Chapter 79: Interrogation (First Update!)
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The auras of the two individuals erupted simultaneously, pressing towards each other, stirring up waves of sand.
The group from the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, who were standing not far away, were knocked to the ground by the aftershocks.
Xiao Ding's eyes flashed with fear, and he also became clear about the identity of the Snake People Clan's powerful figure.
Queen Medusa!
The alluring and beautiful snake woman who could stand against the guardian of the Jiamai Empire.
It could be no one else but Queen Medusa.
At the same time, Xiao Ding became even more worried about Su Yun's situation.
Queen Medusa and Jia Xingtian stood facing each other for a long time before finally withdrawing their auras.
"Queen Medusa, you've crossed the line."
A hint of gloom flashed across Jia Xingtian's usually calm face.
He had sensed Queen Medusa's aura appearing at the border and immediately rushed over.
"Hmph, old man, are you asking for a beating!"
Queen Medusa's alluring face broke into a mocking smile.
Jia Xingtian's expression changed, but Martial Qi began to surge around him.
Both being peak Martial Emperors, even if his strength was slightly inferior to Queen Medusa, he could definitely retreat unscathed.
Queen Medusa let out another cold snort.
"Alright, don't act like a scared kitten, getting riled up over a single word."
Jia Xingtian's face darkened. Throughout the entire Jiamai Empire and its surroundings, the only person who dared to compare him, Jia Xingtian, to a kitten was the Queen Medusa before him.
However, he said nothing, and his Martial Qi calmed down, though the wariness in his eyes did not diminish.
From her words, he understood that Queen Medusa had no intention of starting a war.
"Since that's the case, Queen Medusa, it's best for you to return to the heart of the Tallgor Desert. The Jiamai Empire's border is not a place for you to linger."
Jia Xingtian's expression remained calm, and he did not take Queen Medusa's insulting words to heart.
As a nearly hundred-year-old old monster, he had excellent self-control and would not be provoked by a few words.
Queen Medusa's expression was indifferent, and the queen's authority radiated from her.
"I'll go back if you hand over those humans."
Queen Medusa pointed at the Desert Iron Mercenary Group not far away.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ding and the others' expressions changed dramatically, their fear impossible to hide.
Jia Xingtian frowned.
"No!"
The Snake People Clan and the Jiamai Empire often clashed, with the Snake People Clan massacring merchant caravans and humans trading snake people being common occurrences.
He usually didn't have the energy to deal with such trivial matters.
But to demand people in his presence was out of the question.
He and Queen Medusa represented the Jiamai Empire and the Snake People Clan, and this was a completely different matter from those minor conflicts.
One step back, and more steps would follow.
Today, she demands five cities; tomorrow, ten cities, and then she would get a night's peace. But when she looked around, the Qin army would be there again!
Today, Queen Medusa demands Martial Masters and Martial Practitioners; tomorrow, would she demand Great Martial Masters and Spirit Fighters?!
For the sake of the Jiamai Empire, he could forsake his pride, but he could not yield!
Queen Medusa frowned, understanding the implications of her demands, and took a small step back.
"Fine, you don't have to hand over the people, but I need to ask a few questions."
Jia Xingtian instinctively wanted to refuse.
At this moment, Queen Medusa's cold voice rang out.
"Old man, don't push your luck!"
Jia Xingtian pondered for a moment, seemingly making a decision.
He waved his right hand, and his Martial Qi surged.
A massive wave of Martial Qi condensed beneath Xiao Ding and the others, turning the soft sand into hard soil.
Under the influence of Jia Xingtian's Martial Qi, they flew towards him.
Xiao Ding and the others' eyes flashed with shock.
A peak Martial Emperor was truly terrifying!
Placing them beside him, Jia Xingtian's voice was gentle but carried the authority of a high-ranking official.
"Don't be afraid. As long as you answer a few questions, you can leave."
Xiao Ding swallowed hard. As the leader of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, he stepped forward.
"Yes, thank you, sir."
Jia Xingtian nodded.
Xiao Ding glanced in Queen Medusa's direction but dared not meet her gaze, only looking at the swirling sand.
Queen Medusa glanced at Jia Xingtian and spoke in a cold voice.
"Why were you all gathered around this cave entrance?"
Xiao Ding's mind raced.
In terms of strength, he was inferior to his second brother, and in terms of talent, he was inferior to Xiao Yan, but he was undoubtedly the smartest. He was the brains of the entire Desert Iron Mercenary Group.
She didn't get what she wanted.
From this simple question, Xiao Ding deduced this information.
If Queen Medusa had already obtained the item, she would have flown away without asking questions.
Did she encounter Brother Zhang?
"Speak!"
Seeing Xiao Ding's hesitation, Queen Medusa's aura pressed down on him, her voice icy.
Jia Xingtian frowned and waved his hand, dispelling Queen Medusa's aura.
Xiao Ding snapped back to his senses and prepared his answer.
"Earlier, someone from our Desert Iron Mercenary Group discovered that this cave entrance was slightly collapsed, thinking there might be some treasure. I gathered my brothers to dig it open, but before we could enter, you arrived."
Xiao Ding's expression was fearful as he spoke to Queen Medusa.
He couldn't confirm whether Brother Zhang had met Queen Medusa.
He couldn't reveal their connection.
If they hadn't met, revealing their connection would make Queen Medusa aware of Brother Zhang's existence. She might search for him despite Jia Xingtian's presence, putting Brother Zhang in danger.
If they had met, revealing their connection might make Queen Medusa suspect that they had hidden the treasure, putting them in danger.
In either case, he just needed to act as if he knew nothing.
"Why did it take you so long to answer?
Are you trying to deceive me! Speak!"
Queen Medusa's voice was icy, her eyes locked on Xiao Ding.
Xiao Ding's mind flashed with an idea, and he smiled bitterly.
"Hehe, Queen, you jest.
I am but a mere Martial Master, a mere ant in your presence, trembling with fear.
How could I speak immediately?"
Queen Medusa's alluring eyes narrowed, but she didn't doubt Xiao Ding's explanation.
Not just humans, but even ordinary members of the Snake People Clan would be too nervous to speak in her presence.
Queen Medusa asked a few more questions, but Xiao Ding's answers were flawless, revealing no information.
Seeing that she couldn't get any useful information, Queen Medusa let out a cold snort, her Martial Qi wings spreading as she flew deeper into the Tallgor Desert.
Seeing Queen Medusa leave, Xiao Ding let out a sigh of relief. As his mind relaxed, he almost fell backward, but Xiao Li caught him from behind, preventing him from falling to the ground.
To hide information under the gaze and pressure of a Martial Emperor without being detected was a difficult feat.
Jia Xingtian looked at the cave entrance, pondered for a moment, and then asked the two.
"You really didn't go down there?
Queen Medusa is gone, you don't have to worry. Speak the truth."
(End of Chapter)