"It seems it's working! Her Majesty's bloodline concentration has begun to change. These colorful streams of blood are proof that Her Majesty is awakening a unique bloodline. Once these colorful streams replace most of the red blood, Her Majesty will complete her awakening!"
"The crimson blood has always limited the potential growth of our Snake Tribe. Only by cleansing and transforming it into a higher-tier bloodline can we elevate the potential of our people."
"It appears this person did not lie. He truly can enhance the concentration of our Snake Tribe bloodline and even awaken higher-tier hidden bloodlines for us."
"This is a great opportunity that our Snake Tribe must not miss! However, we cannot let Her Majesty follow him without securing a proper title for her. He must marry into the Snake Tribe and become Her Majesty's husband!"
"Indeed, no matter his origins, he must give our clan an explanation!"
The four elders of the Snake Tribe began to shift their attitudes, scheming ways to completely bind Gu Changqing to their clan.
Hearing them discuss her marriage to Gu Changqing, Queen Medusa quickly interrupted.
"Elders, there's no need to worry about this matter. I've already made my decision."
"Furthermore, this person's background is not ordinary. He once killed Xie Bi Yan of the Jia Ma Empire in the Magic Beast Mountain Range and severely injured me. Now, he's refined a Tier 7 pill without fear of anyone. Given our Snake Tribe current strength, we won't be able to bind him easily."
"I've come here today to discuss another matter with you, something Gu Changqing and I spoke of near Shi Hu City. He wants our Serpent Clan to help him take control of the Jia Ma Empire."
The gravity of this statement made the four elders' faces turn serious.
"The Jia Ma Empire would be an ideal place for our Snake Tribe to thrive. In the past, our ancestors also had their sights on the empire, but were repeatedly repelled by the poison masters, resulting in heavy losses."
"The Jia Ma Empire is even harder to conquer than the Jia Ma Empire. Its terrain is treacherous, filled with swamps and poison beasts, and ruled by poison masters. Besides dealing with them, we would have to face the powerful creatures hidden in the swamps, who would surely oppose our takeover."
"If it were just the Jia Ma Empire, it wouldn't be much of a concern. But what if the Jia Ma Empire attacks our headquarters while we're occupied? That would put our clan in a dangerous position, caught between two enemies!"
"This matter requires careful consideration. Has this man revealed any trump cards to you?"
The Serpent Clan's four elders, unwilling to make a rash decision, decided to put the matter on the council's agenda. Queen Medusa didn't hold anything back, revealing all she knew about Gu Changqing.
However, her knowledge was limited. She knew only that his full strength could rival a Dou Ancestor and that his mysterious alchemy skills were unmatched.
With his abilities, Gu Changqing could easily stir up chaos in the northwest. But conquering the Jia Ma Empire would not be without risks, though the odds of success were high.
"Your Majesty, it's not impossible to proceed. However, to ensure absolute victory, we need him to help us produce a Dou Ancestor-level expert. Without one, even if we conquer the Jia Ma Empire, we might not be able to hold it. But if we have a Dou Ancestor in our ranks, we will have the leverage to defend our territory even if he isn't around."
One of the elders thoughtfully proposed.
"I agree."
"As do I."
"A Dou Ancestor would give our Serpent Clan the foundation it needs to thrive. With one, we could conquer the Jia Ma Empire alongside him without hesitation."
The other three elders quickly agreed. A Dou Ancestor-level expert would give them the strength they needed to expand.
"There's one more thing I haven't told you," Queen Medusa added suddenly. "Among the girls I brought back is one with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils , a rare bloodline among our people. You all know how powerful and unique that constitution is."
"What?!"
"The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils !"
"Where is she?!"
"Bring her here immediately!"
The four elders of the Serpent Clan were visibly shaken, each losing composure. The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils was a legendary bloodline that had produced figures as powerful as a Dou Venerate. If this girl truly possessed it, the Snake Tribe future would be assured.
"She is Gu Changqing's sister, and with his help, she has already awakened the Green Snake Three-Flower Eyes. If we don't support him, this rare bloodline will slip out of our hands."
Queen Medusa's words cooled their excitement.
"Could this man be a Serpent Clan bloodline himself?!" one elder wondered aloud, his eyes lighting up.
"He's her sworn brother," Queen Medusa corrected, dousing their enthusiasm.
"I see," the elders said in disappointment.
"Your Majesty, why don't we invite him here to discuss the matter of attacking the Jia Ma Empire? And let's bring the girl with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils , too."
After some deliberation, the four elders decided they should meet Gu Changqing personally to negotiate the conquest and, most importantly, secure the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils for the Snake Tribe.
"Young Master Gu, Her Majesty requests your presence," the Snake Tribe guard captain, Hua She'er, informed him.
"Not interested. If your queen wants to see me, she can come herself."
Gu Changqing's dismissive response left Hua She'er fuming. Queen Medusa, upon hearing this, was furious but knew she had no choice. She had to go in person.
When she arrived, Gu Changqing didn't make things difficult for her. He agreed to go with her, bringing Qing Lin along as well.
"Gu Changqing, when you meet the elders, they may try to test your strength. Please show some restraint. There's no need to embarrass them too much," Queen Medusa advised him on the way.
"No chance. I'll make them submit completely, or they'll never accept me," Gu Changqing replied without hesitation, rejecting her proposal.
Queen Medusa's chest rose and fell in anger, but she could do nothing to change his mind.
Sure enough, when Gu Changqing and Qing Lin arrived, the four elders were already waiting, their auras flaring, intending to suppress him.