In the spacious and opulent hall, a graceful figure leaned slightly against the chair back, slightly weary. From time to time, her gaze lazily swept over the empty, purple-crystal throne on the dais, and she shook her head with a touch of resignation. Gently rubbing her smooth forehead, the woman's pleasant features suddenly brightened with joy as she raised her eyes toward the hall's outer entrance. A dark silhouette streaked in like a flash. "Finally, you made it..." she breathed, relieved to see the dark figure enter the hall. "Moon Mei, what has happened? Three emergency alerts in succession? Are the humans truly that strong?" The figure entering the hall was clearly a male Serpentfolk. The man was slightly robust, wearing a thin robe draped casually over his body. Intricate black tattoos adorned his arms, transforming into two fierce, serpentine heads at the level of his palms. These heads slightly lifted, as though about to burst through his flesh, exuding a palpable aura of ferocity. "One Duke, three Dukes, four Elders." Yue Mei gently pressed her sensuous red lips and said, "Mo Basa, it seems this time we're in for some trouble." "Why have all these strong warriors suddenly gathered here?" the male serpent, known as Mo Basa, asked in a serious tone. "Have we informed the Queen? What did she say?" "We've informed her, but the Queen seems remarkably calm. She only asked us to send reports and bring you all here." Yue Mei nodded, expressing her sense of helplessness. "Those people must have a purpose for coming to the desert unexpectedly," Mo Basa mused, showing some curiosity. "Last night, I fought them once. From their tone, it seems they're looking for the Queen herself..." Yue Mei lightly twirled a strand of her dark hair, speaking with genuine interest. "Looking for the Queen?" Mo Basa was momentarily stunned. Didn't the human warriors usually fear the Queen the most? What's changed now? "I don't know exactly what they're trying to accomplish... Previously, we could barely manage to avoid them, now they're desperately eager to squeeze in—have their heads been crushed by the doors?" Moon Mei murmured, casting a low scorn. "Mebas didn't believe it. Yue Mei gave a carefree, light hum and was about to close her eyes when her face suddenly changed, her body leaping upright from the chair. Her long, narrow eyes, now cold, fixed on the sky beyond the hall, and she coldly declared, 'They've arrived!' Gazing at the group of humans standing outside the attack zone, two silhouettes slowly rose from the city walls. Master Mokabas, his cold voice carrying a hint of frost, echoed through the sky: "Humans, why have you entered our territory without permission? If you wish to avoid war with the Gamma Empire and the Serpent Clan, I urge you—return to wherever you came from!" Hearing the clear and resonant voice from above, Xiao Yan, who had been concealed within the crevices of the stones, exhaled deeply and glanced upward, observing the middle-aged man who, even amidst the vast array of his opponents, remained composed and at ease—his poised demeanor and unyielding grace leaving Xiao Yan no choice but to acknowledge that this man possessed a strength and dignity that even he himself could not ignore. "Gama Empire's Dan King, Gu He? Hah, that name is truly well-known!" The mention of "Gu He" also caused a slight surprise among Yue Mei and Mo Basi. While snake people rarely formally recognized human champions, figures like Gu He—master pharmacists—were certainly held in high regard, as they fully understood the significant influence and appeal such accomplished pharmacists wielded. "Ah, esteemed leaders," Gu He smiled politely, "I've come to the noble household as a humble visitor with a matter of some urgency that I'd like to discuss with Queen Medusa. Would it be possible to have the Queen present for a brief meeting?" "To see the Queen? I'm sorry, but we can't relay that request for you." Shaking his head firmly, Mobeas immediately declined, lifting his eyelids slightly and saying with a calm tone, "Gǔhé, you should take your people and leave as soon as possible. Our eight tribal clans are already en route toward the temple. You must know how deeply some of them resent your kind. Once they arrive, you'll likely find yourselves unable to make it out, even if you wish to." "Hehe, you, this miserable black snake who's all dark and dreary—don't think you're doing much better, do you? Back then, if it weren't for your quick escape, the chief of your ink-snake tribe would have had to step down!" Yan Li chuckled, broadening his smile. "I wonder how much you've improved over the years." "You can try," replied Mokabas, his slightly sharp eyes flashing with cold, frosty glint. "With a certain frostiness." Observing Guo He's actions, the moon-maiden Mei and the black-brocade Ma Ba both slightly furrowed their brows, yet remained silent—indeed, it would have been more advantageous for the Queen to intervene, given her strength; should the other party truly wish to engage in combat, they would only be able to endure or suffer defeat. The roar of voices surged through the city, gradually subsiding after a while. As the clamor settled, silence spread throughout both inside and outside the city walls, and still no response emerged. Seeing this, Guo He's brows also slightly furrowed. However, just as he was about to raise his voice again, an eerie distortion suddenly appeared in the space high above the city walls. The group was momentarily startled—besides the silent figure in the black robe, everyone stepped back slightly and gazed intently at the warped space. Above the sky, the lingering glow of sunset poured down, illuminating the distorted space. In the next instant, a graceful, curvaceous figure emerged slowly into the gaze of countless onlookers. The suddenly appearing woman wore an elegant purple silk robe, her figure beneath the robe full-figured and delicate, like a ripe peach, exuding a subtle charm. Her flowing cascade of three thousand black strands of hair cascaded freely from her shoulders, falling vertically over her slender waist. Beneath the silk robe, a purple serpent's tail emerged, gently swaying, adding a wild, alluring grace that made the observers feel unexpectedly warm all over. Xiang Yan's eyes swept over the near-perfect form, finally settling on her beautiful face. His heart trembled sharply. Having seen her face in person, Xiang Yan finally understood why so many people near the desert often spoke of the Queen Medusa's beauty as being on par with her formidable reputation. For such a woman, it seems only the words "elegant and enchanting" can truly capture her essence. Yet beneath that radiance lies a quiet nobility and grace befitting a queen—a regal aura that suddenly brings to mind the beautiful woman from the Dragon's Peak who dared to battle the Purple Crystal Lion King. Both of them exude this same dignified, elevated grace. In comparison, the moon-beautiful woman who once had slightly impressed Xiao Yan now appears somewhat subdued. Gazing at the stunning purple-robed beauty in the sky, Xiao Yan exhaled softly and murmured quietly.