"Roar!"
This time, Hei Lin was clearly well-prepared.
The moment Gu He's voice fell, a terrifying aura erupted, instantly suppressing Queen Medusa in place.
Without hesitation, the massive serpent twisted its body with shocking flexibility, bypassing the queen entirely as it lunged toward the elder, its bloody maw gaping wide.
"Wait—I agree!"
Struggling against the suppression, Queen Medusa shouted in desperation.
But it was too late.
Hei Lin had already swallowed the Great Elder whole.
At this sight, Queen Medusa's beautiful face paled.
'It was over!'
Seeing this, Gu He immediately barked an order: "Hei Lin, stop!"
Hei Lin froze, the Great Elder still lodged in its mouth as it turned its massive, innocent eyes toward Gu He, its pupils brimming with confusion.
"Spit him out."
When the beast still didn't comply, Gu He let out a sigh of relief before glaring at it.
'This idiot has no sense of timing at all!'
'All it knows is eating!'
It had nearly ruined his entire plan.
If it had actually swallowed the elder, he would've lost a hundred sixth-tier medicinal herbs!
"Master..."
Hei Lin stared at Gu He with reluctance in its eyes. It truly didn't want to let go of the prey already in its jaws.
Gu He's expression turned icy. "I said—spit. It. Out."
"…Oh."
Realizing its master's anger, the python's heart chilled. No longer daring to hesitate, it immediately opened its maw and unceremoniously disgorged the Great Elder.
"Elder!"
The moment the elder's body hit the ground, Queen Medusa rushed forward in panic, checking his condition.
Relief washed over her when she confirmed his body was intact. After a thorough inspection, she found that while injured, his life was not in danger.
Had it not been for the artifact absorbing most of the force earlier, even a casual strike from Gu He would have reduced the elder to mincemeat, leaving no trace of life.
Gu He observed Queen Medusa quietly, waiting until she finished her examination before speaking.
"Your Majesty, since you've agreed to the terms, let's proceed with the exchange."
His gaze remained fixed on her, the unspoken threat clear—if there's any disagreement, Hei Lin won't hesitate to finish its meal.
Queen Medusa tensed. After a wary glance at the python, she reluctantly handed a spatial ring to Gu He.
"Your Excellency, time is short. I only have forty sixth-tier herbs here. If you could grant me some leniency, I will gather the remaining herbs as quickly as possible." Her tone was cautious, watching his reaction closely.
Gu He frowned, snatching the ring from her hand. After scanning its contents with his soul perception, his lips curled into a satisfied smile.
The sixth-tier herbs inside were treasures from the depths of the Tagore Desert—far more valuable than ordinary ones.
"How long do you need to gather the rest?" Gu He asked, pocketing the ring with visible contentment.
'This trip to the Snake-People Tribe had been far more profitable than expected.'
'The Sacred Snake Spirit Orb.'
'A hundred sixth-tier herbs.'
'Pure profit.'
Glancing at the unconscious elder, Gu He felt no resentment.
'If not for this old fool, I wouldn't have reaped such rewards.'
'What a good man!'
'The Snake People really are all good people!'
Meanwhile, Queen Medusa watched as her precious herbs vanished into Gu He's possession, her heart bleeding.
"Three months," Queen Medusa said after a pause. "Your Excellency, grant me three months, and I swear I will deliver the remaining herbs."
"Three months?"
Gu He considered it briefly before nodding. "Very well. Three months from now, I shall return. I trust Queen Medusa will not go back on her word."
Queen Medusa's voice was cold but firm. "You have my word."
With a flick of his sleeve, Gu He recalled Hei Lin, which cast one last longing look at the elder before obediently returning to his side.
Queen Medusa summoned a team of guards. "Take the Great Elder away and treat his injuries immediately."
Then, she turned back to Gu He, her crimson lips parting slightly. "Your Excellency, do you recall our agreement from three months ago? The one regarding the use of your Heavenly Flame."
"Naturally, I haven't forgotten. That is precisely why I've come."
Gu He's tone was indifferent. "Though I must say, your tribe's hospitality leaves much to be desired."
Queen Medusa's expression tightened with suppressed frustration. "This incident was our fault. The Great Elder has been punished accordingly. I hope you can let bygones be bygones."
"Enough. Since the matter is settled, I won't dwell on it."
Gu He waved a hand dismissively. "I've brought the Heavenly Flame. When does Queen Medusa wish to use it? My time here is limited."
After a brief pause, Queen Medusa replied, "Three days. Grant me three days to prepare. After that, I will only need to borrow the Heavenly Flame for a single day."
"Fine. I'll stay for three days."
With that, Gu He followed Queen Medusa into the Medusa Temple.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
"Tsk tsk tsk… The Snake-People Tribe's resources are truly impressive!"
Deep within the temple, on the same isolated island as before, Gu He marveled at the newly replenished pool of Icy Spirit Cold Spring.
'Such a priceless treasure, yet they managed to refill it in just three months!'
"Your Majesty, are you ready?"
Gu He turned to Queen Medusa, who stood nearby.
She nodded, her voice cool. "Your Excellency, you may summon the Heavenly Flame now."
With a thought, a flickering blue flame materialized in the air before him.
Channeling his Dou Qi, Gu He guided the flame—the Green Lotus Core Flame—onto a prepared crystal lotus platform above the spring.
"Queen Medusa, you may begin."
Once the flame was in place, Gu He stepped back.
"Your Excellency, you may retire to the main hall to rest."
Queen Medusa's gaze lingered on the Green Lotus Core Flame before shifting back to him.
'Ah, she wants privacy.'
Gu He understood immediately.
"Then I shall take my leave."
Without another word, he transformed into a streak of light, vanishing from the island.
…
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