Medusa had never encountered such a rudimentary map. However, given the terrifying power Muchen had displayed, she didn't dwell on it. She promptly ordered her subordinates to begin investigating the areas around Stone Desert City that very night.
Roughly a month later, her scouts reported back. They had discovered a suspicious location: a cavern that led deep underground, where they observed subterranean lava flows.
Meanwhile, regardless of Medusa's wishes, Muchen had been shamelessly sleeping in her royal bed for over a month. As compensation for the information he provided about the Heavenly Flame, Medusa grudgingly tolerated him, ensuring he was well-fed and comfortable. During his leisure time, Muchen made requests for Medusa to accompany him on tours of the surrounding landscape.
Naturally, Medusa refused such frivolities. Instead, she assigned Hua She'er to escort him, not for mere sightseeing, but to ensure Muchen didn't harm her people—or worse, that her people didn't provoke him.
Half a month passed, and on a moonless night, Muchen and Medusa arrived on the outskirts of Stone Desert City.
"Hmm, your eyes…" Medusa, with her innate night vision, noticed that Muchen's pupils had turned crimson.
"These are Spirit Bones," Muchen explained calmly.
"Spirit Bones? What are those?" Medusa asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
"Think of them as external abilities akin to flying Dou Techniques. However, unlike flying techniques, Spirit Bones come with unique battle skills," Muchen elaborated.
"Another lost secret technique?" Medusa probed further.
"No. This one doesn't belong to this world," Muchen replied, shaking his head.
"Not of this world?" Medusa's curiosity deepened. "If it's not from this world, then where does it come from? Are there other worlds beyond this one?"
"Why wouldn't there be? Upon reaching the Dou Di realm, one can ascend to the Three Thousand Worlds. Beyond our current realm, there exist three thousand minor worlds, three thousand intermediate worlds, 2,999 advanced worlds, and 1,000 primordial worlds," Muchen said matter-of-factly.
"So many worlds?" Medusa was momentarily stunned.
"Indeed. As for this Spirit Bone I possess, it originates from a place called the Douluo Star," Muchen added.
"Douluo Star…" Medusa repeated softly, committing the name to memory. After a moment, she asked, "So, you're not of this world but hail from Douluo Star?"
"You could put it that way," Muchen admitted casually.
In truth, Muchen originated from Earth, but having grown up on Douluo Star, it wasn't inaccurate to claim it as his origin.
The conversation between Medusa and Muchen shifted from Spirit Bones to the six major Spirit Bones, then to Martial Souls, Spirit Rings, and Spirit Beasts. The more Medusa listened, the more impressed she became by Muchen's profound knowledge.
"Truly, a charismatic scholar," she concluded.
Initially, Medusa's impression of Muchen was that of an unrefined scoundrel who had taken liberties by sleeping in her royal bed. However, after witnessing his unparalleled erudition, she found herself reevaluating her opinion.
Accompanied by serpent scouts, Muchen and Medusa arrived at a vast subterranean cavern. Within, molten lava flowed ominously, with occasional large bubbles rising to the surface before bursting with a hiss, scattering fiery fragments like fireworks.
"If your information is accurate, the Heavenly Flame should be within this lava," Medusa remarked, casting a scrutinizing gaze at Muchen. She was trying to discern whether he was trustworthy but found herself unable to read him.
"Of course my information is accurate," Muchen said with an air of confidence.
At Medusa's signal, one of her scouts emitted a peculiar call. Moments later, a massive serpent emerged from the lava. Its body, measuring several meters long, shimmered like molten fire. Its scales, each the size of a palm, glowed with a fiery red hue. Most striking of all, it bore two heads.
"A Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent," Muchen identified it immediately.
"Our Serpent Tribe can communicate with snakes. It will lead us to the hottest spot in the lava. Whether or not there's a Heavenly Flame remains uncertain, but its description matches your information," Medusa said, her sharp gaze lingering on Muchen. "I am curious, though. Heavenly Flames are treasures coveted by all cultivators. Why would you willingly give it to me? What are you after?"
"What am I after? It's just a flame," Muchen said nonchalantly.
"But it's a Heavenly Flame!" Medusa reiterated.
"Alright, fine. I'll admit I do want something," Muchen conceded.
"Oh? What is it?" Medusa asked.
"You."
"Me?" Medusa was caught off guard.
"Yes. If I must desire something, it's you. Think about it—I promise to make your future life both fulfilling and... satisfying," Muchen said with a playful smirk.
"I am the queen of the Serpent Tribe. Do you truly believe I would marry a human?" Medusa retorted.
"Who's to say? Fate works in mysterious ways," Muchen replied confidently.
"Impossible means impossible," Medusa declared firmly.
Muchen didn't argue further. He merely smiled at her.
In the original storyline, Medusa never imagined she would marry a human. Yet after her union with Xiao Yan resulted in a child, she ultimately accepted her fate. However, Muchen's arrival had preemptively altered the trajectory of events, leaving Xiao Yan's role in the story uncertain.
With a flick of his wrist, Muchen pulled Medusa closer with an invisible force.
Before Medusa could react, Muchen's lips boldly met hers.
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