Chapter 385: Six-Armed Black Bear

Chapter 385: Six-Armed Black Bear (1/2)

"In my Northern King's residence, since its establishment, our duty has been to guard the northern borders. We have no interest in the struggle for imperial power," Cao Wanqi said. "Song Clan Leader, if you came today just to visit Princess Anruo, I welcome you wholeheartedly. However, please refrain from discussing matters of imperial power."

Song Qian responded, "Northern King, even if you are not willing to be involved, the situation has already unfolded. Everyone here is a participant, and merely abstaining from the struggle for imperial power will not guarantee safety for your Northern King's residence."

"The current situation suggests that the Fenyuan King is most likely to ascend to the throne. From what I know, there is a grudge between Fenyuan King and your Northern King's residence. If he becomes the new emperor, he won't spare your residence or Princess Anruo."

Twenty years ago, Fenyuan King had set his eyes on Cao Wan'an, the eldest daughter of the Northern King Cao Yuan. Despite repeated attempts and grand gestures to propose to Cao Wan'an, Cao Yuan rejected him every time.

In the end, Cao Yuan betrothed Cao Wan'an to Xiwang, and Fenyuan King, who never got along with Xiwang, was filled with resentment. He even incited officials to accuse Cao Yuan more than once, and it was rumored that the accusation of treason against Xiwang was orchestrated by Fenyuan King.

Cao Wanqi was well aware of these events, and she understood that if Fenyuan King ascended, trouble might come to the Northern King's residence.

However, her father, before his death, had told her that the Northern King's residence should not interfere in the court's political struggles or influence the fight for the throne.

Therefore, Cao Wanqi, with a determined attitude, said, "I, Cao Wanqi, only wish to guard the northern borders in my lifetime and protect the region. I will not involve myself in the various intrigues within the imperial city. I believe Princess Anruo shares my sentiment and does not wish to return to that imperial city, living a life filled with deceit and constant fear."

Song Qian, finding it difficult to persuade Cao Wanqi, turned to Wei Ruoshu, "Princess Anruo, you know that your father was falsely accused of rebellion, leading to his forced self-immolation along with your mother. Don't you want to find out who was behind framing your parents? Don't you want to seek revenge and clear their names?"

"I do!" Wei Ruoshu suddenly shouted, as if she had used all the strength in her body.

Cao Wanqi, startled by Wei Ruoshu's outburst, saw the intense determination in her eyes. Perhaps, she had never truly understood Wei Ruoshu's real thoughts.

"Wanru, do you want to compete for the throne?" Cao Wanqi asked Wei Ruoshu.

"I want to. I will compete," Wei Ruoshu declared. "I don't want to live my whole life under the protection of the Northern King's residence. If I become the empress, I can protect myself and safeguard the Northern King's residence. Moreover, what Sister Qian said is right. I must seek revenge for my parents and clear their names. To achieve that, I can only ascend to that high position."

"But competing for the throne is an irreversible path. Have you thought it through?" Cao Wanqi asked.

"I won't turn back, even if it costs me my life. I have no regrets," Wei Ruoshu said with unwavering determination.

It was only at this moment that Cao Wanqi realized Wei Ruoshu was not the insignificant woman with no ambitions that she had previously thought her to be.

"But if we lose in the end, not only you and I will die, but everyone around us, the entire Northern King's residence, will be destroyed," Cao Wanqi warned.

"We won't lose!"

Song Qian said, "Because the only Cold Dragon Token of Tianwei Prefecture is currently in my hands."

To convince Cao Wanqi, Song Qian had to reveal the Cold Dragon Token.

Surprised, Cao Wanqi asked, "How did the Cold Dragon Token end up in your hands?"

"It was given to me by Empress Tianxin before she died. As for why she gave it to me, it doesn't matter. Don't ask, and even if you do, I won't tell you," Song Qian said. "In any case, with this Cold Dragon Token, I can command the guards of Tianwei Prefecture. By then, the entire Changling City will be under our control, and Princess Anruo will be able to ascend to the throne smoothly."

"Even so, it's not a guaranteed victory. I need some time to consider this matter carefully," Cao Wanqi said. "The stakes are high, and I request a few days to make a decision."

"The opportunity is fleeting. I hope the Northern King can decide as soon as possible," Song Qian urged.

...

Xuanwu Continent, a certain underwater cave.

Meanwhile, in a sea cave, Song Yeh had been practicing for two days and had consumed one of the Black Dragon Profound Drums. He had originally acquired six from Xia Xiran, but now only three remained.

Suddenly, Song Yeh felt someone poking his back with their fingers. A chill ran down his spine.

The fact that someone could silently approach him from behind without him noticing meant that their strength was likely superior to his.

Song Yeh turned around to see a six-armed black bear standing behind him.

The six-armed black bear began to make a series of grumbling sounds, gesturing with its hands and fingers.

Unable to understand its language, Song Yeh guessed from its angry expression that it was reprimanding him for intruding into its cave without cause.

Suddenly, the six-armed black bear stopped talking and revealed a sinister smile. It extended all six fists and struck towards Song Yeh's chest.

Instinctively, Song Yeh wanted to use his King's Command Profound Control to control the bear's actions. However, he quickly realized that this subconscious action could be fatal.

His King's Command Profound Control had no effect on the six-armed black bear.

Song Yeh endured the full force of the bear's six punches, sending him flying through the cave wall until he reached the sea's surface. There, he managed to stop his body.

Wiping the blood from his mouth, Song Yeh felt an unexpected excitement from the pain. In the past, whether in the mortal realm or Xuanwin Continent, he had faced opponents who were too weak. With just a slight thought, he could defeat them, and this had made him dull over time.

However, this numbness was dangerous in Xuanwu Continent. After all, there were countless beings stronger than Song Yeh here.

Now, facing the six-armed black bear, Song Yeh understood the importance of adapting to the situation and not underestimating his opponents.

The six-armed black bear emerged from the sea, standing at the same level as Song Yeh. It continuously waved its six arms, appearing particularly excited.

One of its arms formed two fingers together, as

 if preparing to snap its fingers. Suddenly, the seawater surged, rushing into its palm. Finally, it condensed into a small water ball the size of a marble between its two fingers.

Song Yeh could clearly see that the sea level had dropped several centimeters, indicating the immense volume of water concentrated in that small ball.

The six-armed black bear snapped its fingers, propelling the water ball towards Song Yeh.