39: Successfully conquered Queen Medusa

"I..." She finally found her voice, yet she did not know what to say.

Li Ao walked up to her, extended his hand, and once again condensed that wisp of mixed energy on his fingertip, pointing it toward the crack on her forehead.

This time, the energy was more refined, carrying a trace of the lingering artistic conception of the 'Return to the Void' fist technique he had just used.

As the energy penetrated, that stubborn spatial rift was forcibly smoothed out for a short section at a speed visible to the naked eye!

Although it was not completely eradicated, the confining power was greatly reduced!

Medusa only felt her entire body lighten; the shackles that had been suppressing her origin and the strange flame seemed to have been breached!

She could even feel the dormant origin of the Green Lotus Core Flame beginning to flow slowly again!

"The rest requires time." Li Ao withdrew his hand, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible exhaustion.

Continuous high-intensity bursts, especially the final 'Return to the Void' move, put an enormous strain on him.

Medusa felt the long-lost sense of power within her, and looking at the man who had pulled her back from the abyss of despair time and again, the frost in her seven-colored eyes completely melted, leaving only a surging turbulence that she herself could not control.

She took a deep breath, as if having made some kind of decision, stepped forward, closed the distance to Li Ao, and lifted her head to look directly into his profound, dark iron-colored pupils.

"Li Ao." She called his name, her voice no longer cold, but carrying an unprecedented, almost solemn significance, "When this Queen has fully recovered and completed her evolution..."

She paused, her seven-colored gaze shifting, reflecting Li Ao's deep, dark iron-colored pupils.

Medusa's voice carried an undeniable resolution and a hint of indescribable complex emotion:

"When this Queen has fully recovered and completed her evolution, the Snake-People Clan... and I, shall pledge allegiance to you as our master."

The moment these words were spoken, the air seemed to solidify.

The desert wind seemed to hold its breath.

Pledging allegiance as master!

This was by no means simple gratitude or cooperation, but the complete entrustment of the future of her entire clan, along with herself!

A ripple flashed in Li Ao's eyes, but it quickly returned to stillness.

He did not immediately respond to this heavy oath, only stating lightly, "Let's leave here first.

This place is not suitable for a long stay."

He was aware that a faction capable of dispatching a Half-step Dou Zong level expert was definitely not ordinary.

The commotion from the battle just now was significant and likely drew the attention of other entities.

Moreover, Medusa's condition was still unstable and required an absolutely safe environment to stabilize.

He stepped forward and lifted Medusa into his arms without allowing for discussion.

Medusa's body stiffened slightly; as a Queen, when had she ever been treated this way?

But feeling the warmth and security brought by the vast vitality in Li Ao's embrace, coupled with the undeniable dominance in his actions, that faint resistance instantly vanished, replaced by an inexplicable sense of peace.

She gently leaned her head against his firm chest, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to sink into this momentary vulnerability and dependence.

Li Ao held Medusa, and his figure transformed into a stream of light, instantly disappearing into the vast sea of sand.

He did not return to the Snake-People Clan's royal city but instead used the system scan to find an extremely hidden cave, a tributary of magma deep underground.

This place was rich in fire attribute energy, and the terrain was complex, making it easy to hide.

After carefully placing Medusa on a flat boulder deep inside the cave, Li Ao took out the Earth fire lotus Seeds he had previously acquired and some medicinal materials for nourishing the origin.

He used his own vital energy as a guide to help her refine and absorb them.

Watching Medusa's aura gradually stabilize, the crack on her forehead further suppressed, and even her illusory seven-colored soul body solidifying slightly, Li Ao finally felt a little relieved.

"System, scan the surrounding hundred miles for the highest energy reaction."

[Ding! Scan complete.

The highest energy reaction is seventy miles to the northwest, a Snake-People Clan patrol team, with the highest cultivation being a Dou Ling.

No energy fluctuations of Dou Huang and above detected.

Temporarily safe.]

Li Ao sat down cross-legged, beginning to regulate his breathing and recover the exhaustion from the previous fierce battle, while simultaneously digesting the insights gained from fighting a Half-step Dou Zong.

The embryonic form of the "Hegemon Fist—Return to the Void" was instinctively unleashed under extreme killing intent and pressure.

Now, savoring it carefully, he gained a deeper understanding of the "Nirvana" rule it contained.

At the same time, deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range of the Jia Ma Empire.

A slightly disheveled black figure was fiercely battling a ferocious fifth-tier Magical Beast, the Crimson Flame Tiger.

The young man's face was resolute, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, and the massive black ruler in his hand swung with a heavy sound of tearing air—it was none other than Xiao Yan!

"Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler!"

Scorching fire wave Dou Qi surged out and smashed heavily onto the Crimson Flame Tiger's head, finally killing it completely.

Xiao Yan panted heavily, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, yet his eyes were filled with excitement.

"Teacher, the power of this 'Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler' is indeed extraordinary!"

Yao Lao's illusory figure floated out and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, little fellow.

Your speed of progress is faster than I imagined.

However, do not become arrogant.

The Jia Ma Empire, and even the entire Northwest Continent, are merely starting points."

Xiao Yan nodded heavily, his eyes firm: "I understand, Teacher.

The Three-Year Agreement is approaching.

Nalan Yanran... Cloud Mist Sect!

I will personally wash away the humiliation of that day!"

He gripped the xuan heavy ruler tightly, feeling the surging Dou Qi within him.

He had now successfully advanced to Great Dou Master, a speed that was shocking enough to shake the world.

However, some recent, irritating rumors involuntarily flashed through his mind.

They were about a mysterious young man whose blade skills were godlike and whose strength was formidable, appearing near the Tagor Desert...

even seemingly linked to the infamous Queen Medusa...

and Nalan Yanran...

He vaguely heard that she seemed to show unusual interest in a certain rapidly rising powerhouse...

These thoughts entangled his heart like a spiderweb, causing Xiao Yan a sense of inexplicable irritation and suppression.

He shook his head, throwing off the distracting thoughts.

"No matter who it is, no one can stop my path!

My destiny, Xiao Yan's destiny, is controlled by me alone!"

Yao Lao smiled contentedly, watching the fighting spirit reignite in his disciple's eyes, but deep within his own eyes, a hint of imperceptible solemnity flashed.

He knew more than Xiao Yan; the speed of Li Ao's sudden rise and the strength he displayed were both bizarre.

Moreover, the Hall of Souls' activities seemed to be becoming increasingly frequent...

The undercurrents on this continent were fierce.

Inside the underground cave.

Several days quietly passed.

With Li Ao's protection and resource support, Medusa's recovery speed was extremely fast.

Not only were her injuries fully healed, but the hidden dangers caused by the spatial rift were suppressed to the minimum.

She even benefited from the misfortune, gaining a slight improvement in her comprehension of spatial power.

Her Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python soul body became even more solid, its integration with her physical body increased, and her aura grew deeper.

On this day, she slowly opened her eyes, a flash of seven-colored light passing through them, brighter than before.

She looked at Li Ao, who was regulating his breathing nearby, her expression complex.

Li Ao seemed to sense it and opened his eyes as well.

"How do you feel?" he asked calmly.

"Better than ever before." Medusa stood up, her figure still proud and graceful, but when facing Li Ao, her Queen-like cold pressure was greatly restrained.

"Thank you."

"Just a transaction." Li Ao stood up.

"Since you have recovered, it is time for me to leave."

"Wait." Medusa stopped him.

"Where are you going next?"

"Jia Ma Holy City." Li Ao did not hide it.

"The Cloud Mist Sect is quite interesting."

Hearing the Cloud Mist Sect, Medusa's eyes flickered.

She thought of Sect Master Yun Yun, who was as famous as herself, and then thought of other women who might appear beside Li Ao...

A strange emotion grew in her heart.

But she quickly suppressed it and said seriously: "The two people who attacked me, although killed by you, their backing faction is definitely not simple.

That strange gray energy, I have never seen it before; it seems to have an extremely strong suppressive effect on both soul and space."

Li Ao nodded: "The Hall of Souls.

A vast organization lurking in the shadows.

Their goal seems to be collecting powerful soul bodies, as well as... searching for a certain 'key'."

"The Hall of Souls?" Medusa frowned.

She had never heard of this faction.

"It seems the continent is not peaceful.

Be extra careful on your journey."

She paused, then added seemingly casually, "If there is a need, the Snake-People Clan can fight for you at any time."

This was the second time she had stated her stance.

Li Ao glanced at her, the corner of his mouth seemingly curving into an extremely faint, fleeting arc.

"Take care of yourself.

Completely resolving the issues between your soul and physical body requires higher-grade medicinal pills or fortuitous encounters.

I will keep an eye out."

Having finished speaking, he did not linger.

With a movement of his body, he left the cave, transforming into a streak of light and departing into the distance.

Medusa stood rooted to the spot, gazing in the direction where he disappeared, not moving for a long time.

Her slender fingers unconsciously stroked the spot where she had been held in his arms; a trace of scorching warmth seemed to linger there.

A hint of confusion flashed in her seven-colored eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"Li Ao... no matter who is by your side, what this Queen has decided will never change."

She turned, her figure merging into the shadows, and returned to the Snake-People Clan's royal city.

After this ordeal, she needed greater strength, not only for herself and for the Snake-People Clan, but perhaps... also to truly stand beside that man, rather than always being sheltered by him.

A small town on the border of the Jia Ma Empire.

Xiao Yan settled down at an inn, listening to the discussions of the surrounding mercenaries and adventurers.

"Did you hear? Something major happened in the Tagor Desert!

Peerless experts clashed; they say the space itself was shattered!"

"I heard too.

It seems to be related to Queen Medusa?

And there was a mysterious young man..."

"Tsk tsk, Queen Medusa...

She is a beauty whose fame for charm rivals her infamous reputation.

I wonder about that mysterious person..."

"Hey, I also heard that Sect Master Yun Yun of the Cloud Mist Sect seemed to be inquiring about someone recently..."

The surrounding chatter continuously entered his ears, and Xiao Yan's hand gripping the wine cup tightened slightly.

Nalan Yanran... Yun Yun... Medusa...

These names, which were originally related to him through engagement, entanglement, or as part of his goals, now seemed to be subtly linked to that mysterious Li Ao.

The feeling that something belonging to him was being taken away became increasingly clear.

He took a deep breath, and fierce flames burned in his eyes.

"Li Ao... no matter who you are, no matter what fortuitous encounter you possess..."

"No one dares touch what belongs to me, Xiao Yan!"

"After the Three-Year Agreement, I will personally meet you!"

Yao Lao's voice rang out in his mind: "Kid, calm down.

Your path is the path to becoming a peak expert.

Women and romance are just scenery along the way; do not let them disturb your Dao heart.

Only strength is the foundation of everything!"

Xiao Yan remained silent.

He knew his teacher was right, but the resentment and fury grew wildly in his heart like weeds.

His story trajectory, at the fork in the road of destiny, seemed to be accelerating toward a direction that was both similar to and completely different from the original.

And the moment he and Li Ao, these two parallel lines that should not have intersected, finally converged, it was destined to be earth-shattering.

Li Ao was unaware of Xiao Yan's mental struggles, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care.

He was proceeding at his own pace, heading in the direction of Jia Ma Holy City.

On the blade ancestor system panel, the light halo of a new mission was flickering slightly.

[Main Quest: Establish Fame.

Arrive at Jia Ma Holy City and ascend Yun Lan Mountain with absolute strength!]

A new storm was about to brew in the heart of the Empire.