Above the waters of Western Hong,
Several majestic figures were engaged in a relentless dispute.
"Even if the power of the Dragon Palace is great, can it extend its reach to my affairs on land?"
An Tuxiao, fierce and turning back sharply as a young prodigy of the Frost Tiger Clan, felt utterly humiliated in front of so many forces in Western Hong. How could he ever hold his head high again?
"Just consider it a favor for the Dragon Consort’s sake, spare him this once." Several elder demons of his clan, as if coaxing a child, gave him a way out.
"I know you are afraid because his background is profound and unfathomable... but we have killed cultivators with strong backgrounds before! Especially those who act mysterious and think they are above others, those who like to hide their identities." An Tuxiao took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"Shut up!" The elder demons’ faces twitched, and they looked around apprehensively.
This cursed creature, when he got emotional, truly dared to say anything. Being demons of the land, they naturally had difficulty competing with the Dragon Palace for resources and tried to keep their territories far from the waters. If they didn’t manage to snag some Heaven and Earth Treasures occasionally, how could they have enough resources to sustain their demon bodies?
The young elites who ventured out from the great powers were virtually walking treasures, a fine delicacy in the eyes of their clan.
But this time, the situation was evidently different.
The background of that youth in black clothes had already surpassed what they could handle.
To dare reach out again would be utterly foolish.
"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"
An Tuxiao continued to roar lowly, "Have any of you considered why that young man ultimately didn’t make a move? Do you think it’s because he’s kind-hearted? I’m telling you, he truly wanted to smash my head, but hesitated at the last moment! He got scared, do you understand?"
"If he was really from a top-tier power like the Infinite Dao Emperor Sect, would he have shown mercy? Would he respect the Dragon Consort? He would have simply killed us on the spot. He’s just worried that he can’t leave Western Hong, and that’s why he put on such an act to intimidate me."
"But one thing is for sure."
An Tuxiao struggled to regulate his breathing, and his gaze swept over the three elders of his clan. "He indeed has some connections. If he truly were allowed to return, it would be like releasing the tiger back to the mountain, you understand?"
The three elder demons listened in silence, and they too began to harbor some doubts.
After all, their observations of that young man in black getting up and sparing An Tuxiao did seem somewhat abrupt and inconsistent with the usual arrogant behavior of elite disciples.
Moreover, the young man’s demeanor wasn’t that of a gentle character.
Plus, he even mentioned the Glazed Green Phoenix Clan, hardly sounding like he was ready to let the matter go.
Upon further reflection, it truly was strange.
It was only that the atmosphere had been too tense before, causing them to overlook it for a moment.
Could it be that he indeed harbored intentions for a later reckoning?
"Discuss it in detail with the Tomb Guardian yourself."
Their gazes shifted away, a sense of unease growing within their hearts.
If they were to act against an elite prodigy from a top-tier power, they certainly wouldn’t do so openly but would rather ambush him on his journey.
But just the few of them obviously seemed insufficient for such a task.
The reason An Tuxiao still harbored thoughts of revenge was because they were merely searching for medicine from the Dragon Consort, while others were responsible for escorting the actual life-prolonging treasures back.
If those two were willing to take action, there might indeed be a way to resolve this.
You should know, it wasn’t only An Tuxiao who had been held down in the hall; the same fiery anger was smoldering in the hearts of the three of them.
Moreover, a cultivator with such a background certainly possessed many valuable items...
"Rest assured, I have a plan."
An Tuxiao finally convinced his fellow clan members, a smile returning to his face, his large tiger eyes gleaming fiercely.
He looked up at the sky with a hint of anticipation.
He would show that mysteriously acting youth what it meant for a mighty dragon not to suppress a local snake.
Just how heavy the price would be for overreaching in a strange place!
Soon, after receiving a message from a few demons, two white streaks of light swiftly passed overhead. When they revealed their forms, they turned out to be two elderly Tiger Demons, their bodies clothed in tattered garments, their fur knotted and appearing filthy.
But despite their dim and cloudy eyes, as if somewhat delirious, an extraordinarily terrifying aura radiated from them.
These Tiger Demons, known as Tomb Guardians, were the oldest of the Frost Tiger Clan, spending their days guarding the Great Tomb specially prepared by their clan leader, basking in the most abundant Yue Hua. Apart from their Divine Souls being damaged, their strength was flawless.
The difference between demons and cultivators lay in that they couldn’t inherit territories of the Union Dao, but as an advantage, they also didn’t face the obstacles of Tribulation Transcending. As long as there were sufficient Heaven and Earth Treasures and their bloodline was strong enough, what was an insurmountable fourth realm for cultivators could just be the duration of a sleep for them, allowing them to possess equal strength.
"Seniors, I have something important to report..."
Just as An Tuxiao approached to greet them, he was interrupted by their hoarse voices.
One of the Tomb-Guarding Tiger Demons slowly extended its claw, its whole body appearing extremely stiff.
"Senior, please wait, I—" An Tuxiao tried to say more, but in the next moment, his face contorted with pain as he was suddenly yanked upwards.
Just as that seemingly rigid claw moved with a speed that he couldn’t react to, it clasped around his neck and then quickly tightened.