One day later, deep within the Tagor Desert, at the Snake-People Holy City.
This massive stone city had previously felt somewhat deserted after a large number of its inhabitants departed as the vanguard force for the Mulan Empire. Now, however, it had once again become bustling and lively.
The reason was simple: nearly all of the remaining members of the Snake-People Tribe throughout the Tagor Desert had gathered here.
Throughout the city, numerous powerful yet concealed auras filled the air.
For the grand ceremony three days later, the city had assembled the Snake-People Tribe's most elite forces. The Queen, the two Elders, and all the major commanders and tribal chiefs were present.
Once the final ceremony was completed, everyone here would become the last group to relocate to the Snake-People Tribe's new homeland within the Mulan Empire, the Emerald Ring Mountain Range.
Inside one of the grand halls of the Holy City, an important meeting was underway.
It was a heated meeting, for the topic under discussion concerned the division of territory and benefits among the various tribes within the Emerald Ring Mountain Range.
"Our Black Snake Tribe suffered enormous casualties in the previous wars."
"Rubbish! I have devoted myself to the Snake-People Tribe for countless years and shed more blood than anyone. That territory should belong to the Flame Snake Tribe!"
"Our Enchanting Snake Tribe's contributions are no less significant."
Watching the eight tribal chiefs argue so fiercely over their respective interests that their faces had turned red, even Queen Medusa could only helplessly rub her temples.
Discussions involving the distribution of internal benefits had always been troublesome.
Especially this time.
The relocation had not been achieved through war, but rather through the combined efforts of Lin Yuan, Qing Lin, and Queen Medusa, who had slain the Three Elders of Mulan, followed by the strategy devised by Lin Yuan and the deterrent effect of Medusa's advancement to the Dou Ancestor class.
As a result, the allocation of benefits could not be based primarily on military achievements as it had been in the past.
Just as Queen Medusa was beginning to feel troubled, a subtle sensation flashed through her heart.
A moment later, several familiar auras entered her perception.
"Continue the discussion. This Queen has something to attend to and will return shortly."
With those words, Queen Medusa's figure vanished from her luxurious throne.
The others paused briefly before continuing their heated debate over territorial distribution.
At the same time, three streaks of light—azure, violet, and green cut across the brilliant blue sky above the Tagor Desert, heading straight toward the Snake-People Holy City.
When they were still dozens of miles away from the city, Lin Yuan and his companions encountered Queen Medusa, who was flying toward them.
"Big Sister Medusa!"
The moment she saw Medusa, Zi Yan cried out joyfully and immediately threw herself into the Queen's embrace.
Gently rubbing Zi Yan's little head, a beautiful smile appeared on Medusa's exquisite face.
Watching the two interact like close sisters, Lin Yuan couldn't help but think.
"Zi Yan and Medusa really do get along surprisingly well. Is this what people call having an instant affinity?"
Medusa's gaze shifted toward Lin Yuan.
After glancing meaningfully at his sleeve, she asked,
"Have you finished dealing with the matters in the Jia Ma Empire?"
Lin Yuan nodded.
"More or less. The remaining issues have been handed over to the Mittel Clan and the Jia Ma Imperial Family. They no longer require my direct supervision."
"I see."
A faint smile appeared in Medusa's eyes.
"It seems Jia Xing Tian and the Jia Ma Imperial Family have become your people."
Lin Yuan nodded openly.
"That's right. They have also become part of my Tian Shu Division."
He continued:
"So in the future, if you need assistance when handling relations with the neighboring human nations, you can mobilize the Jia Ma Empire through Seven Stars."
Upon hearing this, Medusa nodded slightly, inwardly pleased.
If she could utilize the Jia Ma Empire through Seven Stars, the Snake-People Tribe would no longer face the constant danger of being jointly attacked by neighboring human kingdoms.
Suddenly recalling the meeting she had just left, a thoughtful glint appeared in her eyes.
"Lin Yuan, foreign affairs are not an urgent concern at the moment. However, I need your help with something."
"Oh?"
Noticing the trace of helplessness in Medusa's expression, Lin Yuan immediately understood.
"Judging by your expression, it must be an internal matter of the Snake-People Tribe."
Medusa nodded and explained the current disputes among the various tribes.
After listening, Lin Yuan chuckled.
"As expected. Only internal affairs could make my decisive and battle-hardened Queen show such an expression."
"Internal distribution of benefits is difficult no matter where you go."
"After all, both sides are your own people. If you forcefully impose a decision, it may create hidden divisions within the tribe."
"Exactly."
Medusa nodded seriously.
"This matter concerns the future of every tribe. I want to handle it as fairly as possible and avoid unnecessary estrangement between the tribes and the royal authority."
"While my strength allows me to suppress dissatisfaction now, future Queens may not possess the same power."
"And a reasonable distribution is not always one that everyone feels is fair."
Lin Yuan pondered for a moment before replying seriously:
"This situation requires a sufficiently powerful outsider to play the villain."
"At present, I am the most suitable candidate. Tell me your plan. I will present it tomorrow as the Fifth Elder and force it through with my authority."
A trace of warmth flashed through Medusa's eyes.
However, she did not refuse.
The relationship between them had long surpassed the need for formal courtesy.
Thus, she began explaining her proposal.
After hearing everything, Lin Yuan nodded.
"I understand. The plan is feasible."
"I'll bring it up at tomorrow's meeting."
"Good."
Medusa slightly turned her head away and gently stroked Zi Yan's hair.
"Oh, and don't forget to deal with the Elders. Unless absolutely necessary, try not to use force."
After a brief pause, she continued:
"The Grand Commander has also returned. For certain reasons, he's somewhat hostile toward you. Be careful."
"Oh?"
Lin Yuan's lips curved into an amused smile.
"The Grand Commander has come out of seclusion?"
He had heard of the man before.
A peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor, the Grand Commander was a cultivation fanatic who spent most of his time training in the depths of the desert. Publicly, he was considered the strongest member of the Snake-People Tribe aside from Medusa herself.
And, like most male Snake-People, he regarded Medusa as the goddess of his dreams and had once been considered the most likely candidate to win her favor.
But now...
Lin Yuan chuckled inwardly.
"So this is my love rival? Well, a one-sided one at least."
"Interesting."
"It's been a while since I returned to the Snake-People Tribe. This fellow arrives at the perfect time to serve as a target for establishing authority."
"After beating him, I can even have him act as Zi Yan's sparring partner. His strength is just right."
With complete confidence, Lin Yuan smiled at Medusa.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I already have plans for all of that."
"Good."
"Let's return to the Holy City."
And so, with different thoughts occupying their minds, the four streaks of light sped toward the Snake-People Holy City.
After arriving at the city, Queen Medusa returned to preside over the meeting.
Qing Lin and Zi Yan, having flown continuously for an entire day, returned to the palace to rest.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan headed once again toward the familiar Alchemy Hall of the Holy City.
After creating several clones and assigning them their respective tasks, Lin Yuan turned his gaze toward the Green Lotus platform at the center of the hall.
Finally, his eyes settled upon the azure flame quietly burning atop the lotus pedestal.
"Long time no see, Sea Heart Flame."
As though sensing his thoughts, the azure flame rose from the Green Lotus platform and transformed into a blue flame flood dragon.
It flew before Lin Yuan, its eyes displaying unmistakably human-like intelligence.
"It's time to synchronize our information."
"Your incomplete version of the Flame Mantra can also be upgraded to the next version."
Lin Yuan spoke softly to himself.
Then he extended a finger and pressed it gently against the forehead of the Sea Heart Flame's draconic flame spirit.
Immediately, a mysterious soul fluctuation flowed between Lin Yuan and the Sea Heart Flame Spirit, and a vast amount of information passed between them.
The Sea Heart Flame Spirit had been created when Lin Yuan split off a portion of his own soul power, fused it with a drop of his natal blood essence to form a soul seed, and then awakened the intelligence of Sea Heart Flame's originally mindless flame spirit by merging the two together.
As a result, it naturally possessed extremely high intelligence and was also spiritually connected to Lin Yuan.
After some time, Lin Yuan finally completed the synchronization of information with the Sea Heart Flame Spirit through soul communication.
After digesting the information he had received, a look of eager anticipation appeared on his face.
"The Flame Mantra's ability to harmonize Heavenly Flames? It's worth testing."
Without hesitation, he immediately began experimenting.
Spreading open his left palm, Lin Yuan willed a cluster of green flames into existence. At the same time, he extended his right hand, and a ball of azure-blue flame carrying mysterious fluctuations separated from the azure flame dragon.
Lin Yuan stared solemnly at the two flames before his gaze sharpened.
The two flames suddenly moved toward one another.
At the same time, a vast amount of soul power surged out from his forehead, exerting the most precise control over both Heavenly Flames.
What was surprising was that the Green Lotus Core Flame and the Sea Heart Flame, which should have naturally repelled each other, did not erupt into a violent clash.
Instead, the azure Sea Heart Flame accepted and harmonized the Green Lotus Core Flame like a vast ocean embracing a river.
Moments later, following Lin Yuan's command.
"Merge."
A delicate lotus composed of intertwining green and blue flames appeared in his hand.
Looking at the flame lotus, Lin Yuan revealed a satisfied smile.
"As expected. When a Heavenly Flame itself cultivates the Flame Mantra, the weakness of a human body is removed. Even an incomplete version can display considerable power."
"At the very least, harmonizing different Heavenly Flames becomes much easier."
"With the Sea Heart Flame cultivating the Flame Mantra and serving as a mediator, I should eventually be capable of using three-colored or even four-colored Flame Lotuses."
With that thought, Lin Yuan waved his hand and dispersed the lotus radiating destructive energy.
The Sea Heart Flame also moved according to his will and returned to the Green Lotus Throne, where it quietly continued burning.
"Next, I need to prepare the materials for forging a soul clone capable of carrying the Sea Heart Flame."
"This will likely consume a tremendous amount of soul power, so I should first refine some suitable medicinal pills."
Having made his decision, Lin Yuan flicked a finger.
Clang!
The fiery-red Myriad Beast Cauldron descended heavily before him.
Countless pill formulas flashed through his mind before finally settling on a familiar one.
"Let's start with you the Spirit Ascension Pill."
Meanwhile, when Queen Medusa reappeared upon the throne inside the great hall, the previously arguing crowd immediately fell silent.
At that moment, a bald Snake-Person surrounded by a fierce and violent aura stepped forward and looked at Queen Medusa with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, I just sensed a concealed yet powerful aura..."
Queen Medusa lazily waved her hand.
"There is no need for concern, Grand Commander. The Fifth Elder has returned."
The moment those calm words fell, the previously quiet hall exploded into an uproar as though a massive stone had been thrown into still water.
"The Fifth Elder? The Alchemist Elder?"
"He's actually back? It's been over a year, I thought the Fifth Elder had..."
"That person has returned?"
"The legendary Fifth Elder?"
Hearing the discussions around him, the bald Grand Commander's wary eyes flashed with a trace of cold hostility.
"Your Majesty, where is that man? Why has he not come here to meet everyone?"
"That man?"
Queen Medusa's brows furrowed slightly as she replied coldly,
"Li Han, let me remind you. The Alchemist Elder is the highly respected Fifth Elder of our Snake-People Tribe. Mind your words."
"If I chose to pursue the matter, I could punish you for disrespect right now."
Li Han's expression immediately changed.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I meant no disrespect. I am merely curious about the Fifth Elder."
"I hope so."
Queen Medusa glanced at him indifferently.
"The Fifth Elder is currently handling matters in the Alchemy Hall. No one is to disturb him."
"Tomorrow, I will invite him to attend this meeting."
"Remember this well. The appointment of the Fifth Elder was jointly decided by myself and the Four Great Elders. No one is permitted to question that decision."
Hearing Queen Medusa's open defense of the Fifth Elder only made Li Han feel even more uncomfortable.
He instinctively turned toward the First Elder for support.
However, upon noticing his gaze, the First Elder merely shot him a stern look before turning toward Queen Medusa.
"Your Majesty, discussions regarding the territorial allocation of the various tribes cannot be resolved through endless arguments like these."
"Let us adjourn for now and allow everyone time to calm down."
Seeing the look in the First Elder's eyes, Queen Medusa felt slightly uneasy, though she maintained her composure.
"The First Elder speaks reasonably."
"This meeting is adjourned for today. Everyone should return and calm themselves."
"Tomorrow, I do not wish to see another scene like today's endless bickering."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Everyone respectfully bowed.
Shortly afterward, Queen Medusa's figure vanished from the hall.
As Li Han stood there, gazing longingly at the place where Queen Medusa had disappeared, Yue Mei walked over and gently patted his shoulder.
"Grand Commander... no, Brother Li Han."
"There are some things you should learn to let go of."
When it came to matters of affection, Yue Mei was far more experienced than Queen Medusa, who appeared enchanting on the outside but was rather innocent at heart.
She had already realized that Queen Medusa had given her heart to someone.
In fact, Yue Mei even knew exactly who that person was.
Li Han and Mo Bas had no chance whatsoever.
Still, she could understand why.
Glancing at Li Han and Mo Bas before recalling Lin Yuan's figure, she could not help sighing inwardly.
The gap is simply too great.
Whether it's appearance, temperament, strength, or alchemy skills, the Grand Commander and the others have absolutely no chance of winning.
The most dazzling flower of the Snake-People Tribe is destined to be plucked by a human this time...
"Let go of what?"
Li Han frowned and looked at Yue Mei.
"Yue Mei, what do you mean by that?"
Yue Mei responded with a charming smile.
"Hehe, if I spell it out, it won't be interesting anymore."
"I still have things to do, so I'll take my leave first."
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Be careful around the Alchemist Elder."
"Don't provoke him. That man is far from simple..."
After giving her warning, Yue Mei twisted her alluring snake-like waist and left the council hall.
Li Han watched her departure, a cold glint flashing through his eyes.
"The Fifth Elder the Alchemist Elder, is it?"
"So what if he defeated Mo Bas?"
"I'll personally test his abilities."
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