Chapter 221: My Lord, He's Been Struck by Lightning
With Xiao Yan's current strength, the journey from the Jia Ma Empire to the Serpent People's Holy City took less than an hour. In no time, he was standing outside the towering walls of their sacred stronghold.
Inside a lavish estate in the Holy City, Mobas paced angrily, his face contorted with rage. A delicate human made porcelain vase shattered in his hand as he hurled it to the ground.
"Mobas, you're as impulsive as ever," remarked another serpent warrior, Flame Thorn, his muscular frame leaning casually against a wall. His tone remained calm and unbothered.
"This is the last time I'll ask you," Mobas growled, turning to glare at Flame Thorn. "Will you stand with me to drive out Xiao Yan?"
He clenched his fists, his expression twisted with frustration. "You know as well as I do, Flame Thorn, that if we allow this Xiao Yan to entrench himself in the Serpent People Tribe, our queen will fall under his spell! How can you stand by and let a human take what should rightfully be ours?"
Hearing this, Flame Thorn smirked coldly. There was no hint of shared outrage on his face only disdain.
"With just the two of us? Mobas, you overestimate yourself," Flame Thorn sneered. "Let me offer you some advice: don't let your lust and anger cloud your judgment. And if you're determined to court death, leave me out of it."
Without another word, Flame Thorn turned and strode out of the room, ignoring Mobas's growing fury.
"Fool," Flame Thorn muttered as he walked away. "Dragging me into his suicidal nonsense? Absolutely not."
Unlike Mobas, Flame Thorn had no deep attachment to the queen. She was indeed beautiful and noble, but to him, she was just another desirable woman nothing worth risking his life over.
Moreover, he was acutely aware of Xiao Yan's terrifying power. From what he had heard, Xiao Yan's influence extended far beyond what the tribe's most ambitious leaders could comprehend. Even without the benefits he offered, Flame Thorn had no intention of antagonizing such a figure.
He glanced at the massive yellow ridge outside the city the Dust Sand Ancient Serpent's back. The colossal beast could obliterate the entire Serpent People Holy City with a single sweep of its tail. Yet, it was nothing more than Xiao Yan's pet.
"Great warriors strive for glory and greatness. Who would squander their life for the sake of a fleeting beauty?" Flame Thorn mused, his steps quickening.
As he neared the city gates, he noticed a streak of light descending from the sky. The Dust Sand Ancient Serpent stirred, its massive body writhing in excitement as it gazed adoringly at the figure in the air.
When the aura of the young man spread out, Flame Thorn's expression shifted.
"He really is a Dou Zong!" His eyes widened in awe. The descriptions from Yue Mei and the others weren't exaggerations Xiao Yan's power was undeniable.
As more auras awakened throughout the Holy City, Flame Thorn swiftly ascended to the city walls. Greeting Xiao Yan with a warm smile, he bowed respectfully.
"Flame Thorn of the Serpent People greets Lord Xiao Yan!"
"You already knew I was coming?" Xiao Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Flame Thorn's enthusiasm was unexpected.
"Not exactly, my lord," Flame Thorn replied with an ingratiating grin. "But I've been waiting here just in case. Our tribe eagerly anticipates your arrival. You are destined to be our protector our great benefactor!"
Before Flame Thorn could continue showering praise, Xiao Yan waved a hand to stop him.
"Enough. I've already felt the warmth of your welcome," Xiao Yan said. With a flick of his fingers, a tiny droplet of glowing red blood appeared before Flame Thorn.
"This is for you."
Flame Thorn's eyes lit up as he accepted the droplet, feeling its immense energy and the resonance it evoked in his bloodline.
"Thank you, Lord Xiao Yan!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply. "You are truly generous and magnanimous!"
Flame Thorn's flattery flowed effortlessly, pleasing Xiao Yan.
"You're a fine representative of your people. The Serpent Tribe is fortunate to have someone as insightful as you."
Even Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a bit self conscious under the relentless praise.
"You honor me, my lord. Compared to your radiance, I'm merely a firefly before the moon," Flame Thorn said, his tone filled with reverence.
Only when other serpent leaders arrived to greet Xiao Yan did Flame Thorn finally tone down his effusive compliments.
"Lord Xiao Yan, you've finally arrived at our Serpent People Tribe!" The elder who had accompanied Yue Mei stepped forward, her face beaming with excitement.
"Yes, Lord Xiao Yan. We've been eagerly awaiting you," another elder chimed in, though their words lacked Flame Thorn's sincerity.
However, Xiao Yan could sense genuine anticipation from Yue Mei and Hua She'er.
Suddenly, a cold voice broke the harmony:
"Are you all seriously willing to let a human lead our tribe?"
The interruption made Xiao Yan frown. He turned to see Mobas standing at the edge of the gathering, his gaze icy and hostile.
"Mobas, Lord Xiao Yan is our honored guest. He will help the Serpent People Tribe achieve true greatness. If you disrespect him again, we will not hesitate to exercise our authority as elders and expel you from the tribe!" one of the elders snapped.
"Our fate should not be entrusted to an outsider!" Mobas countered, his tone defiant. His eyes burned with open hostility toward Xiao Yan, and even a faint murderous intent flickered within them.
"Enough of your nonsense!" The elders glared at him, their patience wearing thin. "Guards, take this lunatic away!"
Two Dou Wang stepped forward to restrain Mobas.
"Let me go!" Mobas roared, breaking free of their grip. With a burst of Dou Qi, he hurled a spear of energy directly at Xiao Yan.
"Pathetic." Xiao Yan's voice was calm as he flicked his fingers. A wave of Dou Qi shattered the spear and slammed into Mobas, sending him flying.
"Try that again, and I'll end you," Xiao Yan said coldly.
Mobas struggled to rise, but the guards quickly subdued him. One of them stuffed a spherical gag into his mouth to silence him.
"Mmmpf!" Mobas glared furiously, his muffled protests echoing in the silence.
"Apologies, Lord Xiao Yan," an elder said, bowing deeply. "This fool's mind was struck by lightning during a storm, so he's not quite right in the head."
"It's fine," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile.
With another flick of his fingers, droplets of glowing red blood appeared before the gathered serpent leaders.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 222: Praise for Lord Xiao Yan
The serpent powerhouses stared at the drops of blood before them, their faces lighting up with excitement.
Each drop of blood emanated a vast energy and a pure bloodline aura. They were well aware of the benefits it could bring, especially after witnessing the transformations of Yue Mei and the other two.
Every serpent leader present received one drop except for Mobas, who was still bound and gagged. His face twisted with bitterness as he looked around, seeing the life changing gifts in front of everyone but him. Though stunned, his gaze remained defiant as it fell on Xiao Yan.
"Lord Xiao Yan must truly be a saint sent by the heavens to bless our Serpent Tribe!" Flame Thorn exclaimed after a brief moment of awe, his voice brimming with reverence.
"Praise Lord Xiao Yan!"
His words ignited a wave of enthusiasm.
"Praise Lord Xiao Yan!"
"Praise Lord Xiao Yan!"
The serpent leaders echoed, their voices filled with respect and admiration. The four elders, especially, were overcome with emotion. With the help of this precious blood, the bottleneck that had stymied their cultivation for decades might finally be broken.
The elder woman, who had already benefited from a drop of blood earlier, could feel her path to the Dou Zong realm becoming clearer. With this second drop, she was confident that within a year, she would break through.
Yue Mei and Hua She'er's eyes shone as they gazed at Xiao Yan, their admiration deepening. They couldn't help but dream about the day they could serve alongside their queen, basking in Xiao Yan's favor.
Flame Thorn, too, looked at Xiao Yan with fiery determination. He understood that apart from Yue Mei and her group, he was the only one to receive an additional reward.
And why had he earned such favor?
The answer was simple: devotion.
From this day forward, Flame Thorn swore his loyalty. Xiao Yan's every word would be his command. If Lord Xiao Yan breathed, Flame Thorn would gasp in admiration.
"Lord Xiao Yan, please, allow us to escort you to the Serpent Tribe's sacred temple," one of the elders said, his face lighting up with a welcoming smile.
Xiao Yan nodded and followed the group into the Holy City. Behind them, Mobas was dragged away, his struggles futile as two Dou Wang locked him in place.
"This hall commemorates the deeds of past queens," an elder explained, gesturing toward an ornate corridor filled with murals and statues. "And here, we honor the achievements of serpent heroes who made significant contributions to our tribe."
The elder described how the Serpent Tribe once produced Dou Zun level powerhouses. However, over time, their bloodline weakened, leaving subsequent queens stuck at the peak of the Dou Huang realm.
Still, a few exceptional queens had broken through to the Dou Zong and even Dou Zun levels. Tragically, they perished in battles against powerful enemies, cutting short their reigns. If not for their untimely deaths, the Serpent Tribe might have risen to prominence as one of the Northwest Continent's strongest factions.
After the historical tour, the elders hosted a grand feast in Xiao Yan's honor, serving the tribe's finest delicacies.
To Xiao Yan's surprise, the food was exquisite. He nodded in satisfaction as he enjoyed the unique flavors.
"By the way," Xiao Yan said with a smile, breaking the festive atmosphere. "Have you heard any news from the Jia Ma Empire recently?"
The elders exchanged glances, their faces growing solemn.
"We have, Lord Xiao Yan," one elder said cautiously. "The Jia Ma Empire has been making waves. Word has it that a faction called the Flame Alliance has risen, with multiple Dou Zun powerhouses backing it."
The elder who was known for his wisdom spoke next, his tone filled with concern. "There are even rumors that this Flame Alliance was founded by none other than... you, Lord Xiao Yan?"
The Serpent Tribe and the Jia Ma Empire had long standing grudges, often clashing at their borders. With Xiao Yan's reputation spreading like wildfire across the Northwest Continent, the tribe's leaders were wary of his true intentions.
Xiao Yan chuckled, neither confirming nor denying their suspicions.
"Yes, the Flame Alliance is my creation. Those strong fighters were personally recruited by me," he said calmly.
The revelation made the serpent leaders tense. Some displayed worry, while others appeared deep in thought.
"What are your intentions, Lord Xiao Yan?" the wise elder finally asked.
"I hope to bring the Serpent Tribe into the Flame Alliance," Xiao Yan said plainly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
His words caused an uproar.
"Lord Xiao Yan, many of our people harbor deep grudges against humans," one serpent warrior spoke hesitantly. "Forcing them to join a human led alliance may provoke resistance."
The warrior's tone revealed his own bias against humans, his distrust evident.
Xiao Yan, however, merely smiled.
"Tell me," he said, "what is the root of the conflict between humans and the Serpent Tribe?"
The room fell silent. Only the wise elder seemed to grasp the answer.
"Resources. Land," the elder said slowly.
"Exactly," Xiao Yan agreed. "Joining the Flame Alliance will provide your tribe access to a wealth of alchemical resources. Rare pills, once unattainable, will become as common as basic goods.
"With such support, your tribe will see the emergence of countless powerhouses."
His words hung in the air. Even the skeptics couldn't deny the allure of having such resources at their disposal.
Seeing their hesitation, Xiao Yan smiled again and added, "Moreover, I can guarantee a territory exclusively for the Serpent Tribe within the Flame Alliance. In ten years, your lands will triple in size or even more."
That promise made even the staunchest doubters perk up.
"And one more thing," Xiao Yan said, his smile widening. "If the Serpent Tribe joins the Flame Alliance, I can ensure that within three years, your tribe will have ten new Dou Zong powerhouses."
The room erupted in gasps.
Ten Dou Zongs? In three years?
The leaders' gazes burned with hope and determination. Xiao Yan's words were like a beacon, promising a brighter future for their tribe.
(End of Chapter)
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