A few rustling sounds broke the silence, and the flowers and trees parted. The next moment, a graceful figure slowly came into the boy's sight.
There is no need to say much about Medusa's appearance. She wore a golden Snake-Person crown upon her head, and a graceful purple brocade robe clung to a delicate body as ripe and full as a peach. She was an embodiment of grace and wildness, of charm and elegance.
Three thousand strands of black hair fell like a waterfall, casually draped from her shoulders to her slender waist.
And under the brocade robe, a purple snake tail swayed, glowing faintly. It did not make her feel strange but instead added a unique, enchanting temptation.
Chen Guan's eyes moved slightly. Seeing the legendary Queen Medusa with his own eyes, he finally understood why the mercenaries in Stone Desert City said her reputation for cruelty was matched only by her reputation for beauty. He understood why so many men were willing to risk their lives just for a chance to be near her.
This woman was charming and graceful, yet she retained the innate nobility of a queen. In her presence, those with unstable minds would naturally feel that she should be above them.
Both she and Yun Yun of the Misty Cloud Sect possessed a graceful temperament, but they were two completely different flowers. One was like a snow lotus on a high mountain, pure and distant; the other was like a delicate violet, intoxicating and deadly.
What a bewitching presence.
Medusa walked a few meters closer before stopping. Neither of them spoke immediately. Chen Guan was looking at her, and she was observing the boy.
Finally, her gaze rested on the puppet behind him.
"It is rare to find a puppet that can threaten a Dou Huang. Is this what gives you the courage to face this Queen?"
Her tone was calm, almost relaxed, but it was a commentary that easily seized the initiative. Strength was the foundation of any dialogue.
This puppet was pleasing to her eyes, but it was not powerful enough to truly earn her high regard.
Chen Guan chuckled and shook his head. A cluster of green flames rose from his palm. The terrifying temperature made the surrounding grass and trees wilt slightly.
"No. This is."
Medusa's eyes shifted, a dangerous light flashing within them. Her expression remained unchanged, but a hint of suspicion had taken root in her heart. She stared at the boy's face, waiting for what he would say next.
She truly wanted to know if he really knew something.
Chen Guan did not disappoint her. "I once saw a secret about the Snake-People Race in a manuscript left by an ancient power," he continued. "It mentioned evolution… and a Heavenly Flame. I think this is why you have been following me for so long. Your Majesty, am I right?"
Medusa didn't answer, her gaze flicking back to the puppet.
This boy is obviously not stupid. He naturally knows he can't stop me with just this puppet. But he is so confident. Is he sure he can defeat me, or does he have other preparations?
The young man moved a little closer, his expression normal, still standing fearlessly in front of the puppet.
Medusa's thoughts shifted quietly, and a teasing smile touched her lips. "So, this is what you wanted to talk to me about? I'm curious. Did you know it was me following you, or did you just have a flash of inspiration?"
No matter which it was, it couldn't change the fact that Medusa had now labeled him a little fox in her mind. The only difference was the degree of his cunning.
Having taken control of the conversation, Chen Guan ignored her questions and stated his demands directly.
"I can use the Heavenly Flame to help you evolve, but you need to agree to a few of my requests."
Medusa said nothing, simply waiting. She had expected to pay a price.
"I need you to help me twice, and two Sand Mandrakes as a gift for our friendly cooperation. I can also give you a guarantee that as long as the Snake-People do not invade the border in large numbers, the Jia Ma Empire will never take the initiative to invade your territory. We can continue to maintain the current, relatively stable situation."
Compared with breaking through to the Dou Zong realm, neither of these conditions was difficult to accept. In fact, Medusa even thought they were a bit too simple.
As for the guarantee of peace, both of them were clear in their minds. Although it sounded good, it was actually beneficial to both sides. There was no question of who was taking advantage of whom.
He thinks he has the situation under control, Medusa mused, but he was still careless. He has revealed that he is in urgent need of a helper.
Little fox, you are still too young.
Medusa chuckled to herself but didn't say anything aloud. She stared into the boy's eyes and asked, "Since you know the secret techniques of my Snake-People Race, you should also understand the dangers involved. How can I trust that you won't cheat me?"
She had to be well-prepared for this. She could risk her life for her people, but it would be a great irony if she died at the hands of someone else.
Chen Guan was aware of her concerns, and for him, this problem was easy to solve.
"It's simple. I will go with you to your tribe. If I cheat, you can have your elders and leaders detain me. At the same time, I will ask Jia Xing Tian to wait outside your territory with others to prevent any… unpleasantness."
Evolution takes time. Without Medusa there to command them, the rest of the Snake-People could not keep him, nor could they resist the power of the royal family. In this way, both parties had their concerns, and cooperation was guaranteed.
Medusa approved of the proposal but did not fully agree.
"It's not enough. To trade a junior for the life of the Snake Queen… I think any of the major empires would take that deal."
To put it bluntly, she believed their value was unequal. Although the possibility was small, if the Jia Ma royal family was truly determined to make a forced exchange, the Snake-People would be the ones to suffer.
Hearing this, Chen Guan smiled and no longer concealed his strength, letting his full aura erupt.
"A sixteen-year-old nine-star Dou Shi who controls a Heavenly Flame. I think my qualifications are more than enough."
Though he was not yet twenty, he had the potential to rise to the very top. The self-confidence that radiated from him even moved Medusa, causing her to lose control of her expression for the first time.
Even though Chen Guan had lied about his age, this achievement was still shocking enough to shake the entire northwestern region of the continent.
"This Queen accepts."
Medusa suppressed her surprise, adjusted her expression, and resumed her regal demeanor.
Although she was reluctant to admit it, it was just as the young man had said. Unless the members of the Jia Ma royal family were all insane, there was no need to worry.
For a moment, a thought arose in her mind—the thought of eliminating such a threat before he could fully mature—but it was thrown out as quickly as it came.
She was Medusa, Queen of the Snake-People Race.
Her confidence and pride were second to none.
To meet a junior with such amazing potential and think only of stifling him, instead of focusing on improving herself, was a shameful path.
She disdained it.
(End of Chapter)
***
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