"Lord, I apologize for losing control for a moment."

The Wolf King Lord awkwardly stood up, and a bat-like beastman quickly came to support him. At this moment, the Wolf King Lord could barely stand, as Ye Qiu’s last two kicks had shattered his knees.

The Wolf King Lord felt some pain, but didn’t show it. He smiled and said, "No worries, it’s just a sparring match, and who can guarantee not getting hurt? Brother Ye’s strength is exceptional, I am impressed."

"The Lord’s strength isn’t bad either," Ye Qiu complimented with a smile.

Afterward, the Wolf King Lord, supported by the bat beastman, went back to the stone house to rest. The surrounding beastmen, who had watched the battle, looked at Ye Qiu again with a new layer of fear.

They had witnessed with their own eyes that not even the Lord was a match for this young man.

Ye Qiu and Taishan returned to their room. Taishan was somewhat puzzled as to why Ye Qiu had been so heavy-handed. It was Taishan’s first time out in the world, and his heart was relatively simple. He didn’t realize that there was a hidden threat during the sparring match.

If Ye Qiu had not been tremendously powerful, the Wolf King Lord might have taken advantage of the sparring to see Ye Qiu seriously injured. At that time, Ye Qiu believed he would end up like those trapped in the black stone house, treated as a sacrifice.

Thus, Ye Qiu showed no mercy; instead, he acted very ruthlessly and swiftly wounded the Wolf King Lord. The only reason was to prove that he, Ye Qiu, was very strong, and they shouldn’t target him lightly. This contained a hint of warning from Ye Qiu, which the clever Wolf King Lord should be able to understand.

He came to the Wolf King Lord’s stronghold without wanting to stir trouble, but he wasn’t afraid of it either. This was a warning to the Wolf King, not to miscalculate. If the Wolf King Lord continued harboring other intentions, Ye Qiu wouldn’t be so lenient next time.

Inside the Wolf King Lord’s stone house, the injuries caused by Ye Qiu had mostly recovered after a brief rest. After all, the Wolf King Lord was also at the peak of the late Gui Xu realm, just a step away from the Saint Realm, and his body was still very robust.

However, at this moment, the Wolf King Lord’s face no longer carried the forced smile from before.

The bat beastman’s face was also not looking good, and he whispered, "Lord, what do we do about this human?"

The Wolf King Lord showed a contemplative expression. After this sparring, the previous decision indeed needed reconsideration. If it was just to please that lord, ending up losing his life wouldn’t be worth it.

The Wolf King Lord had personally experienced Ye Qiu’s strength. Although he hadn’t used his full strength, Ye Qiu was able to leave multiple wounds on him in such a short time. It was enough to prove that Ye Qiu wasn’t easy to deal with.

"Cancel the original plan. This human’s strength is no worse than mine, and he’s very cautious. At breakfast, he didn’t take a single bite. Our hopes of poisoning him are slim, and if it comes to fighting, my strength is evenly matched with his, making it hard to gain advantages. If we ask our brothers to join in, we would suffer many casualties. This is currently an important time, and losing too many brothers would only be detrimental to us." said the Wolf King Lord.

"Do you mean to give up, my Lord?" the bat beastman asked in shock.

"It’s unavoidable. If we clash, it would end in mutual destruction," the Wolf King Lord sighed.

Actually, he didn’t want to give up. After all, Ye Qiu’s appearance was like delivered meat — a pity not to eat.

Rumor has it that consuming a human expert would make them ancient beasts smarter and stronger.

"Lord, I have a plan. Would you consider it?" the bat beastman suddenly suggested.

"What’s your plan? Go ahead and tell me."

The bat beastman whispered his idea into the Wolf King’s ear. The Wolf King Lord was silent for a moment before suddenly slapping his thigh and saying, "Good idea, you truly live up to being my strategist."

The bat beastman smiled and said, "If you can capture this human, whether or not you present him as a tribute, consuming him could boost your strength. If you do manage to break through, even that lord would have to take your notice."

The Wolf King Lord’s gaze flashed. Entering the Saint Realm was indeed a huge temptation for him. The bat beastman’s words acted as a stimulant, solidifying the Wolf King Lord’s resolve to act against Ye Qiu.

"Fine, we will do as the strategist has advised. I can only trouble you to personally handle this task."

"It is my honor to serve my Lord."

...

Ye Qiu had no idea that his display of strength hadn’t deterred the Wolf King Lord, but instead strengthened his resolve to deal with him.

In the following two days, Ye Qiu and the Wolf King Lord, seemingly host and guest, laughed and chatted, yet it was all a facade. However, the absence of the bat beastman from the Wolf King Lord’s side surprised Ye Qiu.

In Ye Qiu’s view, perhaps the Wolf King Lord had truly given up on dealing with him. This would be best; both sides could remain at peace.

On the third day, Ye Qiu was planning to leave with Taishan. Staying any longer held no meaning. It would be better to venture into the center of the Southern Wilderness.

However, the Wolf King Lord warmly insisted on Ye Qiu staying another night. Ye Qiu couldn’t refuse and agreed.

Ye Qiu strolled outside, admiring the moonlit Southern Wilderness, which was far more desolate than the Eastern Wilderness, giving a sense of solitude akin to being in a desert.

After wandering for a while, Ye Qiu and Taishan returned to their stone houses.

Hmm?

Upon entering, Ye Qiu slightly frowned, but he didn’t make any movements, as if unaware of the figure in the shadowy corner.

Ye Qiu sat down, pretending to meditate.

Swish.

The figure jumped out of the dark, landing silently like a cat.

With a flick, he appeared before Ye Qiu.

However, he didn’t attack Ye Qiu, instead carefully scrutinizing him.

"Not making a move?" Ye Qiu suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

The figure shook his head, seemingly unsurprised that Ye Qiu had sensed his presence.

"Is your purpose to come here in the dead of night to scrutinize me?" Ye Qiu asked.

"Are you human?" the person asked in a probing tone.

"What if I am?" Ye Qiu had no idea what this person intended.

Upon hearing Ye Qiu’s reply, the person showed a look of delight and muttered, "I was right after all, you really are human."

"Speak, what is your purpose?" Ye Qiu didn’t like beating around the bush.

"You are human, help me, do me a favor and save my companion. She’s been captured by these ancient beasts." The person was somewhat agitated.

"Help you rescue someone?" Ye Qiu sneered, "Why should I?"

"You’re human, we are the same kind, isn’t it natural?" The person was surprised as Ye Qiu’s reaction was different from what he imagined.

"Sorry, I have no obligation to do so," Ye Qiu refused.

"You..." The figure was taken aback.

"Get lost!"

Ye Qiu said flatly, "I don’t want to repeat myself unless you wish to end up like your companions..."

The figure let out a cold snort, didn’t dare to say more, but cursed Ye Qiu countless times in his heart, and left angrily.

After the other person left, Ye Qiu sneered, saying softly, "Want me to help rescue someone, do you think I’m a savior?"