However, before he could enjoy his success for even two seconds, five more figures hurried over after hearing the news.
They were Fama, president of the Alchemist Guild, along with Frank, president of the Alchemist Guild in Black Rock City, and Master Otto.
No one did anything without expecting a reward. They had brought their respective disciples, Lin Fei and Xue Mei, as well.
Seeing that they intended to go with him, Jia Xingtian's old face immediately darkened. "Fama, what do you mean by this?"
You brought two female disciples. Are you hoping they'll throw themselves at him?
Isn't that a little too eager to reap the rewards?
At this, Fama merely chuckled with his aged face and asked in return, "And you have the nerve to ask me?"
Their eyes met. One look was enough to confirm it: they were all cunning old foxes.
It was only natural that they'd noticed Xiao Ze's fondness for beautiful women. They'd planned to cater to his tastes, but someone else had arrived even earlier.
Xue Mei and Lin Fei exchanged glances and sighed to themselves.
If it's good fortune, it can't be avoided; if it's a calamity, there's no escaping it.
After half a day of rumors spreading, Xiao Ze's exploits had naturally reached Black Rock City. At such a young age, he possessed the terrifying strength of a Dou Zong and had personally slain Yun Shan, the former sect master of the Misty Cloud Sect.
Anyone could see that this young man was destined to soar to great heights.
They'd already missed their chance to invest in him at the outset. Now, all they could do was mend the stable after the horse had bolted.
But while they waited, a servant from the Mittel Family came to deliver a message.
"Please return, everyone. Young Master Xiao Ze said he won't see anyone."
Jia Xingtian's old face stiffened, and he asked in confusion, "Why?"
He was, after all, a representative of the Imperial Family. Surely Xiao Ze wouldn't deny him even this small courtesy.
The servant said nothing, only glancing at Yaoye beside him.
The meaning was clear: Xiao Ze hadn't taken a liking to her...
Jia Xingtian's face turned black as coal, but he had no way to argue.
"Great-granddaughter, your grandfather here is powerless to help you." Jia Xingtian smiled bitterly.
He'd meant to find a good match for his great-granddaughter, but it seemed he'd only muddied the waters.
Yaoye wasn't too upset by the rejection. The two of them didn't know each other, and a melon forced from the vine wouldn't be sweet. Perhaps it was better that he'd turned her down.
"Great-grandfather, I won't go in. You can go in by yourself."
With that, Jia Xingtian let out a deep sigh. Xiao Ze was even harder to deal with than he'd imagined.
Fama was in the same situation. After exchanging a few words with Frank and Master Otto, he sent them on their way.
They arrived at the meeting hall.
At last, they met Xiao Ze, the newly risen overlord of the Jia Ma Empire.
"You're Jia Xingtian, right?" Xiao Ze looked at the two old men. One possessed the strength of a Dou Emperor, while the other was an alchemist.
"That's right." Jia Xingtian smiled, then launched into a string of praise.
"I came today to congratulate you on successfully taking the Misty Cloud Sect and ridding our Jia Ma Empire of a long-standing scourge. I'm here on behalf of the Imperial Family to thank you."
Xiao Ze waved a hand, motioning for him to stop. He'd never had any regard for this sort of flattery.
"You came at just the right time. Now I don't have to go looking for you."
Xiao Ze turned to Queen Medusa beside him and said, "This is Queen Medusa of the Tagor Desert. I believe you've met her."
Jia Xingtian inclined his head slightly. "I have."
She had fought Protector Wu, a Four-Star Dou Zong, all by herself. Such ferocity was truly unmatched beneath the heavens.
"Good. That makes things easier." Xiao Ze considered his plan, then continued, "Find a place in the Jia Ma Empire for the Snake-People Tribe to settle. I'll leave this matter to you."
"Huh?" Jia Xingtian paused, thinking that Xiao Ze had started ordering him around already. But Xiao Ze wasn't asking. He was giving instructions.
It was as if he were saying, If you won't do it, plenty of others will.
"I'll keep my people in check. They won't cause you trouble," Queen Medusa said.
Jia Xingtian gazed at Xiao Ze's clear, youthful face, his heart sinking.
I knew there'd be trouble if I came here. And sure enough, there is.
He also knew that Xiao Ze was giving the Imperial Family a chance to prove itself. If you won't do it, plenty of others will—unless you don't want to keep the hat on your head.
After all, supporting a puppet Imperial Family in the Jia Ma Empire would be no challenge for Xiao Ze.
So, after thinking it over, Jia Xingtian agreed without hesitation. "I'll send people to arrange it right away."
Xiao Ze nodded in satisfaction. "He who understands the times is a great man."
Then he turned his gaze to Fama, the thin old man.
Under Xiao Ze's stare, Fama immediately felt ill at ease.
"Fama, you'll remain president of the Alchemist Guild, but I want thirty percent of the guild's profits."
Alchemists were a highly coveted profession, and their ranks were the wealthiest of all. Having taken the Misty Cloud Sect, how could Xiao Ze possibly leave this slice of cake untouched?
At this, a barely perceptible twitch appeared at the corner of Fama's eye. He wanted to object, but before he could utter a word, Xiao Ze's imposing aura choked the words back.
As if. If you dare say no, you can forget about remaining president of the Alchemist Guild.
"Fama has no objections."
"Good." Xiao Ze nodded with satisfaction.
He had to admit, being a leader was different. No one below dared to say a word against him.
"All right, that's enough for today. You may all go and make the necessary arrangements."
Jia Xingtian and Fama exchanged glances. Knowing there was no point in saying more, they could only leave obediently.
They'd come hoping to build a relationship, but not only had they failed to do so, they'd ended up paying a hefty price.
Outside the Mittel Family residence, Jia Xingtian sighed. "The days ahead won't be easy."
"But they'll still be better than when Yun Shan was in charge, won't they?" Fama said with a smile.
"You old coot, you're as optimistic as ever."
"Xiao Ze, I should bring this good news to my people. I'll leave you for now." With that, Queen Medusa vanished before his eyes in an instant, not even giving him a chance to reply.
She had waited too long for this opportunity. If she hadn't reached the Dou Zong realm, she truly didn't know how much longer she would have had to wait.
She'd had enough of that godforsaken place, the Tagor Desert.
"You..." Xiao Ze had just started to stop her, but Queen Medusa was already gone.
"Thank you."
All he heard was a gentle voice drifting back to him, soft enough to make his bones melt.
"That's more like it." Xiao Ze smiled.
As her man, Xiao Ze had never treated her unfairly. He'd always remembered this matter.
So he'd used this opportunity to ask that old fellow Jia Xingtian for a territory. He was certain the man wouldn't dare refuse.
Afterward, Xiao Ze led Yun Yun to his room.
"Yun'er, you won't blame me for what happened today, will you?" Xiao Ze wrapped his arms around Yun Yun's waist from behind and spoke softly.
Yun Yun was silent for a moment before replying in a low voice, "My master aided evil and willingly became a hound of the Soul Hall. He got what he deserved."
"I knew you were the most understanding. I made you suffer today; tonight, I'll slowly make it up to you." As he spoke, Xiao Ze picked Yun Yun up.
Then he changed her into a strange outfit.
"What is this?" Yun Yun's cheeks flushed bright red. She had never felt so embarrassed.
"A little game. You'll find out soon enough." Xiao Ze's lips curved into a slight smile.
Before you continue