Chapter 129: Obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame!
"I only want the Green Lotus Core Flame."
"As long as you hand over the Green Lotus Core Flame, I won't harm your people."
Perched atop the Crimson Flame Devouring Dragon, Gu He's gaze turned toward Queen Medusa, his tone calm.
Upon hearing this, Queen Medusa fell silent. She looked at the four elders who had fallen into unconsciousness beneath the city wall, her eyes filled with a complex expression.
If she had known that things would come to this, she might as well have surrendered the Green Lotus Core Flame honestly. In that case, she could have at least obtained a Dou Ancestor Pill and a Transformation Pill. But now, with the four elders severely injured and near death, and many of her people suffering heavy casualties, it seemed that surrendering the Green Lotus Core Flame was the only choice.
But it was truly a case of "losing the lady and the soldiers." Thinking of this, Queen Medusa revealed a bitter smile.
"Yuemei, Morbas, look after the four elders," Queen Medusa turned to Yuemei and Morbas, the two leaders of the snake people, and spoke.
Upon hearing her words, Yuemei and Morbas's expressions became solemn. They looked at Queen Medusa, whose complexion had turned somewhat pale, and a hint of sadness flashed in their eyes. Then, they bowed and said, "We will follow the orders of Her Majesty the Queen."
The next moment, two figures descended from the city wall and brought the four elders, who were unconscious and on the brink of life and death, into the Temple of Medusa.
"Your Excellency, please follow me," Queen Medusa said to Gu He, giving him a cold look, and then she flew toward the Temple of Medusa.
Watching Queen Medusa's departure, Gu He let the Crimson Flame Devouring Dragon remain in place and then followed her.
After a short while, a clear lake appeared in Gu He's line of sight.
In the center of the lake was a small island, surrounded by glistening water. There were no bridges leading to it.
Queen Medusa stopped in front of the lake, waiting for Gu He to arrive.
As soon as Gu He stepped onto the island, he sensed the presence of a barrier on the lake.
When Gu He arrived, Queen Medusa cast several hand seals, breaking the barrier over the lake. An opening appeared in the barrier.
"Your Excellency, please follow me," Queen Medusa said, giving Gu He a cold remark before heading toward the opening.
Gu He hesitated for a moment, then followed her through the opening.
After a while, Queen Medusa and Gu He landed on the small island in the center of the lake.
Gu He turned around and looked at the island. It wasn't very large, with lush bamboo groves and some flowers and plants. It had a vibrant and beautiful appearance.
"The aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame..."
The moment he set foot on the island, Gu He's expression changed slightly. He sensed a familiar aura.
This was the energy fluctuation of the Green Lotus Core Flame.
It seemed that Queen Medusa had hidden the Green Lotus Core Flame on this small island.
Walking on the path through the bamboo groves, the atmosphere was quiet. Besides the faint rustling of their footsteps on the leaves, there was no other sound.
In fact, even without Queen Medusa guiding him, Gu He could have found the right path by relying on the faint and unique aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame in the air.
With his steps neither hurried nor slow, he passed through several small paths and arrived at an open area. At the moment he reached the open space, Gu He's body suddenly stopped. He fixed his gaze on a particular spot in the center of the island.
This was a circular open area, surrounded by bamboo and flower beds that had been neatly cleared. Small, smooth stones were scattered around, forming a small pool. In the middle of the pool, crystal-clear water shimmered, and white mist floated above the surface. Even from a distance, Gu He could sense the extreme cold emanating from the water.
"Ice Spirit Cold Spring..."
As Gu He's eyes stared at the crystal-clear water, he took a long, deep breath. The entire pool was filled with Ice Spirit Cold Spring.
The Ice Spirit Cold Spring was extremely useful for refining the Green Lotus Core Flame.
In the future, when Gu He passed on the Green Lotus Core Flame to his disciples, this Ice Spirit Cold Spring would be an essential component.
This kind of rare item is usually only found in extremely cold or extremely hot regions and is extremely scarce and precious.
Gu He recalled that in the original work, Xiao Yan had gone to great lengths to obtain a small bottle of Ice Spirit Cold Spring from Gu Te.
But here, there was an entire pool of it.
Queen Medusa's actions were truly astonishing.
After observing for a moment, the amazement in Gu He's heart gradually subsided. His gaze finally settled on a lotus-shaped platform that was carved from a strange crystal.
At this moment, a clump of blue flames was slowly rising on the lotus platform.
Looking at the blue flames, Gu He's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinpricks. These blue flames were full of vitality. They occasionally formed into the shape of a lotus and sometimes turned into a small blue fire snake, floating and circling around the lotus platform, with a gentle and docile appearance, incredibly adorable.
"I've finally found you!"
Although he had never seen what the Green Lotus Core Flame looked like, as someone who also possessed a unique flame, he could faintly sense a familiar feeling coming from this clump of blue flames.
The crystal lotus platform covering the Green Lotus Core Flame was obviously no ordinary object.
Every time the blue flames were about to drift out of the lotus platform, a faint white light barrier would suddenly appear, bouncing the Green Lotus Core Flame back inside.
After scanning the small pool, Gu He noticed that every time the Green Lotus Core Flame came into contact with the light barrier, the Ice Spirit Cold Spring in the pool would diminish slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Clearly, the crystal lotus platform had harnessed the power of the Ice Spirit Cold Spring to keep the blue flames trapped inside.
After gazing at the pool, Gu He's eyes shifted to the left.
Suddenly, Queen Medusa's breathtakingly beautiful face entered Gu He's vision from close range.
He examined Queen Medusa closely, and once again, he couldn't help but be amazed.
Draped in an opulent and expensive purple brocade robe, it hugged her exquisite and voluptuous figure. Her captivating curves exuded a seductive charm. Under the robe, a purple snake tail was partially revealed, swaying lazily, exuding wild and exotic allure.
At this moment, Queen Medusa's beautiful eyes were fixed on the blue flames in the small pool. Reflected in the bright light, her lavender eyes contained arcs of fire.
Queen Medusa gazed silently at the blue flames for a while, then suddenly let out a soft sigh.
"It's really a missed opportunity..."
Whispering softly, Queen Medusa's enchanting cheeks revealed a complex expression, but it quickly turned into determination. Under her purple brocade robe, she exposed her snow-white arms and began forming a few seals in front of her.
As Queen Medusa's hand seals changed, the crystal lotus platform suddenly trembled. The protective light screen above it gradually dissipated. Once the light screen vanished, the unbound Heavenly Flame violently burst out, growing into a blazing firestorm in the blink of an eye.
"Sir, the Heavenly Flame is here, please proceed."
After doing all this, Queen Medusa's gaze turned to Gu He, her voice cold and firm.
Watching the unbridled behavior of the Green Lotus Core Flame after being unleashed, Gu He frowned and looked deeply at Queen Medusa. He knew that capturing this unruly Heavenly Flame in its frenzied state would be extremely challenging.
He understood that this was her way of expressing her frustration, even though he felt some remorse for her. But the importance of the Heavenly Flame to him outweighed any sympathy.
Blaming it on the Snake People's insufficient strength would be futile. In this world, strength was paramount, and if he had been weaker, he would never have dared to reveal the Heavenly Flame within him, let alone venture into the Tagore Desert. In this world, strength was the ultimate authority.
Although Gu He was dissatisfied with Queen Medusa for releasing the seal, he kept his silence. With his current strength and abilities, he could capture a Heavenly Flame relatively easily, especially considering that the Green Lotus Core Flame wasn't particularly formidable.
Gu He's primary objective was to obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame, and he didn't want to cause further complications.
Queen Medusa was impressed by Gu He's mastery over the Heavenly Flame, but at the same time, she harbored resentment. This human already possessed one Heavenly Flame; taking her own as well was seen as greed.
Thinking of her hard-earned Heavenly Flame, Queen Medusa couldn't help but curse Gu He's acquisition of the Green Lotus Core Flame and the backlash he had suffered during the refining process.
However, Gu He looked pleased as he gazed at the now-tamed Green Lotus Core Flame. He gently touched the bottom of the lotus-shaped platform, focusing his eyes on the central cluster of blue flames.
This trip to the Tagore Desert was for the Green Lotus Core Flame. Though it involved many twists and turns, he had finally succeeded.
With utmost care, Gu He took hold of the lotus-shaped platform and, along with the Green Lotus Core Flame, stored it in his dimensional space.
Afterward, he turned his attention to a nearby pool of Ice Spirit Cold Spring, considering taking it as well. However, when he noticed Queen Medusa's cold gaze, he hesitated. He didn't want to push his luck or come across as overly greedy.
Despite being no saint, Gu He didn't want to resort to force unless it was absolutely necessary. His intentions were clear, but he felt that further provocation was unnecessary.
Feeling a sense of regret, he glanced at the Ice Spirit Cold Spring below but decided to leave it behind. After all, he had already taken Queen Medusa's Heavenly Flame, and taking more might be considered excessive.
Gu He approached Queen Medusa, who had a cold expression, and sincerely thanked her. He then took two vials from his storage ring and handed them to her.
"Here is a Qinming Longevity Pill, along with some healing herbs. Consider it compensation for your grace, Your Majesty," Gu He said with a calm demeanor.
Upon receiving the vials, Queen Medusa's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the Qingming Longevity Pill, surprised by Gu He's gesture. Nevertheless, her feelings of goodwill were short-lived as she remembered the casualties her people had suffered. The resentment she felt towards Gu He returned, leaving no room for gratitude.
She thought, "After injuring my people, snatching my Heavenly Flame, and then attempting to appease me with a Qingming Longevity Pill, this human's audacity knows no bounds."
"She had never heard of this type of elixir before and felt that it was just an ordinary 'Sixth-Rank Elixir,' which had no use for herself.
Therefore, when facing the elixir that Gu He handed to her, she didn't reach out to take it and maintained her cold expression.
Seeing her attitude, Gu He furrowed his brows slightly and then explained, 'After consuming the Qingming Longevity Pill, even those at the Dou Huang level can extend their lifespan by ten years. Your Majesty, are you not interested?'
'In that case, I won't force it,' he continued.
After speaking, Gu He prepared to put away the jade vial.
However, upon hearing Gu He's explanation, Queen Medusa's expression changed instantly. She immediately snatched the jade vial from Gu He's hand before he could put it away.
The Qingming Longevity Pill could extend one's lifespan by ten years, and for some of the elderly elders in her clan whose vitality was running low, it was nothing short of a life-saving elixir.
Even if Queen Medusa was still displeased with Gu He, she couldn't ignore the lives of her four senior elders.
Seeing Queen Medusa reach for the elixir, Gu He was momentarily surprised. He looked at her, who still had a cold expression, and then a faint smile appeared on his lips.
'What a proud woman,' he thought.
Nevertheless, since she had accepted his goodwill, Gu He's feelings of remorse dissipated significantly.
'Farewell!' Gu He said, bowing slightly to Queen Medusa before turning to leave the lake.
He had already obtained the Heavenly Flame, and there was no need to stay any longer and risk wearing out his welcome.
As Gu He was about to leave without hesitation, Queen Medusa's face changed slightly. Then, she remembered something and, with her lips slightly parted, spoke in a cool tone, 'Wait!'
Hearing this, Gu He halted and turned to look at Queen Medusa, a bit puzzled. 'Your Majesty, do you have something else to discuss?'
Queen Medusa's face briefly displayed a hint of hesitation. Her red lips moved, but in the end, she spoke, 'Could you lend me the Heavenly Flame for a period of time?'
Upon hearing this, Gu He furrowed his brows.
Seeing Gu He's puzzled expression, Queen Medusa inexplicably became angry. She snorted and said in a resentful tone, 'This Heavenly Flame is something I obtained through life and death struggles. It's unreasonable to refuse a short-term loan, isn't it?'
''Does Your Majesty intend to attempt that method?'' Gu He looked at Queen Medusa, speaking calmly. ''Actually, if Your Majesty wishes to break through, I can refine a Profound Martial Pill for you, and there's no need to take such a risk.'
After hearing Gu He's words, Queen Medusa's expression changed slightly. Her beautiful eyes turned colder, and she asked in a cold tone, "What do you know?"
Gu He didn't beat around the bush and explained, "I once read in an ancient text that when the Queen of the Snake People reaches the peak of the Dou Huang level and has sufficient opportunities, there is a chance for a unique evolution. After this evolution, the Queen, besides being able to transform into a human form at will, will also advance as a Dou Ancestor expert in a seamless manner. However, the success rate for such evolution seems to be quite low, and most importantly, what's required for this kind of evolution is a Heavenly Flame."
'I assume Your Majesty doesn't want to exchange the Heavenly Flame because you intend to use it for such an evolution?' Gu He finished speaking and looked at Queen Medusa with a confident expression.
After listening to Gu He, Queen Medusa's expression changed slightly. Her lips moved, wanting to say something, but she ultimately fell silent, which could be considered an acknowledgment of Gu He's words.
After a moment of hesitation, Queen Medusa raised her head and looked at Gu He again. In a dispassionate tone, she said, "Would you be willing to lend me the Heavenly Flame?"
Thinking about her hard-earned Heavenly Flame that she was now asking to 'borrow,' Queen Medusa felt a deep sense of frustration.
Upon hearing her request, Gu He understood that she was determined to take this path.
Even though, in the original story, Queen Medusa eventually succeeded, the process of tempering the body with a Heavenly Flame was filled with many uncertainties. A slight misstep could result in life-threatening danger or even total annihilation.
With a slight sigh, Gu He glanced at the cold and indifferent Queen Medusa. After some hesitation, he spoke, "Your Majesty, if you wish to borrow the Heavenly Flame, it's possible, but I have a few small conditions I hope you will agree to."
'You have conditions?' Queen Medusa furrowed her dark eyebrows upon hearing this, appearing quite dissatisfied.
In her opinion, the Heavenly Flame was originally hers, and now that she was only asking for temporary use, this guy had the audacity to set conditions. It was truly outrageous!
According to her usual temper, she might have already been furious and vented her dissatisfaction. But thinking about the terrifying strength of this human man before her, Queen Medusa could only suppress her anger and grit her teeth as she said, "What are your conditions?"
Gu He didn't beat around the bush and directly presented three conditions.
First, the Half-Pond Ice Spirit Cold Spring.
Second, the cultivation technique Queen Medusa practiced.
Third, the Sand Manjushri.
The first requirement was the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, which Gu He had long coveted.
Since he was uncertain how to bring it up, now that Queen Medusa had a request, he naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
As for the cultivation technique that Queen Medusa practiced, Gu He wanted it for the Little Blue Dragon.
Though the Little Blue Dragon's current cultivation was still at the Dou Qi stage, with the added boost of the azure lotus, and with the assistance of Gu He's spirit liquid, it wouldn't be long before she broke through to the Dou Zhe level.
Once she reached the Dou Zhe level, further advancement in her cultivation would require a proper cultivation technique.
However, the Little Blue Dragon had the bloodline of the Snake People, and Gu He didn't possess a suitable cultivation technique for her.
Therefore, he shifted his attention to Queen Medusa.
Queen Medusa, as the Queen of the Snake People, undoubtedly practiced an extraordinary cultivation technique, which was likely suitable for someone with the Snake People's bloodline like the Little Blue Dragon.
The last condition, the Sand Manjushri, was meant for Gu He to find for Hai Bodong. It was the final ingredient needed to refine the Breaking Earth Pill.
Queen Medusa hesitated for a moment upon hearing Gu He's first and third conditions but readily agreed to them. The Ice Spirit Cold Spring wasn't considered a valuable treasure to her. As for the Sand Manjushri, it was rarer than the Ice Spirit Cold Spring but wasn't something she cared about.
''What do you need my cultivation technique for?'' Queen Medusa asked Gu He, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Regarding Gu He's second condition, Queen Medusa was quite puzzled.
After all, the cultivation technique she practiced was only suitable for those with the bloodline of the Snake People. What use did this human have for it?
''To be honest, I have a disciple who possesses the bloodline of both humans and the Snake People. In order to facilitate her future cultivation, I can only borrow Your Majesty's cultivation technique for her.'' Gu He didn't hide anything and explained in a plain manner.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 129: Obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame!
"I only want the Green Lotus Core Flame."
"As long as you hand over the Green Lotus Core Flame, I won't harm your people."
Perched atop the Crimson Flame Devouring Dragon, Gu He's gaze turned toward Queen Medusa, his tone calm.
Upon hearing this, Queen Medusa fell silent. She looked at the four elders who had fallen into unconsciousness beneath the city wall, her eyes filled with a complex expression.
If she had known that things would come to this, she might as well have surrendered the Green Lotus Core Flame honestly. In that case, she could have at least obtained a Dou Ancestor Pill and a Transformation Pill. But now, with the four elders severely injured and near death, and many of her people suffering heavy casualties, it seemed that surrendering the Green Lotus Core Flame was the only choice.
But it was truly a case of "losing the lady and the soldiers." Thinking of this, Queen Medusa revealed a bitter smile.
"Yuemei, Morbas, look after the four elders," Queen Medusa turned to Yuemei and Morbas, the two leaders of the snake people, and spoke.
Upon hearing her words, Yuemei and Morbas's expressions became solemn. They looked at Queen Medusa, whose complexion had turned somewhat pale, and a hint of sadness flashed in their eyes. Then, they bowed and said, "We will follow the orders of Her Majesty the Queen."
The next moment, two figures descended from the city wall and brought the four elders, who were unconscious and on the brink of life and death, into the Temple of Medusa.
"Your Excellency, please follow me," Queen Medusa said to Gu He, giving him a cold look, and then she flew toward the Temple of Medusa.
Watching Queen Medusa's departure, Gu He let the Crimson Flame Devouring Dragon remain in place and then followed her.
After a short while, a clear lake appeared in Gu He's line of sight.
In the center of the lake was a small island, surrounded by glistening water. There were no bridges leading to it.
Queen Medusa stopped in front of the lake, waiting for Gu He to arrive.
As soon as Gu He stepped onto the island, he sensed the presence of a barrier on the lake.
When Gu He arrived, Queen Medusa cast several hand seals, breaking the barrier over the lake. An opening appeared in the barrier.
"Your Excellency, please follow me," Queen Medusa said, giving Gu He a cold remark before heading toward the opening.
Gu He hesitated for a moment, then followed her through the opening.
After a while, Queen Medusa and Gu He landed on the small island in the center of the lake.
Gu He turned around and looked at the island. It wasn't very large, with lush bamboo groves and some flowers and plants. It had a vibrant and beautiful appearance.
"The aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame..."
The moment he set foot on the island, Gu He's expression changed slightly. He sensed a familiar aura.
This was the energy fluctuation of the Green Lotus Core Flame.
It seemed that Queen Medusa had hidden the Green Lotus Core Flame on this small island.
Walking on the path through the bamboo groves, the atmosphere was quiet. Besides the faint rustling of their footsteps on the leaves, there was no other sound.
In fact, even without Queen Medusa guiding him, Gu He could have found the right path by relying on the faint and unique aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame in the air.
With his steps neither hurried nor slow, he passed through several small paths and arrived at an open area. At the moment he reached the open space, Gu He's body suddenly stopped. He fixed his gaze on a particular spot in the center of the island.
This was a circular open area, surrounded by bamboo and flower beds that had been neatly cleared. Small, smooth stones were scattered around, forming a small pool. In the middle of the pool, crystal-clear water shimmered, and white mist floated above the surface. Even from a distance, Gu He could sense the extreme cold emanating from the water.
"Ice Spirit Cold Spring..."
As Gu He's eyes stared at the crystal-clear water, he took a long, deep breath. The entire pool was filled with Ice Spirit Cold Spring.
The Ice Spirit Cold Spring was extremely useful for refining the Green Lotus Core Flame.
In the future, when Gu He passed on the Green Lotus Core Flame to his disciples, this Ice Spirit Cold Spring would be an essential component.
This kind of rare item is usually only found in extremely cold or extremely hot regions and is extremely scarce and precious.
Gu He recalled that in the original work, Xiao Yan had gone to great lengths to obtain a small bottle of Ice Spirit Cold Spring from Gu Te.
But here, there was an entire pool of it.
Queen Medusa's actions were truly astonishing.
After observing for a moment, the amazement in Gu He's heart gradually subsided. His gaze finally settled on a lotus-shaped platform that was carved from a strange crystal.
At this moment, a clump of blue flames was slowly rising on the lotus platform.
Looking at the blue flames, Gu He's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinpricks. These blue flames were full of vitality. They occasionally formed into the shape of a lotus and sometimes turned into a small blue fire snake, floating and circling around the lotus platform, with a gentle and docile appearance, incredibly adorable.
"I've finally found you!"
Although he had never seen what the Green Lotus Core Flame looked like, as someone who also possessed a unique flame, he could faintly sense a familiar feeling coming from this clump of blue flames.
The crystal lotus platform covering the Green Lotus Core Flame was obviously no ordinary object.
Every time the blue flames were about to drift out of the lotus platform, a faint white light barrier would suddenly appear, bouncing the Green Lotus Core Flame back inside.
After scanning the small pool, Gu He noticed that every time the Green Lotus Core Flame came into contact with the light barrier, the Ice Spirit Cold Spring in the pool would diminish slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Clearly, the crystal lotus platform had harnessed the power of the Ice Spirit Cold Spring to keep the blue flames trapped inside.
After gazing at the pool, Gu He's eyes shifted to the left.
Suddenly, Queen Medusa's breathtakingly beautiful face entered Gu He's vision from close range.
He examined Queen Medusa closely, and once again, he couldn't help but be amazed.
Draped in an opulent and expensive purple brocade robe, it hugged her exquisite and voluptuous figure. Her captivating curves exuded a seductive charm. Under the robe, a purple snake tail was partially revealed, swaying lazily, exuding wild and exotic allure.
At this moment, Queen Medusa's beautiful eyes were fixed on the blue flames in the small pool. Reflected in the bright light, her lavender eyes contained arcs of fire.
Queen Medusa gazed silently at the blue flames for a while, then suddenly let out a soft sigh.
"It's really a missed opportunity..."
Whispering softly, Queen Medusa's enchanting cheeks revealed a complex expression, but it quickly turned into determination. Under her purple brocade robe, she exposed her snow-white arms and began forming a few seals in front of her.
As Queen Medusa's hand seals changed, the crystal lotus platform suddenly trembled. The protective light screen above it gradually dissipated. Once the light screen vanished, the unbound Heavenly Flame violently burst out, growing into a blazing firestorm in the blink of an eye.
"Sir, the Heavenly Flame is here, please proceed."
After doing all this, Queen Medusa's gaze turned to Gu He, her voice cold and firm.
Watching the unbridled behavior of the Green Lotus Core Flame after being unleashed, Gu He frowned and looked deeply at Queen Medusa. He knew that capturing this unruly Heavenly Flame in its frenzied state would be extremely challenging.
He understood that this was her way of expressing her frustration, even though he felt some remorse for her. But the importance of the Heavenly Flame to him outweighed any sympathy.
Blaming it on the Snake People's insufficient strength would be futile. In this world, strength was paramount, and if he had been weaker, he would never have dared to reveal the Heavenly Flame within him, let alone venture into the Tagore Desert. In this world, strength was the ultimate authority.
Although Gu He was dissatisfied with Queen Medusa for releasing the seal, he kept his silence. With his current strength and abilities, he could capture a Heavenly Flame relatively easily, especially considering that the Green Lotus Core Flame wasn't particularly formidable.
Gu He's primary objective was to obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame, and he didn't want to cause further complications.
Queen Medusa was impressed by Gu He's mastery over the Heavenly Flame, but at the same time, she harbored resentment. This human already possessed one Heavenly Flame; taking her own as well was seen as greed.
Thinking of her hard-earned Heavenly Flame, Queen Medusa couldn't help but curse Gu He's acquisition of the Green Lotus Core Flame and the backlash he had suffered during the refining process.
However, Gu He looked pleased as he gazed at the now-tamed Green Lotus Core Flame. He gently touched the bottom of the lotus-shaped platform, focusing his eyes on the central cluster of blue flames.
This trip to the Tagore Desert was for the Green Lotus Core Flame. Though it involved many twists and turns, he had finally succeeded.
With utmost care, Gu He took hold of the lotus-shaped platform and, along with the Green Lotus Core Flame, stored it in his dimensional space.
Afterward, he turned his attention to a nearby pool of Ice Spirit Cold Spring, considering taking it as well. However, when he noticed Queen Medusa's cold gaze, he hesitated. He didn't want to push his luck or come across as overly greedy.
Despite being no saint, Gu He didn't want to resort to force unless it was absolutely necessary. His intentions were clear, but he felt that further provocation was unnecessary.
Feeling a sense of regret, he glanced at the Ice Spirit Cold Spring below but decided to leave it behind. After all, he had already taken Queen Medusa's Heavenly Flame, and taking more might be considered excessive.
Gu He approached Queen Medusa, who had a cold expression, and sincerely thanked her. He then took two vials from his storage ring and handed them to her.
"Here is a Qinming Longevity Pill, along with some healing herbs. Consider it compensation for your grace, Your Majesty," Gu He said with a calm demeanor.
Upon receiving the vials, Queen Medusa's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the Qingming Longevity Pill, surprised by Gu He's gesture. Nevertheless, her feelings of goodwill were short-lived as she remembered the casualties her people had suffered. The resentment she felt towards Gu He returned, leaving no room for gratitude.
She thought, "After injuring my people, snatching my Heavenly Flame, and then attempting to appease me with a Qingming Longevity Pill, this human's audacity knows no bounds."
"She had never heard of this type of elixir before and felt that it was just an ordinary 'Sixth-Rank Elixir,' which had no use for herself.
Therefore, when facing the elixir that Gu He handed to her, she didn't reach out to take it and maintained her cold expression.
Seeing her attitude, Gu He furrowed his brows slightly and then explained, 'After consuming the Qingming Longevity Pill, even those at the Dou Huang level can extend their lifespan by ten years. Your Majesty, are you not interested?'
'In that case, I won't force it,' he continued.
After speaking, Gu He prepared to put away the jade vial.
However, upon hearing Gu He's explanation, Queen Medusa's expression changed instantly. She immediately snatched the jade vial from Gu He's hand before he could put it away.
The Qingming Longevity Pill could extend one's lifespan by ten years, and for some of the elderly elders in her clan whose vitality was running low, it was nothing short of a life-saving elixir.
Even if Queen Medusa was still displeased with Gu He, she couldn't ignore the lives of her four senior elders.
Seeing Queen Medusa reach for the elixir, Gu He was momentarily surprised. He looked at her, who still had a cold expression, and then a faint smile appeared on his lips.
'What a proud woman,' he thought.
Nevertheless, since she had accepted his goodwill, Gu He's feelings of remorse dissipated significantly.
'Farewell!' Gu He said, bowing slightly to Queen Medusa before turning to leave the lake.
He had already obtained the Heavenly Flame, and there was no need to stay any longer and risk wearing out his welcome.
As Gu He was about to leave without hesitation, Queen Medusa's face changed slightly. Then, she remembered something and, with her lips slightly parted, spoke in a cool tone, 'Wait!'
Hearing this, Gu He halted and turned to look at Queen Medusa, a bit puzzled. 'Your Majesty, do you have something else to discuss?'
Queen Medusa's face briefly displayed a hint of hesitation. Her red lips moved, but in the end, she spoke, 'Could you lend me the Heavenly Flame for a period of time?'
Upon hearing this, Gu He furrowed his brows.
Seeing Gu He's puzzled expression, Queen Medusa inexplicably became angry. She snorted and said in a resentful tone, 'This Heavenly Flame is something I obtained through life and death struggles. It's unreasonable to refuse a short-term loan, isn't it?'
''Does Your Majesty intend to attempt that method?'' Gu He looked at Queen Medusa, speaking calmly. ''Actually, if Your Majesty wishes to break through, I can refine a Profound Martial Pill for you, and there's no need to take such a risk.'
After hearing Gu He's words, Queen Medusa's expression changed slightly. Her beautiful eyes turned colder, and she asked in a cold tone, "What do you know?"
Gu He didn't beat around the bush and explained, "I once read in an ancient text that when the Queen of the Snake People reaches the peak of the Dou Huang level and has sufficient opportunities, there is a chance for a unique evolution. After this evolution, the Queen, besides being able to transform into a human form at will, will also advance as a Dou Ancestor expert in a seamless manner. However, the success rate for such evolution seems to be quite low, and most importantly, what's required for this kind of evolution is a Heavenly Flame."
'I assume Your Majesty doesn't want to exchange the Heavenly Flame because you intend to use it for such an evolution?' Gu He finished speaking and looked at Queen Medusa with a confident expression.
After listening to Gu He, Queen Medusa's expression changed slightly. Her lips moved, wanting to say something, but she ultimately fell silent, which could be considered an acknowledgment of Gu He's words.
After a moment of hesitation, Queen Medusa raised her head and looked at Gu He again. In a dispassionate tone, she said, "Would you be willing to lend me the Heavenly Flame?"
Thinking about her hard-earned Heavenly Flame that she was now asking to 'borrow,' Queen Medusa felt a deep sense of frustration.
Upon hearing her request, Gu He understood that she was determined to take this path.
Even though, in the original story, Queen Medusa eventually succeeded, the process of tempering the body with a Heavenly Flame was filled with many uncertainties. A slight misstep could result in life-threatening danger or even total annihilation.
With a slight sigh, Gu He glanced at the cold and indifferent Queen Medusa. After some hesitation, he spoke, "Your Majesty, if you wish to borrow the Heavenly Flame, it's possible, but I have a few small conditions I hope you will agree to."
'You have conditions?' Queen Medusa furrowed her dark eyebrows upon hearing this, appearing quite dissatisfied.
In her opinion, the Heavenly Flame was originally hers, and now that she was only asking for temporary use, this guy had the audacity to set conditions. It was truly outrageous!
According to her usual temper, she might have already been furious and vented her dissatisfaction. But thinking about the terrifying strength of this human man before her, Queen Medusa could only suppress her anger and grit her teeth as she said, "What are your conditions?"
Gu He didn't beat around the bush and directly presented three conditions.
First, the Half-Pond Ice Spirit Cold Spring.
Second, the cultivation technique Queen Medusa practiced.
Third, the Sand Manjushri.
The first requirement was the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, which Gu He had long coveted.
Since he was uncertain how to bring it up, now that Queen Medusa had a request, he naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
As for the cultivation technique that Queen Medusa practiced, Gu He wanted it for the Little Blue Dragon.
Though the Little Blue Dragon's current cultivation was still at the Dou Qi stage, with the added boost of the azure lotus, and with the assistance of Gu He's spirit liquid, it wouldn't be long before she broke through to the Dou Zhe level.
Once she reached the Dou Zhe level, further advancement in her cultivation would require a proper cultivation technique.
However, the Little Blue Dragon had the bloodline of the Snake People, and Gu He didn't possess a suitable cultivation technique for her.
Therefore, he shifted his attention to Queen Medusa.
Queen Medusa, as the Queen of the Snake People, undoubtedly practiced an extraordinary cultivation technique, which was likely suitable for someone with the Snake People's bloodline like the Little Blue Dragon.
The last condition, the Sand Manjushri, was meant for Gu He to find for Hai Bodong. It was the final ingredient needed to refine the Breaking Earth Pill.
Queen Medusa hesitated for a moment upon hearing Gu He's first and third conditions but readily agreed to them. The Ice Spirit Cold Spring wasn't considered a valuable treasure to her. As for the Sand Manjushri, it was rarer than the Ice Spirit Cold Spring but wasn't something she cared about.
''What do you need my cultivation technique for?'' Queen Medusa asked Gu He, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Regarding Gu He's second condition, Queen Medusa was quite puzzled.
After all, the cultivation technique she practiced was only suitable for those with the bloodline of the Snake People. What use did this human have for it?
''To be honest, I have a disciple who possesses the bloodline of both humans and the Snake People. In order to facilitate her future cultivation, I can only borrow Your Majesty's cultivation technique for her.'' Gu He didn't hide anything and explained in a plain manner.
(End of this chapter)
