Chapter 114: The Other Side of the Snake King

If this had been any other time, Zhou Tian would have departed immediately after the matter concluded, avoiding any further contact with the Snake King. The Snake King’s previous displays had frightened him deeply; in Zhou Tian’s mind, she was already categorized as an incredibly dangerous figure. He would never have sought her out if it were not absolutely necessary. However, the problem now was that the Snake King had just rendered him a great service. If he were to simply turn his back and leave now, what kind of person would that make him? That was something Zhou Tian could never bring himself to do.

Thus, despite his fervent desire to get away from her, his sense of obligation compelled him to offer a disingenuous invitation: "The matter is settled, and I truly thank you for your help, Snake King. If you have the time, you must come visit my city so that I may return your hospitality."

He had intended it as a mere courtesy, but to his surprise, the Snake King seized the opportunity immediately: "I am free right now. There is no need to wait. Let us go together, and I shall take a look around your city."

"Right, right," Zhou Tian replied with a forced smile and a strange expression, before leading the Snake King toward the capital.

Even though he had agreed to her company, he had not given up on the idea of ditching her. After racking his brain, he came up with a plan and hurriedly said, "We are heading to a human settlement. Given your current form, I am afraid it is not appropriate for you to accompany me. I do not have any female clothing with me, so perhaps next time, when I have some ready for you, I shall invite you to visit my city again."

His logic was sound: if she could not easily maneuver through the capital as a snake, she would have to take human form. But she could hardly walk around naked. By claiming he had no clothes, he hoped to make it inconvenient for her to follow.

Yet, the Snake King had a way to counter his every move.

Without changing her expression, she transformed into human form right before his eyes. Then, through some unknown method, her shed snakeskin shifted under the influence of some mysterious rule, instantly becoming a garment.

After casting a triumphant look at him and donning the clothing, she urged him, "Let us go! I cannot wait to see the city you rule."

"No need to rush, there is no harm in walking slowly," Zhou Tian called out listlessly as he followed her back to the capital.

Upon entering the city, Zhou Tian immediately noticed that every soldier, official, and mercenary was captivated by the Snake King as she passed. Had he not been standing right beside her, acting as a deterrent, he could only imagine how many people would have crowded around to strike up a conversation.

The Snake King, however, seemed completely oblivious. Under the gaze of everyone present, she acted like a wide-eyed novice, dragging Zhou Tian around the city, appearing fascinated by everything she saw. She insisted on heading toward the most crowded areas, seemingly ignoring the fact that Zhou Tian’s expression was growing increasingly sour.

Only after they had toured the entire city did the Snake King sit down beside him, satisfied, clutching a pile of snacks. She said softly, "Thank you for spending so much time with me. I know you did not want to, and that you only stayed because I helped you. I promise not to make things difficult for you in the future, but this is my first time in the human world. Without your company, I would not know how to live here, so... I am truly sorry for being so headstrong and making you walk so far."

Hearing this, a flicker of sympathy stirred in Zhou Tian’s heart.

Though the Snake King held a position of high status within the Magical Beast Forest, the world of beasts was far more monotonous than that of humans. Having lived in such a dull environment, knowing only combat and cultivation, and never having experienced the life of a normal woman, she seemed quite pitiable to him.

Under these circumstances, Zhou Tian responded, "It is fine. You are my most important guest, and it is only right that I accompany you through my territory. If you wish to visit the human world again in the future, just come to me; I will certainly make sure you have a good time. Besides, this city is not at its best right now. Because of the recent events, most shops have closed, but once things settle down and the merchants return, the city will be a hundred times more vibrant than it is now."

"Truly?"

"Truly."

"Will you accompany me then, too?"

Zhou Tian hesitated, but remembering her words, he nodded firmly. "Of course. As long as you wish it, I will be with you."

"That is a promise! It was so difficult to get out here, so I must have my fill of fun. Ten days—no, a month! I want to stay and play here for a month before I go back." She looked at him with a pitiful expression. "A month, that should be fine, right?"

He wanted to refuse, but her expression made it impossible. After a moment, he could only nod. "A month it is. If you want to play, I will accompany you."

"Yay!" The Snake King jumped up in excitement, threw her arms around him, and kissed his cheek soundly. She then pointed toward the street they had just walked down. "I have rested enough! Let us go back and do it all over again. There were a few things I wanted to buy but didn't, and I must not forget them this time." With that, ignoring his pained expression, she forcibly dragged him toward a nearby shop.