Chapter 232: Big Sister? (Part 2)
As Xiao Yan gazed upon the transformed Jia Ma Sacred City, even he, the architect of this development, couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.
In just three short months, the city had grown at an astonishing pace, far beyond his expectations.
Next to him, Medusa more accustomed to the grandeur of the Serpentfolk was similarly taken aback. Her crimson lips parted slightly in amazement as she surveyed the city.
A City Reborn
More than a decade ago, Medusa had visited Jia Ma Sacred City, and the differences between the past and present were as stark as heaven and earth.
Now, the city exuded the atmosphere of a budding superpower, reminiscent of those guarded by several Dou Zun experts.
Judging by its scale, Jia Ma Sacred City seemed destined to become one of the most expansive cities on the Northwest Continent.
When Medusa extended her spiritual senses across the city, her expression shifted slightly.
She detected four powerful auras, each far stronger than her own. In addition to these Dou Zun experts, dozens of Dou Zong auras flickered like stars scattered across the city. As for Dou Huang and Dou Wang cultivators, they were numerous likely exceeding a thousand.
As her senses swept over the city, several spiritual probes retaliated, sensing her presence in turn. However, once Xiao Yan's spiritual energy radiated outward in response, the probing forces quickly recognized the return of their Alliance Leader and ceased their curiosity.
Some newcomers, unfamiliar with Xiao Yan's aura, were about to investigate further when the four Dou Zun elders promptly reprimanded them.
Old Friends in the City
In a quiet, ancient chamber of the Mittel Clan, Hai Bodong and Yun Shan were leisurely enjoying a crab feast.
"Unbelievable," Yun Shan mused, cracking open a crab leg. "The Mittel Clan might not have much combat strength, but their business acumen is second to none especially that Ya Fei.
"Her cultivation talent may be average, but her management skills far surpass even my apprentice, Yun Yun. Under her guidance, the Mittel Clan has essentially seized control of the Flame Alliance's economy."
Hai Bodong smirked. "What's the matter, Yun Shan? Jealous?"
"You old dog," Yun Shan retorted, narrowing his eyes. "You've gotten far too comfortable. Without your granddaughter and her connection to Xiao Yan, you'd still be a half dead geezer stuck in Dou Wang. Now look at you, enjoying crabs and pretending to be important!"
"Jealous, are we?" Hai Bodong chuckled, yanking Yun Shan's plate of crab away. "If you can't be polite, no crab for you!"
"Fine!" Yun Shan huffed. "I'll just take it back!"
The two old men squabbled, their bickering devolving into a tug of war over crab legs.
Suddenly, an immense spiritual pressure swept over the city, startling both men.
Hai Bodong froze, his expression shifting to one of terror. Without a word, he dove under the table like a frightened mouse.
Yun Shan blinked, bewildered. "What are you doing under there?"
"Shh!" Hai Bodong hissed, trembling. "She's here Medusa!"
The mere mention of her name sent a chill down Yun Shan's spine. Memories of Medusa's infamous wrath resurfaced, but he couldn't fathom why her aura felt so overwhelmingly powerful now.
Despite his fear, Hai Bodong cautiously emerged from beneath the table, muttering, "We're in the Flame Alliance now she wouldn't dare attack me here... right?"
An Awkward Reunion
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Medusa descended into Yun Lan Sect's domain, where the women in his life had gathered.
Inside the sect's main hall, a row of stunning women stood side by side. Each had their own unique charm, yet all shared one thing in common a wary expression directed at the cold, enchanting beauty by Xiao Yan's side.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense.
Medusa's presence was undeniable. Her noble aura outshone Yun Yun's grace, her regal demeanor eclipsed Yao Ye's newly acquired status as an empress, and her allure made even Ya Fei seem dim in comparison.
Even the typically confident Xiao Yi Xian and Nalan Yanran exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes briefly flickering toward Medusa's flawless figure. Both felt an unfamiliar pang of insecurity.
Unable to endure the pressure, the women instinctively huddled closer together.
Finally, Yun Yun, the eldest and most composed among them, stepped forward. Her usual calm demeanor was tinged with solemnity as she addressed the serpentfolk queen.
"Medusa, Queen of the Serpentfolk?"
The other women paled at the confirmation. Growing up in the Jia Ma Empire, none of them were strangers to Medusa's fearsome reputation.
A Chilling Smile
Medusa didn't deny her identity. Instead, her lips curved into a faint smile, as cold and sharp as the edge of a blade.
"Indeed," she replied softly.
The sheer weight of her words and her overwhelming aura caused Nalan Yanran, the youngest among them, to visibly falter. She cast a pleading look at Xiao Yan, her eyes filled with despair.
Even Xiao Yi Xian struggled to maintain her composure, her usual serenity no match for Medusa's domineering presence.
The only ones who held their ground were Ya Fei and Yao Ye. Though their cultivation levels were modest, their experience in navigating human relationships gave them a slight edge.
Rather than addressing Medusa, they turned their attention to Xiao Yan, their voices soft and tinged with accusation.
"Xiao Yan, my dear husband..." Ya Fei began sweetly.
"Why... why did you bring her here?" Yao Ye added, her tone equally pitiable.
Caught between their pleading eyes and Medusa's icy smile, Xiao Yan awkwardly scratched his head.
"I told you, didn't I?" he said, forcing a sheepish grin. "I was going to find someone to be your big sister."
Silence
The hall fell silent.
The women exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and exasperation.
For a moment, Xiao Yan felt a pressure far greater than anything Medusa could summon.
He opened his mouth, ready to shift the focus onto Gu Xun'er, who was still far away in the Central Plains, but Medusa cut him off with a single sentence.
"What's this?" she asked, her smile widening. "It seems my dear little sisters aren't too happy to see me."
Her tone was light, but the subtle chill in her voice sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.
(To be continued...)
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