While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, her slender waist swayed gracefully, her fiery red lips burned with desire, her jade-like bones and icy skin exuded natural charm.

Only after meeting Queen Medusa in person did Chen Xiao realize that her reputation for beauty was not unfounded.

This woman can indeed only be described as alluring, yet she is alluring without being vulgar, possessing a unique and graceful air.

"Mittel Tengshan, that's a familiar surname. To be frank, why have you come to see me in such a grand manner? I remember that the Snake People and the Mittel family have no dealings with each other."

Queen Medusa glanced at Teng Shan walking ahead, her eyes sweeping over the mysterious black-robed man beside her and the little Great Dou Master protected in the center, and said calmly.

The Mittel family was known to almost everyone in the Gama Empire, and Queen Medusa was naturally familiar with them as well.

More importantly, seeing Tengshan reminded her of an old friend, an old fellow who was a senior elder of the Mittel family, with average strength but a lot of witty remarks.

Tengshan smiled politely and bowed with his fist on his palm.

"Thank you for the opportunity to meet me, Your Majesty. I have come to the Holy City today at your request. He has some matters he would like to discuss with Your Majesty. I am young and have not had much experience dealing with people. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Being overly polite is never a bad thing, so Tengshan gave a heads-up beforehand.

After saying that, he took a step to the side, making way for the boy who was protecting him.

It's impossible not to be nervous. Being watched by a peak Douhuang expert, even if the other party doesn't do anything, still puts immense pressure on you.

Fortunately, Chen Xiao was not an ordinary teenager; his mental fortitude was quite good compared to that of an adult.

Taking a light breath, Chen Xiao stepped forward and slightly raised his hand in greeting.

"A Seven-Star Grand Dou Master, your talent is truly remarkable. Are you a member of the Mittel family?"

Just as Chen Xiao was about to speak, the woman on the throne spoke first.

With her strong personality, she is used to taking the initiative, whether in battle or in daily communication.

It was a simple, calm question, seemingly devoid of any deeper meaning.

However, upon learning of the grudge between her and Hai Bodong, and that she had even placed a snake-sealing curse on Hai Bodong, everyone's hearts tightened slightly. They were afraid that if Chen Xiao agreed to the offer, Queen Medusa would become wary and consider eliminating this potentially threatening variable in advance.

While it might seem like a case of judging others by one's own standards, it's not entirely impossible that some people would think this way.

Fortunately, Chen Xiao did not disappoint them. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he slowly shook his head.

"No, my name is Chen Xiao. I met the Ice Emperor of the Mittel family a few days ago. He saw that my attributes were compatible and that I had some talent, so he wanted to take me as his disciple, but I refused because I already have a teacher."

After spending a few days with Hai Bodong, Chen Xiao learned a lot.

It's not just about combat experience, but also about interpersonal relationships.

When you're out and about, remember that you are the one who gives yourself your identity.

Just like Hai Bodong, he himself may not have even used the Imperial Pill, but he was able to use the Imperial Pill as bait to attract Chen Xiao to become his disciple.

In short, it boils down to this: as long as it's reasonable, it won't be exposed in a short time, so you can make it up however you want.

Queen Medusa nodded slightly without changing her expression and casually asked, "Little one, how old are you?"

"twelve."

Upon hearing this answer, not only Queen Medusa, but also the five powerful individuals, including Teng Shan, who had traveled with her, were all taken aback.

Nalan Jie, in particular, felt that his comparison back then seemed incredibly ridiculous.

A twelve-year-old Grand Master is far more valuable than an eleven-year-old Fighter.

"Hai Bodong is indeed not qualified to be your teacher."

To put it casually, Medusa Queen's gorgeous face had a slight curve to her red lips, instantly making her exquisite features even more alluring, every smile and frown utterly seductive.

"Speak, what business do you have with me?"

Now we're finally getting to the point!

Chen Xiao felt relieved and clasped his hands, saying, "It's still because of the Ice Emperor. A few days ago, although I refused the Ice Emperor's offer to take me as a disciple, he offered some tempting conditions. I couldn't become his disciple, but I still wanted those things. So, I made a bet with him, asking Her Majesty the Queen to break the Snake Seal Curse for him. If I failed, he would become my second teacher."

Honesty level: 99%.

Queen Medusa understood and a sense of curiosity arose in her heart.

From her perspective, it was something she didn't want Chen Xiao to become Hai Bodong's apprentice.

Regardless of whether the other teacher Chen Xiao mentioned actually exists, Chen Xiao's talent alone is enough for her to take him seriously.

If Hai Bodong were to take it over, the Snake-People race might have another major enemy within twenty years.

However, this one reason alone is far from enough to get her to lift Hai Bodong's seal.

There is more than one way to eliminate potential hazards.

"You seem quite confident; I'd like to hear how you intend to convince me."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao flipped his hand and took out a piece of paper from his storage ring, giving a slight indication.

Queen Medusa raised her hand and the paper fell into her jade hand.

Turn it over and you'll see only two neat small characters on it.

Strange Fire!

Queen Medusa's pupils narrowed slightly.

In recent years, she had long felt that although she had reached the peak of Dou Huang and could hardly advance any further, there was no sign of a breakthrough. She tried many times, but all to no avail.

Left with no other option, they had to find another way.

Thus, a secret technique of the snake people came into her view.

However, that secret technique was not only extremely dangerous, but the required exotic fire was also very difficult to find. Many alchemists had no clue about it, let alone her.

Looking at the two words on the paper in front of her, Queen Medusa couldn't help but wonder, "Does this little fellow know the secret techniques of my snake-people?"

Otherwise, why would they use strange fire as bait?

Moreover, whether he truly knew the whereabouts of the strange fire is also a question.

Regardless, for Queen Medusa, who was eager to make a breakthrough, this was a glimmer of hope, and she was willing to listen to Chen Xiao ramble on a little longer.

With a casual flick of her wrist, the paper in her hand turned to ashes, and Queen Medusa looked at Teng Shan and the others.

"You all, leave the temple and wait outside."

The matter of the strange fire must be kept secret; the fewer people who know about it, the better.

Chen Xiao informed him in writing, so he was clearly aware of this.

Upon hearing Queen Medusa's instructions, Tengshan and his companions hesitated.

"Then please, Your Majesty, do not close the palace doors. I have promised Elder Hai that I will ensure Chen Xiao's safety; he must be within sight."

Queen Medusa remained noncommittal, too lazy to answer.

If I truly intend to take action, what difference does it make whether the five of you are inside or outside the hall?

However, after Tengshan and his group of five left the main hall, they did not close the hall door.

Queen Medusa casually set up a soundproof barrier and then turned her attention back to Chen Xiao.

"I hope you're not toying with me. Speak, what do you know?"