A Young Man Defeated Queen Medusa?

The Imperial Palace of the Jia Ma Empire.

Jia Xingtian sat in his study, holding several reports as he reviewed them.

He was the guardian of the Jia Ma Empire, a powerful Dou Emperor who oversaw the safety of the entire empire.

Though advanced in years, he was still in excellent spirits, his eyes deep and sharp.

A hurried series of footsteps sounded outside the door.

A guard quickly entered and dropped to one knee.

"Elder Jia, urgent military news," the guard said.

Jia Xingtian set down the memorial. "Speak."

"According to our scouts, a great battle took place in the direction of the Tagor Desert," the guard reported. "The two sides were Queen Medusa of the Snake-Person Tribe and a human youth."

Jia Xingtian's brow furrowed slightly.

Queen Medusa.

A Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor, the strongest being in the entire Jia Ma Empire.

Why would she fight a human youth?

"What was the outcome?" Jia Xingtian asked.

The guard lowered his head, his voice tightening. "Queen Medusa lost. The youth beat her until she coughed up blood and was gravely wounded."

Jia Xingtian's expression changed.

Queen Medusa had lost?

Defeated by a human youth?

"Is the report reliable?" Jia Xingtian asked.

"It is," the guard replied. "Our scout witnessed it personally, and the news has already spread among the Snake-Person Tribe."

Jia Xingtian fell silent.

His fingers tapped lightly against the desk as countless thoughts raced through his mind.

Anyone capable of defeating Queen Medusa was at least a Peak Dou Emperor, and might even be a Dou Zong.

There was no one like that anywhere on the Dou Qi Continent.

"What is that youth's background?" Jia Xingtian asked.

"We don't know yet," the guard replied. "Our scouts are investigating. We should have news soon."

Jia Xingtian nodded. "Report to me the moment you hear anything."

"Yes." The guard bowed, then turned and left the study.

Only Jia Xingtian remained in the study.

He rose and walked to the window, gazing at the sky outside.

Queen Medusa had been defeated by a youth.

The news was too shocking.

Jia Xingtian considered the possibilities.

Anyone capable of defeating Queen Medusa was far stronger than he and Yun Yun.

If someone like that could be won over to the Imperial Family's side, its power would increase greatly.

Then they would no longer have to fear the Misty Cloud Sect.

The Misty Cloud Sect had grown too quickly in recent years and was already threatening the Imperial Family's position.

Jia Xingtian had long wanted to find a way to suppress the Misty Cloud Sect, but he had lacked the strength to do so.

Now, an opportunity had arrived.

"Whoever that youth is, we must find a way to befriend him," Jia Xingtian murmured.

He returned to his desk, sat down, and resumed reviewing the reports.

But his thoughts were no longer on them.

Outside the study, a young girl came bouncing over.

Yao Yue.

Jia Xingtian's granddaughter and the little princess of the Jia Ma Empire.

She wore a light purple dress, her long hair tied into two ponytails, and a playful look on her face.

"Grandpa Emperor." Yao Yue pushed the door open and ran inside.

Jia Xingtian looked up. When he saw her, a smile spread across his face.

"Yue'er, what brings you here?"

"I came to ask Grandpa Emperor to train with me," Yao Yue said. "It's no fun training by myself."

Jia Xingtian smiled. "Not today. Grandpa has something to take care of."

Yao Yue pouted. "What could be more important than training with me?"

Jia Xingtian looked at her and hesitated.

Yao Yue was his granddaughter, and the person he cherished most.

Surely it would be all right to tell her about this.

"Yue'er, did you know? Someone defeated Queen Medusa," Jia Xingtian said.

Yao Yue froze, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Queen Medusa? The Queen Medusa who's a Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor?"

"That's the one," Jia Xingtian said.

"Who defeated her?" Yao Yue asked.

"A human youth," Jia Xingtian replied. "I hear he's only fifteen or sixteen."