Queen Medusa's gaze fixed on the Heavenly Flame before her. After confirming that it was indeed the Green Lotus Core Flame she had longed for, she tossed the gold coins to Li Xiao.
Finding no issue after thorough inspection, Li Xiao slowly stood up. "Queen Medusa, now that our deal is concluded, shouldn't we discuss the other matters?"
"What do you mean?" Queen Medusa suddenly felt a sense of unease creeping into her heart.
"You had mentioned before at the Holy Pool that if I managed to get you a Heavenly Flame, you'd agree to three requests and treat us with the highest honors, making us the eternal friend of Snake-People tribe, wouldn't you?"
"Presumptuous!" shouted Mo Ba Si, one of the Snake-People Tribe's leaders. He stepped forward with his dual blades, his face twisted in anger. "Human, do you really think our Snake-People Tribe can be easily bullied?"
The other leaders of the Snake-People Tribe also shot Li Xiao a glare full of hatred. Whoever dared to threaten their Queen would be killed without mercy.
Li Xiao, however, seemed unbothered by their hostile gaze, his eyes still staring straight at Queen Medusa. "What now? Do our majestic Queen Medusa now want to renege on her word and let her subordinate speak for her?"
"Courting death!" Mo Ba Si could no longer contain his fury. His snake tail stomped the ground, propelling him toward Li Xiao like a spring.
However before he could reach Li Xiao, Amethyst Lion King raised his paw and swiped it toward him, instantly shattering his prized weapon. Mo Ba Si himself was sent flying, crashing through several massive columns before coming to a stop.
A cloud of dust rose outside the Snake-People Tribe's great hall. Hearing the commotion, all the snake people rushed over, bewildered by the sight of Mo Ba Si being hurled out of the sacred hall.
Queen Medusa's teacup shattered in her hand. "Li Xiao, what is the meaning of this? Are you declaring war on the Snake-People Tribe?"
Elder Yin Shi's wooden staff slammed into the ground. "Do you really think the Snake-People Tribe fears you? Our Five Snake-People Poison Strike can kill even a Dou Emperor. If you don't want to die, take your money and leave."
The Five Snake-People Poison Strike was a powerful technique of the Snake-People Tribe, requiring the combined effort of the eight leaders. It was a deadly move, powerful enough to challenge a Dou Emperor.
"Silence!" Lian Xue's delicate foot lightly touched the ground. An invisible force crashed down, making it feel as though everyone was carrying a mountain. Their faces twisted in agony as their bones produced an audible cracking sound.
With just one move, Lian Xue effortlessly subdued the seven Dou Kings, showcasing her terrifying strength.
Queen Medusa clenched her fists. She had indeed made that promise, not expecting at the slightest that Li Xiao could actually bring back a Heavenly Flame. If she refused now, not only would they lose their dignity but highly likely they would also lose everything, including their tribe.
Before Queen Medusa could decide, Li Xiao spoke. "Rest assured, I don't like to take advantage of people. As long as you fulfill my three requests, I will grant you a fortune."
Queen Medusa couldn't help but smile. Her smile was so beautiful that it left everyone momentarily dazed.
"Li Xiao, you want to grant me a fortune? Do you really think a human's word holds any weight for the Queen of the Snake-People Tribe?"
"Whether to believe or not is up to you," Li Xiao said, clasping one hand behind his back. "However, I can offer you three Tier-7 Transformation Pills as a special gift for this transaction. How does that sound?"
"What? Three Tier-7 Transformation Pills?" Elder Yin Shi, lying on the ground, widened his eyes in shock.
Queen Medusa's interest was clearly piqued. Three Transformation Pills were indeed treasures of great value to the Snake-People Tribe.
Seeing that she began to show interest, Li Xiao pressed his advantage. "Of course, I won't force you to agree to this deal. If you are unwilling, just forget what I've said before."
"Let's go, Lian Xue."
"Yes, Master," Lian Xue replied, turning to leave and withdrawing her suppressive force from the Snake-People Tribe leaders.
The seven leaders gasped for breath, their faces full of fear. Was this the true power of a Dou Ancestor?
Amethyst Winged Lion King snorted disdainfully. Not even a rank eight magical beast might have a chance to get such a treatment from Pavilion Master if they were not members of Heaven Ascending Pavilion. It was entirely up to Queen Medusa to cherish this heaven-sent opportunity. If she was smart, she would willingly swallow her pride to get his tribe a chance to break through to Dou Ancestor realm.
As Li Xiao was about to leave the hall, Queen Medusa exhaled deeply and said, "Fine, I agree to your terms. But remember, the three requests must not go against my principles. Otherwise, even if you take back the Transformation Pills, I will not comply!"
"No problem," Li Xiao responded, walking back with a smile. "Your Majesty is most wise."
"You are different from the other men I have met. But one thing is clear—you are not a good person!"
"I never claimed to be a good person," Li Xiao said flatly. "There are countless hypocrites in the world. If you judge by appearances, you will find that this world is filled with danger and darkness. I am merely a businessman. For a businessman, profit is everything. As long as there is money to be made, I can provide anything."
"Very well," Queen Medusa said, "tell me your first request."
"Come with me to the Magic Beast Mountain Range."
The hall fell into stunned silence. Even the battle-hardened Queen Medusa was taken aback. Returning to the Magic Beast Mountain Range? What did he intend to do?
If she left, what would happen to the Snake-People Tribe's strength? If an enemy invaded, the old, weak, and sick of the tribe would be slaughtered. The Snake-People Tribe could not be without their queen.
"Forgive me, but I cannot agree. The Snake-People Tribe cannot be leaderless. If something were to happen, I could not face my ancestors."
"Do you not wish for the Snake-People Tribe to leave this godforsaken place?" Li Xiao said, stepping closer to Queen Medusa. "I am asking you to come with me to the Magic Beast Mountain Range to help find a suitable home for your people. With me, the Snake-People Tribe will leave the Tagore Desert within three years."