chapter 6 ：Whose is it?

Just as Lord Tushan said, the Hu clan was originally from Lord Yu's homeland. When Lord Yu was healthy, the tribe was stable and there were never any issues. But now things seem to have changed...

"It's just a suspicion," Sijiang said slowly. "Since Lord Yu ascended to the throne, the Xia capital and the surrounding vassal states formed an alliance centered around Xia, with a dual relationship of subordination and alliance. Each tribe has its own army and slaves. The Hu clan is located southwest of Yang City, near mountains and water, and rich in minerals. Compared to other states, it is closer to Yang City and has stronger military power. If Yibo has any ambitions, the Hu clan is a powerful weapon.

Sijiang continued her analysis, "Lord Tushan, don't forget that Yibo's wife is the daughter of the Hu clan leader. It's hard not to suspect that the Hu clan leader's loyalty to the king has shifted."

"However, it's not just the marriage alliance that could sway the Hu clan; Yibo must have other leverage."

After hearing Sijiang's well-reasoned analysis, Lord Tushan was amazed and increasingly admired this seemingly delicate girl.

Lord Tushan did not know that Sijiang had dragon blood. He only knew that Lord Yu was taking care of her and educating her on behalf of an old friend.

Previously, he had only heard of her high spiritual talent, like when she killed hundreds of spirit beasts instantly in the hunting ground.

Today, it seems that this little girl's ability to analyze situations is equally impressive. She is sure to be a great help in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Xia in the future.

"Additionally, I need you to spread a message," Sijiang continued. "Tell them that the celestial phenomenon might be a warning to the court about the suffering of the people due to the negligence of the powerful."

The reason for this was that Sijiang had felt an unusual surge of water elements in the Emerald Lake, which helped her recover faster but could mean earlier floods for ordinary people. After spring, the melting snow would cause floods sooner.

Her smile was cold, like a star in the night sky, hiding a merciless blade.

Meanwhile, in Yibo's mansion.

"Congratulations, my lord, fortune has turned in your favor!" said a noblewoman, dressed in luxurious silk robes and adorned with exquisite jade, her elegant demeanor was striking. She was Yibo's wife, Yaoyao of the Hu clan.

"It's too early to say that," Yibo raised his hand to stop her. "If Lord Yu truly favored me, he would have abdicated directly instead of letting me act on his behalf." He frowned, contemplating.

"Moreover, it's hard to ascertain Lord Yu's real condition. We must remain cautious."

"You worry too much. In Yang City now, everyone looks up to you. Even if someone knows about my father's embezzlement of disaster relief funds, who would dare act against you?" Yaoyao reassured him.

Yibo felt somewhat relieved.

"The flooding in the southern river is severe. Embezzling the relief funds and supplies is a capital crime! Tell your father to be careful and not to leave any evidence," Yibo instructed.

"Don't worry, my lord."

After sending Lord Tushan away, Sijiang sneaked into the Ren tribe to find an old acquaintance. The Ren tribe's residence was surrounded by mountains, a secluded place for various creatures. This allowed the Ren tribe to develop the art of communicating with beasts, which evolved into the beast-taming technique.

Sijiang thought it was worth finding a way to counteract this powerful technique.

Sijiang had once visited this place with Yingjiu and saved a tribulating red fox named Huo Ling.

"Flame Shadow Spirit Trace, show yourself to me," Sijiang chanted their secret phrase.

A sound came from the forest, and a red fox with fiery fur and gem-like eyes appeared.

"Sister Sijiang!" Huo Ling transformed into a young woman and threw herself into Sijiang's arms.

"Huo Ling, have you been eating well lately?" Sijiang petted Huo Ling's head like she was a small dog.

"Of course! I'm now the only one in Baishan who has transformed into a human; eating is easy for me."

Huo Ling was a bit proud, but Sijiang had a question.

"Why is that? I remember many spirit beasts were on the verge of transforming."

"It's those bad humans who don't want more spirit beasts escaping their control," Huo Ling pouted angrily. "Luckily, I met you and hid well enough to avoid being caught."

"Oh, and Feng An was captured years ago," Huo Ling suddenly remembered. "I heard it was Yibo who took him."

Sijiang realized why Yibo's information network was so good. Feng An, a bird spirit, was highly intelligent, with black feathers that shimmered in the sun and a talent for observing humans. Controlling his group meant Yibo could know everything without leaving his home.

To defeat Yibo, Sijiang needed to cut off Feng An's help, disrupting his information flow.

"Huo Ling, can you contact them?"

"Sure, there's one hiding in a cave over there," Huo Ling pointed. "It's very timid and never leaves."

"Let's go!"

They moved toward the cave. As they approached, Sijiang felt something strange.

The cave was pitch black, absorbing all light and exuding a mysterious, unsettling aura. Yet, there was a familiar sense to it. Huo Ling illuminated the path with a red light.

The deeper they went, the quieter it became, unnaturally so, as if they were in another world.

Sijiang noticed the stillness of the air.

"Be careful," she warned, grabbing Huo Ling's arm.

Around a narrow bend, they entered a larger chamber.

In the center stood a huge stone slab, with a gem-like object floating above it, emitting a faint, alluring light.

One look and Sijiang was shocked. It was a dragon bone! How could it be here?

She moved quickly to the stone platform to take the bone.

"Bang!" She was repelled by a barrier.

"Who's there!" A deep, powerful voice demanded.

Sijiang turned to see a handsome man in black robes, his tall figure exuding an aura of night. His eyes were sharp and piercing.

"It's me, Huo Ling! Don't be afraid!" Huo Ling ran to explain.

"Huo Ling? Why are you here with a human? They're dangerous!" He pulled Huo Ling behind him protectively.

"You misunderstand. Sister Sijiang saved my life and helped me transform."

Huo Ling patted the man's strong arm.

"Wait, when did you transform?"

He didn't answer.

"It's the dragon bone, right?" Sijiang smiled.

"You know what this is?" The man was surprised.

"Of course. I used to be part of the dragon clan. I have dragon bones and half dragon blood. How could I not know?"

Sijiang explained patiently.

"Then why don't you have any dragon aura?"

"Because I extracted the bone to seal Yingjiu, who had fused with dragon bones," Sijiang said calmly, as if telling someone else's story.

"Now, can you tell me where this dragon bone came from?" Sijiang sat on a stone.

"I... I don't know," the man looked down, dejected.

"Years ago, Yibo started capturing our Feng An tribe. I was young and only wanted to escape. I found this cave and hid for ten days without food or water.

Strangely, I felt no discomfort, so I ventured deeper and found this bone."

"Did you notice anything unusual?" Sijiang asked.

"Yes, I found my spiritual power purified and enhanced near it. Fearing others would take it, I set up a barrier and rarely left. I continued to cultivate here, using my true form when searching for food."

"Do you know what happened to those captured?" Sijiang probed.

The man's eyes reddened.

"I secretly visited them. They were controlled by Yibo's beast-taming technique, losing their consciousness. But what could I do? I was the weakest of the tribe..."