The mountain road wound like a silver serpent. Morning light filtered through gaps in the dense leaves, weaving mottled patches of light and shadow across the ground. The wind passed through the forest, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, yet it could not disperse the subtle tension among the group. Queen Medusa walked at the front, her purple-gold snakeskin gown brushing over dew-covered grass. The dust and bits of grass stained with the hem stood out conspicuously. The edge of her skirt occasionally swiped past stones, leaving behind a faint fragrance—the cold, distinctive scent unique to the Snake People Tribe.
Xiao Yan held Qing Lin's small hand. Her palm was warm and slightly damp with nervous sweat. From time to time, she looked up at Xiao Yan, then timidly glanced at Queen Medusa's back. Her emerald eyes were filled with curiosity and awe. Nalan Yanran walked on Xiao Yan's other side, the hem of her pale blue dress swaying gently with each step. She occasionally surveyed their surroundings, and traces of the tension from escaping the Misty Cloud Sect still lingered between her brows. Only when she saw Qing Lin's innocent appearance did a soft smile appear on her face.
Hai Bodong rode securely on the Purple Gold Winged Lion King's back. Some color had finally returned to the old popsicle's pale face. The cracks in his ice-crystal armor remained clear, but blood no longer seeped from them. Leaning against the Lion King's neck, he rested with his eyes closed. Occasionally, he opened them, his gaze falling upon Queen Medusa with deep wariness—this Snake People Tribe Queen was far more terrifyingly powerful than he had imagined.
The group walked in silence for about an hour before the clamor of a town faintly drifted from ahead. Vendors' cries, pedestrians'