"So this is Xuanhuang Fortress? We finally made it. I didn't expect the journey here to take two whole years."
Zhao Li looked at the desolate and imposing Xuanhuang Fortress before him, a sense of realization washing over him as he recalled all the experiences he'd had on his journey from the Eastern Region to the Northwestern Region.
Everything he had experienced over these two years had allowed Zhao Li to advance by leaps and bounds. He was now like a latent dragon soaring, beginning to show the momentum of a soaring dragon in the sky.
"Indeed, it's not good to just stay put. You really need to get out and see the world. The progress over these two years has been incredibly fast."
After his moment of reflection, Zhao Li didn't linger. With a single step, he vanished from his spot, having already entered the territory of the Jia Ma Empire.
Along the way, Zhao Li kept guessing what the Jia Ma Empire was like at this point in time, wondering if those familiar names had been born yet. He was extremely looking forward to this trip.
"I wonder if I'll meet any 'acquaintances' this time? Yun Shan? Or perhaps the Imperial Family's Old Magical Beast? Based on my calculations, these two are the most likely."
Zhao Li pulled back his thoughts and stopped overthinking. He was going to the Imperial Capital anyway, and then he would know everything he was wondering about.
Perhaps it was the anticipation in his heart, or perhaps it was because he had experienced too many things in two years, but Zhao Li didn't make any more stops this time. He found someone to ask for directions to Jia Ma Holy City and then rushed there at full speed.
Zhao Li walked through the air, seemingly strolling leisurely, but with every step he took, he appeared several miles away.
"Although, as expected, I can actively comprehend Space Rules, the progress is extremely slow. With the level I've currently comprehended, I can only do this much."
Traveling was also cultivation. The power of the rules Zhao Li comprehended made his Primordial Spirit more condensed, and his combat methods were ever-changing, but Zhao Li was still somewhat unsatisfied.
This was Zhao Li being greedy. How could an ordinary Dou Sect be like him? Most only grasped the superficial aspects of Space Rules, knowing what they were but not why, simply becoming proficient through constant exploration and use.
Zhao Li comprehended the rules, applied them in practice, and verified them against each other, making significant improvements along the way.
Half a day later, a golden expanse entered Zhao Li's sight. Looking at the vast and boundless desert before him, shimmering golden under the sunlight, Zhao Li seemed to think of something, and his heart stirred.
"Could this be the Tagor Desert? I should go and see it."
Coming to the Jia Ma Empire was simply to satisfy his curiosity about the world in the book. Since he had made up his mind, Zhao Li chose a direction and moved forward at extreme speed.
Before long, the outline of a town entered Zhao Li's vision. Zhao Li took a step and had already entered the city.
The city in the desert exuded a unique ancient and heavy atmosphere, and even the security was much stricter than within the empire – this was their foothold, and no one would be careless.
Looking at the pedestrians in the city, most of them were sweating profusely and bare-chested, but their living habits in the desert didn't affect them at all as they traded with each other or showed off their gains. People came and went, making it extremely lively.
Zhao Li had long since reached the Realm where he was unaffected by heat or cold, so he didn't feel anything about the dryness of the desert.
Zhao Li casually strolled around the city, confirming that this was indeed the Tagor Desert.
Thinking of the Green Lotus Core Flame in the desert, Zhao Li was interested in investigating, but after searching without success, he stopped wasting time.
Zhao Li felt a slight regret. If he could have found it in advance, even if it was useless, he could have written some Chinese characters there to say hello to Xiao Yan.
He then shook his head. Since there was no缘分 (affinity), there was no need to spend too much time just to play a prank on a kid. He took out the simple map he had bought earlier and identified the direction.
"Let's go see the Snake People Tribe. I wonder what level the current Medusa is."
Having made up his mind, Zhao Li immediately headed towards the Snake People Royal City.
Outside the Snake People Royal City, the Snake Guard saw a figure suddenly appear, walking through the air, and their hearts became wary.
"Forgive my abrupt visit, but I would like to request an audience with the Queen."
Outside the Snake People Royal City, Zhao Li didn't stand on ceremony. He stood in the air, and his voice carried out.
Many times, strength was the symbol of status. Zhao Li had no intention of pretending to be weak here where there was no one to impress.
The Snake Guard didn't dare to delay and quickly went in to report.
"May I know why the distinguished guest has come?"
A voice full of charm came, followed by a woman wearing a thin veil, with a slender waist and a swaying snake tail. Gentle eyes flowed beneath the transparent veil, and as she spoke softly, the veil fluttered, vaguely revealing a clear face.
Zhao Li's eyes lit up. What a gentle and charming woman.
Zhao Li didn't lose his composure. After appreciating her, he withdrew his gaze and stated his purpose.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have come from afar and have heard of Your Majesty's grace, so I have come to pay my respects."
Seeing this, the Queen believed him. She could feel that Zhao Li's gaze had no trace of invasiveness.
"Please come in! My tribe will certainly entertain you well." Medusa waved her fair hand, instructing someone to prepare a banquet and inviting Zhao Li into the Royal City.
At the banquet, watching the Snake Girls' swaying dances, Zhao Li also felt a sense of novelty, clicking his tongue in wonder and sighing inwardly.
"Is this the privilege of the strong? Life like this is indeed pleasant."
After the feast with many toasts, Zhao Li spoke.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I've heard that your Medusa Bloodline has a secret technique to nourish the infant when pregnant. As a token of my gratitude, I will refine a Pill for you, not exceeding Seventh Grade. How about that?"
His seemingly light words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, startling Medusa and several Elders, causing ripples.
The Great Elder spoke first. "May I ask how you know of such a secret?"
"What kind of secret is this? Which force with some background doesn't have methods to strengthen the foundation, consolidate the origin, and enhance potential?"
Zhao Li said indifferently.
Hearing this, the few people realized that this was indeed the case, and they were simply shallow. They immediately raised their estimation of Zhao Li's background.
"Is the young master a Seventh-Grade Alchemist? Was what you just said true?"
Hearing this, Medusa's eyes burned with fervor. If her daughter could be nourished by the Heaven Soul Blood Fusion Pill, her talent and strength would surely surpass hers. Perhaps in the future, she could lead the Snake People Tribe away from this remote place and advance further.
"You provide the pill formula and medicinal ingredients."
Zhao Li's confident voice came, then he settled back, no longer paying attention. He had given the Snake People Tribe the final say; their decision wouldn't affect him either way.
Some Elders whispered among themselves, hesitant and suspicious of Zhao Li, fearing he was a fraud. If the tribe's medicinal ingredients were swindled, the future Queen's Bloodline might have mediocre talent, and the Snake People Tribe would continue to decline.
Ultimately, the Queen spoke, "Then please stay for a few days, sir. I will have someone bring you the pill formula and medicinal ingredients."
Zhao Li nodded, "Alright."
...
Afterward, the high-ranking members of the Snake People Tribe gathered to make a final decision on the matter.
"Your Majesty, if he cannot refine the pills, then our future royal Bloodline may lack the foundation to be nurtured, resulting in mediocre talent and subsequent decline."
The Elder still viewed it from the tribe's perspective, seeking stability and continuation.
"But what if he succeeds? Then our tribe can leave this desert. We won't even need to spend other resources searching for an Alchemist. Furthermore, with our tribe's capabilities, can we really invite a Seventh-Grade Alchemist to act? I believe him. A Dou Sect expert has his own pride. I have already agreed to him just now. If you want to go back on it, you can tell him yourselves."
The Queen thought of her child; she was gambling. If she won, the Snake People Tribe would have an exceptionally powerful Medusa who would lead them out of the desert.
In the end, the Queen persuaded the Elders.
Snakes are cold-blooded and prefer cool, shaded places. Their Snake People Tribe was no different. They also hoped to leave this hot, dry desert and find another dwelling.
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