"What nonsense are you talking about?" Yun Yun trembled all over with anger.
Her relationship with Nalan Yanran was also a source of pain in her heart.
If she were to be with Xu Ran, wouldn't that be a betrayal to Yan Ran? It would also prompt many to gossip.
Thus, Medusa's words struck Yun Yun directly in her sore spot.
Yet Queen Medusa was a tough nut to crack and naturally wouldn't give Yun Yun any face.
"Hmph. Isn't it true? A teacher actually having an affair with her disciple's man. Everyone says that the Sect Master of Yunlan, Yun Yun, is so ethereal she's like an untainted lotus flower, elegant and pure. But now it seems she's not quite as exaggerated as the rumors suggest." Queen Medusa continued her mockery, "If you weren't with Xu Ran, then naturally, the issue I mentioned wouldn't exist."
Queen Medusa was always someone who wouldn't accept being at a disadvantage.
Even though she might restrain her sharpness in front of Xu Ran, it didn't mean she was going to be amiable with Yun Yun.
"You, you, you..."
Yun Yun was so angry she was lost for words.
She was already in this situation; how could she leave Xu Ran? That bastard had already taken advantage of her. No matter the stigma, she had to endure it.
"Alright, alright. Stop arguing, what's the point in that?" Xu Ran had a bit of a headache.
Scenes like this were the most helpless for him, more tiring than facing a formidable enemy.
Worst of all, he didn't know whom to support.
"Hmph." Queen Medusa and Yun Yun both snorted lightly at the same time, no longer arguing. Although Queen Medusa had the upper hand, she didn't want to make Xu Ran look bad or be seen as a heartless wretch in his heart.
However, she tightly clung to Xu Ran's arm, not letting him go to comfort Yun Yun.
This posture was quite clear to both Xu Ran and Yun Yun as to what Queen Medusa intended.
Xu Ran felt very helpless as he had only just won Queen Medusa's heart and promised her happiness. Even one day had not passed, and running to another woman would be clearly inappropriate.
Yun Yun also knew that Queen Medusa was intentionally aggravating her.
Yet seeing how close Xu Ran and Queen Medusa were made her somewhat angry.
"Cough cough..."
"Yun'er, what are you doing here? Are you here to look for the Strange Fire? But this Strange Fire has already been subdued by me." In Xu Ran's hand, a bewitching green flame blazed fiercely.
Under the burning of the Green Lotus Core Flame, space itself seemed to distort slightly.
The Green Lotus Core Flame in Xu Ran's hand had evolved a lot, becoming even stronger than its original power.
"Dare not. It is an honor for the Strange Fire to be subdued by Lord Xu Ran; we do not harbor any intentions towards the Strange Fire," Gu He hurriedly said. He did not want Xu Ran to think he had ulterior motives.
Although he came to the Snake-People Tribe because of the Strange Fire, now his goal had completely changed.
"Hm?"
Xu Ran looked at Gu He, frowning slightly.
Gu He was making waves in the Jia Ma Empire. Due to his identity as the most powerful Alchemist, his status was even a bit higher than Yun Yun's.
In the Jia Ma Empire, only Gu He could refine Elixirs that could even affect a Douhuang (Battle Emperor) Strong One.
"Splash!"
Before Xu Ran could say anything, Gu He directly knelt on the ground.
This action shocked everyone into a stupor.
This was Dan King Gu He, an existence in the Jia Ma Empire akin to an emperor.
In the Jia Ma Empire, with a mere call to arms from Gu He, two or three Douhuang (Battle Emperor) Strong Ones could be summoned at any time. From this, one could see his prestige within the empire.
Yet such a powerful figure now seemed so humble, actually kneeling directly in front of Xu Ran.
"Hiss, that's ruthless!"
The strong ones summoned by Gu He all took a sharp breath of cold air, filled with regret. How could they be so foolish? If they had also unabashedly knelt before Xu Ran, claiming they had come specially to visit him, and then said some flattering words, wouldn't they also be able to receive some benefits?
They cursed Gu He's shamelessness under their breath, while also feeling somewhat envious.
If Gu He could seize this opportunity, he might rise again.
If Gu He wanted to become a Seventh Rank Alchemist, he would need a Seventh Rank Alchemist to show him the way. Otherwise, groping in the dark by himself? He'd have no chance in this lifetime.
"This guy..." Queen Medusa also knew about Gu He. This Six-Grade Alchemist, known as the Dan King and who previously stood as her peer in status, had been someone she had barely resisted the urge to ask to concoct a few Elixirs to aid in her Cultivation. But her pride had prevented her from making the request.
Now, a strong one renowned in the Jia Ma Empire was kneeling before Xu Ran, and Queen Medusa felt immensely proud.
After all, she and Xu Ran were in a romantic relationship now.
With Xu Ran's strength, as long as she stayed with him, she would not only reach Dou Zun but even Dou Sheng status was possible.
And knowing that there were higher heavens beyond her own, her perspective had changed, and she no longer saw those strong ones as that impressive.
"Lord Xu Ran, I have admired you for a long time and have always wanted to visit you, but I never had the opportunity... I hope you can take me as your Disciple," Gu He said earnestly, so much so that even Xu Ran felt a bit embarrassed.
However, to tell the truth, Gu He had indeed been stunned when he saw what Xu Ran looked like.
Which of those powerful Alchemists of the past wasn't a sagely elder?
"You want to be my Disciple?" Xu Ran looked at Gu He, who was kneeling on the ground with a very sincere attitude, and his mouth twitched.
Although Gu He wasn't much, after all, he was a strong one with some reputation. Had he no sense of pride?
If it was a delicate young girl, he might have actually considered it. Leaving his legacy in this world wouldn't be such a bad thing.
But an old man wanting to be his Disciple?
"I do not accept Disciples," Xu Ran shook his head and outright refused.
Gu He was already too old for him to have any interest.
With Gu He's talent, even if he truly learned powerful Alchemy techniques, at most he could only become a Seventh Grade Alchemist.
Upon hearing this, hope in Gu He's eyes turned into despair.
For him, being rejected by Xu Ran was more painful than anything else. Even knowing that the Strange Fire had been obtained by Xu Ran, he hadn't felt such disappointment.
Without a powerful Alchemist to lead the way, Gu He's life held no prospects.
A lifetime spent only as a Sixth Grade Alchemist, with some fame in the Jia Ma Empire at best.
"However, seeing as you are so earnest, I can impart to you some Alchemy techniques, enough for you to research up to Seventh Grade Alchemist level. Of course, whether you can become a Seventh Grade Alchemist is up to your destiny. With your current 'Cultivation Level' it's definitely impossible." After all, Gu He had knelt before him; he had to make some gesture of acknowledgment.