Chapter 229: The Ancient Clan, Gu Xun'er!
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Medusa led a life of quiet seclusion. Other than occasionally attending meetings within the Serpent Tribe's sacred city, most of her time was spent dual cultivating with Xiao Yan in the royal chambers.
To Medusa, this arrangement had nothing to do with any pleasure derived from dual cultivation. She convinced herself that everything was for the sake of quickly refining the Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline within her and ensuring the Serpent Tribe's future prosperity.
Whenever she ventured out, Xiao Yan often accompanied her. This caused countless male members of the Serpent Tribe to silently wail and pound their chests in frustration.
Though Medusa still carried herself with her usual cold and dignified demeanor, many could sense a subtle but undeniable change in her a faint air of domesticity that now clung to her like a soft veil.
While she remained distant in attitude, her occasional glances toward Xiao Yan betrayed hints of reliance and inquiry. To the observant, it was clear: the Queen had begun to fall for this detestable human.
Even the jealous grumbles of the male Serpent Tribe warriors were accompanied by begrudging smiles. They had no choice; the benefits Xiao Yan had brought to the Serpent Tribe were simply too substantial to ignore.
Xiao Yan's Generosity
Three days earlier, Xiao Yan had presented the tribe with the head of the slain Purple Sky Demon Python, cleaned and preserved. While much of its valuable essence had already been extracted, the residual energy and faint aura lingering in the colossal skull still held immense value for the Serpent Tribe.
The massive head, spanning several dozen meters, now stood outside the sacred city, an awe inspiring monument. Surrounding it, numerous Serpent Tribe warriors gathered, basking in the lingering aura to enhance their cultivation.
Even more importantly, the trace remnants of bloodline energy within the skull offered a unique chance for them to further awaken and purify their bloodlines.
In addition, Xiao Yan sent a jade slip to the Jia Ma Empire's capital, officially inviting the Serpent Tribe to join the newly formed Flame Alliance. In just a few short days, the Serpent Tribe began reaping the benefits of this alliance.
Trade between the tribe and human merchants became significantly easier. Furthermore, the Flame Alliance delivered precious resources, including rare materials that the Serpent Tribe had previously struggled to obtain.
The Heaven Snake Mansion even allocated a portion of its training spots specifically for Serpent Tribe talents.
These tangible benefits made it increasingly difficult for anyone in the Serpent Tribe to harbor resentment toward Xiao Yan.
After all, this human wasn't just monstrously powerful; he was outrageously generous.
Breakthroughs and Tensions
On the seventh night, Yue Mei and Hua She'er stood guard outside the Queen's chambers. Their cultivation had stabilized significantly thanks to dual cultivation with Xiao Yan, but tonight, they wore expressions of impatience.
For days, they had awaited their turn to "drink the soup" after the Queen "ate the meat," but tonight, the Queen seemed to be feasting for an unusually long time.
As they exchanged helpless glances, a sudden cry from within the chambers startled them.
"What happened?"
They shared a look of surprise. Before they could make sense of it, a powerful surge of energy radiated from the chambers, enveloping the entire sacred city.
This overwhelming aura belonged to none other than the Queen, and it was rising rapidly, breaking past yet another bottleneck.
"The Queen has broken through!" Yue Mei and Hua She'er exchanged joyful glances, their faces lighting up with excitement.
But before they could celebrate, an even more domineering aura followed, emanating from the chambers. This aura was far more potent, causing both Yue Mei and Hua She'er to momentarily hold their breath. Many ordinary Serpent Tribe warriors fell to their knees, unable to resist the oppressive force.
"This… this must be Lord Xiao Yan's aura!"
Only now did the Serpent Tribe warriors truly understand the terrifying strength of this human youth.
The Morning After
As the twin auras gradually receded, a soft "pop" echoed from within the chambers, resembling the sound of a cork being pulled from a bottle. Shortly after, the sound of water trickling down could be heard, followed by the creak of the chamber doors opening.
Medusa stepped out, her breathtakingly beautiful face tinged with a faint, lingering flush. Her aura was noticeably stronger she had successfully refined the Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline and elevated her strength to the level of a three star Dou Zong.
Behind her, Xiao Yan followed casually. His expression remained calm, but his cultivation had soared to six star Dou Zong, the rapid progress a testament to their dual cultivation.
Medusa cast a cool glance at Yue Mei and Hua She'er. "Prepare yourselves. We depart shortly for the Heaven Swallowing Python Clan's inheritance grounds."
"W what?" The two were momentarily stunned, then exchanged a glance filled with silent complaints.
The Queen was clearly sated, yet she showed no concern for those who had yet to "drink their share of the soup."
With a sigh of resignation, the two hurriedly complied, though their gazes betrayed traces of grievance.
The Journey Ahead
Once Yue Mei and Hua She'er departed, Medusa turned to Xiao Yan.
"We'll soon arrive at the inheritance grounds," she said softly. "Once there, I'll need your help refining the lake of blood's energy."
Xiao Yan smiled, pulling her into his arms. "You know I'm always happy to help others."
Medusa snorted softly but didn't resist. She rested her head on his shoulder, allowing herself a rare moment of vulnerability.
In the Gu Clan
Far away, in the Central Plains, an ancient city stood as a testament to the passage of millennia. The weathered walls exuded a sense of timelessness, their aura steeped in the traditions of an ancient clan.
Even the mightiest half saints tread lightly here, wary not only of the city's ancestral aura but of the unparalleled power of the clan behind it.
This was the Gu Clan, one of the Seven Ancient Clans, second only to the Xiao Clan in strength.
Nestled deep within the Gu Clan's domain, a serene bamboo pavilion rested by a crystal clear stream at the foot of a mountain.
Inside the pavilion sat a young girl as beautiful and elegant as a lotus in bloom. Her calm demeanor and radiant presence hinted at an otherworldly grace.
She was none other than the Gu Clan's cherished jewel Gu Xun'er.
(End of Chapter)
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