By the time Qing Lin and the others woke up the next day, the sun had already risen.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Snake Tribe Holy City, Gu Changqing was preparing to refine a pill in public.
This wasn't merely for show; the Snake Tribe had long been skeptical of humans and didn't like having Gu Changqing and his companions, including Xue Lan, lingering in their holy city. To deal with their disdain and to pave the way for Queen Medusa's announcement that the Snake Tribe would follow him, Gu Changqing decided to demonstrate his alchemy skills as a form of deterrence.
"Hmph, he's just putting on a show. I don't understand why Her Majesty trusts this human kid who's barely grown any hair!"
A burly male snake-man covered in red markings sneered, his deep voice laced with dissatisfaction. He was Yan Ci, the leader of the Flame Snake Tribe and a Dou King expert. He had feelings for Queen Medusa but, lacking brains despite his strength, was frequently ignored by her.
"Giggle~"
"Yan Ci, do you doubt Her Majesty's judgment? Personally, I find this human youth quite pleasing to the eye. He fits my tastes. If he can really refine a fourth-grade pill or higher, I wouldn't mind asking Her Majesty to gift him to me as a husband. A fine addition to our Snake Tribe, don't you think?"
Standing beside Yan Ci was Yue Mei, a woman with a curvaceous figure and a teasing smile, her gaze fixed on the figure in the center of the holy city. As she spoke, her long pink tongue flicked across her lips.
Yue Mei was the head of the Enchanting Snake Tribe and the second most beautiful woman in the Snake Tribe, second only to Queen Medusa. She had many admirers.
"Yue Mei, I think you're just hungry. Humans are built differently from us. If Her Majesty really gave him to you, I doubt he'd last long under your... care. He'd be a dried corpse in no time! But if you're feeling lonely, I'd be happy to satisfy you right now."
Another male snake-man with a tall, muscular figure and a vicious expression interjected with a mocking tone, his lustful eyes staring at Yue Mei.
This was Kui Xing, leader of the Kui Snake Tribe. His true form was a Kui Snake, known for its immense strength and violent nature.
"Bah! Kui Xing, get lost! Everyone knows that your Kui Snake Tribe has harmed more human women than any other. If you didn't spare our own tribe members, I'd have reported you to Her Majesty long ago!" Yue Mei shot back, glaring at him with disgust.
"Hmph! You've got no right to speak, Yue Mei! Every year, the Enchanting Snake Tribe loses the most female warriors. We're just avenging our fallen comrades!" Kui Xing retorted with equal hostility.
It was well known that human men coveted the women of the Snake Tribe, just as the Snake Tribe preyed upon human women. Both sides were aware that anyone caught by the other was unlikely to meet a good end.
"Enough. Stop your bickering and watch the alchemy."
At this moment, an elderly snake-man, leaning on a staff, spoke up. His words carried such authority that Yue Mei, Kui Xing, and the others immediately ceased their argument, turning their attention to Gu Changqing's preparation in the center of the holy city.
Boom!
Without any intention of holding back, Gu Changqing directly summoned Yao Chen Black Demon Cauldron.
The Black Demon Cauldron ranked eighth on the Heavenly Cauldron List. It was a massive black cauldron, emanating an aura of stability and grandeur. Its presence brought calm to those around it, aiding in focus and concentration. Intricate flame totems adorned its surface, allowing an alchemist to better control the fire.
As soon as the cauldron appeared, the atmosphere in the holy city grew tense. Even the skeptical Snake Tribe members could tell at a glance that this was no ordinary artifact.
Whoosh!
High in the sky above, Queen Medusa appeared silently, observing Gu Changqing's alchemy. She, too, was curious about this young man who didn't seem fazed by the allure of the Green Lotus Core Flame. How exactly did he plan to refine pills?
They were about to find out.
"Fire, come forth!"
With a soft command from Gu Changqing, the skies shifted as colorful clouds began to swirl above, coalescing into a flame-colored cloud.
As the flame cloud formed, everyone within the holy city could feel the intense heat radiating from it.
"Go!"
Gu Changqing gestured, and countless medicinal herbs flew from the ground, swiftly being drawn into the flame cloud.
These herbs floated orderly within the cloud, each placed at a specific spot to receive the precise amount of heat needed.
Gu Changqing rose into the air, hovering like a deity commanding the elements, skillfully manipulating the flame cloud to refine the herbs.
Under his control, each herb was meticulously melted by the cloud's flames and then collected into jade trays or bottles below.
The Snake Tribe members watched in awe, having never seen such a method of alchemy before.
"What is this technique? Although our Snake Tribe lacks alchemists, I've seen alchemists at work before, but never anything like this—using a flame cloud to refine pills!" murmured the leader of the Shadow Snake Tribe, Yin Shi, his eyes wide with astonishment as he leaned on his cane.
"Even you can't make sense of it, Elder Yin? Is this human kid just playing tricks?" Yan Ci asked, still skeptical.
"Mind your words!"
Yin Shi shot him a sharp look.
"I may not understand this technique, but anyone who can fly and control a flame cloud like that is not someone we should provoke. His strength and origins are likely far from ordinary," Yin Shi cautioned. Despite his own lack of power, his vast experience and knowledge far surpassed the others. Even the news of the Green Lotus Core Flame had reached Queen Medusa through him.
"Flying? That's an ability only Dou Ancestor experts possess. Could this human youth already be a Dou Zong?" Yue Mei covered her mouth, astonished.
"Impossible! No one that young could be a Dou Ancestor!" Kui Xing immediately dismissed the idea.
"Maybe he has some unique technique? Or perhaps he's actually an old monster in disguise," another Snake Tribe leader speculated.
Gu Changqing, indifferent to their discussions, continued with his task. After refining the herbs, he pulled out a green lotus leaf and began to fuse it into the mixture. What he intended to refine was none other than the Soul Sea Spirit Pill!