Deep in the Desert

Gu He had already gathered all his helpers.

Besides Wu Changqing, he had found several more.

"Let me introduce everyone. This is Elder Wu of the Misty Cloud Sect. He'll be heading to the Tagore Desert with us this time."

"Elder Wu, these two are Windwalker Feng Li and Lionhead Yan Shi, along with several of my friends. They'll all be going to the Tagore Desert with us."

As the initiator of this operation, Gu He introduced both sides to each other.

"Greetings, Elder Wu." Yan Shi, Feng Li, and the others politely saluted Wu Changqing.

After all, his reputation had now spread throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire. Anyone with even the slightest interest in the Misty Cloud Sect would know Wu Changqing's name.

However, Wu Changqing was dressed in a black robe today and had not revealed his true face—Yun Yun had taught him to do this. She said that if a conflict broke out with the Snake People in the Tagore Desert and they encountered Queen Medusa,

the other side would not know who he was and would have no way to seek revenge.

Wu Changqing thought that made perfect sense, so he dressed this way.

To Feng Li, Yan Shi, and the others, Wu Changqing was simply maintaining the bearing of an expert. It was understandable.

"If no one has any objections, then let's set off."

Gu He had prepared a flying magical beast and began heading toward the Tagore Desert.

Although Dou Kings and Dou Emperors could already fly,

the journey was long, and flying for so long would consume quite a bit of Dou Qi. They still needed to ensure they were in peak condition before entering the desert.

Besides, there were several Dou Spirits in the group who could not fly, so taking a flying magical beast was the best option overall.

During the flight, Gu He also explained the main details of this mission to everyone.

"Our operation this time is mainly to search for a Heavenly Flame. According to reliable leads, the Heavenly Flame is deep within the desert, and it is very likely that the Snake People have already taken it."

"So later, we may need to head into Snake People territory," Gu He said.

He had already thoroughly investigated the relevant information. Otherwise, he would not have directly sought others to join him.

"Old He, we have no problem accompanying you into the desert, but at most, we can escort you to negotiate with the Snake People. With the few of us, it's not realistic to charge into the Snake People and forcibly seize the Heavenly Flame," Yan Shi said from the side.

Those were the Snake People!

Back then, the experts of the entire Jia Ma Empire had needed to join forces with experts from several surrounding empires just to drive the Snake People into the Tagore Desert.

With only them now, they did not have the ability to forcibly snatch anything from the Snake People.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of taking it by force. I plan to negotiate with the Snake People and see if we can make a trade," Gu He said.

He was not foolish enough to make a move against the Snake People.

"Still, I don't think we should place too much hope in the Snake People. They hate us humans deeply. They may not be willing to trade with us," Feng Li said.

The grudge between humans and the Snake People could be called a blood feud.

Making a trade with them would not be so simple.

"We'll try first. It wasn't easy to find a clue about a Heavenly Flame. Even if there are difficulties, we have to give it a shot," Gu He said.

Heavenly Flames were simply too important to him. As long as there was even the slightest chance, he would not give up.

Tagore Desert, Snake People Royal City.

Within the forbidden grounds.

Medusa wore a purple brocade robe that wrapped around her exquisite, voluptuous body, inviting endless reverie.

Yet her expression was extremely solemn as she stared at the cluster of azure flames before her—the Green Lotus Core Flame!

"According to the clan's ancient records, borrowing the power of a Heavenly Flame may give me a chance to survive a desperate situation and obtain an opportunity to evolve... But if I fail, I will perish completely."

Medusa murmured softly. Her beautiful eyes gazed at the Heavenly Flame before her as countless thoughts filled her mind.

The ancient records had clearly stated that this method was fraught with danger, with only a slim chance of survival. It must never be used unless absolutely necessary.

But for Medusa, this was precisely such a moment.

Ever since her clan had been driven into the Tagore Desert, they had declined day by day, their strength weakening with each passing day.

Now, quite a few humans even dared to enter their territory and cause trouble.

This placed increasing pressure on Medusa as their queen.

If they wanted to change the current situation, the Snake People had to seek change.

And using a Heavenly Flame to evolve and become the Jia Ma Empire's first Dou Ancestor was the only solution Medusa could think of!

As long as she successfully evolved into a Dou Ancestor, she could lead the Snake People out of their current predicament and restore their former glory!

"For the sake of my people, no matter how great the risk, I am willing to try."

Medusa's eyes shone with determined, unwavering light.

In the desert, Xiao Yan was still traveling alone.

As he made his way deeper into the desert, he cultivated along the way.

"Little Yan, if Queen Medusa really took the Heavenly Flame, then even with me here, I'm afraid we won't be able to take it from her," Old Yao reminded him.

He knew how determined Xiao Yan was to obtain a Heavenly Flame, but he also had to face reality. He could not deceive himself.

"I know. If Queen Medusa really has the Heavenly Flame, then I can only give up. I just want to confirm it for myself," Xiao Yan said.

But if he did not see it with his own eyes, he could not let it go!

He had finally found a clue about a Heavenly Flame, only to lose it in the end. He did not even know how much regret he would feel.

He traveled through the desert for quite some time as day and night alternated.

Then, one night, a fierce sound of fighting suddenly came from ahead.

Xiao Yan quickly hid himself and cautiously peeked out to inspect the situation.

In an oasis not far away, two figures were engaged in fierce combat.

Several humans stood atop a massive flying magical beast nearby.

They were Gu He and the others!

They had traveled all the way into the depths of the desert, only to unexpectedly encounter a Snake People leader here. The two sides had immediately come to blows after a disagreement.

That Snake People leader was none other than Yue Mei!

Yan Shi was the one fighting her.

The two fought fiercely, neither able to gain the upper hand. Yue Mei's movements were agile, while Yan Shi's strength was tyrannical. Each fought by making use of their own advantages.

However, Yue Mei gradually fell into a disadvantage.

"Hmph, you humans really are unreasonable. I'm done playing with you!"

"Snake Technique: Division!"

With a flash, she transformed into over a dozen energy snakes that burrowed into the sand below and fled in different directions.

Yan Shi could not catch them all.

"You people too, just standing there and watching without lifting a hand, making me fight alone. That's really immoral," Yan Shi said as he returned, unable to catch Yue Mei and only able to blame the few who had been watching.

"She is a Snake People leader. Exchanging a few blows was enough. If we truly fight to the death, it would be detrimental to our later negotiations with Queen Medusa," Gu He said.

If they had not needed to consider the consequences, with all of them attacking together, how could Yue Mei possibly have had a chance to escape?

"Let's go."