Soon, Zhou Changqing arrived on the third floor of the pavilion.
The area here was only slightly smaller than the second floor. However, compared to the first two floors, this third level was far more spacious. There were no bookshelves for storing scrolls at all; a single glance revealed it to be completely empty. After scanning the room for a few moments, Zhou Changqing's gaze was drawn to three stone platforms at the far end. These three platforms were the only objects on the entire floor.
He walked closer. The platforms floated quietly about a meter off the ground, emitting a faint fluorescent glow. Upon each platform rested a single scroll, one brilliant red, one deep crimson, and one dark green. Furthermore, the platforms were protected by a transparent film, and there was no information displayed on them. This piqued Zhou Changqing's interest.
The Cultivation Methods and Dou Techniques on the first two floors were of the Huang and Xuan Ranks, respectively. This third floor, however, contained only three scrolls. One could only imagine their importance and value. Zhou Changqing had no doubt that these three scrolls were of the Di Rank.
The Snake-People Tribe was, after all, one of the top powers among the surrounding empires. Although they had no Dou Zong expert, their ancestors had certainly been formidable. It wasn't too surprising for them to possess Di Rank Methods and Techniques. It was just like the Misty Cloud Sect; it was impossible that their highest-level skills were merely High Xuan Rank. Even a city like Wu Tan, which was far from being a top-tier city, had once auctioned off a High Xuan Rank Cultivation Method. Even if that Wind Scroll Art was considered at the bottom of the High Xuan Rank, it was still a High Xuan Rank technique. If the ultimate techniques of the Misty Cloud Sect, the imperial family, or the Snake-People Tribe were only High Xuan Rank, it would be a major disappointment.
However, just as Zhou Changqing took out the access token Medusa had given him and prepared to retrieve the three scrolls, something unexpected happened. His hand was blocked by the thin film, unable to pass through it at all. Even when he amplified the barrier-disrupting waves from the token to their maximum, it made no difference.
"You can't be serious. I'm not allowed to look?" Zhou Changqing froze, then quickly guessed that the token could probably only disable the barriers on the first and second floors, but was useless against the third.
A Di Rank Method or Technique, even a Low-level one, was fundamentally different from a Xuan Rank one. As one of the three foundational treasures of the Snake-People Tribe, it was only natural that they would receive the highest level of protection. Shaking his head, Zhou Changqing retracted his hand. He didn't try to break the protective film. Setting aside the question of whether a Dou Ling like him even had the strength to do so, he simply couldn't believe a place like the technique pavilion would be unguarded.
Forcibly breaking open the owner's safe right in front of them and taking the treasure inside? How was that any different from a blatant slap in the face? Although he acted somewhat audaciously, banking on Medusa's need for him, he wasn't a fool.
"What, you want to see my tribe's ultimate Cultivation Methods and Dou Techniques?"
Just then, a cool voice sounded from behind Zhou Changqing. Hearing the familiar voice, he knew who had arrived. Turning around, he saw Medusa standing three meters behind him. Her beautiful eyes were watching him with a calm expression.
"If you wish to see them, this Queen can open the barrier. This Queen has never broken her word."
Zhou Changqing spread his hands. "It's alright, I was just curious."
"These three scrolls must be Di Rank, right? I've never seen such a high-level Method or Technique before, so I was a little interested. A pity they don't seem suited for me, so there's no need to trouble you. Now, if they were Gold or Lightning affinity, I would shamelessly pester you for a look, even if it meant being squeezed dry by you, Your Majesty."
Hearing his slightly teasing and playful words, Medusa did not get angry. She had already experienced this human's boldness, and since he held no malicious intent or disrespect, there was no need to take offense. In fact, this kind of friendly banter was rather novel for her. In the past, whether it was her own tribesmen or other humans, they were always either respectful or fearful in her presence. No one had ever been so relaxed and natural around her.
Of course, the most important factor was that she needed Zhou Changqing. Furthermore, his talent was exceptional, and his future strength might not be beneath her own, so she could treat him as an equal.
"As you wish. If you want to see them in the future, just come find this Queen."
"Right, I wonder why Your Majesty has the leisure to come here? Have you already used up today's supply of Dou Qi?" Zhou Changqing nodded, then asked with curiosity.
In the past, Medusa would only appear before him when it was time to collect his Dou Qi. Since she had already collected it once today, he couldn't help but suspect she had already used it all up. Even now, he was still curious about what she was using his Dou Qi for. After all, he himself wasn't entirely clear on the effects of the special energetic signature within his lightning Dou Qi. If he could figure out her purpose, it might grant him another hidden card to play.
Hearing his question, Medusa fell silent. After a moment, she spoke softly, "No. It's just that your Dou Qi is having a diminishing effect on this Queen. It's no longer very effective."
"..."
Zhou Changqing's body stiffened.
What did that mean? She didn't need him anymore? Was this a joke?
Although he believed that even without his Dou Qi, Medusa likely wouldn't kill him thanks to his artifact refinement skills, he had no desire to return to the life he had in the Enchanting Serpent Tribe, where he had to meet a daily refinement quota.
His mind spinning, Zhou Changqing forced a fawning smile. "Um... Your Majesty, I wonder what exactly my lightning-affinity Dou Qi is useful for? Could you tell me? What if I can solve the problem?"
Even though Medusa was usually cold and aloof, she couldn't help but find the little fellow's current expression rather amusing. This boy, who had been so smug relying on her need for his Dou Qi, was now putting on such a sycophantic display. The contrast was quite striking.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips, but her expression remained icy as she deliberately spoke in a heavier, colder tone. "Are you questioning this Queen's judgment and abilities? Do you think this Queen is inferior to you?"
"Haha, how could that be! Absolutely not! I wouldn't dare." Zhou Changqing gave a strained laugh, offering a swift trio of denials as a thin layer of sweat formed on his palms. He was genuinely afraid this woman would suddenly turn on him and scatter his ashes to the winds.
Seeing Zhou Changqing's anxious state, Medusa finally felt that the frustration she had endured when he had threatened her had been vented. With that, she stopped teasing the youth. Her tone shifting, she said flatly, "It's best you don't."
"However... this matter truly does require you to solve it."
Zhou Changqing froze, then the realization hit him, and his mouth twitched.
He'd been played! This woman was just toying with him!
So much for the cold and mighty queen! Was this really the fearsome Queen Medusa that struck terror into the hearts of all who heard her name? His face was a canvas of speechlessness as he looked at her. He wanted to say something, but in the end, no words came out. He could only sigh in his heart.
Indeed, what goes around, comes around.
"Heh... Your Majesty has a great sense of humor..."
"I wonder what I need to do to solve this problem? Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."
"It's simple. The energetic signature fluctuation in your lightning-affinity Dou Qi just needs to be stronger." Medusa knew the boy was trying to probe her for the purpose of his Dou Qi, but she didn't expose him, only giving a simple answer.
This little fellow clearly didn't know the specific function of his Dou Qi, otherwise he would have guessed by now instead of trying to test her. Until her bloodline had completely evolved, she had no intention of telling him. Otherwise, he would undoubtedly use it to manipulate her and make even more outrageous demands.