Queen Medusa Arrives, Xiao Sect Is Shaken

Queen Medusa's arrival was like a boulder cast into a tranquil lake, causing enormous waves in Wutan City and even throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire.

The Snake People Queen, whose notorious reputation and beauty had both spread across the empire, had actually left the Tagor Desert in person and come to the heart of a human city—and to the newly risen, unrivaled Xiao Sect!

Countless overt and hidden gazes instantly focused on the imposing gates of Xiao Sect.

Although the Xiao Sect guards at the gate had long been notified that an esteemed guest might arrive, when they truly saw the legendary queen who embodied both enchantment and danger, and felt that cold, powerful pressure, their hearts still trembled. They hurriedly bowed in salute, while one of them swiftly turned and rushed inside to report.

Before long, Xiao Zhan, the sect master, led several core elders out to welcome her. Xiao Zhan was now a Dou Wang, his aura steady and composed, yet he still felt immense pressure when facing Queen Medusa. This came not only from her peak Dou Huang strength, but also from the regal bearing of one long accustomed to holding supreme authority.

"Your Majesty, I did not know you would honor us with your presence. Xiao Zhan has failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me." Xiao Zhan cupped his hands, his tone neither servile nor arrogant. The elders behind him also paid their respects, their eyes filled with vigilance and curiosity.

Queen Medusa's cool gaze swept over Xiao Zhan and the others. She gave a slight nod in return. Her voice retained its distinctive huskiness and magnetism, though it lacked some of the absolute chill it had carried at the Divine Temple. "Sect Master Xiao is too polite. This King came uninvited."

Her gaze passed over Xiao Zhan, as though she wished to pierce through the layers of courtyards and see what lay deeper within. "I heard that your son, Your Excellency Xiao Chen, is not within the sect?"

Xiao Zhan's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. "Chen'er indeed had important matters to attend to and has temporarily gone out. If Your Majesty has important business, you may discuss it with Xiao, or rest within the sect while waiting for Chen'er to return."

Queen Medusa fell silent for a moment. Her primary purpose in coming personally was naturally to meet the unfathomable Xiao Chen and confirm the details of their cooperation. Yet since he was absent, she could not simply turn around and return.

"Then This King shall trouble you for a few days." Queen Medusa spoke indifferently. "Also, regarding the cooperation between the Snake People Race and Xiao Sect that This King discussed with Your Excellency Xiao Chen, I may first hold preliminary discussions with Sect Master Xiao."

Xiao Zhan's spirits lifted at once. Before leaving, Xiao Chen had explained this matter to him in detail. He knew this was an important step for Xiao Sect to expand its influence and gain a powerful ally. He quickly stepped aside and made way. "Your Majesty, please! Let us discuss it inside."

Under the watchful eyes of countless people filled with shock, curiosity, and awe, Queen Medusa led several Snake People Race elders calmly into Xiao Sect. This scene was swiftly reported back by spies from every faction, stirring countless new speculations.

Some believed it was proof of Xiao Sect's great strength—that even the infamous Queen Medusa had no choice but to lower herself and pay them a visit. Others guessed that the two sides might have formed some kind of alliance, one that would completely change the landscape of the Jia Ma Empire. Still others, with filthy minds, secretly began fabricating romantic tales about Queen Medusa and the mysterious Dou Zun Xiao Chen...

Queen Medusa paid no heed to the outside world's clamor. Led by Xiao Zhan, she arrived at the newly built Guest Welcome Pavilion, which Xiao Sect used to receive guests of the highest distinction.

The pavilion was elegantly arranged without losing its grandeur, clearly prepared with great care.

After host and guests took their seats, Queen Medusa went straight to the point. "Sect Master Xiao, Your Excellency Xiao Chen once promised that if the Snake People Race formed an alliance with Xiao Sect, he would provide suitable land for my people to inhabit and offer resource support. Is Sect Master Xiao aware of this matter? How exactly will it be implemented?"

Xiao Zhan said solemnly, "Chen'er has informed Xiao of everything. Xiao Sect has only recently been established, and we sincerely wish to make allies in all directions. If Your Majesty is willing to join hands with Xiao Sect, Xiao Sect can designate Qing Ling Valley, which borders the Tagor Desert in the Eastern Province, along with the three surrounding cities, as a temporary settlement for the Snake People Race. This place has abundant water and an environment far superior to the desert. It also forms a strategic support point with the core territory of Xiao Sect, making mutual assistance easy."

He took out an exquisite map and pointed to a marked region on it.

Queen Medusa's gaze fell upon the map, and a trace of interest flashed through her violet snake eyes. She had heard of Qing Ling Valley before. It was indeed fertile land, with conditions far superior to those of the desert.

"As for resource support," Xiao Zhan continued, "Xiao Sect can provide the Snake People Race with a batch of medicinal pills, weapons, and grain every year, helping your people recuperate and nurture the younger generation. The exact quantities and types can be drawn up in a detailed list."

The terms did not differ from what Xiao Chen had said, and were even more specific. Queen Medusa could feel Xiao Sect's sincerity.

"And what does Xiao Sect require of my Snake People Race?" she asked directly, getting to the heart of the matter.

"We watch over each other and advance or retreat together." Xiao Zhan said in a deep voice, "Xiao Sect hopes that whenever it is needed, the Snake People Race can be our reliable friends and comrades. Especially when facing certain... shared potential threats." His meaning was clear. He was naturally referring to Soul Hall.

Queen Medusa fell into thought. This condition was not excessive; allies should be like this in the first place. Yet tying her people's fate to a newly emerged force still carried risks.

"This matter is of great importance. This King must discuss it with the leaders of the various tribes before making a final decision." Queen Medusa did not agree immediately. Such caution was only proper.

"That is only natural." Xiao Zhan showed his understanding. "Your Majesty may stay in Xiao Sect without concern and contact your people whenever you wish. If you have any needs, please do not hesitate to ask."

The initial contact went fairly smoothly. Queen Medusa temporarily took up residence in the Guest Welcome Pavilion, but she knew clearly that the final agreement would likely have to wait until Xiao Chen, the one capable of making the final decision with a single word, returned before it could truly be settled.

Her gaze turned toward the distance once more, toward the direction of Jia Nan Academy.

"Xiao Chen... what kind of person are you?"

"And Xiao Yan... that brat..."

Meanwhile, at the back mountain of Jia Nan Academy.

Within the valley sealed by a spatial barrier, the devastating firestorm had already raged for three full days!

At the heart of those towering transparent flames, Xiao Yan's figure flickered in and out of view, while his aura continued to rise at an astonishing speed!