As rare outsiders, Yang Yu and his companions caught everyone’s attention.

The Lamia on the street couldn’t help but follow Yang Yu with their eyes, whispering softly, guessing the reason for their presence.

Some Lamia even put down their work to follow Yang Yu, all the way towards the Pyramid.

Before the Pyramid, female Lamia of various snake colors stood in two rows beside the red carpet, each one a rare beauty with a unique exotic allure.

Any man would wish to take a bite out of such beauties.

At the end of the red carpet, a delicate and beautiful wooden sedan was set up, with two maids holding banana-leaf fans, cooling the Queen under the shade.

Although it was still morning and not yet the scorching summer, the style couldn’t be lost.

"Bow your heads.

When you greet, bow with gratitude.

You can only lift your heads when the Queen tells you to.

Never break the rules here, understood?"

The leading Captain whispered again, and Yang Yu replied softly, "Understood," then continued to follow the Captain onto the red carpet, kneeling on one knee before the wooden sedan, saluting the Lamia Queen.

Serpent-like eyes examined everyone present, and the slightly enchanting voice echoed in each of their ears:

"Who is the leader?

Raise your head, let me take a look."

Though the sentence contained few words, the speaking voice was so seductive it got under one’s skin, leaving them wanting more.

Yang Yu raised his head toward the shade.

Under the shade, a Lamia about five or six years old, with a silver-white snake tail stared at Yang Yu with golden, gem-like eyes.

No one could have guessed that the enchanting voice came from such a Lamia.

"Honored Majesty, it’s a privilege to meet you."

Yang Yu’s face showed no surprise, offering a tentative greeting.

The Lamia Queen with the white long tail couldn’t help but smile in praise,

"Very polite.

You showed no inappropriate expression upon seeing this form of mine.

People often reveal dismissive expressions upon seeing me like this.

The others may rise."

The Lamia Queen spoke.

Bai Jin and the others simultaneously raised their heads, showing varying degrees of surprise, never expecting such a young girl could produce such an alluring voice.

The Lamia Queen let out a chuckle,

"That’s the normal reaction!

Your leader performed well, I won’t punish you this time."

Yang Yu quickly expressed gratitude, "Thank you for your generosity, Majesty."

The Lamia Queen snorted, "Don’t flatter.

You don’t come to a place for no reason, honestly tell me your purpose here.

Can’t just be to see an acquaintance, right?

I know Captain Mage very well.

She is kind and would surely remind you.

What you said is just an excuse to come here.

Am I right?"

"Please forgive me, Majesty, it seems nothing gets past you.

Indeed, we’ve only met her once, not really acquaintances.

We said that purely to meet you smoothly.

To clarify our demands, seek your assistance."

"Why have you come, explain to me."

The Lamia Queen didn’t immediately reject their plea, allowing Yang Yu to breathe a sigh of relief and reveal his true objective:

"Majesty, though you reside in a magic-powerless desert, perhaps you don’t know this world has long since changed.

The Demon King has returned to this world.

We’ve encountered a formidable opponent and hope to use your technology to seal magic power to defeat them."

The Lamia Queen was silent for a moment, then spoke nonchalantly:

"What does this have to do with me? That’s your problem.

We’ve lived peacefully in this desert for ages, ordinary people won’t intrude on this barren land.

If I lend you the tools and you cause trouble, bringing us into war...

There’s no guarantee we won’t be pulled into conflict.

If you intend to involve us in war, I advise you to leave before I get angry!"

"Indeed it has nothing to do with you.

I don’t want to spout clichés like ’the lips perish, the teeth follow.’

If possible, I don’t wish to involve you in war, nor do I want to bow my head like this, asking a favor.

But this time, we must borrow the strength you possess.

To be brief, what price must we pay to acquire what we seek?

We’re not merely seeking your help, but propose a trade.

If Majesty feels there’s no need to continue negotiations, just set an exorbitant price to deter us;

If Majesty believes there’s gain to be made, set an affordable price so we may negotiate."

Hearing Yang Yu’s candid words, the Lamia Queen chuckled:

"Indeed, you’re not ordinary.

An ordinary person wouldn’t think of boarding a Sand Sailing Ship with a cannon in such a way.

Very well!

Since you’ve journeyed here and possess remarkable strength,

I’ll offer you a special opportunity!"

The Lamia Queen curled her white tail, sitting cross-legged under the shade,

"Originally, I wasn’t in this form.

I accidentally moved something we guard and got cursed, which transformed me.

If you can find a way to restore me,

I’ll tell you the principles behind those things."

After pondering, Yang Yu sensed some unfavorable loopholes in the Queen’s offer, negotiating further:

"Merely telling us the principles isn’t enough; you need to help us find practical application methods."

The Lamia Queen smiled slightly, "You’re quite particular with words.

Agreed.

But you must understand the risk of this operation.

That place isn’t for everyone; you might lose your lives.

I ventured just slightly deeper than our ancestors have, and ended up like this.

Also, you must not destroy anything arbitrarily.

To ensure safety and prevent destruction, I’ll accompany you throughout.

If you damage too much, not only will you receive nothing, but I’ll hold you accountable.

Understood?

If you agree to what I said, join me in tackling what’s unresolved, and I’ll accept your request."

Damn! Is there such a good deal?

Seeing the task appear on the system panel, Yang Yu’s mouth couldn’t help but curl into a wide grin.

This territory of the Lamia Clan sure has one enormous twist.

Perhaps this is a problem one must solve after selecting Mechanic?

I wonder if I can complete this task on the Fusion path; whatever, only heading there will reveal the truth.

"Hurry it up.

...I mean, dear Queen, time waits for no one.

Let’s begin!"