Deep in the Tagore Desert, within the Snake-People's holy city.
Built from massive stones, the city bore remnants of giant boulders around its perimeter, likely quarried on-site during its construction. Unlike the opulent, refined architecture of the Jia Ma Empire, the structures here were rugged, imbued with a wild, untamed spirit.
At the city's heart, a towering temple rose, the tallest edifice in the holy city.
Atop a side hall's roof, under the moonlight, Xiao Bai gazed out at the city, its exotic charm unfolding before him.
Three days had passed since Medusa arranged for him to stay here upon arriving in the holy city. She'd mentioned needing time to settle tribal affairs before attempting her breakthrough, and Xiao Bai had agreed.
He understood that Medusa needed to ensure every detail of the Snake-People's matters was in order before she could evolve with peace of mind. Her resolute expression told him she wasn't confident in this evolution. To some extent, she was prepared for the worst, ready to risk everything.
Success could fulfill the Snake-People's long-held dream of leaving the Tagore Desert for a suitable homeland. Failure might spell their decline, fading into obscurity like countless races lost to the Dou Qi Continent's history, mentioned only in dusty tomes.
Bearing the weight of a tribe's fate wasn't something Xiao Bai had experienced, but he could imagine its burden.
"You're here," Xiao Bai said without turning, sensing who approached.
"Mm." Medusa stepped to his side, handing him a jade bottle. "The Ice Spirit Cold Spring you asked for," she said coolly.
Xiao Bai took it, storing it in his ring. He didn't need it himself, but since he'd come to the Snake-People's territory, he'd requested it to placate Yao Lao, despite the elder's lack of complaints. To Medusa, it wasn't precious—she had a whole pool of the stuff, possibly from a spring. As for exposing anything, Xiao Bai didn't care. Who tamed a strange fire without it?
Medusa's striking face showed fatigue. These past few days, she hadn't rested, and now, a hint of hesitation flickered in her expression, as if she wanted to speak but held back.
"This queen may need three months to arrange tribal affairs. Will you…?" Medusa trailed off, unsure if Xiao Bai would grant her the time.
Seeing his silence, she bit her lip, a bitter pang in her heart as she sighed inwardly. Fine. I'll do it as quickly as possible, in the shortest time I can manage.
This had come up suddenly. She needed to secure the Snake-People's future, even preparing for her possible death. Three months was already the bare minimum, pressed to the limit. She hadn't even considered preparing for her own evolution.
"Alright," Xiao Bai said.
"What…?" Medusa blinked, caught off guard.
"I said, alright," Xiao Bai repeated calmly. Three months fit his schedule—after returning, he'd have about a month before the Xiao Clan's coming-of-age ceremony. No issue there.
Medusa turned, staring at him briefly. Almost imperceptibly, she whispered, "Thank you."
"No need for thanks. It's not free," Xiao Bai said, flashing a toothy grin, a sly glint in his eyes.
"A price?" Medusa's face froze, slightly stunned.
"Yep. I want all the fourth-tier and below herbs and magical beast cores you've got. As many as you can spare," Xiao Bai said, chuckling at the queen, who looked especially alluring under the moonlight.
"Fine. I'll have them sorted and sent to you tomorrow," Medusa agreed without hesitation. Such items meant little to her. The Snake-People's true cornerstone was her, their queen. As long as she stood, the tribe wouldn't fall.
Given her pride, asking for help was a rare breach of character, driven solely by her duty to her people. Xiao Bai framing it as a trade eased her heart.
"Think more about yourself. Only by breaking through and growing stronger can you better protect what you cherish," Xiao Bai said softly, noting the exhaustion etched in her brow and her willingness to set aside pride for her tribe.
Medusa stood with hands clasped behind her, gazing at the city's myriad lights below. She said nothing, and silence settled over the rooftop.
They stood atop the hall, overlooking the city, each lost in their thoughts.
After a while, Medusa's figure flickered, vanishing. A faint, cool voice lingered in the breeze: "Thank you."
Xiao Bai shook his head, a slight smile on his lips. What a proud woman.
"Tch, tch, Xiao Bai, you planning to charm another one?" Yao Lao's voice broke the quiet, laced with amusement. How long's this kid been out? Two already, and it feels like he picks up one everywhere he goes.
"You sound like a man with stories, Senior. Care to share some wisdom?" Xiao Bai grinned. He wasn't sure about some of Yao Lao's rumored past, but if true, the old man was far more of a player than him.
"Ahem, this old man's devoted to cultivation. Why would I bother with romantic trifles?" Yao Lao's face twitched, his tone hurried.
"Devoted, huh? Then why so flustered?" Xiao Bai teased, catching Yao Lao's odd expression. Those rumors might be true.
"Flustered? I'm just… just…" Yao Lao faltered, unable to finish.
"Recalling the good old days?" Xiao Bai prompted slyly.
"Right, recalling—wait, you little punk, trying to trick me?" Yao Lao sputtered, half-embarrassed, half-annoyed.
"Don't be shy, Senior. Tell me about the old days, share some experience," Xiao Bai laughed heartily.
"Hmph, worry about yourself. What'll you do back at the Xiao Clan? That little girlfriend of yours isn't simple," Yao Lao shot back, smirking at Xiao Bai's sudden silence.
He knew the Gold Emperor Incinerating Flame was the inherited fire of that clan. If the girl was truly from there, with their sacred flame, her status would be lofty. From what he knew of such clans, their arrogance was unmatched. Xiao Bai's chances of winning her were slim, let alone juggling others. Dream on, kid.
"Come on, let's hurt each other!" Yao Lao thought smugly, watching Xiao Bai's laughter die. Think you can outwit me with my centuries of experience? Laugh now, punk.
Sigh. Xiao Bai let out a breath, his thoughts turning to that little lass, a pang of melancholy hitting him.
Ling Ying had likely informed her by now. She'd know everything and was probably furious. Xiao Bai had been dodging this headache, but Yao Lao's jab forced him to face it. This is tricky.
If only I had the domineering aura of those novel protagonists from my past life—one roar, and everyone submits.
"Yao Lao, how'd you handle stuff like this back in the day?" Xiao Bai asked, a touch of gloom in his voice.