The Queen's Admiration (1)

In the Snake-People Tribe's plaza, Su Baichen leaned against the shadow of a massive stone pillar, idly toying with a small mirror edged with strange silver patterns.

The mirror danced between his slender fingers. He tossed it high into the air, where it traced a gleaming silver arc before landing steadily back in his palm, over and over, as though he were performing some mysterious ritual.

A playful smile rested on his lips as Caidie's vividly told story echoed through his mind.

"Ah, as expected of my little maid."

He muttered to himself, his voice carrying undisguised praise and a hint of teasing. "That lie was truly flawless and heartfelt."

"The grievance in her eyes, the certainty in her tone... tsk, tsk. Even I almost believed she was some pitiful little thing sacrificing herself for her sister."

Recalling Caidie's teary-eyed appearance, then comparing it to her sister's seemingly domineering yet utterly sister-indulging nature, his smile deepened.

"If I hadn't already known that Caidie was really as shrewd as a little fox inside, I might actually have been fooled by that superb performance."

At that thought, Su Baichen deliberately shook his head like an old man and let out a sigh, like a worried elder. "Little Cao Ying, little Cao Ying, you're still too innocent. With skills like yours, Caidie has fooled you so thoroughly you don't even know which way is north."

"Looks like my education for you still hasn't been comprehensive or profound enough."

"You little flower raised in a greenhouse haven't truly suffered the battering of the outside world's storms. You don't know how treacherous people's hearts can be."

Yet that trace of "helplessness" was soon replaced by another emotion: heartfelt pride.

He stroked the smooth mirror surface and continued murmuring, "Still, setting aside that little bit of innocence—adorable stupidity—Cao Ying's talent is genuinely absurdly powerful. It's only been how long, and she's already at Eight-Duan Dou Qi, with such a solid foundation."

He could clearly sense that with the aid of the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid, Cao Ying's Dou Qi had not only progressed at astonishing speed, but every ounce of her power was incomparably condensed, without the slightest hint of instability.

"At this rate, becoming a Dou Zhe at six years old while also becoming a respected alchemist... such a heaven-defying existence is entirely possible for her."

As he spoke, the smugness in Su Baichen's eyes nearly overflowed. It was as if he could already see the day when he would lead his prodigious disciple by the hand before his old friends, leaving their jaws hanging and their eyes red with envy.

Just imagining that scene filled him with immense satisfaction, and even the desert heat seemed a little cooler.

Just as he was immersed in the pleasant fantasy of his disciple making a dazzling entrance and blinding his old friends, a respectful voice sounded from behind him, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mr. Su, Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence. She hopes you will come to her hall for a discussion."

Queen Medusa is looking for me?

Su Baichen paused slightly, unconsciously tightening his grip around the mirror. He quickly reviewed his interactions with the Snake-People Tribe's supreme ruler. Aside from helping her resolve several troublesome tribal governance issues at her request, there had only been their brief cooperation during the search for the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Normally, he kept to himself, devoted to refining pills and teaching his disciple. He had almost never taken the initiative to provoke this queen famed for her beauty and majesty.

But his confusion lasted only an instant. Then inspiration struck, and something that had long been put aside rose to the surface of his mind.

Right. It's probably that matter!

Besides, he would be staying within the Snake-People Tribe's territory for some time yet. They would inevitably see each other often.

In the blink of an eye, Su Baichen had regained his calm demeanor. Turning around, he gave the respectfully waiting Snake-People guard a slight nod and said evenly,

"Mm, I understand. Please lead the way."

Meanwhile, inside Queen Medusa's magnificent yet somewhat empty palace.

Unlike its usual solemn grandeur, a rare fragrance tinged with a touch of nervousness permeated one corner of the bedchamber.

Queen Medusa was not seated upon her throne. Instead, she stood before a massive dressing mirror polished from a single piece of crystal.

Not long ago, her trusted maid had reported that Mr. Su, who had been in seclusion for a long time, had finally emerged and was currently strolling leisurely through the central plaza.

Upon hearing the news, her heart was like a lake disturbed by a tossed stone, rippling in layer after layer. Without nearly any hesitation, she immediately sent her most capable royal guard to invite him.

Her fingertips lightly brushed a jade-green hairpin on the dressing table, but her thoughts had drifted far away.

What surfaced in her mind was Su Baichen's calm wisdom as he effortlessly resolved long-standing problems within her tribe; the profound knowledge he casually revealed during their search for the Heavenly Flames, which won her admiration; and the focused, serious profile she occasionally glimpsed when passing by the Alchemy Room and seeing him instruct Cao Ying...

Skilled with both pen—in matters of governance—and martial might—beyond Dou Zong—he was proficient in alchemy as well. More importantly, after observing Su Baichen for so long, she had discovered that toward those around him, such as her younger sister, he might tease them constantly, but he was fiercely protective and exceptionally caring.

And his... well, unique sense of humor—though Cao Ying might accuse him of building it upon her "tearful history"—also made him seem vivid and real to her.

Moreover, whenever she thought of him these past few days, her heartbeat would accelerate. She understood then that she had fallen in love with this young Master Su.

The face reflected in the mirror was still breathtakingly beautiful, her rose-purple eyes as deep as a sea of stars. Yet today, those eyes held less of their usual icy sharpness and majesty, and more subtle anticipation and nervousness.

Her fingertips lightly brushed over the carefully selected outfit she wore—not the elaborate queen's robes that symbolized power and status, but a pale-purple fitted outfit with crisp tailoring and bright colors. Delicate butterfly patterns were embroidered along the collar and cuffs, while its skirt fell only to her knees, making her appear lighter and more lively in motion.

Even her dark hair, which was normally always arranged without a strand out of place, had been loosened slightly today, with several locks playfully falling beside her cheeks.

"Ah..."

An almost inaudible sigh escaped her lips. Facing herself in the mirror, she adjusted a collar that was already perfect. "I wonder what Young Master Su... will think when he sees me like this?"

This outfit was nearly the most "lively" and "youthful" attire she had hidden away at the bottom of her wardrobe.

Why go to such lengths? The reason was simple.

Normally, aside from necessary exchanges when she consulted Su Baichen about governmental difficulties, or when they had cooperated in seeking the Heavenly Flames, he always maintained a perfectly measured distance from her, the queen—courteous, yet distant.

Yet he could chat happily with her younger sister Caidie, occasionally making the girl giggle with laughter. Whenever they were together, Su Baichen appeared relaxed and natural, without the slightest restraint.

That stark contrast led Queen Medusa to a conclusion that left her somewhat discouraged, yet one she had no choice but to accept—perhaps Su Baichen simply did not like her type: the noble, aloof, powerful "queen."

He didn't like it? That was fine. Since he liked lively and approachable women, then she could try changing too.

Queen Medusa had never been someone who would sit around and wait for defeat, or admit loss easily. Whether facing powerful enemies or... the person she loved.

As her thoughts turned, she looked into the mirror once more. That face capable of toppling nations held less of a queen's oppressive aura and more of a woman's charm and vitality. She had always been supremely confident in her looks and bearing, and now she felt even more strongly that this careful preparation was—

"Perfect."

Her red lips parted as she whispered to herself, as though giving herself one final confirmation and encouragement. A glint of determination flashed through her magnificent eyes.