"Brother, what is the Bone-Searing Heart-Wrenching Curse and the Thousand Turns Hundred Wounds Curse?"
On the road, Qing Lin curiously looked up at Gu Changqing, her big eyes filled with wonder as she asked the question.
"Simply put, anyone cursed will experience the sensation of having their skin peeled, muscles torn, bones gouged, and heart pierced. Their intestines will feel like they're twisted a thousand times over, enduring unbearable agony again and again."
Gu Changqing explained nonchalantly.
"Ah?!"
Qing Lin's face paled as she gasped, sucking in a cold breath before asking, "Brother, will they die?"
"Hmm."
Gu Changqing paused for a moment and then replied, "The curse itself won't kill them, but it might make them wish they were dead from the pain."
"That's... so cruel," Qing Lin muttered, visibly disturbed.
"Don't worry, they're peak Dou Emperors. They won't die that easily. Besides, if they don't experience that level of torment, how else would they willingly submit to us?"
Gu Changqing's tone was calm, as though the situation was entirely natural.
"But brother... I'm sorry," Qing Lin said suddenly, her head lowered in guilt, her voice full of regret.
"Why apologize? Didn't I tell you not to worry about it?"
Gu Changqing stopped walking, gently patting her head, his gaze soft as he asked.
"It's my fault for being too weak, or I could have helped you control the Snake Tribe's four elders," Qing Lin said, her voice filled with remorse. She truly felt she was a burden, unable to assist Gu Changqing as much as she wanted.
"Hahaha! You're talking about that? You don't need to feel bad. Those four old fools aren't even worthy of becoming your servants. I was just scaring them. Trust me, in a few days—no, less than a few days—they'll come begging for forgiveness."
Gu Changqing chuckled.
"Brother, I will train hard! One day, I'll be strong enough to help you," Qing Lin said, her small face full of determination as she looked at him.
"Haha, I'm sure you will. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. Cultivation is a gradual process; it takes time and patience, understand?"
He squeezed her hand gently, his voice warm.
"Mhm!" Qing Lin nodded earnestly.
"Gu Changqing! What did you do to the four elders of my Snake Tribe?!"
Not long after Gu Changqing and Qing Lin had departed, Queen Medusa stormed over, her face filled with fury.
"Oh? Are you dissatisfied? Would you like to experience it for yourself?"
Gu Changqing raised his hand slightly, a casual gesture, yet it made Queen Medusa flinch, instinctively stepping back. She glared at him, her voice filled with anger, "You must remove the curse on the four elders immediately! We'll discuss the terms of the Snake Tribe's submission to you."
"Tsk, still being stubborn? That's fine, let them suffer a little longer."
Gu Changqing's voice was indifferent, showing no intention of complying.
"You... scoundrel!"
Queen Medusa gritted her teeth in frustration, but there was nothing she could do to change his mind.
Half an incense stick's time passed. Eventually, the unbearable screams of the four elders echoed out, forcing Queen Medusa to come back and plead with Gu Changqing on their behalf. They were now willing to surrender, offering their service to him in exchange for relief.
"Fine. Let them suffer for another half hour. Consider it punishment for their defiance. After that, I'll lift the curse," Gu Changqing said, his expression relaxed, clearly unfazed by their suffering. He wanted them to understand his power thoroughly—only through fear would they truly submit.
Queen Medusa could do nothing but grit her teeth, inwardly cursing him. However, Gu Changqing had overestimated the endurance of the four elders. Not even half an hour passed before they were dragged before him by Queen Medusa, their faces pale and their voices hoarse as they begged for mercy.
"Gu Changqing, we're willing to submit! The entire Snake Tribe will submit to you! Please, lift the curse!"
"Master Gu, we swear our loyalty! Spare us, please!"
"Master Gu... no, Lord! We'll serve you, just lift the curse, we can't bear it anymore!"
"Please, just remove it! We'll do anything! Even if you want every female of the Snake Tribe, including our queen, to serve you—we agree!"
Their desperation had reached the point of madness, and even Queen Medusa blushed in embarrassment at their wild words. For them to suggest she and the other females of the tribe would serve Gu Changqing was utterly absurd!
"Ha! A bunch of old fools! You think you're worthy to call me your master? From now on, you will address me as 'Lord.' The title of 'master' is reserved for your queen alone," Gu Changqing said coldly, glancing over at Queen Medusa.
"Y-yes, Lord! We beg you, please, lift the curse!"
"Lord! Lord! We can't take it anymore!"
"Your Majesty, hurry! Call him master and have him remove the curse!"
The four elders, shaking from the agony, pleaded with Queen Medusa to act quickly.
Gu Changqing looked over at Queen Medusa with a smile. Despite her clenched jaw, she finally gave in. "Master, please... lift the curse on the elders. The Snake Tribe pledges its loyalty to you."
Though she had already decided to submit, saying the words aloud, especially in front of the elders, stirred complex emotions within her.
"Very well."
"I'll suppress the curse for now. If the four elders remain loyal, I will fully lift it before I leave the Jia Ma Empire. But if they even think of betraying me... I won't hesitate to act."
With a wave of his hand, Gu Changqing temporarily suppressed the curses. It wasn't a full removal, but enough to give them relief. It also served as a reminder that he still held power over their lives.
"Huff... huff..."
The four elders collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air, grateful to have survived the ordeal.
"Kneel!"
Gu Changqing's voice rang out like a thunderclap, sending shivers down their spines. The four elders immediately knelt, not daring to defy him.
"Good."
"From this day forward, the Snake Tribe will undergo reformation. Three years from now, you will march with me to take control of the Jia Ma Empire!"
Gu Changqing nodded approvingly and issued his command.
"Three years? My lord, isn't that too soon?"
One of the elders hesitated before cautiously voicing his concern.
"You dare question me?"
Gu Changqing's icy gaze pierced him, causing the elder to lower his head in fear.
"N-no, I don't dare! We will follow your orders!"
"Three years is plenty of time. I will ensure the Snake Tribe gains a new Dou Zong, and you'll have several more Dou Huang experts. You'll have the strength to hold your ground, without needing me to intervene every time you face a minor setback!"
Gu Changqing's tone was calm but carried an undeniable weight.
In truth, he had his own reasons for giving them time—he still had to make a trip to the Jia Ma Empire and had other plans in the meantime. He wanted to allow both the Snake Tribe and the forces of the Jia Ma Empire to grow stronger. When the time came, they would conquer together, swiftly expanding their dominion.