Chapter 270: Xiao Tian's Strategy and Medusa's True Intentions
In Tianji Tower Headquarters, Central Plains, Xiao Yan couldn't help but notice Yao Chen's growing unease. His own thoughts spiraled into doubt as well.
"Teacher, let's rest for now. Conserve your strength. Whatever is coming, we'll face it once we reach Tianwaitian. Perhaps things aren't as grim as you suspect," Xiao Yan said softly.
Yao Chen nodded and settled into meditation, while Xiao Yan did the same, quietly cultivating their Dou Qi.
Meanwhile, in Tianwaitian, within the ninth level of Xiao Tian's Residence...
After hearing Xiao Qing's report, Xiao Tian smiled faintly.
"Qing'er, you are the Clan Leader now. Handle these matters as you see fit," Xiao Tian said warmly.
"Yes, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing replied with a bow, his tone respectful. "However, I am concerned that someone outside our clan might gain the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance. To prevent that, I hoped you could provide a formation to seal it completely."
Understanding Xiao Qing's concerns, Xiao Tian nodded.
The trial was designed to lure the Gu Clan into a trap. The Gu Clan had taken the bait, sending nearly every qualified member.
But Xiao Qing also wanted to ensure that no one outside the Xiao Clan could claim the inheritance, which could lead to unpredictable consequences.
"Fair enough," Xiao Tian said with a chuckle. "I'll give you a ninth tier formation. Although an eighth tier one would suffice for those below the high Dou Sheng level, it's better to be cautious."
Xiao Tian retrieved a black jade token from his storage ring and handed it to Xiao Qing.
"Place this token at the entrance of the Ancient Emperor's Tomb. Channel your Dou Qi into it to activate the seal."
Xiao Qing accepted the token with both hands, gratitude evident on his face.
"Thank you, Third Uncle. I've troubled you with this."
"Not at all. It's a minor effort," Xiao Tian said, waving him off. He then smiled knowingly and changed the subject.
"By the way, I hear Tianluo recommended Ya Fei as the next Clan Leader's wife. Is that true?"
At this, Xiao Qing's face flushed slightly.
It was true Ya Fei's intelligence, beauty, and managerial skills made her an excellent candidate.
Moreover, she had no backing from an empire or clan, ensuring her loyalty would remain solely with the Xiao Clan. Xiao Qing had approved her hosting duties for the Heavenly Tomb Trial as a test of her capabilities.
He had planned to discuss this matter with Xiao Tian after the trial, but it seemed Tianluo's loose tongue had already spilled the news.
"Yes, Third Uncle. Tianluo suggested Ya Fei. What do you think?" Xiao Qing asked, slightly embarrassed.
Xiao Tian chuckled.
**"I think Tianluo has good judgment. Ya Fei is indeed an excellent choice.
"However, the final decision is yours. This is a lifelong partnership my opinion is just a reference. Ten years from now, when I leave for the Great Thousand World, the Xiao Clan will be entirely in your hands."**
Hearing this, Xiao Qing bowed respectfully.
"If that's the case, I'll proceed. I'll let her oversee the reception for this trial. If she handles it well, I'll propose the marriage afterward."
Xiao Tian nodded approvingly but offered a word of caution.
**"That's fine, but you must handle the matter of Gu Yue carefully.
"Although Ya Fei has many strengths, she lacks a powerful background. If Gu Yue learns that Ya Fei is hosting the reception, she may target her."**
Xiao Qing pondered this for a moment and replied, "I've arranged for Elder Xiao Teng to assist her. With his guidance, there shouldn't be any issues."
Xiao Tian smiled faintly.
**"Xiao Teng is a good choice, but you should also assign Xiao Wu to help. Together, they oversee the Longteng Army, ensuring that no one would dare to touch Ya Fei.
"Also, Qing'er, remember that this is a marriage, not a transaction. You should discuss it with Ya Fei beforehand.
"Don't finalize everything on your own and then inform her it may come across as disrespectful, which could upset her."**
Xiao Qing nodded in understanding.
"You're right, Third Uncle. I'll speak with her in advance. If she refuses, it could embarrass not just me, but the entire clan."
Satisfied, Xiao Tian smiled.
"Good. Now go and focus on the trial preparations. There's much to do."
Medusa's Persistent Visits
As Xiao Qing left, a servant outside the room announced, "First Grand Elder, Medusa requests an audience."
Hearing this, Xiao Tian sighed inwardly.
"Invite her in."
Medusa had been visiting frequently since her offer to become Xiao Tian's personal maid, bringing food each time. Her enthusiasm had started to feel overwhelming.
Moments later, Medusa entered, her radiant smile matched by her carefully chosen attire that accentuated her beauty. She carried a food box and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, sir. I hope I'm not disturbing you again."
Xiao Tian studied her for a moment. She was stunningly beautiful today clearly, she had put effort into her appearance.
Suppressing a sigh, Xiao Tian gestured for her to take a seat.
"Medusa, you've been visiting quite often lately. Is there something you want to tell me?"
Medusa chuckled softly, setting down the food box.
"Sir, I'm just here to thank you for your kindness. Please, enjoy this meal I prepared."
Xiao Tian shook his head, smiling wryly.
"Medusa, are you sure your intentions lie in gratitude alone? Or is there something else you're after?"
At this, Medusa's expression froze for a moment before breaking into a playful smile.
"Sir, you misunderstand me. I simply admire your strength and wisdom. Serving you is an honor."
Xiao Tian chuckled knowingly.
**"Medusa, you're sharp and ambitious. You don't strike me as someone who would serve another without an ulterior motive.
"Out with it what is it you truly want?"**
Medusa hesitated, her face flushed slightly.
"If I may be honest, I admire your character deeply. If there's any way I can follow you to the Great Thousand World, I would gladly dedicate myself to serving you."
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow, amused.
"So that's it. Medusa, you've been straightforward enough. But the Great Thousand World is no place for the faint hearted. Even I may not be entirely safe there. Are you prepared for such a life?"
Medusa's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Sir, I am prepared. No matter the challenges, I'll follow wherever you go."
Seeing her resolve, Xiao Tian laughed.
"Very well. For now, focus on cultivating your strength. If you can prove yourself, I'll consider your request when the time comes."
Medusa smiled warmly, her confidence unshaken.
"Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
As she left, Xiao Tian sighed again, murmuring to himself, "This girl... her persistence is admirable, but she really doesn't know what she's asking for."
Medusa was already an unparalleled beauty, her features strikingly exquisite. Today, however, she had clearly put extra effort into her appearance, making it nearly impossible to look away.
"No need for formalities. Come, have a seat," Xiao Tian said with a smile, gesturing her toward a chair. He then personally poured her a cup of tea, a gesture that made Medusa's smile even brighter.
Medusa quickly placed the food container she had brought on the table. As she opened it, a mouthwatering aroma wafted through the room.
"Sir, I made these snacks and two dishes myself. Please try them and let me know if there's anything I could improve," she said warmly while setting the food out on the table.
Xiao Tian couldn't help but marvel. Recently, it seemed he had eaten better than during all his travels across the Dou Qi Continent. Although he wasn't one to indulge in gourmet food, he appreciated her efforts.
He picked up his chopsticks and tasted each dish. After savoring the flavors, he smiled and complimented her:
"Delicious. You've put a lot of thought into this."
Hearing this, Medusa beamed with joy.
"I'm glad you like it, sir. If you enjoy these, I'll make more and bring them tomorrow."
Medusa's demeanor today was markedly different from her usual cold and regal bearing. She radiated warmth, even exuding an air of a gentle and caring wife, which was as enticing as it was surprising.
Xiao Tian smiled, shaking his head slightly. "You're too kind, but there's no need to go through so much trouble. Food is not of great importance to me."
However, despite his polite rejection, a fleeting trace of disappointment flashed in Medusa's eyes. She quickly composed herself and smiled tenderly.
"It's no trouble at all. If it makes you happy, I'm happy to do it. And besides..." she paused for a moment, her gaze softening as she continued, "Every time I come here and see you, I feel genuinely happy."
Xiao Tian froze for a moment, caught off guard by her words. This was the first time Medusa had openly expressed her feelings, and it wasn't hard to discern the deeper emotions she harbored for him.
Medusa, with her flawless beauty, captivating grace, and sharp mind, was undeniably aligned with his tastes. Yet, Xiao Tian had resolved to delay any romantic entanglements until he ventured into the Great Thousand World.
"This woman is going to test my resolve," Xiao Tian thought, silently lamenting her overwhelming allure.
Acting on impulse, he reached out and gently tilted Medusa's chin up, locking eyes with her. His expression turned cold, though his tone remained steady:
"Do you realize you're playing with fire?"
Medusa's body trembled slightly at his touch, but her smile remained unwavering. Raising her eyes to meet his, she responded boldly:
"Sir, I know. I'm playing with fire... and I'm doing it on purpose. What can you do about it?"
Her voice was soft but confident. To Xiao Tian's surprise, she extended her tongue and teasingly licked his finger.
Her boldness caught him off guard. Retracting his hand, he let out a helpless chuckle.
"Medusa, where's your cold and dignified queenly demeanor? Have you no concern for your image? If someone saw you now, your carefully maintained 'Queen Medusa' reputation would crumble."
Medusa's smile turned tender as she looked directly at him.
"Ever since you brought the Snake People Tribe to the Tianmu Mountain Range, I've set aside the mantle of queen. There is no Queen Medusa anymore. There's only Medusa."
She paused, her expression softening further.
"And honestly, I don't even like the name Medusa. Sir, why don't you give me a new name?"
Xiao Tian blinked, momentarily at a loss.
This reminded him of the original story, where Xiao Yan had named her Cai Lin. However, he had always felt that name didn't suit her Medusa sounded much more fitting for her elegance and power.
Still, naming her felt like something only a protagonist like Xiao Yan should be doing.
"When did I suddenly become the main character of this tale?" he mused, shaking his head.
Looking at Medusa's radiant face, flawless from every angle, Xiao Tian's heart wavered.
"We'll save the naming for later. By the way, if I remember correctly, you're skilled in dancing, aren't you?" Xiao Tian asked, diverting the conversation.
Medusa's eyes sparkled with delight.
"Of course. Every woman of the Snake People Tribe learns to dance, and I happen to be one of the best. Sir, would you like me to perform for you?"
Xiao Tian nodded with a smile.
Medusa stood gracefully, her movements smooth and deliberate. She began to dance, her body swaying with mesmerizing fluidity.
Her performance was captivating every motion elegant yet enticing, exuding a charm that could steal anyone's breath.
Xiao Tian's mind wandered as he watched, recalling the famous lines from Cao Zhi's "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River":
"Her beauty soars like clouds hiding the moon, her grace flows like wind sweeping through snow. From afar, she shines brighter than the morning sun; up close, she is a lotus rising from crystal clear waters."
Medusa was like a celestial goddess, her allure transcending the mortal realm. Even with his considerable self restraint, Xiao Tian found himself momentarily spellbound.
When the dance ended, Xiao Tian clapped and praised her wholeheartedly.
"Exquisite. Truly unmatched. Medusa, your dance is breathtaking."
Medusa blushed at his compliment, her smile filled with delight.
"Thank you, sir. If you like it, I'll dance for you every time I visit."
Xiao Tian waved dismissively, attempting to mask his internal struggle.
**"Let's not make it a habit. Your charm is overwhelming I fear one day I'll fall under your spell.
"As for the name, let me give you one. Your dance was like a phoenix soaring gracefully and a dragon weaving through the clouds enchanting yet dignified.
"From now on, you shall be called Feng Jinghong (Wind Exquisite Phoenix)."**
Medusa's eyes lit up.
"Feng Jinghong... I love it! From now on, my name will be Feng Jinghong. Thank you, sir, for bestowing it upon me."
While Medusa seemed ecstatic, Xiao Tian sighed inwardly.
"I'm not sure if you love the name or the person who gave it. Either way, your intentions are far from innocent."
(End of Chapter)
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