The Snake-Person Dou Wang experts stood frozen, unable to react for a long while.
Mo Basi climbed out of the pit and stared at Ye Xiu's retreating figure, his expression as ugly as could be. But he didn't dare say a word.
Ye Xiu flew alongside Medusa for a while before landing in front of a huge stone palace.
Two rows of Snake-Person guards stood at the palace entrance. The moment they saw Medusa return, they dropped to their knees as one.
"Your Majesty!"
Medusa gave a slight nod and walked straight inside.
Ye Xiu followed her into the palace.
It was quite spacious and lavishly decorated, with all kinds of crystals hanging on the walls, carpets covering the floor, and several pots of greenery in the corners that had come from who knew where.
Medusa walked over to the seat of honor and sat down, then looked at Ye Xiu.
"Have a seat."
Ye Xiu didn't stand on ceremony. He found a chair and sat down.
Medusa watched him for a while before speaking. "You said you could guarantee my success. What makes you so sure?"
"I've already explained. Because I'm a Sixth-grade Alchemist, and because I can provide what you need," Ye Xiu replied.
To be honest, the help Ye Xiu could offer wasn't all that useful. Medusa's chances of completing her evolution were still next to none.
But Ye Xiu was a transmigrator who already knew the original story. Medusa would complete her evolution in the end; it was inevitable.
So while the process was a near-certain death sentence for Medusa, Ye Xiu knew she was guaranteed to succeed.
"Do you know what it takes to evolve with a Heavenly Flame?" Ye Xiu asked.
Medusa said nothing. Her beautiful eyes remained fixed on him.
Ye Xiu continued, "First, you need a strong enough body to withstand the flames. Second, you need a pill to protect your soul and keep it from perishing. Third, the evolution process requires precise control, so the Heavenly Flame can actively help evolve your essence instead of indiscriminately burning you to ash."
The first point was obvious.
As for the second, Ye Xiu could refine a Soul-Melting Pill. It would prevent Medusa's soul from being taken over by the soul of the Seven-Colored Heaven-Swallowing Python that would evolve from the Purple-Nether Flame Snake, allowing the two to merge directly.
As for the third point, put another way, an Alchemist had to devour the Green Lotus Core Flame first. Then they could control the Heavenly Flame at will.
Medusa's gaze shifted as Ye Xiu laid out his case.
What he said made sense to her, but that didn't mean it would be easy to do.
"Your body isn't a problem. You're already a Peak Dou Huang, and the Snake-Person Race is physically strong," Ye Xiu said. "The last two points are the key. I can refine a pill to protect your soul. One Sixth-grade Soul-Melting Pill will make your soul as steady as a mountain. No one else will be able to take it over."
"As for controlling the flame..." Ye Xiu paused. "I'll be the one controlling the Green Lotus Core Flame, so it won't suddenly go berserk."
Medusa's pupils contracted. She stared at Ye Xiu and asked, "You can control a Heavenly Flame?"
"Heavenly Flames are born from the very essence of heaven and earth. No one can control one unless it has accepted them as its master," Ye Xiu said, shaking his head.
Medusa understood what he meant. Her voice turned dangerous. "So you want to devour the Heavenly Flame first, then help me evolve? The thing you said you wanted was the Green Lotus Core Flame?"
Ye Xiu nodded. "Your Majesty is wise."
Medusa let out a cold laugh. "Do you take me for a fool? What if you get the Heavenly Flame and then go back on your word? My evolution will be perilous enough; I can't afford the slightest mistake. If you use your control over the flame to sabotage me, wouldn't I be doomed?"
Ye Xiu replied calmly, "It's only natural that Your Majesty doesn't trust me. So we can sign a Soul Contract. If I go back on my word or sabotage you, my soul will turn on me, and I'll die. How does that sound?"
Queen Medusa looked at Ye Xiu. "You're truly willing to sign a Soul Contract with me?"
Ye Xiu nodded. "That's right. We'll use blood as the medium and our souls as the bond. When we sign, both parties must willingly offer the vital blood tied to their souls and lives. By merging it into the other's soul, we'll establish an absolute contract."
Ye Xiu paused, then continued, "Of course, this is an equal contract. Your Majesty will have to make the same commitment."
When Medusa remained silent, Ye Xiu spoke again:
"For you, this is a deal with no downside. If you succeed, you'll evolve into a Seventh-tier Magic Beast and reach the Dou Zong realm. No one in the Jia Ma Empire will be able to stand against you, and the Snake-Person Race will prosper as a result."
"Even if you fail, it won't matter. Your body will be gone, but your soul will linger for a short while. I can use that brief moment to help preserve it, then find you a new body. I can even refine a batch of Bone-Shaping Pills and make you a new one."
Medusa pondered for a while, weighing her options.
This human made it sound too perfect. It was so perfect that she couldn't bring herself to believe him.
But she had to admit, if what he said was true, this was indeed her only chance.
Few had ever succeeded in evolving with a Heavenly Flame. She had been prepared to risk her life for a chance. Now someone was telling her he could raise the odds to one hundred percent. She could only choose to believe him.
Medusa then said, "Fine. We'll do as you say!"
"I'll let you devour the Green Lotus Core Flame. If I go back on my word, I'll serve you as your slave for the rest of my life."
Ye Xiu nodded with a smile. "All right!"
Medusa looked at him and suddenly asked, "What's your name?"
"Ye Xiu."
Medusa nodded, committing his name to memory.
"When do we start?" she asked.
Ye Xiu thought for a moment. "We'll have to wait a few days. I need to gather some medicinal ingredients and refine the Soul-Melting Pill. By the way, where's your Heavenly Flame now?"
"It's deep inside the tribe. I've sent people to guard it," Medusa said. "Do you want to see it?"
Ye Xiu shook his head. "No rush. Once I've refined the pill, we'll go together."
Medusa nodded and rose from her throne.
"Then I'll have someone arrange a place for you to stay."
Ye Xiu waved a hand. "No need. I'll find somewhere outside. Your people are keeping an eye on me anyway. I can't get away."
Medusa glanced at him but said nothing.
Ye Xiu stood up and headed out.
When he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Medusa.
"By the way, Your Majesty, there's something I'm not sure I should say."
Medusa frowned. "Speak."
Ye Xiu smiled. "You really are quite beautiful. No wonder people outside describe you like a fairy."
With that, he pushed the door open and left.
Medusa stood there, stunned, unable to react for a long while.
By the time she came to her senses, Ye Xiu was already gone.
She stood in the palace, her expression complicated.
In all these years, no one had ever dared speak to her like that.
This human was truly bold.
Before you continue