BTTH: Demon Emperor Xiao Yan

"Since that's the case, how about we both take a step back? Your Majesty, you don't attack Rock Desert City, and I won't touch the Snake-People Tribe. How does that sound?" Xiao Yan continued calmly. "Of course, the condition is that your tribe doesn't provoke me either."

Everyone, including Princess Yao Ye, held their breath as they watched the two figures suspended in the sky. They all knew that the outcome of this negotiation would determine the fate of the entire Rock Desert City.

"What if I refuse to step back?" Queen Medusa inhaled deeply, her gaze cold. "Since you've made your stance clear, I won't allow a ticking threat to my tribe to walk away alive! I'd like to see if you can truly escape from my grasp!"

"Heh, in that case, we'll just have to keep fighting," Xiao Yan replied, slowly raising his hand. A black flame ignited in his palm, and a purple flame, like a dancing butterfly, began to spiral above the dark fire. The dual-colored flame looked both elegant and dangerous.

If she really insisted on continuing, then he would have no choice but to use the Demonic Wrath Flame Lotus. But knowing her defensive strength—even his Mountain-Crushing Seal hadn't taken her down—he doubted a regular two-flame version would do the trick. For safety's sake, he'd need to use the three-flame version, which meant introducing another Heavenly Flame.

That left him with two options: the Alchemized Flame, or the Bone-Chilling Flame left by Yao Lao in the ring. But fusing either one with the others would place immense strain on his body.

After all… he was still only at the initial stage of Dou Wang. Based on his previous calculations, he wouldn't be able to properly unleash a three-flame lotus until he reached the peak of Dou Wang. He didn't want to risk his life over this standoff. If Queen Medusa didn't back down, he'd just retreat.

As the flames flared in his hand, a trace of caution flashed across Queen Medusa's eyes. After a brief silence, she reluctantly waved her hand. "We're leaving."

She understood that, as irritating as his words were, there was truth in them. Rock Desert City was a tasteless prize—useless even if taken. And standing in front of her was a cunning and troublesome opponent. Even if she managed to defeat him, the cost would be steep.

She wasn't willing to pay that price.

But just before leaving, she shot him a cold glance. "Your name."

"Yan Xiao," Xiao Yan said plainly. With so many watching, he certainly wasn't foolish enough to give his real name.

"I'll remember it. The next time we meet, you won't be so lucky." With a final snort, Queen Medusa turned and left. The humiliation of being forced back would not be forgotten. If there was a next time, she'd be sure to reclaim her pride.

As she departed, many onlookers finally exhaled in relief. Even Princess Yao Ye could feel her tightly wound nerves ease. When Queen Medusa first appeared, despair had flooded the city. This woman had single-handedly razed cities in the past. Very few in the Jia Ma Empire could stand against her.

And yet, today, a mysterious Dou Wang not only defeated Mobas in one move, but also fought Queen Medusa to a standstill—and forced her to retreat. He had saved the entire city. Though Xiao Yan had no intention of becoming a hero, the name "Yan Xiao" was now etched into the hearts of every citizen in Rock Desert City.

While everyone felt their burdens lift, Princess Yao Ye's interest in Xiao Yan deepened. A Dou Wang who could stand against a peak Dou Huang was a rare commodity. If they could draw him to the royal side, the benefits to the Jia Ma Empire would be significant. So, seeing that Xiao Yan was preparing to leave, she quickly called out, "Mister Yan Xiao, please wait!"

"Something you need?" Xiao Yan had just retrieved his heavy ruler and was ready to leave when he heard her voice. Turning back, he gave her a glance, though inwardly he was growing impatient. He still had to return to the village to pick up Qing Lin—he didn't have time to waste.

"This time, we were able to repel the Snake-People entirely thanks to your help, Mister Yan Xiao. Would you honor us by staying for a while so we may properly express our gratitude?" Yao Ye chose her words carefully, combining grace and diplomacy. As a princess, few would turn her down.

Xiao Yan, however, was the exception.

"Apologies, I have other matters to attend to. I can't stay." Without waiting for her reply, Xiao Yan activated his Dou Qi wings and flew into the distance, leaving the stunned crowd behind on the city walls.

He didn't care whether someone was a princess or even the daughter of an ancient clan's patriarch. A minor empire's royal status meant nothing to him. Besides, he had no idea that the girl who had called out to him was actually the crown princess of the Jia Ma Empire.

In fact, he hadn't paid much attention to her at all in his past life either. Had he known her true identity, perhaps he might have played things differently.

After leaving Rock Desert City, Xiao Yan didn't return straight to the village. Instead, he found a hidden spot and let the flames around his body slowly dissipate. What emerged was a pale, slightly childish face—one showing clear signs of exhaustion. The secret art had reached its time limit, leaving him in a period of weakness.

'That woman really was difficult to deal with…' he coughed softly and pulled a few pills from his storage ring, swallowing them to recover.

Queen Medusa had no idea that after unleashing the Mountain-Crushing Seal, Xiao Yan was already running on fumes. His Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Change was also about to expire. If the fight had continued, he wouldn't have had any option but to run. Even if he'd tried to use the Three-Flame Lotus, he likely wouldn't have lasted long enough to complete the fusion.

Fortunately, his final bluff had worked.

If Queen Medusa had sensed his true condition back then… he'd have been in serious trouble.

'I need to find a way to raise my strength quickly…' Xiao Yan murmured to himself. He was certain Queen Medusa hadn't come to such a remote place on a whim. She was probably here for the rumored Heavenly Flame hidden in the desert. If they met again during the search for it, the situation definitely wouldn't end as peacefully.

He needed more power. And he needed it soon.

(End of Chapter)

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