At the sudden, clear voice resounding through the sky, countless gazes instantly shot over. When these eyes caught sight of the bewitching and alluring woman, they were momentarily stunned. Such a near-demonic appearance was simply too eye-catching. Of course, some who were quite familiar with that face, upon seeing her, let out startled exclamations, their expressions changing drastically.
“Queen Medusa?” Jia Xingtian, Fa Ma, and other strong fighters stared in shock at the woman who had grabbed Xiao Yan and retreated. They let out astonished cries. Their shouts caused a commotion in the square. Queen Medusa’s infamous reputation was no small matter in the Jia Ma Empire. Though she had disappeared for several years, her infamy and fame had not diminished much.
Compared to Jia Xingtian and the others’ shock, Hai Bo Dong was slightly better off. He had already met Queen Medusa before, though he wasn’t very clear about her relationship with Xiao Yan; it seemed they weren’t enemies. “With her here, the situation might be a little better,” Hai Bo Dong thought with relief. Queen Medusa was a genuine Battle Sect, though perhaps not as strong as the Soul Guardian who had devoured the souls of many strong fighters. Still, she should be able to protect Xiao Yan.
“Relax, Xiao Yan has a close relationship with her,” Hai Bo Dong said, smiling at Jia Xingtian and the others, attempting to explain. Upon hearing this, Jia Xingtian and the others somewhat hesitantly calmed down. If an enemy as formidable as Queen Medusa appeared now, it would be difficult for anyone to escape. And most importantly, there was Queen Medusa’s current strength! Back then, Queen Medusa was only at the pinnacle of Battle Emperor. Though stronger than Jia Xingtian, she was not a true Battle Sect. However, based on her earlier speed and the fact that she could withstand an attack from the Soul Guardian, she must have reached the Battle Sect level.
The gap between the peak of Battle Emperor and Battle Sect was like a chasm. Jia Xingtian knew this best. “I never expected… she has already broken through,” Jia Xingtian sighed, his face somewhat bitter. He had been stuck at this stage for many years with no progress. Now, seeing that Medusa, who was similarly ranked back then, had already advanced, he couldn’t help but feel a bit wistful.
“Who would have thought… Xiao Yan still had a connection with her,” Fa Ma shook his head, genuinely shocked by Xiao Yan’s hidden power. Including the old pharmacist, he had almost two Battle Sect on his side—such a lineup was terrifying!
They exchanged rueful glances. In just three short years, the formerly weak youth had gathered such formidable support. The change was astounding.
In the sky, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran also froze when Queen Medusa appeared, their expressions shifting slightly before fading away. “I knew you’d show up,” Xiao Yan smiled, coughing lightly as he glanced at the elegant figure beside him.
Raising a faintly furrowed brow, Queen Medusa said coldly, “It’s because of that ‘Soul Revival Pill.’ Otherwise, I wouldn’t care whether you live or die!” Xiao Yan smiled, having long understood the extent of this woman’s stubbornness. He didn’t argue further, instead, his gaze fixed on Queen Medasha, and he said quietly, “Today, I need a favor. If you can do it, my life is yours.”
Hearing this, Queen Medusa’s enchanting, narrow eyes narrowed slightly. Since meeting Xiao Yan, this was the first time he had spoken so earnestly in front of her. She felt a strange emotion, well aware of the deep pride in him. Pushing aside the unusual feelings, Queen Medusa glanced at the Soul Guardian and then at the Old Alchemist floating nearby. “You want me to protect your teacher?”
“Yes,” responded Xiao Yan, his gaze intense. Queen Medusa turned her head, her beautiful eyes focusing on the Soul Guardian. After a moment, she moved her crimson lips and said, “It’s hard. This person is too strong; even I am no match for him. If I protect you, I can’t guard your teacher as well.”
At her words, Xiao Yan’s heart sank. Was the situation already so dire? Even Queen Medusa, such a proud woman, admitted she was no match for the Soul Guardian.
“Then team up with Teacher and deal with him?” Xiao Yan suggested carefully. Though none could defeat the Soul Guardian alone, together, they might be able to stand against him. “Your teacher has been through many battles and is injured. His fighting strength has declined. Even together, we can’t stop him. If he finds an opening, he will take you, and no one can stop him.” Queen Medusa said slowly.
Feeling more dejected, Xiao Yan acknowledged the bleak situation. “Queen Medusa?” As Xiao Yan and Queen Medusa conversed, the Soul Guardian regained his composure. Hearing Jia Xingtian’s shout, his red eyes flashed beneath his cloak. He had heard of Queen Medusa, a formidable figure on par with the Old Alchemist, a subject of interest for the Soul Temple. He never expected to meet her here.
“I advise you not to meddle in our affairs, or you may suffer the consequences,” the Soul Guardian said, his voice cold and menacing, feeling the overwhelming aura emanating from Queen Medusa. “His life is mine. Until I take it, no one else can have it,” Queen Medusa replied, her tone indifferent.
Upon hearing this, a ghastly red light flared under the hood, and a wave of dark mist surged out of his body, resembling billowing black clouds rising to the heavens. The aura was so powerful that even a Dou Wang would quaver. Feeling the overwhelming energy from the Soul Guardian, Queen Medusa’s expression turned serious. It was the first time in a long while she had encountered such a powerful foe. Today’s resolution looked grim.
“Let’s try what you suggested. I will work with your teacher,” Queen Medusa exhaled, turning to Xiao Yan. If she only protected Xiao Yan, the Old Alchemist would likely be defeated. If he were captured, Xiao Yan would lose control. “Thank you. I will always remember this debt,” Xiao Yan said, bowing reverently.
“Do not thank me. I only want the ‘Soul Revival Pill,'” Queen Medusa retorted, her eyebrows raised. Xiao Yan smiled awkwardly; arguing with this obstinate woman was futile. Seeing him silent, Queen Medusa hummed, and a burst of multicolored energy surged, forming a rainbow-like light in her palm. Observing her, the Old Alchemist hesitated before summoning the Bone Spirit Cold Fire. Together, their auras locked onto the Soul Guardian. “Hah, wanting to team up, are we?” The Soul Guardian’s red eyes glittered maliciously, feeling the powerful energies around him.
Ignoring his mockery, Queen Medusa and the Old Alchemist moved, appearing near him, their powers poised to strike. The red light flickered, and the Soul Guardian observed them, frowning. Things couldn’t be delayed. Both were strong, and any misstep could cost not only a soul but also his life. “Looks like I have no choice,” he thought, regretting the loss of a potent Battle Sect soul.
A ghostly hand emerged from his sleeve, clenching the spectral head, emitting a cruel laugh. A dense black light surged from his palm, engulfing the head. It expanded rapidly, its pain becoming clearer. The agonized cries of the soul echoed, spreading with the wind. “Hellish Phantasm: Soul Funeral!” A cruel laugh rang out as the phantom head swelled to several zhang.
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