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**
Inside the bamboo hut, the atmosphere seemed to freeze in an instant.
The Four Elders of the Snake-People Tribe stared dumbfounded at Mo Yu, who had just made a shocking statement.
No matter how calm they usually were or how high their status within the Snake-People Tribe, at this moment, they were stunned into silence.
"Hmph! Boy, don't think that just because you've achieved something extraordinary, you can disregard our Snake-People Tribe!" The Second Elder's voice was cold and sharp after she recovered from her shock.
Hearing this, Mo Yu didn't even glance at the Second Elder. Instead, he turned to the Grand Elder in the center and said calmly, "Elders, you didn't summon me here just for an argument, did you?
If there's something you need, feel free to speak directly. There's no need for any power plays. For Cai Lin's sake, if it's within my ability, I'll help. But if you continue with such pointless words, don't blame me for ignoring you later."
Listening to Mo Yu's composed demeanor, the Four Elders exchanged glances. Finally, the Grand Elder lightly coughed and spoke in a hoarse voice: "According to the laws of our Snake-People Tribe, anyone who offends the Queen must face the punishment of being devoured by a thousand snakes.
However, the queen explained the situation to us, and this matter cannot entirely be blamed on Lord Mo Yu. Therefore, the punishment of the thousand-snake bite can be waived.
That said, Lord Mo Yu has, after all, defiled our Queen. Some compensation to our Snake-People Tribe is still in order."
Hearing the Grand Elder reveal their true intentions, Mo Yu stood with his hands behind his back and said indifferently, "Please, Grand Elder, speak plainly. If it's within my power, as the Lord of the Yuan Manor, I will not turn a blind eye."
"That's good to hear." The Four Elders exchanged joyful looks, feeling both pleased and a little regretful for their earlier actions.
Had they known Mo Yu was so reasonable, they wouldn't have started by trying to intimidate him, especially by using Cai Lin's honor as leverage.
Noticing their subtle actions, Mo Yu's brows furrowed slightly, and a trace of disgust flashed in his eyes. However, he didn't refuse their request outright.
Firstly, he had indeed taken Cai Lin's body, which left him in the wrong, so he decided to treat this as a form of betrothal gift to the Snake-People Tribe.
Secondly, the Snake-People Tribe was the family of his friend, She Lao. Helping them would also be a gesture of goodwill toward his friend.
On the other side, seeing that Mo Yu didn't outright reject them, the Grand Elder began: "Lord Mo Yu, you must have some knowledge of our Snake-People Tribe's history.
We once resided in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, but due to the oppression of humans, we were forced to migrate to the Tagore Desert.
Now, with our current Queen Medusa having completed her evolution into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python as recorded in our ancestral texts, our Snake-People Tribe should restore its glory and return to our ancestral lands.
However, while the Yun Lan Sect has declined, your cousin Xiao Yan's newly founded Yan Alliance has risen rapidly, far surpassing the Yun Lan Sect in its heyday.
Thus, we hope that, out of respect for our Queen, you can ensure that the Yan Alliance and other human powers do not interfere with our migration and refrain from entering our territory.
If this can be achieved, we swear that as long as others do not provoke us, we will not provoke them!"
Hearing the Grand Elder's pledge, Mo Yu was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected such a request from the Snake-People Tribe.
After some thought, it made sense. The tensions between humans and the Snake-People Tribe were deeply rooted. In the original story, the alliance between the two only formed due to the combined invasion of the Jia Ma Empire by the Mu Lan Empire and two other empires, which forced cooperation and eventually reduced hostilities.
Currently, without the three-empire invasion, the tensions between humans and the Snake-People Tribe remained high. The Yan Alliance, dominated by the three great clans and the Alchemist Association, would certainly not allow the Snake-People Tribe to expand unchecked.
Shifting his gaze slightly, Mo Yu looked at Cai Lin, who was seated beside the Four Elders. His expression flickered as he contemplated.
"The Snake-People Tribe wishes to return to the Magic Beast Mountain Range, which I fully support.
However, the Jia Ma Empire is within my cousin Xiao Yan's sphere of influence. While I can mediate on behalf of the Snake-People Tribe, two dominant forces cannot coexist peacefully. If things continue this way, conflict is inevitable.
Moreover, the Yan Alliance, founded by my cousin, has tremendous potential. In the future, it may cast a shadow over the entire northwest continent."
The Four Elders exchanged glances, their aged faces showing signs of displeasure. It seemed Mo Yu was not inclined to agree.
If so, their plan for migration would fall apart. After all, the rumored leader of the Yan Alliance, Xiao Yan, was no ordinary individual.
Cai Lin's beautiful eyes also revealed a trace of disappointment. Her slender fingers clenched tightly as a sense of grievance and frustration welled up in her heart.
She had already given him her body, yet he wouldn't even agree to this simple request.
Noticing the change in the atmosphere, Mo Yu quickly realized something was amiss. He chuckled lightly and clarified, "You misunderstand me. I never said I wouldn't support the Snake-People Tribe's return to the Magic Beast Mountain Range."
Hearing this, the Second Elder sneered, "Then what is Lord Mo Yu's plan? Do you intend to plant a forest in the Tagore Desert?"
Mo Yu shook his head with a smile. "You misunderstand. What I meant was that since the Jia Ma Empire is under the Yan Alliance's influence, two powerful forces in close proximity would inevitably lead to conflict.
So, my suggestion is for the Snake-People Tribe to migrate farther. As I understand it, the Magic Beast Mountain Range spans multiple empires and is not confined to the Jia Ma Empire.
In the neighboring Luo Yan Empire, the mountain range also extends across its borders. The empire's top sect, the Golden Goose Sect, has already submitted to me. I can ensure their full cooperation with the Snake-People Tribe's migration.
In the near future, the Snake-People Tribe can completely replace the Golden Goose Sect, becoming the dominant force in the Luo Yan Empire and even establishing your own nation—the Serpent Empire.
The Serpent Empire will serve as my betrothal gift to your queen, Cai Lin. Elders, what do you think?"
"The Serpent Empire?"
Hearing this, the Four Elders were momentarily stunned. Then, their cloudy eyes lit up with fervent excitement.
Establishing their own nation had been the dream of countless Snake-People ancestors, who had sacrificed their lives for it.
Although the Snake-People Tribe was powerful, they were always surrounded by human forces. Even if they toppled one empire, others would unite against them, making their dream seem unattainable.
Now, Mo Yu's words made the dream of a Serpent Empire feel within reach.
Even Medusa, Cai Lin herself, stared at Mo Yu in astonishment. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on him, her usual composure replaced with disbelief. Her lips parted slightly, and her slender neck moved as she swallowed in surprise.
The allure of a Serpent Empire was undeniable. If it succeeded, she would become the first Queen of such a nation in a thousand years.
At this thought, her earlier dissatisfaction with Mo Yu vanished. Recalling his mention of a "betrothal gift," her icy face blushed slightly, and the look in her eyes softened.
The Grand Elder laughed heartily and said, "Lord Mo Yu, if you can truly help the Snake-People Tribe establish the Serpent Empire, then your marriage to the queen is agreed upon. From this day forth, you are the Snake-People Tribe's King!"
"King?"
Hearing this peculiar title, Mo Yu muttered in confusion.
But when he noticed Cai Lin's blushing, stunning face, realization dawned on him.
Cai Lin was the serpent queen. Did this title of "king" imply he was to be her consort?
Shaking his head slightly, Mo Yu continued with the serious matter at hand. "Your Highness, it would be better to discuss this after the Serpent Empire is truly established and Cai Lin ascends as the Empress of the Serpent Empire.
"For now, plan the migration route for your people. I will assign Yan Tianxing and some experts from the Yuan Mansion to assist you. As long as your tribe refrains from indiscriminate slaughter of humans, within two years, the Luo Yan Empire can be transformed into the Serpent Empire."
Hearing Mo Yu's assurance, the Grand Elder's face lit up with joy. Nodding with a satisfied smile, he said, "Your Highness, rest assured, our Snake-People Tribe is not one to kill recklessly. Besides, once an empire is established, the humans within it will become our subjects. As long as they behave, they won't be slaughtered arbitrarily."
Mo Yu nodded in response. As a human, he didn't want the people of the Luo Yan Empire to become slaves or victims of the Snake-People Tribe's whims. However, with Cai Lin's restraint, he believed such events wouldn't happen.
After this discussion, the attitudes of the Four Elders towards Mo Yu visibly softened. They chatted amicably for a while before waving for Medusa to escort him out.
The two walked out of the bamboo house and along a quiet path for a while.
Though neither spoke, the events of earlier had created an unspoken understanding between them.
After all, the term "Your Highness" spoke volumes, and Cai Lin had not explicitly rejected the idea.
Walking at a slow pace, Mo Yu strolled through the front courtyard, ignoring the curious gazes of the Snake-People Tribe members around him, and prepared to leave.
"Hey, you there! Stop!"
Just as he crossed the outer courtyard, a loud shout rang out. Immediately, several burly figures appeared before him.
Mo Yu raised his head, his brows furrowing as he looked at the two male serpent men blocking his way. One of them was Mo Basi, the one who had attempted to ambush him earlier.
Beside him stood a stern-looking male snake-people man. Judging by his aura, he was also a Dou Huang, albeit at the six- or seven-star level.
"Brother Qing Zhan, that's Mo Yu—the one the elders mentioned as a potential consort for the Queen," Mo Basi said nervously, eyeing Mo Yu warily as he addressed the stern snake-people man beside him.
The snake-people man known as Qing Zhan nodded, his triangular pupils locking onto Mo Yu. His voice was low and threatening.
"Human, I am Qing Zhan, commander of the Snake-People Tribe. I advise you to stay away from the Queen. Otherwise, the one to suffer will be you. Our tribe does not consort with outsiders."
Mo Yu's silver eyes narrowed slightly. Having been provoked multiple times, his patience was wearing thin. A faint cold gleam flickered in his gaze.
In the front courtyard, many strong members of the Snake-People Tribe had gathered. When they saw Qing Zhan confronting Mo Yu, their curiosity piqued, and they crowded around to watch.
"Move aside," Mo Yu said calmly, his gaze lifting to meet Qing Zhan's.
Qing Zhan's triangular pupils gleamed with malice. "I hope I won't see you here again next time."
Mo Yu raised an eyebrow, finally losing his last shred of patience. He stepped forward, his movement light and unhurried, but soon stood directly before Qing Zhan and Mo Basi.
Seeing this, Mo Basi' eyes flickered. Remembering the earlier lesson, he cautiously took a step back.
As for Qing Zhan, who remained unmoved, Mo Yu showed no concern. Taking a step forward, he lightly brushed past him.
"Boom!"
What seemed like a light touch suddenly unleashed a muffled impact.
Under the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Qing Zhan staggered back as if struck by a heavy blow. After retreating over a dozen steps, he fell heavily to the ground, his face flushing red.
Steadying himself after the fall, Qing Zhan's expression turned serious. He realized Mo Yu wasn't just a beginner Dou Huang—he was a five-star Dou Huang.
What shocked him even more was that Mo Yu's strength was terrifying, akin to that of a sixth-grade magical beast.
However, being knocked back by Mo Yu in front of everyone embarrassed Qing Zhan. As the Snake-People Tribe's commander, his position was second only to Medusa herself.
As Mo Yu continued toward the gate, his pace steady and unhurried, Qing Zhan's eyes flashed with murderous intent. Suddenly, he roared, and his powerful Dou Qi surged from within, spreading an oppressive aura that forced the surrounding serpent warriors to retreat.
Mo Yu's gaze remained calm as he watched Qing Zhan's display of Dou Qi. A faint smirk appeared on his lips, and a crimson thunder began to rise from his body.
"Crackle!"
Just as Mo Yu activated the Vermilion Burning Sky Thunder, a sudden whooshing sound broke the tense atmosphere. A green shadow darted through the air, striking Qing Zhan's chest with lightning speed. The blow forced him to groan and disperse his surging Dou Qi.
The green shadow landed on the ground, transforming into a piece of green tree branch.
Seeing the branch, Mo Yu understood immediately and slowly withdrew the Vermilion Burning Sky Thunder.
Among the Snake-People Tribe, who else but Medusa could use a tree branch to repel a Dou Huang?
"Qing Zhan, Mo Basi, it seems you've grown increasingly disrespectful toward me!"
Medusa's cold voice echoed, making both Qing Zhan and Mo Basi' faces pale. They dropped to one knee instantly. Her words carried undeniable anger.
"After discussions with the elders, Mo Yu will henceforth be the prince consort of the Snake-People Tribe, his status equal to mine.
"Anyone who dares to cause trouble again will face the consequences under tribal law!"
With her words echoing, Medusa turned and left.
Before leaving, however, Medusa glanced at Mo Yu. Their eyes met, and Mo Yu noticed a hint of shyness in her usually resolute gaze—a rare sight for the fearsome queen.
Her earlier declaration of "prince consort" had evidently unsettled even her.
The gathered Snake-People Tribe warriors exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. No one had expected Mo Yu to become the Snake-People Tribe's prince consort.
Everyone present knew what such a title implied.
Realizing this, many of the male snake-people warriors looked at Mo Yu with envy, even jealousy.
To them, Medusa was a goddess, an untouchable Queen. Yet now, their revered queen had been promised to Mo Yu.
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