Chapter 35: The Story of Chen Xiao

There was no need for empty threats; Chen Xiao understood the consequences of toying with her. Queen Medusa, in turn, was well aware of the trouble that would arise should she lay a hand on him.

The five individuals outside might have seemed unremarkable in individual strength, but their affiliations were not to be underestimated. There was the Mittor family, with wealth that could rival a nation; the Nalan family, backed by the Imperial household; and that figure in the black robe—though she tried to remain concealed, a Dou Huang of such caliber was easily identified by the Queen as someone from the Misty Cloud Sect, another behemoth of a power. Even the most "ordinary" among them, Feng Li and Yan Shi, were ranked among the top ten experts in the region. That Haibodong could invite such a group to escort Chen Xiao spoke volumes of how highly he valued the boy.

If she were to harm Chen Xiao, the combination of old grievances and new ones would make them mortal enemies, a outcome that would bring only harm and no benefit to the Snake-People tribe. Furthermore, the mysterious background of the teacher Chen Xiao alluded to was a factor that demanded careful consideration. For someone in Queen Medusa’s position, acting on personal whims was a luxury she could rarely afford.

Sensing that he had successfully piqued her curiosity, Chen Xiao smiled slightly. "In the Central Plains, there is a magical beast race known as the Nine Serene Earth-Pythons. They are, in essence, snake-people. I have learned much about them, including the fact that the snake-people possess a secret technique. I think I need not say more."

"It is extremely difficult for Your Majesty to advance to the Dou Zong realm through conventional means. I believe you do not wish to remain stuck at the Dou Huang level for too long. After all, while the Snake-People tribe’s current situation is relatively stable, living in the cracks between several nations is not a long-term solution."

"Therefore, I dare to propose a deal: I will provide the location of a Heavenly Flame in exchange for your cooperation. You obtain the flame and use your secret technique to break through to the Dou Zong realm, while I obtain the rewards promised by Haibodong. Is that not a perfect outcome?"

"As for Haibodong, even if you unlock his seal, he would merely be a Dou Huang; he would pose no threat to you whatsoever."

Listening to Chen Xiao speak with such ease, Queen Medusa smiled. "You say this is an ideal outcome, but since you know of our tribe's secret technique, you should know the dangers involved. Even with the Heavenly Flame, I am not guaranteed a successful breakthrough; there is a risk of perishing. If I were to fall, what would become of my people?"

"Furthermore, if you truly come from the Central Plains, why would you covet the meager rewards promised by Haibodong? That defies logic."

Chen Xiao was momentarily stunned. *When did I ever say I came from the Central Plains?* Still, it wasn't a bad thing that she had made such an assumption. Recovering quickly, he discarded his prepared thoughts and let a complete story form in his mind.

"I do not believe Your Majesty is one to retreat in the face of difficulty. I have inquired carefully, and the current situation of the Snake-People is far better than it once was, proving that you are a monarch of vision and ambition."

"As for my origins, I do not have the grand background you imagine. Let me tell you a story."

"In the Central Plains, there was a young man whose family was once glorious but fell into decline. This caused his former allies to change their attitudes, even the family he was betrothed to. His betrothed was a rare genius, a girl who condensed her Dou Qi cyclone at seven and became an alchemist!"

"The engagement became a joke in everyone’s eyes. The girl felt deeply shamed, and she eventually decided to lead her family to demand the dissolution of the betrothal. To the young man, this was a profound humiliation!"

"His talent was far inferior to hers, and his family was in ruins. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and accept, declaring, 'Do not bully the young because they are poor; in thirty years, the river will flow east, and in the next thirty, it will flow west!' He made a three-year pact with that proud daughter of heaven."

"In truth, he had little confidence in his heart, but at that moment, a mysterious elder appeared, took him as a disciple, and brought him away for rigorous training. The boy’s strength soared, and he finally saw a glimmer of hope for redemption."

"However, the three-year deadline has not yet arrived, and the outcome remains unknown. He dares not slacken for an instant, nor will he miss any opportunity to increase his strength!"

Chen Xiao had adapted his own template to fit this narrative, casting the "Demoness" of the Cao family from the Central Plains as the protagonist. After all, her talent was indisputably superior. He spoke with such passion that the line between truth and fiction blurred.

On the throne, Queen Medusa felt a jolt of shock. A seven-year-old Dou Zhe with the talent of an alchemist? What kind of monster was that? She had thought Chen Xiao’s status as a seven-star Da Dou Shi at twelve was shocking enough, but she had not imagined someone even more formidable existed. She could not be certain of the truth, but the world was vast; the Central Plains was a land of wonders, and such a genius was not impossible.

Queen Medusa gazed at the youth before her, his chest rising and falling with suppressed emotion. "I did not expect you to have such a story."

Chen Xiao remained silent, letting out a soft sigh. *I said it was a 'young man,' not me. Please stop your imagination!*

"Your story has some credibility, but it only explains why you might covet Haibodong’s rewards. To make me unlock his seal, it is not enough—not until I see the Heavenly Flame you speak of. Unless, of course, you can offer me something else that truly moves me."

Chen Xiao spread his hands. "If I possessed something that could entice a Dou Huang, I wouldn't be worrying so much about that three-year pact."

Queen Medusa’s lips curled into a smile. "Then how about you give me a promise? If I should fall, and the Snake-People tribe finds itself in crisis, you will do your absolute best to protect my people once."

This was acceptable; it was a hypothetical scenario anyway. Even if she were to perish, he would only be obligated to do his best. Without further hesitation, Chen Xiao nodded. "Fine! I will do my best, though I cannot guarantee success."

Queen Medusa nodded slightly; such a reply actually sounded more sincere. "Just a passing thought. I do not believe such a day will ever come."

She rose slowly, confident and poised. "However, you were right about one thing: I am not one to settle for the status quo. I accept this deal, but I must personally verify the existence of the Heavenly Flame you speak of before I will release the seal on Haibodong."

"If you accept these terms, our deal continues. If not, go back the way you came!"