After the meeting ended, just as Queen Medusa was preparing to return to her palace, the First Elder and Fourth Elder came looking for her.
The two elders fixed her with meaningful gazes. After a moment, the First Elder spoke with a hint of implication in her tone.
"Your Majesty, would it be possible for you to take us to meet Elder Alchemist? There are a few matters on which we would like to seek his opinion."
"The spatial barrier you set up around the Alchemy Hall is beyond our ability to pass through."
Under the meaningful gazes of the two elders, Queen Medusa's flawless face inexplicably grew a little warm.
However, she quickly steadied herself and replied calmly,
"Please wait a moment. I will first ask for Elder Alchemist's permission. There are certain secrets hidden within that barrier that are not convenient for others to know."
Others...
The First Elder sighed inwardly.
Although she had already suspected something when she learned that Lin Yuan had helped Queen Medusa complete her evolution, she had never expected their relationship to progress so quickly.
With different thoughts in mind, the three headed toward the Alchemy Hall.
However, when they arrived, they unexpectedly found someone standing outside the barrier.
The bald Grand Commander, his face dark and full of resentment.
The moment he saw Queen Medusa arriving together with the two elders, his expression changed drastically.
Queen Medusa narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint appearing within them.
"Li Han."
"What are you doing sneaking around here?"
"I already ordered that no one was to disturb Elder Alchemist. Have my words become meaningless to you?"
Li Han immediately shook his head and forced out an awkward smile.
"Your Majesty misunderstands. I was merely interested in a spatial barrier that only a Dou Ancestor can create, so I came to study it."
Queen Medusa raised an eyebrow.
"Then you've already finished studying it."
"You may leave now."
"Yes, yes!"
"I've finished my observations. I won't disturb Your Majesty and the two elders any longer."
With that, Li Han hurriedly fled into the distance.
Watching his behavior, the two elders inwardly sighed.
With conduct like that, how could he possibly win the Queen's heart?
Only after Li Han had disappeared did Queen Medusa withdraw the coldness in her eyes.
She then nodded to the two elders before entering the barrier alone to ask Lin Yuan whether they could be admitted.
A short while later, after receiving Lin Yuan's approval, she returned and guided the two elders inside.
After passing through several layers of spatial barriers, what greeted their eyes was Lin Yuan refining pills and the azure flame swaying quietly atop a Green Lotus Throne nearby.
"It's been a long time, Elders."
While continuing to refine the Spirit Ascension Pill, Lin Yuan greeted them casually.
"Please wait a little longer. Let me finish refining this Sixth-Grade medicinal pill first, and then we can talk."
"Refining pills is serious business," the First Elder hurriedly replied.
"Don't let two old women like us distract you from something important."
Lin Yuan nodded and devoted his full attention to the pill refinement once more.
During this time, the two elders sensed the cultivation aura that Lin Yuan made no effort to conceal, and they also observed how much more fluid and natural his pill-refining technique had become compared to a year ago.
The two exchanged glances.
Both saw the shock in each other's eyes.
Then their attention shifted to the swaying Sea Heart Flame atop the Green Lotus Throne.
Only then did they finally understand what secret Queen Medusa had been referring to.
A second Heavenly Flame.
Such a treasure truly could not be casually exposed.
Thus, as they silently watched Lin Yuan's smooth and masterful pill refinement, time quickly passed.
Several hours later.
With a wave of his hand, a blue-violet medicinal pill flew out of the Myriad Beast Cauldron, carrying a rich fragrance that stirred even the soul itself.
After storing the pill inside a jade bottle and placing it into his Storage Ring, Lin Yuan finally let out a long breath.
Then he turned toward Queen Medusa and the two elders.
"My apologies for keeping the two elders waiting."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan smiled lightly.
Under the various gazes directed at him, he walked openly to Queen Medusa's side, took hold of her slender jade-like hand, and led her before the First Elder and Fourth Elder.
Then he respectfully performed a junior's salute.
Immediately afterward, despite Queen Medusa's extremely faint resistance, Lin Yuan firmly wrapped an arm around her waist and spoke seriously.
"This is my attitude."
The First Elder and Fourth Elder looked at Queen Medusa, whose body was now leaning slightly against Lin Yuan.
They saw the faint blush on her cheeks and the gentleness unconsciously revealed in her eyes.
Both elders smiled with heartfelt relief.
"The Queen we watched grow up has finally reached this day."
The First Elder's tone carried a trace of helplessness, but far more satisfaction.
A moment later, she nodded and smiled.
"Elder Alchemist, you are very good."
"Originally, this old woman intended to test you a little. But seeing the two of you now, all of that would be unnecessary."
"In that case, I'll skip those formalities and speak directly about the important matters."
Both Lin Yuan and Queen Medusa secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Queen Medusa also relaxed and gently rested her head against Lin Yuan's shoulder.
Although their combined strength was more than enough to suppress the two elders, these elders were the seniors who had watched Medusa grow up.
Using force against them would ultimately be inappropriate.
"Thank you, Elders."
"You are my wife's elders, so you may simply call me by my real name, Lin Yuan."
The First Elder and Fourth Elder exchanged another glance, delight flashing through their eyes.
The fact that the mysterious Elder Alchemist was willing to reveal his true name carried significant meaning.
The First Elder nodded slightly.
"Lin Yuan. Lin Yuan, a hidden dragon dwelling in the abyss."
"A fitting name."
"You flatter me."
Lin Yuan waved his hand lightly.
"Returning to the main topic, what exactly are the important matters the First Elder mentioned?"
The First Elder's expression immediately became serious.
"There are three matters."
"First, the marriage between you and Her Majesty."
"Second, the matter of Princess Xiao Cai."
"Third, the matter of the Nourishment Secret Art."
"Marriage?"
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"We hope your marriage can be postponed for a period of time."
"After the Snake-People Tribe completes its migration and the surrounding situation stabilizes, then the wedding may be held."
Lin Yuan pondered briefly before turning to Queen Medusa.
"My Queen, what do you think?"
After a moment's consideration, Medusa replied calmly,
"Now is not the right time."
"As the elder said, we should discuss the marriage after the tribe's migration is complete and stability has been established."
"In that case, I agree as well," Lin Yuan said.
"Excellent."
The First Elder nodded before continuing.
"The second matter concerns Princess Xiao Cai. After all, she is—"
However, before she could finish, Lin Yuan interrupted.
"First Elder, I already have a clear plan regarding Xiao Cai's future."
"So..."
He did not finish the sentence.
Yet his attitude was unmistakably clear.
The First Elder could only sigh helplessly.
"Very well."
"Since that is your decision, this old woman will say no more."
She could clearly feel how firm Lin Yuan was regarding this matter.
"The third matter concerns the Nourishment Secret Art."
"You and Her Majesty may have children sooner or later. And you are already familiar with our tribe's Nourishment Secret Art, Lin Yuan."
"Since you are a genius alchemist, we old women hope that the next generation will receive the highest level of secret-art nourishment."
"Therefore, we hope you can begin preparing in advance."
"After all, the highest level of nourishment requires the Seventh-Grade medicinal pill, the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill."
Lin Yuan chuckled softly.
"There's no need for the elders to worry about that."
"I began preparing for this matter long ago."
"I have already gathered more than half of the ingredients needed for the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill."
"At present, only the final three ingredients remain."
"Once all the materials are collected, I will personally refine the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill."
"And I will continue researching and improving the Nourishment Secret Art as well."
As he spoke, he waved his hand.
Dozens of medicinal ingredients required for the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill instantly appeared around them.
Upon hearing those words, Queen Medusa looked at Lin Yuan. For a fleeting moment, an unprecedented tenderness appeared in her eyes. But after only an instant, she concealed it once more.
The two Elders looked at the pile of medicinal ingredients and were instantly overjoyed.
The First Elder exclaimed excitedly,
"Good! Good! Good!"
"Her Majesty truly did not misjudge you. Since you already have everything planned out, there is no need for us old women to say anything further."
She looked toward Queen Medusa, her expression relaxing considerably.
"Your Majesty, your judgment is excellent. Old Fourth and I shall take our leave now. We won't stay here and delay the birth of the next generation's Queen."
Hearing the teasing words of the elders who had practically raised her, several blushes appeared on Queen Medusa's face.
Without delay, she opened a gap in the spatial barrier and escorted the two Elders out of the sealed space.
The moment the spatial barrier closed again, Lin Yuan walked behind Queen Medusa and looked at her with amusement.
The usually cold and noble beauty now had a rare hint of shy crimson on her exquisite cheeks. The sight made her appear exceptionally alluring.
Seeing this side of her, so different from her usual self, caused Lin Yuan's heart to stir.
He wrapped an arm around her soft, slender waist and smiled faintly.
Turning her body around, he lowered his head beneath her slightly moist gaze and gently pressed his lips against hers.
For a moment, a subtle springtime atmosphere quietly filled the vast hall.
Upon the Green Lotus Throne within the Alchemy Hall, the sound produced by the Sea Heart Flame resembled waves crashing endlessly against reefs throughout the entire night, growing increasingly turbulent.
The next morning, as the first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, Lin Yuan finished tidying himself and turned his gaze toward Queen Medusa.
At this moment, she radiated an irresistibly enchanting charm.
Her Dou Qi flowed around her like woven silk, forming an exquisite purple gown. The vivid seven-colored patterns embroidered across it appeared almost alive, perfectly highlighting her transcendent beauty.
A faint smile appeared on Lin Yuan's lips.
"Your Majesty, your control over Dou Qi has become increasingly refined. Even the garments you condense with it are far more exquisite than before."
"Oh?"
Queen Medusa brushed aside a strand of hair beside her ear, a teasing glint flashing through her eyes as she cast him a sidelong glance.
"And whose fault do you think that is, little man?"
Her gaze then shifted toward the medicinal ingredients scattered around the hall.
"So many ingredients for the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill could never have been gathered in such a short period of time."
She smiled knowingly.
"It seems this rebellious traitor had designs on me long ago."
"Tell me, when did it start?"
"From the very beginning."
Lin Yuan answered honestly while waving his hand and collecting the scattered ingredients back into his Storage Ring.
Queen Medusa glanced at him.
"From the very beginning?"
"I certainly couldn't tell."
"When we first met, you defeated me, sealed me, poisoned me, threatened me, and even knocked me unconscious with ten consecutive hand chops."
"Those memories remain quite unforgettable."
Lin Yuan scratched his head awkwardly.
Indeed, their first meeting had hardly been a pleasant experience.
Seeing his embarrassed expression, a trace of amusement appeared in Queen Medusa's eyes.
"Forget it. Let's not talk about that."
"We should attend today's meeting."
With that, she took the lead and walked out of the hall, with Lin Yuan following closely behind.
However, the moment they left the barrier, they encountered an unexpected figure.
The Grand Commander.
The instant he saw Lin Yuan and Queen Medusa walking side by side, chatting and smiling as they emerged from the barrier together, he immediately understood what had happened.
Shock, pain, anger, and countless other emotions intertwined within his fierce triangular snake eyes.
He was shocked that Queen Medusa had spent the entire night with this human youth.
He had been waiting here since last night, intending to intercept Lin Yuan and test his strength.
Yet he had never expected this outcome.
He finally understood the meaning behind Yue Mei's warning yesterday.
He understood why she had advised him to let go.
Most of all, he was furious.
The goddess of the Snake-People had been won over by an outsider, a mere human.
And judging from the situation, even the clan's Elders seemed to approve of it.
The moment Queen Medusa saw him, a dangerous glint flashed through her eyes.
Her voice instantly turned cold.
"Grand Commander."
"It seems you've grown quite bold."
"You dared ignore my orders and treat my words as nothing. Did your mere strength as a Nine-Star Dou Emperor give you such confidence?"
Hearing Queen Medusa's icy voice, the Grand Commander shuddered.
Swallowing nervously, he said hoarsely,
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I am guilty and am willing to accept punishment in the Serpent Pit."
"But..."
His furious gaze turned toward Lin Yuan.
"Humans are all cunning creatures."
"Your Majesty, you must not be deceived by this human."
Queen Medusa's eyes immediately turned sharp.
A vast pressure descended upon him.
"Are you teaching me how to do my job?"
"N-No, Your Majesty. I would never dare..."
the Grand Commander hurriedly replied.
"In that case, you're here to target me."
Lin Yuan stepped forward with a faintly amused smile.
"If that's so, then let me handle this."
"Let strength decide the matter."
"That's a style I quite enjoy."
He looked at the bald Snake-Man.
"What do you think, little baldhead?"
Hearing the mocking nickname, the Grand Commander stepped forward and stared coldly at Lin Yuan.
"Little baldhead?"
"You have some nerve to address me like that. Only those with strength are entitled to confidence."
Lin Yuan replied calmly.
"Good!"
A battle-hungry grin immediately appeared on the Grand Commander's face.
"Then let me see whether your strength matches your arrogance."
"Wait."
Lin Yuan raised a hand in a stopping gesture.
"I have one more thing to say regarding this battle."
The bald Snake-Man instantly sneered.
"What is it?"
"You talked so confidently just now. Are you scared already?" As expected of a mere human."
Lin Yuan waved his hand dismissively.
"Heh. A battle without stakes is too boring."
A playful look flashed through his eyes.
"How about adding a wager?"
"The winner may make three unconditional demands of the loser."
"Haha!"
The Grand Commander laughed confidently as he looked at the Six-Star Dou Emperor Lin Yuan.
"I accept."
"If I win, my first condition will be for you to stay away from Her Majesty."
Ignoring the provocation, Lin Yuan calmly turned toward Queen Medusa.
"Let Her Majesty serve as witness to this battle and this agreement."
"What?"
The Grand Commander's eyes lit up.
A chance to display his strength before Queen Medusa was exactly what he wanted.
"That would be my honor."
"If Her Majesty is willing to witness it, then nothing could be better."
Queen Medusa met Lin Yuan's deep gaze for a moment before nodding.
"I shall witness this battle. And I shall supervise this agreement."
"Haha! Excellent!"
Lin Yuan's clear laughter echoed through the air. With a flap of his wings, a streak of green light shot straight toward the heavens.
"Come with me, little baldhead."
"Let us battle in the skies!"
----
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