Chapter 173: The Challenge of Queen Medusa

Although Xiao Xie had asked the Yunlan Sect and the royal family of the Jia Ma Empire to look after the Xiao Clan, when such matters truly arose, distant help would hardly suffice. By then, even if Xiao Xie were to kill those causing trouble, it would be too late to salvage anything.

But now, things were different. With the addition of the Bone Knight whose strength rivaled a one-star Dou Zong, the Xiao Clan could claim the title of the foremost family in the Jia Ma Empire—even in Xiao Xie's absence. Apart from Xiao Xie, Yun Shan, and Queen Medusa, there were no other Dou Zong experts known in the empire.

After carefully stowing the Bone Pearl, Xiao Zhan took a deep breath, solemnly removed a pendant from his neck. The necklace bore an ancient jade, radiating a strange, subtle glow. Under the sunlight, the peculiar patterns on its surface appeared to breathe, alternately brightening and dimming.

With a serious expression, Xiao Zhan spoke to Xiao Xie, “Xiao Xie, this ancient jade has been safeguarded by our family for generations. Its true purpose remains unknown to me, but it is a treasure the Xiao Clan has always protected. Now, I entrust it to you. I believe you will one day discover its real use.”

Xiao Xie’s gaze sharpened as he received the jade pendant, silently thinking, “The Ancient Emperor Jade of Tuoshe!”

In the original story, Xiao Zhan had handed this ancient jade to Xiao Yan, for at the time, Xiao Yan’s potential was unmatched within the Xiao Clan—making him the only suitable heir. Giving it to anyone else would have been less prudent, and it would have been safer for Xiao Zhan to keep it himself. But now, with Xiao Xie’s emergence—even though he was not the patriarch, only because he was unwilling to take the role—it was natural for the Ancient Emperor Jade of Tuoshe to be passed to him.

“I understand, Patriarch. I will keep it safe,” Xiao Xie replied with earnestness, then placed the Ancient Emperor Jade into his storage space. Once inside, only Xiao Xie could retrieve it; no one else could.

Seeing Xiao Xie's serious demeanor, Xiao Zhan finally relaxed. Though he knew little of the jade's purpose, he was aware that many coveted it, including the family behind Xiao Xun’er. They were merely restrained by certain reasons from seizing it outright. As the patriarch, Xiao Zhan had guarded the ancient jade for years, bearing a weariness unknown to others. Now, entrusting it to Xiao Xie, he felt a heavy burden lifted from his heart—his sole focus now was to develop the Xiao Clan.

Afterward, Xiao Xie and Xiao Zhan discussed matters concerning Canaan Academy and exchanged news about Xiao Yan and his companions. Though they were in the outer academy, Xiao Xie still knew a bit about their situation. The group was faring well, but entering the inner academy would likely take another year or two.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xie, Little Medical Fairy, and Qing Lin had already graduated from the inner academy. With Xiao Xie having devoured the Fallen Heart Flame, and both Little Medical Fairy and Qing Lin benefiting from his help, their cultivation was swifter than training in the Heavenly Fire Qi Refining Tower. For the three to remain in the inner academy would have been a waste of time.

After sharing family news with Xiao Zhan, Xiao Xie and Qing Lin stayed at the Xiao Clan for a day. Xiao Xie did not idle; he personally instructed the clan disciples in their cultivation. With the legendary Xiao Xie guiding them, the entire Xiao Clan was ablaze with enthusiasm and diligence. Coupled with the pills Xiao Xie provided, within a single day, every disciple advanced between one and three stars in their cultivation.

The next day, under the admiring gazes of the clan, Xiao Xie and Qing Lin rode the Amethyst Winged Lion King toward the Tagore Desert—specifically, the city where Queen Medusa resided.

Within a lavish palace, Queen Medusa reclined lazily upon her throne, adorned in regal purple robes. Since her breakthrough to Dou Zong, no human dared cause trouble in the Snake People Tribe. Life was peaceful, yet a sense of monotony lingered for her.

Fortunately, she had inherited the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, enabling her rapid cultivation. In the past half-year, she had advanced from one-star to three-star Dou Zong. If not for her agreement with Xiao Xie, she would likely have destroyed Yunlan Sect by now.

Standing before the throne, Yue Mei, the Snake People leader reporting to Queen Medusa, gazed at her. Her long azure hair cascaded over her fragrant shoulders, her regal purple robes cloaked a figure as alluring and ripe as a peach, exuding a subtle, seductive charm. Her fair, delicate skin peeked out intermittently, and the tall, enticing legs beneath the robes were impossible to ignore. Even Yue Mei, herself a woman, dared not meet that exquisite countenance directly, fearing that a few more glances would bend her resolve. Since the Queen’s transformation, her allure had only grown.

This was why Yue Mei, a female leader, was chosen to represent the eight Snake People leaders in reporting news. If any male leader proved inadequate before Queen Medusa, only death could atone for their failure.

“Hmm?” Queen Medusa raised her head, sensing two familiar presences outside the palace.

“Medusa, long time no see!” In the next instant, two figures appeared inside the hall—Xiao Xie and Qing Lin.

“Medusa sister, Qing Lin missed you so much!” Qing Lin excitedly threw herself into Queen Medusa’s embrace.

Queen Medusa smiled enchantingly at Qing Lin, gently ruffling her hair. “Sister missed you too.”

Qing Lin’s head inadvertently nuzzled against Queen Medusa’s ample bosom, making Xiao Xie desperately wish he could shout, “Let go of her, let me do it instead!”

Thankfully, Xiao Xie restrained himself in time, sparing himself embarrassment. He shook his head, inwardly realizing how overwhelming Queen Medusa’s charm was—even he almost succumbed. She reminded him of someone: the Pirate Empress from One Piece, Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily. Pity he hadn’t drawn the Sweet-Sweet Fruit; it would have suited Queen Medusa perfectly.

“Lord Xiao Xie!” Yue Mei respectfully saluted Xiao Xie and withdrew. She had nearly fallen for Queen Medusa’s captivating smile, and dared not linger. If she truly lost herself, what then? Worse, even if she did, she would still never dare show disrespect to the Queen—such a fate would be disastrous.

After Queen Medusa and Qing Lin had spent a moment in affectionate reunion, Queen Medusa turned her gaze to Xiao Xie, a flash of astonishment in her beautiful eyes. From the unrestrained aura Xiao Xie emitted, she sensed his current strength was at three-star Dou Zong.

“This monster—last time I saw him, he was merely a Dou Huang. Now his power is this formidable!” Queen Medusa thought, astonished. She had managed to advance from one-star to three-star Dou Zong in half a year, largely thanks to the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python’s legacy. Otherwise, a single star’s breakthrough in that time would be considered auspicious. Yet Xiao Xie had leapt from two-star Dou Huang to three-star Dou Zong in just half a year—how could she not be shocked?

“You’ve broken through to three-star Dou Zong. Spar with me! I’ve been bored lately,” Queen Medusa said, eager for a match. With her current strength, even Yun Shan would be utterly defeated before her. She had lacked opportunities to battle experts, and now seeing Xiao Xie’s power, she refused to let this chance slip away.

“Of course! But it’s too cramped here—let’s fight outside,” Xiao Xie replied, understanding her intent and readily agreeing.

“Good, follow me!” Queen Medusa flashed a breathtaking smile, tapped her jade-like foot, and soared out of the palace.

Xiao Xie rubbed Qing Lin’s head. “Qing Lin, wait here for us—we’ll be back soon.”

“Okay!” Qing Lin nodded obediently.

Xiao Xie turned and sped after Queen Medusa.