The Temple.
Within the Queen's chambers.
"Yue Mei, what matter brings you before this Queen?" Medusa asked, looking down at the respectfully standing figure.
Today had been like any other. After absorbing the Lightning Qi, she had planned to cultivate. Although her evolution had been a success, allowing her to smoothly break through to the Dou Zong realm, her strength was not yet sufficient. Thanks to her two extraordinary bloodlines, her combat power far exceeded that of an ordinary Dou Zong, but it still wasn't enough to lead the Snake-People Race out of the desert.
In the northwestern region of the continent, Dou Zongs were rare, but they were not non-existent. In fact, there was more than one. The Jia Ma Empire was not the only power that had forced her Snake-People Race into this desolate land all those years ago; several neighboring empires had also played a part. After all, the Jia Ma Empire's overall strength was not significantly greater than that of the Snake-People Race—one might even say it was inferior.
Therefore, she needed to reach the level of a mid-rank or even high-rank Dou Zong before she could have the confidence to face the surrounding empires and lead her people out of the desert. She hadn't expected Yue Mei to suddenly request an audience at the Temple.
Still, Yue Mei was a tribal leader and had the merit of bringing Zhou Changqing to them. Thus, Medusa did not refuse to see her.
Yue Mei offered a respectful bow before looking up at Medusa, hesitating as if struggling to find her words.
Seeing Yue Mei's coyness, Medusa's slender brows furrowed. "Say what you need to say."
"Well, Your Majesty, I was wondering... what are your thoughts on Zhou Changqing?"
"Hmm? Why do you bring him up so suddenly?" Medusa looked at Yue Mei in surprise before answering. "His talent is unparalleled, his brilliance dazzling."
Yue Mei was taken aback. She hadn't realized the Queen held the young man in such high regard, giving him such a lofty evaluation. But this was good. It meant the Queen might not object to the proposal she was about to make.
"Your Majesty is wise. This subordinate thinks so as well. Zhou Changqing's talent for cultivation is the greatest I have ever witnessed. Moreover, he possesses an astonishing skill in artifact refinement. If handled correctly, he could be of immense benefit to our race," Yue Mei said, nodding in agreement.
Medusa listened, unsure of what Yue Mei was truly plotting, but she knew it had to involve Zhou Changqing. Otherwise, she wouldn't have brought him up.
As expected, after some preparatory flattery, Yue Mei adopted a serious expression and stated her purpose.
"However, his heart is not with our race. Though he has not shown it openly, this subordinate knows that he has always wanted to leave. Therefore, in order to keep him here, I humbly suggest that we use a political marriage, in the human fashion, to make him one of our own! That way, he would truly be family. It would solve the problem of not being able to force him to stay while also giving him a true sense of belonging. It would kill two birds with one stone."
Hearing this, Medusa's eyes narrowed. Her premonition grew stronger, and her gaze on Yue Mei turned cold. "Oh? And who do you propose he marry?"
Yue Mei, oblivious to her Queen's displeasure, continued, "Most of the women in our race hold no affection for human men. Even if Your Majesty ordered it, they would still harbor resentment in their hearts. Forcing the matter would only turn a good thing into a bad one."
"Since Zhou Changqing was brought into our tribe by this subordinate, and it was I who raised this matter, it is only right that my tribe bear this responsibility. But among the women of the Charm Snake Tribe, almost none are worthy of him. The only suitable candidate... is myself. This subordinate is willing to bear this duty for the sake of our people!"
Yue Mei's speech was delivered with an air of profound self-sacrifice, as if she were the one making a great concession for the good of the race.
The corner of Medusa's eye, accentuated by crimson shadow, twitched slightly. She said nothing.
The atmosphere in the chamber instantly fell silent, the quietness growing unnerving. Yue Mei felt a chilling aura emanate from the Queen, a cold that made her tremble. It sent a jolt of anxiety through her.
Did I say something wrong? I shouldn't have...
But the silence was unbearable. Thinking of her purpose for coming here, Yue Mei steeled herself and cautiously began, "Your Majesty..."
"Silence! The Snake-People Race has not yet fallen so low that we must sacrifice our women for profit! Do not speak of this again!" Medusa's sharp rebuke cut her off, her voice laced with an undisguisable chill and fury.
"Ah..." Yue Mei froze, stunned. It was the first time she had ever seen the Queen so enraged with one of her own people.
This is bad! I shouldn't have made it sound so grandiose. The Queen is a woman herself; of course she would be unwilling to use her own people, especially the women, as bargaining chips for their happiness. Her earlier words had been like lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot.
Of course, Yue Mei was unaware of the special nature of Zhou Changqing's Lightning Qi and its immense importance to Medusa. If she had known, she would never have dared to propose such a thing in front of her.
Regret welled within her. Yue Mei immediately wanted to explain that she actually had some favorable feelings for Zhou Changqing and that it wouldn't be much of a hardship. But as if sensing her intent, Medusa gave her no chance to speak.
"You are dismissed."
With the Queen's command given, Yue Mei dared not disobey. She could only bow reluctantly and take her leave.
After Yue Mei departed, Medusa rubbed her temples. She never imagined Yue Mei would pull a stunt like this. She had seen through Yue Mei's little scheme from the beginning. This was no sacrifice for the race; it was clear that Yue Mei coveted the young man for herself.
And the claim that most of the women were unwilling? Medusa was certain that if she actually gave the order, countless women would be lining up for the opportunity. Even setting aside his power and cultivation, the young man's handsome features alone would attract legions of female admirers. Add his talent and temperament to the mix, and even she had to admit he was incredibly charismatic, with a powerful allure for women.
It was only because she, Medusa, had cultivated for many years with her mind solely focused on the great cause of her people and the unwavering pursuit of strength that she remained unaffected. Otherwise, she too might have been drawn in and found herself lost to his charm.
But Yue Mei's visit had rung an alarm bell.
She couldn't let the young man stay with the Snake-People any longer. Otherwise, it was only a matter of time before he was devoured by Yue Mei or some other woman. As the Queen, she knew better than anyone the temptation her Snake-Women posed to human men.
The secret of his Lightning Qi could not be revealed under any circumstances, not until both she and he were powerful enough. The slightest leak would cause an uproar. And what if the young man couldn't resist and ended up with one of her subordinates or citizens? How could she then continue to demand his Lightning Qi with a clear conscience?
She couldn't possibly reveal the secret, could she? But if she didn't, and she continued to spend long periods of time alone with her subordinate's man every day... anyone who didn't know the truth would assume she had her eye on the boy and was carrying on a secret affair with him! What would that look like!
"It is time for this Queen to venture out as well," Medusa mused, finding a perfectly valid reason. "I can scout the Jia Ma Empire and make preparations for our people's eventual migration from the desert."
After some thought, she left her chambers. She informed the four elders of her plans, gave some instructions regarding Hua She Er, and then made her way to Zhou Changqing's residence.
"Your Majesty, you're just in time. I'm leaving. You promised you wouldn't restrict my freedom, so you won't object, will you?"
"Naturally."
"Hehe, great! Goodbye, Your Majesty!"
"..."
"Hey, hey! Your Majesty, didn't you agree? Why are you following me?"
"This Queen happens to have business in the Jia Ma Empire. Our paths merely coincide. How is this 'following'?"
"..."