NOVEL FROG Queen Medusa’s Choice
After several days of arduous travel, Li Xiao and his companions finally left the Tager Desert and returned to the Magic Beast Mountain Range in the eastern part of the Jia Ma Empire.
At sunset, the distant mountains were hazy and picturesque.
Queen Medusa sat quietly by the lake, feeling the cool breeze on her face and gazing at the distant green hills; her heart was as calm as the lake, with ripples gently spreading.
The shimmering lake water sparkled under the setting sun. Unconsciously, Medusa extended her right hand, lightly touching the water's surface, feeling the unique sensation it brought.
Ice Emperor Hai Bodong was also captivated by the scenery before him. He hadn't expected that, after twenty years far away from home, the Magic Beast Mountain Range would still have such breathtakingly beautiful views.
Delicate petals danced in the wind, making one feel as if they were in a heavenly paradise. The surrounding area was so serene and ethereal, it seemed like an ideal place for cultivation.
Hai Bodong swallowed hard, his legs moving forward involuntarily. Passing through a dense peach blossom forest, he saw their destination ahead—the Heaven Ascending Pavilion!
The majestic six-story pavilion, with intricate runes carved into each level, added a sense of mystery to the already imposing auction house. The sacred and inviolable aura startled the birds and beasts around, causing them to flee in fear.
Hai Bodong was awestruck. Was this the foundation of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion? He hadn't expected to witness such a grand auction house in his lifetime. Even if he were to die, it would be worth it.
A tall figure emerged from the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. His height exceeded Hai Bodong's by at least a head. It was Niu Meng. He looked down at the white-haired man before him.
Hai Bodong swallowed hard again, "Half-step Dou Venerate..."
Niu Meng's voice boomed, "Are you Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, one of the top ten experts of the Jia Ma Empire?!"
The moment they entered within fifty miles of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Niu Meng and others had noticed them. After an explanation from the Pavilion Master, they understood the identities of Hai Bodong and his companions.
Hai Bodong cupped his hands in respect, "Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, greetings to you, Senior."
In this ruthless continent dominated by Dou Qi, strength was respected above all. Although Hai Bodong was naturally reclusive and seldom interacted with others, he knew that he must show respect to those stronger than himself, regardless of age.
Niu Meng crossed his arms, nodding with satisfaction, "You seem to be a straightforward person. The Pavilion Master instructed me to build a house for you. From now on, you will stay here."
Hai Bodong didn't refuse. The Dou Qi here was abundant, making cultivation much more effective. Having just regained his Dou Emperor status, he needed a good place to enhance his strength. The Heaven Ascending Pavilion was precisely the place he had been looking for.
Niu Meng's gaze shifted to the enchanting woman by the lake, "That must be Queen Medusa, the powerful snake person, right?"
Hai Bodong nodded, "Yes, that's correct."
"The Pavilion Master will personally make arrangements for her. Hai Bodong, follow me."
"Alright."
Inside the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Li Xiao entrusted Qing Lin to Linglong. From today onwards, Linglong would personally guide Qing Lin in awakening her bloodline to help her break through her current realm.
Linglong naturally wouldn't refuse. She would fulfill any of Pavilion Master's requests from the Pavilion with due diligence.
After making the necessary arrangements, Li Xiao went to the Riverside Bamboo Pavilion. At this moment, Queen Medusa was gazing at the ripples on the lake, her heart calm and steady. This place wasn't just her dreamland; it was also the potential new home for the snake people. If they could relocate here, the snake people would fulfill the legacy entrusted by generations of Queen Medusas.
Li Xiao approached with a smile and handed Queen Medusa a cup of water. "What do you think of this place?"
"It's beautiful," Queen Medusa replied flatly.
This place was like a paradise she'd never seen before, with the air filled not only with the scent of the lake but also the fragrance of peach blossoms. It was indeed a stunningly beautiful place.
"I've arranged for a room for you. Stay here and cultivate diligently. When the time is right, I will assist you in absorbing the Heavenly Flame."
Queen Medusa turned to look at Li Xiao beside her, her heart a mix of emotions. She had always been reluctant to trust humans. In her mind, humans were a selfish and greedy race, willing to betray even their kin for resources.
But why did the Pavilion Master of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion make her think differently?
Li Xiao sat on a stone bench, gazing at the distant green mountains and rivers, enjoying a drink under the moonlight. It was a scene of ultimate relaxation.
Queen Medusa sighed deeply. As long as she could help her people out of their plight, she was willing to sacrifice everything as their queen!
After a few days, both Queen Medusa and Ice Emperor Hai Bodong were residing and cultivating at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. Their strengths improved significantly.
However, Queen Medusa was still some way from advancing to the Dou Ancestor realm. The plan was to assist her in absorbing the Heavenly Flame on the night of the full moon.
Suddenly, the sky was covered with dark clouds, and a violent storm broke out.
Lightning flashed in the clouds, like dragons and serpents crawling behind the dark clouds, illuminating the quiet night and filling the Magic Beast Mountain Range with fear. The thunder roared like drums in their ears, deafeningly loud.
Queen Medusa's eyes were fixed on the lightning in the sky. Magical beasts were naturally afraid of lightning, so seeing it now made it impossible to stay calm.
However, the Heaven Ascending Pavilion provided protection. With a single thought, no one could destroy even a blade of grass here. Even a Dou God level expert would have to tread carefully.
Yue Mei was quite worried about the Queen and wanted to help, but Linglong stopped her. "The Pavilion Master has ordered that no one be allowed to interfere."
"You!" Yue Mei felt annoyed but helpless. The strength of Linglong and the others far surpassed her own, all being at least Dou Ancestors.She couldn't be a match for them.
Queen Medusa exhaled a heavy breath, her gaze fixed on the Green Lotus Core Flame. "If I perish, I hope Pavilion Master Li Xiao can promise me one thing: help the snake people out of their plight and leave the Tager Desert!"
Standing with his hands behind his back, Li Xiao chuckled softly, "Don't worry, I know what to do."
The system page indicated that the chance of Queen Medusa successfully devouring the Heavenly Flame was low, but it could stimulate the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline within her.
However, for a thousand system points, Li Xiao could help her not only to activate her bloodline but also successfully absorb the Heavenly Flame, making her advance directly to the Dou Ancestor level!
After careful consideration, Li Xiao decided to spend the thousand system points to help Medusa. After all, if she advanced to Dou Ancestor, the wealth of the snake people would essentially become his!