Chapter 233: Xiao Mei Takes Action
As Medusa spoke, her cold yet radiant face maintained a faint smile, but the invisible pressure she exuded weighed heavily on the other women.
Among Xiao Yan's women, each had their strengths and unique qualities, allowing them to coexist peacefully without any one of them being overwhelmingly dominant. However, the arrival of this new woman shattered the balance.
Medusa's presence was overwhelming. Her beauty, aura, and temperament placed her a step above them all, and her domineering personality only heightened the tension.
It felt like a predator had entered their previously harmonious ecosystem. No matter how unique or dazzling the "fish" in this "ocean" were, the arrival of this "shark" made them all feel like prey.
A Brewing Storm
To be fair, Medusa carried herself with the grace and authority befitting the head of a harem. However, no woman would willingly accept someone coming in to take control of their territory.
In this moment of tension, it was up to Ya Fei and Yao Ye, the most socially adept among the women, to respond.
Ya Fei's expression softened as she took a step forward, speaking in a tone tinged with helplessness and subtle resistance.
"Big Sister, it's not that we don't welcome you," she began delicately. "It's just that we've grown used to living freely and unrestrained.
"If someone as strong and assertive as you were to take charge, I'm afraid our peaceful lives would disappear entirely."
Her words were gentle and tactful, yet her rejection was evident.
A Bold Move
Xiao Yan hadn't anticipated such a unified resistance. Just as he was about to interject, Medusa spoke first.
"No need to worry," she said, her tone calm but firm. "I'm only here to claim a title. I have no intention of interfering with your affairs."
Her words provided a moment of relief for the more naive women, such as Xiao Yi Xian and Nalan Yanran. However, Ya Fei and Yao Ye frowned. They were not so easily fooled by Medusa's apparent concession.
To them, this was nothing more than an empty promise.
Sensing the tension, Yun Yun, the strongest and most mature among the women, finally stepped forward. Her expression was solemn as she addressed Medusa.
"I disagree," Yun Yun declared.
Her tone was firm, carrying the weight of her identity as the former leader of the Yun Lan Sect. "We can manage our own affairs here in the Jia Ma Empire. Your Majesty should focus on overseeing your serpentfolk instead."
Her words, laced with defiance, were like sparks igniting a powder keg.
A Duel in the Skies
Medusa's sharp, almond shaped eyes narrowed, and a subtle smile played on her lips.
"Is that so?" she replied coolly. "It seems you're dissatisfied with me."
Yun Yun didn't back down, her expression unwavering.
"Would you care to settle this in a duel?" Medusa asked.
"Very well." Yun Yun's tone was equally resolute.
The two women disappeared into the sky above the Yun Lan Sect, leaving Xiao Yan to watch helplessly.
A One Sided Battle
Within moments, the clash began.
But the result was clear before the fight even started. Despite Yun Yun's formidable skills as a peak Dou Huang, she was no match for Medusa, who was now a Nine Star Dou Zong.
As Medusa's powerful aura spread, the other women turned pale. Even among the experts of the Flame Alliance, few could contend with her strength.
In a single exchange, Yun Yun found her slender neck trapped in Medusa's hand.
"You…" Yun Yun's eyes widened in shock.
She had expected a close fight, but the sheer power Medusa displayed left her speechless.
Medusa's gaze swept over the other women as she released Yun Yun.
"I told you," she said icily. "I have no interest in meddling with your affairs. But you'd best think carefully before opposing me."
Her words carried a cold finality, and when she turned to Xiao Yan, she added, "If it weren't for this man, I wouldn't even bother with this so called harem."
A Desperate Plan
Despite Medusa's overwhelming show of strength, the women still harbored resentment and unease.
That evening, Xiao Yan left Medusa to settle into her new quarters and made his way to the area where the Xiao Clan resided. There, he sought out his cunning cousin, Xiao Mei.
"Mei'er, my dear cousin," Xiao Yan greeted her with a smile.
Xiao Mei's eyes lit up momentarily, but she quickly turned away, feigning indignation.
"Hmph! Xiao Yan gege hasn't visited me in ages," she huffed. "You've been too busy being surrounded by all those foxy vixens, haven't you? I bet you only came because you need something from me!"
Her words carried a playful yet sulky tone, her signature "green tea" charm on full display.
Xiao Yan chuckled inwardly at her theatrics but maintained his affable demeanor.
"How could I ever forget you, Mei'er?" he said, patting her head affectionately. "I've always kept you in my thoughts."
"Really?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Of course," Xiao Yan replied solemnly. "But right now, I'm facing a huge problem, and I need your help."
Xiao Mei pouted, crossing her arms.
"Hmph! You only think of me when you need something," she said. "What do you want this time?"
Xiao Yan leaned closer and whispered his plan into her ear.
A Green Tea Mediation
Shortly after, Xiao Mei appeared in the women's quarters, her presence as sharp as ever.
"I hear you've been clashing with Medusa, the Serpentfolk Queen," Xiao Mei remarked, her tone dripping with feigned innocence. "What a shame, missing out on such a powerful ally."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ya Fei asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.
Xiao Mei smirked. "Didn't Xiao Yan gege ever tell you about his fiancée in the Central Plains?"
Her words sent a ripple of shock through the room.
Xiao Yi Xian and Nalan Yanran looked particularly shaken. Nalan Yanran's face paled as she recalled her broken engagement with Xiao Yan.
"His fiancée is the beloved daughter of the Gu Clan," Xiao Mei continued, her voice laced with mock sympathy. "You know, one of the most powerful ancient clans second only to the Xiao Clan. They have countless Dou Zun and even Dou Sheng experts."
Her words painted a picture of an unbeatable rival, and the women's expressions darkened as they realized the disparity in strength.
Even Medusa, for all her strength, felt a hint of pressure.
In the face of this seemingly insurmountable opponent, the women reluctantly banded together, with Medusa assuming the role of leader.
Xiao Yan's Victory
Back in his courtyard, Xiao Yan watched Xiao Mei with a bemused smile.
"Sister in law, you've worked wonders," he said, clearly pleased.
Xiao Mei batted her eyelashes innocently.
"Anything for you, gege," she replied sweetly.
Thanks to Xiao Mei's cunning maneuvering, the "Western Harem Alliance" under Medusa's leadership was solidified.
With his affairs in order, Xiao Yan could finally set his sights on the next step of his journey to the Jia Nan Academy in search of new Heavenly Flames.
(End of Chapter)
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