Chapter 48, second part, Entering the Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum

Chapter 48: 48, second part, Entering the Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum

48

Part two Entering the Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum

"Perhaps my daughter chose a man who is more intelligent than he appeared."

Seraphina looked away.

"It wasn’t a choice."

"I know."

The queen looked at Yun Che again.

"And that is precisely what makes this negotiation interesting."

"Let us finalize the agreement with the representatives of the external cultivators and reach a verdict together."

Shortly afterward, the side doors of the hall opened, and the disciples of the Profound Flower Sect entered. Lian Yue came in first.

Behind her came Zhao Ming, Guo Han, Su Meilin, Luo Xin, and Chen Ruyue. Four other cultivators from the Profound Flower Sect completed the group.

Yun Che immediately recognized them all, his gaze lingering on Lian Yue for a moment.

Profound Nascent, tenth level. She was the strongest cultivator among the disciples and was at the same level as the Medusa Queen and the elders.

She, however, merely looked at the strange masked man. She did not recognize Yun Che.

"Are these the representatives of the cultivators willing to participate in the defense?" Ariselle asked.

Lian Yue stepped forward.

"Yes. Our cultivators are outside, waiting for the agreement to be established and their positions to be assigned."

"And as for entering the mausoleum, only ten of us will enter while the rest will maintain the defense at the front lines."

"You understand the risks?"

"We do."

"Since you are aware of the risks both inside and outside the mausoleum, here are my terms for the agreement."

The queen gave a signal, and one of the elders began:

"First. While you remain within our territory, you will obey the defensive orders established by the Queen and the Council. Do you agree?"

Lian Yue nodded.

"Second. No Medusa resources may be taken without authorization."

"We agree to that as well."

"Third. In exchange for participating in the defense, you will receive controlled access to the Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum."

Guo Han’s eyes lit up. Zhao Ming also showed interest, but Su Meilin remained serious.

She realized there was still something else.

"And the fourth?"

The elder looked directly at the male cultivators.

"There is another custom you need to know about."

The atmosphere changed when Queen Ariselle spoke.

"Our race is composed exclusively of women, as you can see. Therefore, we possess certain biological needs that are in high demand."

No one interrupted.

"This has made the continuation of our species a political matter for many generations."

She paused.

"Therefore, when male cultivators from outside establish a formal alliance with us and demonstrate suitable conditions for producing offspring, there is a tradition."

Zhao Ming became uncomfortable, while Guo Han widened his eyes, secretly somewhat excited.

Luo Xin looked at Su Meilin.

The queen continued with absolute naturalness:

"Men participating in the alliance may establish consensual sexual relationships with different women of our race. The greater their participation, the greater their contribution to our continued existence."

The word "consensual" was deliberately emphasized.

"It is not an individual obligation," Ariselle added. "But those who accept will receive preferential treatment regarding certain resources, as well as benefits granted to the families that are formed."

One of the elders added:

"We also reduce internal conflicts when the distribution is voluntary and balanced. No Medusa has any claim over a foreign man, just as no man has any claim over a Medusa."

Su Meilin analyzed the situation.

"So this is also a reproductive policy."

The queen nodded.

"Exactly."

Lian Yue asked:

"And why is this being included as part of this agreement?"

Ariselle answered without hesitation:

"Because an alliance is not only about battle."

She looked at all the cultivators present.

"If you have come to protect our territory, we want to establish relationships that can endure even after this war ends."

Yun Che remained silent.

But he immediately understood the true scope of that society. The Medusas were not merely trying to survive.

They were trying to preserve their civilization.

And every resource, every warrior, and every possible descendant possessed political value.

The meeting continued for nearly an hour. The Medusas wanted to keep the entrances to the mountains under their own command.

The cultivators of the Profound Flower Sect would take specific positions where their strength could complement that of the warriors.

Lian Yue would be responsible for one of the most exposed positions.

Zhao Ming and the other cultivators connected to alchemy would also help with the triage of the wounded and the preservation of medicinal resources.

The four remaining cultivators would be distributed among the outer passages.

Yun Che received a different position.

"You will be free to move between the defensive lines," Ariselle said.

Lyria frowned.

"Does that mean he will be able to walk throughout the entire territory?"

"No."

The queen replied.

"It means that, if he is truly as dangerous as they say, it would be a waste to confine him to a single position."

Yun Che stood up.

"I have no objection to this arrangement."

One of the elders looked at him.

"There is also a condition."

"What is it?"

"If the Lizardmen or Beastmen attempt to reach the mausoleum, you will help stop them."

Yun Che remained silent for several seconds before answering.

"That was already implied by my agreement."

The queen smiled.

"Then it is decided."

She stood up, the small snakes in her hair moving simultaneously.

"On behalf of the Medusa people, I recognize the agreement established by Princess Seraphina."

The elders stood.

"Recognized."

Seraphina closed her eyes for a moment. The agreement had officially been validated by the queen and the body of elders.

When Yun Che left the hall, the sun was already beginning to disappear behind the mountains.

The Medusa warriors were moving about, orders were being shouted in every direction, and weapons were being distributed.

Spiritual crystals were being carried to strategic positions. War was approaching, but that night, another movement was drawing attention.

Twenty Medusas had been chosen to accompany the expedition to the Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum, while ten cultivators from the Profound Flower Sect had gathered.

Lian Yue was among them, and Yun Che stood at the front. Seraphina approached him.

"The mausoleum is beyond that passage."

She pointed toward a narrow gorge between two mountains.

"You will have only a limited window of time to enter."

Yun Che looked into the darkness.

"Is the Great Alchemist’s legacy really inside?"

Seraphina replied:

"According to our tradition, yes."

Yun Che remained silent. He did not know how much of that tradition was true, what kind of treasures he would find, or whether anything existed beyond that door.

It was clear that the Profound Flower Secret Realm was not merely a place to find resources.

It was a world where races fought for territory, where alliances had a price, and where even entering a mausoleum could alter the balance of power.

They finally began advancing, with twenty Medusas at the front and along the sides, and ten cultivators in the center.

Yun Che walked at their head.

When they reached the enormous stone entrance, two Medusa warriors slowly pushed open the massive doors that appeared to have been made by giants.

A deep sound echoed through the mountain, and darkness emerged before them. Yun Che took the first step.

Lian Yue and the others followed him. The twenty Medusas entered shortly afterward, and then the doors began to close.

The Great Alchemist’s Mausoleum had finally received them.