Chapter 45: The Bear King's Wrath

The Northern Domain was abuzz with speculation and skepticism, as most believed that the Jiang Dynasty was digging its own grave by provoking the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest. Many factions eagerly awaited the outcome, convinced that Jiang HuanYu's brazen move would lead to the empire's downfall.

As the only hegemonic power in the Northern Domain ruled by demonic beasts, the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest was not a force to be trifled with. Situated in the far north of the region, it was a world away from the Jiang Dynasty. This distance was one reason why Jiang HuanYu had given the Bear King fifteen days to comply.

Within a grand hall deep in the forest, a towering and ferocious figure sat in human form. The Bear King, brimming with rage, slammed his massive hand onto a table, reducing it to splinters.

"Outrageous!" he bellowed. "That brat Jiang HuanYu dares to openly challenge me! He's courting death!"

A massive black bear beside him, the one who had injured Left Chancellor Zuo Xuanqi, growled. "Patriarch, this is clearly because we took their Enlightenment Pill. They're retaliating by kidnapping the young master to threaten us."

A brown bear, second in strength only to the Bear King and known as Man Xun, spoke with equal fury. "They're insane! That pill was a gift to us! We spared that Zuo Xuanqi's life out of magnanimity, yet they repay us with this insult?"

Her words betrayed a one-sided view, focusing solely on their clan's interests while ignoring the broader context.

At that moment, two figures strode into the hall. Both had taken human forms one with streaks of gray hair and the other with a royal mark on his forehead.

"Greetings, Wolf King, Tiger King," Man Xun and the black bear greeted with deference.

These two were the other sovereigns of the forest: the Wolf King, leader of the wolf clan, and the Tiger King, leader of the tiger clan. The three kings together represented the supreme authority of the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest.

The Tiger King nodded toward the Bear King. "Old Bear, we've heard about the situation. This isn't just extortion, it's a blatant affront to our dignity. Jiang HuanYu has no respect for us."

The Bear King's eyes burned with fury. "Jiang HuanYu dared to kidnap my son! He's crossed a line he can't uncross. I'll destroy his precious empire and show him the true power of the forest!"

Man Xun stepped forward. "Patriarch, calm your anger. If we march on the Jiang Dynasty with all our forces, we may provoke them into killing the young master before we can act."

The Tiger King added, "She's right. The priority is saving Man Gang. Once he's safe, we can crush the Jiang Dynasty at our leisure."

Their words calmed the Bear King somewhat, though his anger still simmered. "Then what do you propose we do?"

The Wolf King spoke thoughtfully. "I have a plan. First, we ensure the young master's safety, then we eliminate the Jiang Dynasty. It's a simple two-step process."

"Continue," the Bear King growled.

"From what we know, the Jiang Dynasty likely has two Heavenly Realm experts at most, Jiang HuanYu and one other. To minimize risks, send Man Xun and Wolf Yao to deliver the items they've demanded. Pretend to negotiate the exchange, and once the young master is secure, strike immediately."

"Man Xun and Wolf Yao, both Eighth Stage Heavenly Realm experts, should have no difficulty destroying the Jiang Dynasty after the exchange. Even if they've prepared, I refuse to believe they can stop the two of them!"

The Bear King pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Man Xun, Wolf Yao, take the required items and execute the plan. But above all, ensure my son's safety."

"Understood, Patriarch," Man Xun replied.

Meanwhile, in the imperial harem, Jiang HuanYu returned to find Qian Xinyou and Xiao Qingli laughing and chatting like old friends. The sight puzzled him, he had been gone only a short while, yet the two seemed unusually close.

"What's this? My beloveds, what could you be discussing that has you so delighted?" Jiang HuanYu asked as he entered with a grin.

Xiao Qingli glanced at him nonchalantly. "Women's secrets. You've finished already?"

"I have," Jiang HuanYu replied smugly. "If everything goes as planned, the conditions you set should be fulfilled within twenty days."

His expression turned mischievous as he leaned closer to Xiao Qingli. "At that time, my dear empress, you'll have to obey me completely. Whatever I ask of you, you'll have to comply. No objections."

Xiao Qingli's face flushed, and she quickly retorted, "Shameless!"

Jiang HuanYu feigned shock. "Oh my, why is your face so red? Could it be that you're looking forward to it?"

Blushing furiously, Xiao Qingli kicked at him, only for Jiang HuanYu to catch her foot and tickle her sole, making her giggle despite herself. She shot him a glare but couldn't hold back a small smile.

Watching from the side, Qian Xinyou couldn't help but laugh as well, her laughter causing a certain "mountain range" to ripple gently.

"Your Majesty," Qian Xinyou said with a sweet smile. "Sister Qingli just explained the Heavenly Wisdom Physique to me. I had no idea I possessed such a legendary constitution."

She tilted her head playfully. "Could it be that Your Majesty knew this all along and brought me into the palace for this reason?"

Her tone was lighthearted, but her eyes gleamed with curiosity and affection.

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