CHAPTER 587: CHAPTER 362 YEAR AFTER YEAR

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"Year after year, I have sat in this castle, waiting for this sign, waiting for the moment that allows us to claim what rightfully belongs to us. The key is to leave these pitiful forests behind and see the open plains and other beasts."

"Earlier this year, this young man appeared! Yan Xiaobao is one of my friends. He is both human and beast—a person caught between two worlds. He saw how our beasts suffer within the Divine Domain, and he offered me the War Art."

"This War Art was created by the Sun Master, a God who appeared on our plane a few years ago. He admired this young man and imparted some of his knowledge to him. This book is a masterpiece of warfare; it encompasses strategies tailored to counter our beasts’ weaknesses."

"The Sun Master also left behind tactics and other resources with Yan Xiaobao. This young man is skilled in the War Art; he is the one capable of leading the Divine Domain Army into another kingdom. We no longer need to retreat to this world as before. We shall fulfill our goal—a kingdom where our offspring can roam freely. They will see new horizons and consume more than magical beasts!"

"What do we have to fear? I know An Hee might resurface, but he vanished over a thousand years ago. Why would he concern himself over the rise or fall of a kingdom? He has everything he desires. Zhong Hui? There’s no need to fear him; he already sent a messenger declaring that as long as our friend Yan Xiaobao eventually visits him, he will stay out of this war. With Zhong Hui removed and his Frozen Brigade promising not to act, should we truly fear An Hee’s wrath?!"

"Yes, our forces are not yet soldiers, but we have Yan Xiaobao! Let him train these cultivators until they become warriors. Let them follow his strategies! We have both the art of war and our own strength. We shall be invincible!"

"Wait!" One of the Lords finally interrupted Wan Qiao, standing up. This man was at least three meters tall. His whole body seemed awkwardly compressed into a small chair, but now, as he stood, his full stature was revealed. His physique was solid, with a tail visible behind him. His eyes, like those of a cat, were red—fierce and powerful.

"You said we won’t hunt humans. If we don’t hunt humans, how are we supposed to take over a kingdom? Young man, I understand your ideals, but this is war; we cannot afford kindness!"

Looking at Yan Xiaobao, Wan Qiao did not speak in place of the white-haired youth. Yan Xiaobao sighed, stood up, and prepared to reply to the man before him.

"I understand that without spilling human blood, we cannot seize this land. I only hope that after we take over the kingdom, there won’t be widespread hunting of humans. If humans attempt to enslave beasts, if they try to kill them, or if they refuse to share their lands and coexist with us, at the very least, I will have given them a chance. If they do any of these things, then so be it. I will not oppose retaliation. However, I will not condone the slaughter of innocents."

Upon hearing this, murmurs ran through the room as the Lords conversed among themselves, contemplating whether this condition was one they could accept.

"Why do we still need you now that we already possess the War Art?" one of the Lords asked. It was a woman with reptilian eyes, short and snakelike. Her demeanor was arrogant, and she looked at Yan Xiaobao with a gaze that carried curiosity but also disdain. To her, Yan Xiaobao had already proven his worth; in the Snake Woman’s eyes, he was no longer of use.

"That may not be true," Yan Xiaobao said, his voice clear and his eyes piercing. Though he was speaking to a Saint, he had neither retreated nor shown any discomfort or fear. "It is true that I have given you the entirety of the War Art; however, that is only one part of leading an army to war. Right now, you possess an impressive number of guards, but they are mere guards, not soldiers. I am the one capable of transforming them into soldiers, of preparing them for battle. I am the one who holds the tactics necessary to win this war. You may think my potential is limited, but if you wish to win this war with the least possible casualties, I am the person you need."

Hearing the confidence in Yan Xiaobao’s voice, all the Lords were taken aback, particularly the one who first doubted him. She had never thought that someone merely a Duke, or worse—a half-beast—could stand up to her like this. A smile appeared on her face, and she nodded, signaling her acceptance of his answer.

"Let us take a short break and discuss the implications of this information," Wan Qiao’s voice rang out again across the room. She gestured toward the library, showing that many small spaces had been furnished with chairs, tables, and refreshments. This arrangement allowed the Lords to mingle and move from corner to corner to discuss whatever they wished to deliberate."

Witnessing this scene, all the Lords rose and slowly placed themselves in comfortable spots for their conversations. In some areas, two or three Lords sat together, while in others, ten or more gathered to discuss the news.