บท 126: Cai Lin's Return
The group rose into the sky, and soon, the bewitching figure of Queen Medusa, who had ascended to the Dou Ancestor rank, came into view. Her expression was calm, and with each step she took, ripples of energy spread out in the void beneath her flawless small feet. The ripples dissipated, and in just a few steps, her figure appeared above the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, as if she had teleported across the sky.
Queen Medusa gracefully descended and offered a respectful bow. "Pavilion Master Li, this Queen has returned."
Li Xiao's eyes shifted to the seemingly endless ranks of Snake-People warriors following her, curiosity evident in his voice as he asked, "Did anything unexpected happen during your journey?"
Cai Lin responded calmly, "There were a few attacks by humans, but thanks to this Queen and the shadow guards from the Mittel Clan, only a few of our people were injured. Nothing too serious."
Hearing this, Li Xiao nodded in acknowledgment. The Snake-People Tribe's settlement was nearly complete, and under the gentle breeze, the tribe members shed tears of joy.
Elder Yin Shi fell to his knees, his hands trembling as he grasped the earth beneath him. Tears streamed down his face, uncontrollable.
"One thousand years! We've been trapped in the desert for a thousand years, and now, at last, we can escape that fate!"
The other Snake-People leaders were also overcome with emotion. Seeing their people finally able to live peacefully in such a place filled them with immense joy.
At the same time, the four Great Elders of the Snake-People Tribe approached slowly. After Li Xiao had gifted three Transformation Pills to Queen Medusa, she had passed them on to the Great Elders in seclusion. After consuming the pills, they had achieved human form, allowing them to walk freely among the human world.
The Snake-People elders bowed respectfully, and the leading Dou Emperor-level elder spoke, "This old woman is Nu Wa, the Grand Elder of the Snake-People Tribe. Greetings, Lord Li Xiao!"
"No need for formalities. Ling Long, prepare some tea."
Li Xiao gestured for them to follow, then led the Snake-People elders to the Riverside Pavilion, where they could sit and chat over tea.
The elders were immediately awestruck by the rich spiritual energy permeating the area. The energy here was so abundant that cultivating in this place would yield twice the results with half the effort.
Great Elder Nu Wa adjusted her robe and smiled warmly. "Lord Li Xiao, the Queen had told us about your heroic deeds. It was you who helped our Queen Medusa successfully ascend to the Dou Ancestor realm. This old woman is deeply grateful to you, Lord Li Xiao."
Without concern for her dignity, the Snake-People Great Elder knelt before Li Xiao, bowing deeply until her forehead touched the ground.
The Snake-People Tribe had not seen a Dou Ancestor in a thousand years, and now that their queen had broken through, how could they not be overjoyed?
Their eyes were filled with reverence and gratitude.
The other three Great Elders quickly followed suit, kneeling alongside Great Elder Nu Wa. The eastern region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range was indeed an ideal place for their tribe to settle—this was the homeland they had long dreamed of.
"Great Elder, please rise. I, Li Xiao, am not fond of such formalities. I hope that in the future, you will not bow in this manner. It's unnecessary and will only shorten your lifespan."
Li Xiao helped the elders to their feet, displaying a warm and approachable demeanor. This only deepened the elders' respect and admiration for him, convincing them that their queen's decision to stay and cultivate in the Heaven Ascending Pavilion was a wise choice for their tribe's future.
If their queen could one day ascend to the Dou Venerate rank, the Snake-People Tribe would undoubtedly secure a place of honor across the entire Central Plains.
"Nu Wa?! You old witch, you're here too?!" A harsh voice cut through the air, startling everyone.
At that moment, Amethyst Winged Lion King swaggered over, carrying a basket of peaches. Upon seeing the Snake-People Tribe's Great Elder, its eyes blazed with anger.
Amethyst Winged Lion King would never forget the humiliation he suffered when he led his force to invade the Tager Dessert only to be struck down by this old woman, leading to its defeat at the hands of Queen Medusa.
Great Elder Nu Wa turned her head and squinted. "This aura... Could it be that you are the Amethyst Winged Lion King? You've also broken through to the Dou Ancestor realm?"
Amethyst Winged Lion King put down the basket of peaches, crossed its arms, and a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes as he proudly said, "Of course! I am the personal mount of the Pavilion Master. How could you, a mere great elder of the snake-people tribe, compare to me?"
"Mount?" Nu Wa was momentarily taken aback. No wonder the Amethyst Winged Lion King had broken through to the Dou Ancestor realm—it was due to the support of Lord Li Xiao.
Amethyst Winged Lion King shot a glance at the fierce looking Queen Medusa, then turned its ire toward Great Elder Nu Wa. He hadn't forgotten the blow it received back then.
"My apologies, everyone," Li Xiao said with a slight smile before turning to Amethyst Winged Lion King. "Little Amethyst, the past is the past. How long do you plan to hold onto this grudge?"
"Let it go. Snake-People tribe will now be living in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. We are neighbors and allies; it would be beneficial to get along."
Although Amethyst Winged Lion King was still displeased, it dared not disobey the Pavilion Master's orders. Reluctantly, he extended a hand to shake with the Snake-People Dou Emperors, making peace.
Queen Medusa poured tea for everyone and then stood respectfully behind the Great Elder. Although she was the strongest member of the Snake-People Tribe and their queen, in the presence of the elders, she was still considered a child.
Great Elder Nu Wa shrugged and said, "If Lord Li Xiao ever has any requests, please do not hesitate to ask. Our Snake-People Tribe has plenty of strength to offer."
Li Xiao then spoke, "Now that the Snake-People Tribe has settled in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, it's necessary to establish some rules."
"Please go ahead," Nu Wa replied, already anticipating this.
"First, all members of the Snake-People Tribe are prohibited from looting, seizing women, or engaging in battles with nearby magical beasts over territory.
"Anyone who violates these rules will be personally punished by the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. No matter who it is—whether a Dou King or a Dou Emperor—if caught, they will be severely punished!"
Queen Medusa nodded in agreement. She had no objections to this. When arriving in a new territory, new rules were necessary.
As the saying goes, without rules, nothing can be accomplished. The Snake-People Tribe had lived lazily for many years, and expecting them to suddenly become diligent was unrealistic. Therefore, they would need to be kept in line with force.
With Queen Medusa's authority, the Snake-People warriors were unlikely to cross the line. If they did, not even their queen would be able to protect them.
These were the rules that Li Xiao had established for them.
"Your Highness, this responsibility is yours. With you leading the Snake-People Tribe, we will march towards a brighter future, and our tribe will finally shed the reputation that has haunted us for a thousand years."
Cai Lin nodded firmly, then bowed deeply, her face full of resolve. "Rest assured, elders. I, Medusa, will lead our tribe to a glorious future!!!"
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