However, this only applies to you.
Of course, Wu Tong didn't voice this thought aloud.
After speaking, Wu Tong watched with great amusement as Pardo's expression began to shift.
First, her face darkened, then turned pale, and finally took on a ghastly hue…
To be honest, if Wu Tong hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed a person's face could change so many colors.
"Alright, Wu Tong, stop scaring Pardo. She's about to cry. Besides, that group by the lake seems to be waiting for us. Let's hurry over. Keeping the host waiting isn't the style of the lovely Miss Fairy, you know."
Seeing Pardo on the verge of tears from Wu Tong's teasing, Elysia quickly intervened to change the subject.
"What?! Boss Wu Tong, were you just messing with me?"
Hearing Elysia's words, Pardo immediately caught on and shot a resentful look at Wu Tong, who was enjoying the spectacle.
"Well… not entirely. After all, they really could pose a threat to you."
With his little prank exposed, Wu Tong paused for a moment before responding calmly.
"…Oh, so it's just me? That's a relief!"
After hearing Wu Tong's explanation, Pardo patted her chest as if letting out a sigh of relief.
As for the idea that the savage beasts could be dangerous to her, Pardo wasn't concerned.
She knew her limits all too well and was fully aware of how lackluster her combat abilities were. If it came to a fight, forget a 100,000-year spirit beast—even a measly 10,000-year spirit beast might be too much for her.
So Pardo had always been clear about her role: a tag-along and a mascot.
As for her safety?
That was her boss's problem to worry about. As long as her backer stood firm, she had nothing to fear.
Seeing Pardo's relieved expression and understanding her thoughts, Wu Tong shook his head helplessly with a wry smile.
This cat's a lost cause. She's completely given up on any ambition.
Sigh.
After an internal sigh, Wu Tong stopped paying attention to the slacking cat and turned his gaze back to the shores of the Lake of Life.
"Let's go. Since the host is waiting at the door to greet us, we shouldn't waste their hospitality."
…
Star Dou Great Forest.
Inner Region.
After returning from the lake's depths with the Red King, Di Tian had received orders from the Silver Dragon King and had been waiting by the Lake of Life with the other savage beasts for Wu Tong's arrival.
Now, seeing Wu Tong and his group finally approach, Di Tian and the others quickly composed themselves.
"They're here at last. Is this the one with power rivaling a God King?"
As if guided by some unseen instinct, Di Tian recognized Wu Tong's identity the moment he laid eyes on him.
"Greetings. I am Di Tian, the Beast God of the Star Dou Great Forest. May I ask the purpose of your visit, esteemed sir?"
As Wu Tong's group drew nearer, Di Tian strode forward without hesitation and addressed Wu Tong, who was at the forefront.
Behind him stood the other savage beasts and Xiao Wu's two younger brothers.
"Greetings, Beast God Di Tian. I am Wu Tong. I'm not here to cause trouble but to propose a transaction. There's no need for such caution."
Noting Di Tian's wariness, Wu Tong smiled reassuringly before cutting straight to the point.
Di Tian was taken aback. "A transaction? What kind of transaction do you have in mind, Sir Wu Tong?"
Wu Tong's smile remained unchanged. "I want this Lake of Life…"
"That… the Lake of Life is not something we can part with. Please name another condition, Sir Wu Tong."
Di Tian's expression darkened, and he interrupted before Wu Tong could finish.
It wasn't that he wanted to offend Wu Tong, but this was simply non-negotiable.
If Wu Tong had asked for anything else, no matter how precious, Di Tian might have gritted his teeth and agreed.
But the Lake of Life was different.
This lake was tied to their master, the Silver Dragon King, and her recovery from injuries.
How could he hand over something so vital to her survival? Doing so would be a betrayal of his master and make him a traitor to the spirit beast race.
Thus, Di Tian refused outright without letting Wu Tong finish.
Wu Tong wasn't surprised. He had anticipated this reaction and didn't take offense.
Instead, he continued calmly, "Don't be so hasty, Beast God Di Tian. Hear out my full request and the terms of exchange before making your decision."
Wu Tong had made his stance clear. If Di Tian refused again now, it would come across as ungrateful.
Di Tian understood this as well and held back from another refusal.
"…Very well, Sir Wu Tong. Please proceed."
Satisfied, Wu Tong nodded and continued:
"My needs are many. Aside from the Lake of Life, I require some fur from the Emperor's Auspicious Beast, drops of essence blood from each of you savage beasts, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, the corpse of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, clues to the Golden Tree's whereabouts, and all the spirit bones you've collected over the years…"
"Impossible! Don't you think you're asking too much, Sir Wu Tong? While our spirit beast race may lack the strength to oppose you, we can still fight to the bitter end if pushed."
Di Tian's face twisted with displeasure. These demands were outright unreasonable.
Just listen to what Wu Tong was asking for!
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, spirit bones, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, and clues to the Golden Tree were one thing—handing those over wouldn't affect them much.
But the Lake of Life, fur from the Emperor's Auspicious Beast, and essence blood from the savage beasts? These weren't things to be given away lightly!
"See? You're jumping to conclusions again. I hadn't even finished speaking. Such impatience is unbecoming.
"Moreover, this is the second time you've cut me off. As the saying goes, 'third time's the charm.' If there's a third interruption, the consequences won't be to your liking.
"After all, sometimes the fish in the net may die, but the net itself won't necessarily break…"
Wu Tong's tone turned icy as he watched Di Tian's expression darken. He was never one to tolerate threats lightly.
If someone threatened him and he just forgave them, how spineless would that make him?
With that thought, Wu Tong's aura began to surge violently.
The turbulent energy stirred the heavens, and the atmosphere across the entire Star Dou Great Forest began to shift.
...
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(End of Chapter)