Xiao Yan calmly studied the peerless Queen Medusa before him, famed in the original story for her extraordinary beauty and cold, decisive nature. He understood the situation.
She was currently at the height of her ambition, focused on taking complete control of her people. Proud and aloof, she was intensely wary of others.
If he tried to pressure her by flaunting the strength of a Dou Sheng Expert, he would likely only provoke her rebellious streak. It would do more harm than good.
He slowly drew in the vast pressure he had been radiating, allowing the stagnant air around them to flow freely again. His expression remained composed and indifferent, his tone calm and warm, without a trace of a top expert's arrogance. He spoke unhurriedly:
"Your Majesty, there's no need to be on your guard. I crossed the Tagor Desert to come here from a thousand miles away, but I have no designs on the Snake-People Tribe's territory or its bloodline. I came for one thing alone. I have no intention of disturbing your people or stirring up a conflict."
Queen Medusa's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and a flicker of confusion passed through her cool eyes. She still did not let down her guard. "Oh? What is it that you have traveled all the way into the depths of the desert to seek?"
"What I seek is the Green Lotus Core Flame, hidden deep in the magma beneath this desert, which Your Majesty personally guards."
Xiao Yan spoke frankly, openly stating the true purpose of his visit.
"This flame is a Heavenly Flame, a supreme manifestation of yang energy born of heaven and earth. The cultivation method I practice happens to suit its properties, so I have come to ask for a wisp of its Heavenly Flame Origin to