her sharp, narrow eyes glaring coldly at the sky beyond the hall. "They're here!"
Though the enemy had yet to appear, an overwhelming and unfamiliar aura had already descended upon the Medusa Temple.
Mo Ba Si stiffened at Yue Mei's words, then quickly sensed the same presence. His face twisted into a scowl.
Without another word, Mo Ba Si exchanged a glance with Yue Mei, and the two shot out of the main hall, their figures soaring into the air. Moments later, they landed atop the city walls, now under strict martial law.
Sure enough, a few hundred meters beyond the walls, a monstrous beast hovered in midair. A lone figure stood atop it, exuding an aura of terrifying power—both man and beast radiated an oppressive force.
As the pair drew closer, Yue Mei's pupils constricted sharply. Her face paled with shock.
Before her was a serpentine beast, its body covered in jagged scarlet scales, its head crowned with two horns. Each twist of its massive form sent ripples through the surrounding sky.
"How…?"
Yue Mei's mind reeled. Just yesterday, she had witnessed a colossal golden bird—yet now, this dragon-like beast had appeared, its presence even more fearsome than the avian monster.
The Snake People were truly in dire straits.
Beside her, Mo Ba Si's expression turned grave as he took in the Scarlet Flame Demon Python's overwhelming aura.
'Could Her Majesty truly contend with such a creature?'
But then, fanaticism flashed in his eyes.
'No. The Queen Medusa is invincible. With her here, the Snake People will prevail.'
In the distance, the man and beast advanced leisurely toward the city, stopping just outside the range of the flying spearmen stationed on the walls.
Perched atop the Scarlet Flame Demon Python, Gu He wore a silver mask, his gaze calm as he observed the figures on the battlements.
Mo Ba Si's icy voice cut through the air, laced with hostility. "Human, why have you trespassed into our territory uninvited? If you wish to avoid war between our races, I suggest you turn back now!"
A light chuckle echoed from the sky. "You must be Mo Ba Si, leader of the Mo Snake Tribe, right?"
Gu He stepped forward, his demeanor ethereal yet dignified.
After settling Qing Lin the previous night, he had prepared himself for this confrontation.
"Who are you?" Mo Ba Si sneered, his dou wings fluttering slightly.
"A name is merely a label. Why trouble yourself with it?" Gu He replied smoothly, unbothered by Mo Ba Si's glare.
Yue Mei's eyelids twitched as she studied the silver-masked man. Despite facing thousands, he remained composed—even amused. She couldn't deny the commanding presence he exuded.
"Gu He continued politely, "I've come to speak with Queen Medusa. Might I request an audience with her?"
Mo Ba Si scoffed. "You won't even reveal your identity, yet you dare demand an audience with our Queen? Impossible."
His tone hardened. "Leave now. The warriors of our eight tribes are already converging on the temple. Our Queen is present—you know how deeply our people despise humans. If you linger, you may not escape with your life."
Though Mo Ba Si spoke boldly, unease gnawed at him.
The Scarlet Flame Demon Python let out a deafening roar, its voice thunderous. "Insolent ant! You dare disrespect my master?!"
Mo Ba Si flinched as the beast's fury washed over him. Only the knowledge that the Queen was nearby kept him steady.
"Enough," Gu He chided, raising a hand. The beast quieted, though its rage simmered.
Gu He's voice then boomed across the city, amplified by dou qi. "Queen Medusa! I come not for battle, but for negotiation. Grant me an audience!"
The echoes faded, leaving an uneasy silence.
Then a figure emerged above the city wall bathed in the setting sun's glow.
Clad in an elegant purple robe, her curves alluring yet regal, Queen Medusa descended. Her long hair cascaded like silk, and the tip of a serpent's tail peeked from beneath her garments, swaying hypnotically.
Her beauty was breathtaking.
Gu He's pulse quickened. Now he understood why her reputation was as formidable as her allure.
"Her Majesty the Queen!" The Snake People knelt as one, their voices reverent.
Mo Ba Si's gaze held intoxication, deep devotion burning within.
"So, you are the infamous Queen Medusa," Gu He mused, his smile unwavering. "Your reputation does not disappoint."
"You sought me?" The Queen's lips curved, her every movement exuding lethal charm.
Gu He steadied himself. "Yes."
Queen Medusa's eyes flicked to the Scarlet Flame Demon Python, a flicker of wariness passing through them.
"What's your purpose. While your intrusion is an affront, my people are not unreasonable. If your intentions are sincere, I may overlook this transgression."
Gu He's expression turned solemn. His soul perception had already detected four powerful auras hidden within the temple—each at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Emperor level.
They were the four elders.
A bloody battle seemed inevitable.
"I've come for the Heavenly Flame in your possession," Gu He declared.
Silence fell.
Queen Medusa's eyes narrowed.
Mo Ba Si and Yue Mei exchanged shocked glances. 'Heavenly Flame? Since when did Her Majesty obtain such a treasure?'
Yue Mei's face paled. "Could it be… for that?"
Mo Ba Si nodded grimly. "The risk is immense. If she fails…"
Gu He pressed on. "I sensed the flame's remnants in the magma beneath Stone Desert City. I also found a bloodied scale—yours, I presume. You were injured retrieving it."
The Queen Medusa's gaze turned icy.
"I am an alchemist," Gu He continued. "Heavenly Flames are invaluable to us, yet they hold little benefit for your kind. In exchange, I can you a Dou Ancestor Pill and a Transformation Pill."
Everyone was left speechless upon hearing Gu He's offer.
'Dou Ancestor Pill—a sixth-tier high-grade pill, capable of elevating a Nine-Star Dou Emperor to the Dou Ancestor realm!
'Transformation Pill—a seventh-tier treasure, allowing a beast to shed its monstrous form, gaining human cultivation talent while retaining a beast's longevity!'
Mo Ba Si and Yue Mei trembled. Such offers were beyond extravagant.
Yet—
"Your offer is tempting," Queen Medusa admitted, her voice laced with regret. "But I must decline."
Shock rippled through the crowd.
'Why?'
Gu He's expression hardened. "You will regret this."
The Scarlet Flame Demon Python roared, its fury shaking the temple.
The Queen's refusal had sealed their fate.
War was now unavoidable.
…
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