Queen Medusa

Night fell like crushed black ink, splashed across the rolling dunes of the Tagor Desert. The scorching heat that had baked the sand until it burned during the day had now been swallowed entirely by the darkness, leaving only a faintly cool night wind carrying the scent of grit as it swept across the barren Gobi. Only in the deepest part of the Snake People Tribe's settlement stood a natural stone cave guarded by dozens-of-zhang-high black boulders. Like a slumbering beast, it continuously radiated a searing heat that distorted even the air. The surrounding sand had been baked a faint charred yellow, and even night birds passing overhead only dared circle from afar, unwilling to approach in the slightest.

Xiao Yan lay concealed within a long, narrow depression eroded by wind and sand at the top of the stone cave, his body perfectly blending into the rough rock. The moment he steadied himself, Elder Yao's gentle yet grave voice sounded in his mind. "Little Yanzi, the Energy Fluctuation here is extremely strange. It carries both the scorching dominance of a Heavenly Flame and the unique yin-like aura of the Snake People Tribe. Medusa must be using the Green Lotus Core Flame to make a breakthrough. Focus yourself. I will help you completely conceal your aura. Do not alert the enemy."

Before the words fell, Xiao Yan felt the ancient black ring in his mind grow Slightly hot. A wisp of extremely thin Soul Power, yet one containing immense energy, slowly spilled forth like a warm stream and flowed through his meridians to every part of his body. Carrying Elder Yao's uniquely steady aura, the Soul Power instantly calmed the faintly restless Dou Qi within Xiao Yan wherever it passed. Even the fine cold sweat that had Appeared on his skin from tension quietly receded.

"Circulate the Qi Concealment Technique and follow the guidance of my method." Elder Yao's voice rang out again, carrying an unquestionable authority. Xiao Yan immediately focused and calmed himself, activating his cultivation technique according to the method Elder Yao had taught him. That wisp of Soul Power became like an invisible barrier, wrapping and compressing his aura Layer upon layer. The Dou Qi fluctuation that originally belonged to a human warrior was ingeniously transformed into the same silent aura as the cave's rocks and the surrounding sand. His fingertips gripped the sharp stone ridges in a crack, his knuckles faintly white. Only his pitch-black eyes stared through the sliver of space between the rocks at the depths of the cave below, dyed crimson by firelight. He scarcely dared blink—he could clearly feel Elder Yao's Soul Power, like the most meticulous craftsman, "carving" an "invisibility cloak" for him. Even the faint currents produced by his breathing were guided into the night wind, as though he had always been nothing more than an inconspicuous rock atop this stone cave.

The bottom of the stone cave was not as barren and rough as imagined. Instead, it was covered by a thick layer of Snow White Jade Sand. Its grains were even and glowed with a warm luster, clearly having settled over countless years and been carefully tended by the Snake People Tribe. Although it had grown Slightly hot beneath the cave's high temperatures, the jade sand Remained in a solid state. A thin layer of White Mist merely Wreathed around its surface, yet it showed no sign of melting. Instead, it seemed to absorb the surrounding heat, becoming ever more lustrous.

At the center of the jade sand, a red Spring Eye roughly Several Zhang wide bubbled continuously. It seemed as though magma churned in its depths, constantly Erupting with warm spring water carrying a Sulfur Scent. Fine bubbles Appeared Layer upon layer across the surface, bursting with soft popping sounds. Floating silently in the center of the spring's surface was a strange lotus about the size of a palm—the Green Lotus Core Flame, one of the Heavenly Flames Xiao Yan had risked Nine Deaths, One Life to seek on this journey.

The lotus was entirely blue-gold, its petals layered upon one another, their edges carrying faint rippling patterns like carefully Carved jade petals. Strands of pale green flame Wreathed around the edge of every petal. When the flames flickered, they slithered as though alive. They seemed gentle and harmless, yet the air Several Zhang away continuously burst with faint crackling noises. Even Space Twisted, as if the invisible heat had scorched fine creases into it and distorted one's Line of sight. Occasionally, a wisp of flame drifted toward the jade sand on the shore. The instant it touched, the hard jade sand melted like snow and ice, turning into a pool of Dark red liquid. This showed just how terrifying the power contained within this seemingly gentle Heavenly Flame truly was.

"What powerful Strange Fire Power. This Green Lotus Core Flame has already developed rudimentary intelligence and can actually take the initiative to aid Medusa in circulating her energy." Elder Yao sighed softly in Xiao Yan's mind. "Steady your mind. My Soul Power can only conceal your aura; it cannot block the heat radiated by this Heavenly Flame. If Medusa notices even the slightest anomaly, then with her strength, neither of us will escape today." Xiao Yan's heart tightened, and he became even less willing to relax. He deliberately slowed even his breathing, allowing Elder Yao's Soul Power to stitch him completely into the surrounding environment like a Fine net.

Yet what held Xiao Yan's attention so completely at this moment was not the Green Lotus Core Flame, which could drive every alchemist across the Dou Qi Continent mad enough to stir up bloody storms.

By the spring stood a slender yet Tall figure within the halo of blue-gold flames. Firelight traced a hazy golden outline around her, like the most magnificent and dangerous sight Between heaven and earth, making everything around her pale in comparison. She was a woman dressed in a vivid red gauze gown. The gauze was as thin as cicada wings, nearly transparent, clinging tightly to her exquisitely curved body. From her slender waist to her full breasts and long Legs, it outlined Soul-stirringly perfect curves. Every curve radiated a suffocating allure.

The hem of her dress fell upon the jade sand, rising and falling faintly with her calm yet rhythmic breathing. The Fine snake-scale patterns embroidered along its edge with Gold Thread Embroidery seemed to come alive beneath the blue-gold flames, flowing with a bewitching yet noble sheen. Occasionally, as the firelight danced, a cold glimmer of scales flashed across them, hinting at her inhuman identity. Her long hair was unbound, spilling freely over her shoulders like poured ink and reaching her waist. Smooth and lustrous, it carried a faint fragrance that Mixed with the Sulfur Scent in the cave, forming a strange yet enticing aroma. A few mischievous strands drifted gently with the Erupted hot currents inside the cave, brushing over her smooth neck and leaving faint traces. A snake-shaped hair ornament made from an unknown red crystal was pinned in her hair. The crystal was translucent, as though it contained flowing fire. The snake head Carved at its tip was lifelike, and two tiny yet dazzling rubies were set in its eyes. Under the firelight, they gleamed in a shade similar to her eyes, carrying a hint of coldness and majesty.

Xiao Yan's gaze fell upon her face almost against his will. His heart suddenly clenched in his chest, and his breathing nearly stopped—if Elder Yao's Soul Power had not given a light jolt in his mind and snapped him back to his senses, that brief lapse might have exposed his aura. It was a face beautiful enough to make heaven and earth lose their color. Her skin was whiter than snow, yet not lifelessly pale; rather, it possessed the warm, delicate luster of the finest Mutton-fat Jade. Against the blue-gold flames, a faint blush like diffused rouge Appeared across it, making her look all the more breathtakingly beautiful.

Her brows resembled distant mountains brushed with dark paint, fine and long, their tails lifting slightly with an innate charm and authority. Her eyes were like rippling autumn waters, though they were now faintly closed. Her long eyelashes hung softly like butterfly wings, casting a small fan-shaped shadow beneath her eyelids. Whenever they trembled, even the air seemed to grow gentler. Beneath her high, elegant nose was a pair of full red lips, their contours distinct and beautiful. They were tightly pressed together, revealing a trace of restraint and concentration. Her lower lip was lightly bitten by pearly teeth, turning faintly pink and lending her an even more pitifully captivating air.

There was no need for further speculation. Xiao Yan already understood—this was the Queen of the Snake People Tribe, the existence whose beauty and strength had intimidated the entire Tagor Desert and made countless factions wary—Medusa.

"Medusa's aura is incredibly powerful. She has already touched the threshold of the Dou Zong realm. If she successfully breaks through with the Green Lotus Core Flame, it will be as hard as climbing to heaven for you to seize the Heavenly Flame in the future." Elder Yao's voice carried a trace of gravity. "But she is at the most critical moment right now. The two powers within her are clashing, and the slightest misstep could cause her to lose control. We Absolutely cannot act rashly. My Soul Power can last for at most one hour. During that time, you must find an opportunity—either wait until she completes her advancement or find an opening. You Absolutely cannot expose yourself."

Though Xiao Yan had long heard of Queen Medusa's peerless beauty, seeing her in person still left him shaken by her ultimate beauty and the powerful aura she radiated. His heart pounded uncontrollably, not from fear, but from an instinctive tremor at the Intertwined extremes of power and beauty. He could clearly sense a vast, domineering energy Fiercely surged within Medusa's body. It carried the distinctive yin-like softness and ferocity of serpents, filled with Explosive Power like a lurking giant python, while also Mixed with the scorching madness unique to the Green Lotus Core Flame. Two utterly different and even conflicting powers continuously intertwined and collided within her, releasing muffled Energy Fluctuation. Yet she forcefully suppressed and Fused them with astonishing control. Every collision made the air inside the stone cave tremble faintly.

The air within three feet of her body had already been torn into extreme instability by the two powers. At times, ripples like water Appeared across it; at other times, it twisted into whirlpools. Brief instances of Space Twisted even appeared from time to time, making her figure seem somewhat blurred within the firelight. The jade sand within three feet of her body was melting at a Visible to the naked eye speed, turning into pools of Dark red liquid that slowly flowed through the gaps in the sand. Yet the moment they touched the hem of her gown, an invisible burst of force knocked them away. Not even the edge of her dress was stained, showing that her control over her own strength had reached a consummate level.

As though sensing its host's summons, the Green Lotus Core Flame floating on the spring's surface slowly turned. Its blue-gold petals gently unfurled, and the pale green flames originally Wreathed around their edges abruptly swelled several inches. From the center of the flames, a slender golden pillar of fire containing terrifying energy Shot up into the sky. As though sentient, it shot directly toward Medusa's brow, fast as lightning, reaching her in an instant.

The moment the golden pillar of fire touched her brow, Medusa's delicate body trembled faintly. The movement was subtle, but Xiao Yan, who was Staring at her, caught it clearly. A barely audible muffled groan escaped her tightly pressed red lips. The sound was restrained and pained, yet carried a hint of stubbornness, as though she refused to show weakness before anyone. Crystal-clear Sweat Beads seeped from her smooth forehead, sliding down over her full brow and her faintly furrowed eyebrows, then following the contours of her cheeks before dripping onto the thin gauze over her chest. They spread into a small dark patch, making the already sheer dress cling even more tightly and outlining Soul-stirring curves.

"She is forcibly fusing the Strange Fire Power. Her meridians are probably already unable to endure it." Elder Yao's voice carried Hardly noticeable worry. "This method of forced breakthrough is far too dangerous. A single mistake will lead to irreversible disaster. Watch carefully. This may be an excellent opportunity for you to witness a high-level expert breaking through, but remember: no matter what happens, do not expose yourself. My Soul Power has already begun assimilating with the surroundings. Once you move, this balance will be broken."

Even so, Medusa's figure remained straight as a pine, without the slightest bend. Her hands formed a complicated, profound hand seal at her Dantian, her fingertips gleaming with faint golden light. Clearly, she was activating some profound cultivation technique. The Energy Fluctuation around her grew increasingly violent, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, yet beneath her forceful suppression, it gradually became condensed and heavy. Every circulation of energy strengthened her aura by another degree. Clearly, she was using the Green Lotus Core Flame's power to strike at a higher realm.

Xiao Yan held his breath, and the hand at his side unconsciously tightened around the hilt of the Black Heavy Ruler at his waist. The cold touch of metal calmed his chaotic emotions somewhat, but stormy waves had already risen in his heart. He could clearly feel Elder Yao's Soul Power pressed tightly against his skin like an invisible membrane, perfectly concealing his body temperature, aura, and even the vibrations of his heartbeat. If he could not clearly sense the ring's warmth in his mind, he would almost have believed that he had truly become part of the rock. He Never expected that after risking being hunted down by the Snake People Tribe to infiltrate this heavily guarded settlement in search of the Green Lotus Core Flame, he would stumble upon such a perilous scene—Queen Medusa was actually using this Heavenly Flame to advance!

Judging by the situation, she was clearly at the critical stage of charging toward the Dou Zong realm, and the immense energy contained within the Green Lotus Core Flame was the key to breaking through her bottleneck. Once she succeeded, the already powerful Snake People Queen would rise another level, and the balance of power throughout the Northwestern Region might change because of it.

Medusa was undoubtedly at the most critical and vulnerable moment of her advancement. As two completely different powers fused within her body, the slightest misstep could trigger an energy backlash. At best, her cultivation would be crippled; at worst, she would suffer deviation and perish. For Xiao Yan, who wanted nothing more than to seize the Green Lotus Core Flame, this was undoubtedly an opportunity that came only once in a thousand years.

Yet Xiao Yan had no thought whatsoever of taking advantage of the moment to seize the Heavenly Flame. It was not that he did not want to—he did not dare. He did not even dare make the slightest movement. Though Medusa was immersed in the concentration of her advancement and unable to spare attention for her surroundings, the vague pressure radiating from her body still pressed against Xiao Yan's heart as though tangible, making him feel as if needles were pricking his back and leaving his Body Tense. More importantly, Elder Yao's voice kept warning him in his mind: "Do not act impulsively! With your current strength, even if she is in a weakened state, you are still no match for her. My Soul Power can conceal your aura, but it cannot withstand her Full Power Attack. Once we are exposed, we will not even have a chance to run."

He could clearly sense that if he made even the slightest movement—if even one finger twitched—A crack would appear in the concealment barrier Elder Yao had constructed. Given Medusa's current sensitivity to Energy Fluctuation, she would surely notice it instantly. What awaited him then would be a thunderous assault. He would likely be torn to pieces before he even had time to draw the Black Heavy Ruler.

He could only lie quietly behind the crack in the rocks like a leopard lurking in darkness, making even his breathing softer. His eyes remained locked on the peerlessly beautiful figure by the spring, watching her contend time and again with the raging powers within her beneath the blue-gold glow of the Heavenly Flame, striking at the barrier before her that led to a Stronger realm. In his mind, Elder Yao's Soul Power continued to flow slowly, guarding his aura from discovery like the most Loyal Guards. The warmth of the black ring had become his only comfort at this moment.

Within the stone cave, there was only the whooshing of the Green Lotus Core Flame as it burned, the bubbling of the Spring Eye, and Medusa's occasional suppressed muffled groans. The three sounds Intertwined, forming a Soul-stirring symphony of advancement that echoed through the empty cave. Every note carried danger and uncertainty. Xiao Yan's heart hung tightly with the rhythm of that melody. He did not know where this advancement, which concerned the fate of the Snake People Queen, would ultimately lead, nor what consequences his accidental intrusion would bring him—he could only hope Elder Yao's Soul Power would hold out until the end, and hope that he could find a sliver of survival in this perilous standoff.