Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start, Chapter 28

Looking at the map in his hand, Xiao Ling stroked Zi Yan's soft purple hair and said with a smile, "Whether we can get our hands on the Sand Mandala then will depend on you doing your part."

Zi Yan, standing beside him, looked puzzled. "What does that have to do with me? I don't even know that Queen Medusa."

Xiao Ling smiled and began explaining to Zi Yan. "First, your true form is a Magical Beast, while Queen Medusa is a Snake Person and also has a Magical Beast true form. You'll definitely feel closer to each other. And you're so cute that Queen Medusa surely won't make things difficult for you."

Having read the original novel, Xiao Ling knew that Queen Medusa liked Zi Yan very much. Perhaps it was because they were both Magical Beasts, or perhaps simply because Zi Yan was cute. In any case, bringing Zi Yan along to exchange for the Sand Mandala would certainly improve their chances of success.

Ruffling Zi Yan's little head, Xiao Ling added, "As long as you say a few good words for us this time, and we successfully exchange for the Sand Mandala from Queen Medusa, you definitely won't be left without a reward. Giving you a Sixth-grade medicinal ingredient from the payment Hai Bodong offered won't be a problem."

Hearing that she could earn medicinal ingredients, a golden gleam flashed through Zi Yan's eyes. She raised her little head, patted her flat chest, and declared confidently, "Leave it to me. This young lady will definitely give it her all."

Seeing Zi Yan's comical appearance, Xiao Ling could not help but smile. He patted Void Dragon's back again. It let out a long roar toward the heavens, then accelerated and flew deeper into the desert.

High in the clear sky, a gigantic blazing sun hung overhead like an enormous fireball continuously releasing flames. Its scorching rays poured over the golden desert, baking the fine grains of sand until they resembled glowing-hot iron pellets.

Due to the searing heat, wisps of hot air seeped out of the yellow sands, evaporating the space above into something distorted and illusory.

As far as the eye could see, the boundless desert stretched endlessly into the distance. There was not a soul in sight; only violent winds howled across the land, sweeping up sand and dust that filled the sky. Like enraged beasts, they roared and churned, forming massive waves of sand that battered everything around them. The grains collided and scraped against one another, producing a rustling sound like a tragic, desolate symphony echoing through this barren world.

Suddenly, a black figure streaked across the sky above the desert, tearing a gash through the clouds in a spectacular display.

The source of this imposing sight was a sleek black Magical Beast. On its back, Xiao Ling and Zi Yan had both risen to their feet, gazing toward an oasis that had appeared in the distance.

Xiao Ling withdrew his distant gaze and lowered his head to study the map he had taken from Hai Bodong's shop.

His finger traced the route before slowly stopping over a red dot marking danger. There were eight such red dots on the entire map, scattered across different regions of the desert.

Within the Snake People Race of the Tagor Desert, aside from various small and medium-sized tribes, there were eight colossal powers—the eight red dots on the map. They were the strongest tribes of the Snake People Race and held extremely high status in the desert. Aside from Queen Medusa, even they did not yield to one another.

The eight behemoths dominated different regions of the Tagor Desert. Deep in the desert, the main route drawn on the map was blocked by the red dot beneath Xiao Ling's finger.

Looking at the small oasis situated on a plain, Xiao Ling pondered, So that should be one of the Snake People Race's eight great tribes. Judging by its location, it ought to be Commander Yue Mei's tribe. I wonder if that snake is bathing right now. I could take the chance to learn a little about Snake People anatomy.

With that in mind, Xiao Ling decided to investigate. Soul Perception spread from between his brows, scanning the oasis in detail.

To Xiao Ling's regret, not only did he fail to see Commander Yue Mei bathing, he did not even spot a single snake woman. It seemed he had arrived at an unfortunate time and did not have Xiao Yan's luck.

Putting such unimportant matters aside, they flew for several more minutes and passed over the oasis. They were now not far from the location marked by the red dot on the map.

For this search for the Sand Mandala, Xiao Ling intended to go directly to Queen Medusa and exchange for one. If he searched the Tagor Desert himself, he had no idea whether he could even find one in ten days or half a month. Xiao Ling had no intention of wasting time here. There was still little Qing Lin waiting for him in Stone Desert City, and a Green Lotus Core Flame beneath the ground waiting for him to devour. He had plenty to do.

Besides, with Zi Yan—a future good friend of Medusa—helping negotiate, as long as he could offer a sufficiently sincere price, exchanging for a Sand Mandala should not be difficult.

Even if Queen Medusa wanted to attack him, Void Dragon's speed, which surpassed that of most Dou Zongs, would ensure that he could leave safely without the slightest problem.

When the time came to leave, he could simply grab a Dou Wang to exchange for the Sand Mandala. He refused to believe Queen Medusa would be ruthless enough to abandon her own people.

Not long afterward, an endless desert like a golden ocean appeared before Xiao Ling's eyes, and a tribe emerged within it like a lone boat upon the sea.

If nothing unexpected happened, this should be the location of the Charming Snake Tribe. Xiao Ling recalled Void Dragon into his sleeve, then took Zi Yan and spread his Dou Qi Wings as they flew toward the Charming Snake Tribe ahead.

The two left behind streaks of gold and purple light in the air. Without concealing their aura in the slightest, they quickly caught the attention of the Snake People guards on the city walls.

"Dou Qi Wings—it's a Dou Wang!"

"Why would human Dou Wang experts come to a Snake People tribe?"

"Alert! Alert! Human Dou Wang experts are attacking the Snake People Race!"

"Quick, notify Commander Yue Mei! The enemy is too strong!"

The Snake People on the wall moved swiftly, raising their weapons. It seemed that the instant Xiao Ling and Zi Yan entered their attack range, they would activate their weapons and launch a fierce assault.

Xiao Ling and Zi Yan stopped in midair outside the tribe's gates, where the Snake People could not reach them. The atmosphere immediately fell silent.

After the brief commotion, the Snake People Race calmed down. Seeing that the human experts above showed no intention of attacking, they did not rashly strike either. They merely watched Xiao Ling with considerable wariness.

Hovering in the air, Xiao Ling looked toward the center of the city. Under the scan of his Soul Perception, there was an aura there around the level of a seven-star Dou Wang. Barring surprises, it should be Yue Mei, one of the Eight Grand Commanders.

Before long, a snake woman emerged from the tallest building in the tribe, spread her Dou Qi Wings, and swiftly flew toward the city gates.

The Snake People woman landed above the wall and hovered there. She stared gravely at Xiao Ling and Zi Yan, then asked in an unfriendly tone, "What business do two human Dou Wang experts have in the depths of the Tagor Desert? We Snake People do not welcome humans."

In Yue Mei's perception, the blue-haired, white-robed young man was slightly weaker than she was and posed little concern. However, the little girl behind him was far stronger, her pressure comparable to that of a peak Dou Wang expert among the Snake People Race. Moreover, whenever Yue Mei looked at the little girl, a fearful feeling rose in her heart, leaving her deeply unsettled. If these two had ill intentions, the Charming Snake Tribe would be in serious trouble today.

Seeing Yue Mei's guarded expression, Xiao Ling waved his hand and took out an elder's token from Jia Nan Academy's Ring. He spoke calmly. "I am an elder of the Alchemy Department at Jia Nan Academy. Behind me is my companion, Zi Yan. She is a transformed Magical Beast. We hold no hostility toward the Snake People Race. Commander Yue Mei has misunderstood us. We came directly to your door because we wish to make a deal with the Snake People Race. Believe me, it will bring you benefits and no harm."

Hearing Xiao Ling's explanation, Yue Mei recalled that neither of them had attacked the Snake People before her arrival. Neither Dou Wang was affiliated with the surrounding empires, and the little girl was even a transformed Magical Beast. Given the faint sense of suppression she felt, the girl's bloodline was surely extraordinary, so she likely held no enmity toward the Snake People Race. She had also heard that Jia Nan Academy was a force protected by a Dou Zong expert, so they could not be offended.

Although the Snake People Race and humans were sworn enemies, if they truly held a grudge against every human on the Dou Qi Continent, how could they survive? The Dou Qi Continent was home to countless races, but humanity still occupied the leading position. If some human expert could not stand the Snake People harming humans and decided to wipe them out, that would be truly disgraceful.

The vigilance on her face eased somewhat, replaced by a charming smile. She said softly, "So the two of you are elders from Jia Nan Academy. We were overly guarded earlier and failed in our courtesy. Since you wish to make a deal with the Snake People Race, we can discuss it properly. Please follow me into the city so we may speak in detail." After speaking, she swayed her graceful waist, flicked her snake tail, and flew toward a building within the city.

Since Yue Mei had already flown into the city, Xiao Ling had no intention of wasting time here. He took Zi Yan and followed after her. With a slight flap of their Dou Qi Wings, the two soon landed in front of a pavilion.

The Snake People in the city, who had been anxious moments earlier, sighed in relief when they saw that this was not an attack from the surrounding nations. When experts clashed, it was always ordinary civilians without the ability to protect themselves who suffered.

Yue Mei, who had arrived before them, smiled politely when Xiao Ling and Zi Yan caught up. She then addressed the surrounding Snake People. "I will discuss a matter with these two distinguished guests here. All of you are to stand guard outside. Without my permission, no one may enter. Any violator will be severely punished!"

The surrounding Snake People nodded in acknowledgment and moved outside the pavilion, surrounding it tightly. It was unclear whether they were preventing word of the discussion from leaking out or gathering forces in case conflict erupted, so they could reinforce the area in time.

Xiao Ling did not care in the slightest. These Da Dou Shis and Dou Lings posed no threat to him or Zi Yan.

After arranging matters with the Snake People, Yue Mei smiled at Xiao Ling again. "Please follow me. Let us talk inside." She pointed toward a private room and entered first.

Holding Zi Yan's little hand, Xiao Ling followed her into the room.

Once everyone was seated, Yue Mei, as the host, spoke first. "What sort of deal do you wish to make with the Snake People Race? Please tell me."

Xiao Ling did not beat around the bush. "We came to exchange for a Sand Mandala. I lack this medicinal ingredient for refining pills. I wonder whether you can accommodate us."

Zi Yan, seated beside him, also spoke. "Sister Yue Mei, Xiao Ling is a Sixth-grade Alchemist. Whatever he offers will definitely satisfy the Snake People Race."

Yue Mei was somewhat surprised by their words. The Sand Mandala had always been used by gifted members of the Snake People Race to fuse with snake-type Magical Beasts suited to them. She did not have any of this medicinal ingredient herself. Only Queen Medusa in the Snake People Sacred City had a stock of Sand Mandalas. Upon hearing Zi Yan say that Xiao Ling was actually a Sixth-grade Alchemist, Yue Mei examined him more closely. A trace of surprise appeared in her eyes. She had not looked carefully before, but now that he was closer, she realized that although he was tall, his face was extremely young—only fifteen or sixteen years old. At such an age, he had already become a Dou Wang and was even a Sixth-grade Alchemist. In all her years, she had not merely never seen such a genius; she had never even heard of one. Fortunately, he was not nurtured by one of the surrounding empires, or the Snake People Race would have gained another monstrously talented enemy.

Yue Mei stared at Xiao Ling's face with a complicated gaze for a moment before smiling softly. "I did not expect to be in the presence of a Sixth-grade Alchemist. I was discourteous earlier, so I hope Master Xiao Ling will forgive me. I simply did not expect Master Xiao Ling to have reached the Dou Wang level at such a young age, while also possessing such remarkable attainments in alchemy."

After a brief pause, she continued, "However, I truly am sorry. Even among the Snake People Race, the Sand Mandala is an extremely rare medicinal ingredient. It is strictly controlled by the higher-ups and all supplies are kept by Queen Medusa in the Sacred City. The Charming Snake Tribe has none in stock at present. I fear Master Xiao Ling will have to return disappointed."

After hearing Yue Mei's explanation, Xiao Ling showed no great emotional reaction. He had already expected this possibility. "Then I ask Commander Yue Mei to help us request an audience with Queen Medusa and bring us to the Snake People Sacred City to make the transaction. Once it is done, I can offer you suitable compensation."

After thinking for a moment, Yue Mei replied in a troubled tone, "Then what reward can Master Xiao Ling offer to move me? Her Majesty and the elders are extremely unfriendly toward humans. If I bring two unfamiliar Dou Wang experts to the Sacred City, I may anger Her Majesty and the elders and end up being punished."

Knowing that she was asking for benefits, Xiao Ling thought for a moment before saying, "As long as you prepare the ingredients for three Dou Ling Pills, I can refine one Dou Ling Pill for you. With its help, Commander Yue Mei should not need long to enter the Dou Emperor realm."

Yue Mei was clearly tempted. Her cultivation had already reached the peak of the seven-star Dou Wang level. Once she broke through to an eight-star Dou Wang, taking a Dou Ling Pill to reach nine-star Dou Wang would put her not far from breaking through to Dou Emperor. With that in mind, Yue Mei replied coyly, "That proposal is indeed quite good. Then I will take Master Xiao Ling and this little sister to the Sacred City. Once Master Xiao Ling gets what he wants, you must keep your promise~"

Seeing that Yue Mei had agreed, Xiao Ling nodded. Refining a Dou Ling Pill for her would not take much of his time, and he could earn the ingredients for two more Dou Ling Pills. As expected of the T0 profession of the Dou Qi Continent—Alchemists truly held a different status.

Still holding Zi Yan's hand, Xiao Ling rose to his feet and said to Yue Mei, "Time is of the essence. Let's set off. Don't worry, I have the reputation of an Alchemist to uphold. Once we exchange for the Sand Mandala and you prepare the ingredients, I will refine it for you."

Seeing Xiao Ling and Zi Yan stand, Yue Mei also got up. "Since Master Xiao Ling is so eager, then let us depart now." With that, she led the two out of the pavilion.

After informing the guards outside the pavilion, Yue Mei spread her Dou Qi Wings and led Xiao Ling and Zi Yan toward the Snake People Sacred City.

While flying, Xiao Ling took out the map of the Tagor Desert he had obtained from Hai Bodong and studied it carefully. He found that the distance from the Charming Snake Tribe to the Snake People Sacred City was not far. If he summoned Void Dragon, they could arrive in less than two hours. However, it was one of his trump cards for escaping the Snake People Race should the deal fail, so it was best not to expose it lightly.

With all three of them possessing Dou Wang cultivation and traveling at full speed, they were nearing the Snake People Sacred City after more than half a day.

Boundless yellow sand danced in the gusting winds, while the setting sun slowly slipped beyond the horizon, dyeing the world a brilliant gold. Before the eyes of the three, a huge city appeared faintly amidst the endless desert.

Looking at the majestic city rising from the desert ahead, Xiao Ling asked Yue Mei beside him, "Commander Yue Mei, that should be your Snake People Sacred City, right?"

Hearing Xiao Ling's question, Yue Mei nodded. "That's right. Ahead lies our Snake People Sacred City. The elders and Her Majesty have guarded it for many years. You must stay close to me, or the Snake People guards will definitely attack without hesitation when they see two human Dou Wang experts entering the Snake People Sacred City."

Xiao Ling nodded to show that he understood. He then took Zi Yan's little hand and flew a short distance behind Yue Mei.

As they drew closer to the Snake People Sacred City, Xiao Ling saw that amidst the monotonous yellow sand surrounding this magnificent city, many enormous stones had begun to appear. Beyond those scattered boulders stood the Divine Temple city where Queen Medusa resided.

Perhaps because the city was under heightened alert, its massive gates were tightly shut. Fully armed Snake People guards patrolled the walls, while more than ten black birds circled above the city. Their sharp eyes constantly swept the land outside, and the slightest movement would cause the beasts to sound an alarm.

Xiao Ling curiously swept his gaze across the walls. Though they were still far away, he could tell that the Snake People guards of this city were far stronger overall than those of the Charming Snake Tribe the previous night. Among the guards, there were occasionally Snake People dressed in peculiar clothing. Their faces were cold as they stood on the walls like pillars. Yet, after a cursory glance, Xiao Ling noticed that no other Snake Person dared approach within several yards of them. Clearly, they were deeply feared.

Those people... they must be Medusa's Personal Guard. They are indeed much stronger than ordinary guards. Still, they pose no threat to me, so there is no need to pay them much attention. Retracting his gaze from the Snake People guards on the wall, Xiao Ling continued following Yue Mei toward the city gates.

Before long, the three arrived outside the gates of the Snake People Sacred City, and the Snake People guards turned their gazes toward Xiao Ling's group.

Seeing one of the Eight Grand Commanders, Yue Mei, arriving with two human-like Dou Wang experts, they were all somewhat puzzled.

A Snake People guard whose strength had reached the peak of Dou Ling swayed his snake tail and came to the front of the wall. He first cupped his hands toward Yue Mei, then asked doubtfully, "Commander Yue Mei, what are the intentions of the two Dou Wang experts behind you? If we do not know why they have come, we absolutely cannot allow them into the Snake People Sacred City."

Hearing the guard captain's question, Yue Mei replied, "Neither of them is an expert from the forces of the surrounding nations. The man is a Sixth-grade Alchemist from Jia Nan Academy, while the girl is a transformed Magical Beast. Neither bears ill will toward the Snake People Race. They have only come to make a transaction with Her Majesty, one that will absolutely benefit the Snake People Race without causing any harm. Rest assured, I will not betray the Snake People Race."

After listening to Yue Mei's explanation, the guard captain carefully examined Xiao Ling and Zi Yan. He searched his memory and realized that among the Dou Wang experts cultivated by the major surrounding empires, according to the Snake People Race's intelligence, there were no portraits of these two. With Commander Yue Mei vouching for them, it seemed the pair truly bore no hostility toward the Snake People Race.

Besides, the Snake People Sacred City was home not only to Queen Medusa but also to four elders whose cultivation had reached the Dou Emperor Peak. They were merely two Dou Wangs—nothing to worry about.

He bowed to Yue Mei and said, "In that case, I shall not obstruct you any further." Afterward, he signaled to the nearby Snake People guards that there was no danger and returned to his post.

With the Snake Person's permission, Yue Mei said nothing more and led Xiao Ling and Zi Yan toward the center of the Snake People Sacred City, toward the palace where Queen Medusa resided.

Before a magnificent palace, Xiao Ling's group withdrew their Dou Qi Wings and descended from the air, arriving at the main entrance.

After Yue Mei exchanged a few words with several Medusa guards, Xiao Ling and Zi Yan followed Yue Mei through layer after layer of guards and entered a resplendent golden hall.