Edict

Man Xiongmu frowned upon hearing the noise outside. He had no prior relationship with Wild Dog Cave, and Tong Guan had a solitary and arrogant personality. Why would he come knocking at this time?

However, his gaze quickly fell upon Wu Tian. It was common knowledge among the disciples on the mountain that Wild Dog Cave needed dog demons to refine beast hides.

"I fear the danger White Dragon spoke of stems from this!"

Man Xiongmu's expression turned somewhat solemn. He had long anticipated that as White Dragon's cultivation and strength grew, others would inevitably covet it. Even without Wild Dog Cave, there would be others.

Which of the Thirty-six Caves on Skull Mountain didn't skin and dismember monsters to refine Beast Robes? If one were to refine a magic artifact like the Hundred Beast Yin Soul Banner, it would require even more flesh and souls of various monsters.

With White Dragon's outstanding appearance, it would be strange if no one coveted it.

He narrowed his eyes slightly. If he could use the matter with the master of Wild Dog Cave to directly extinguish the thoughts of others, it might not be a bad thing. It could save him a lot of trouble later.

Perhaps he could have a period of peace before White Dragon completed its Qi Nurturing and stepped into Cauldron Forging.

With this thought, Man Xiongmu directly opened the entrance to his cave dwelling, laughing heartily as he said, "So it's Senior Brother Tong. Please, come in."

Tong Guan entered the cave dwelling with his son, Tong Jin, and immediately saw the White Dog lying on the ground. Its pure white fur, lively dark eyes, and the abundant vital energy filling its body—it was indeed exceptionally spirited.

A monster of such quality was a rare find, even in this desolate mountain.

Tong Guan was one thing; after all, he had decades of cultivation and was already at the peak of Cauldron Forging. Ordinary monsters no longer caught his eye.

But Tong Jin, following behind him, was staring intently at Wu Tian, his eyes wide, practically drooling. The thought of refining such a white-furred, delicate White Dog into a Beast Robe was enough to make him excited...

"Jin'er, quickly pay your respects to Uncle Man Xiong," Tong Guan called out, jolting Tong Jin, who had become somewhat discomposed, back to his senses.

He quickly bowed to Man Xiongmu, "This disciple pays respects to Uncle Man Xiong."

"No need for formalities, Senior Brother Tong, please have a seat!" Man Xiongmu gestured for Tong Guan to sit. As for Tong Jin, he didn't have a seat yet and could only stand obediently beside Tong Guan.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Tong Guan directly stated his purpose, "Junior Brother Man Xiong, Jin'er is my only son. We cultivators have difficulty having offspring, and I never expected to have this child unexpectedly."

"Fortunately, he is quite promising, with an innate superior immortal root. He has some good fortune and recently completed his Qi circulation, beginning to condense True Qi."

"As you know, Junior Brother, our Wild Dog Cave lineage needs to refine Beast Robes using the fur and bones of dog demons."

"I heard from someone that you, Junior Brother, have raised a White Dog that has become a spirit. That's why I've come to ask for your favor. I hope you can grant it."

Tong Guan, for the sake of his son, had abandoned his usual arrogant demeanor, speaking with more humility and sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Man Xiongmu couldn't help but frown, his expression turning grim. He said stiffly, "Senior Brother, who was it that gave you this information?"

Without waiting for Tong Guan to speak further, he continued, "The White Dog I've raised in my cave is not a monster that has developed demonic energy, but one that has cultivated our sect's Tongyou Qi."

"I am nurturing it along the path of a Spiritual Beast, hoping it can forge a divine body in the future and become human, adding a guardian to my Qiyun Cave."

"I cannot agree to your request, Senior Brother."

Hearing this, Tong Guan narrowed his eyes. His pair of dark green pupils retained only a sliver of green, as cold as a blade.

"Oh? Is that so."

"This is not a major issue. If Junior Brother wishes to cultivate a Spiritual Beast guardian, I can find you other monsters with excellent bloodlines, or provide some resources."

"I see this White Dog has likely only recently become a spirit, so it shouldn't have delayed Junior Brother for too long."

"Please, give me some face, Junior Brother. I am willing to pay the corresponding price."

He truly felt that Man Xiongmu's words were an attempt to haggle, and he was already somewhat displeased. But for his son, he suppressed his anger.

Man Xiongmu directly interrupted him, "Senior Brother, I have already said, I am cultivating this White Dog as a guardian. I have no intention of exchanging it. I apologize for disappointing Senior Brother."

Tong Guan said nothing further. The atmosphere in the entire cave dwelling became incredibly oppressive and silent, making even breathing difficult.

Wu Tian, standing by, felt naked malice, as if a ferocious beast had opened its gaping maw, ready to swallow him whole. The feeling sent shivers down his spine.

Seeing that his father had been silent for a long time, Tong Jin couldn't help but become impatient. He called out from behind his father, "Father!!"

Tong Guan's fierce and cold aura slightly receded. He said calmly, "Man Xiongmu, you know my temper. I am taking this White Dog. Tell me what you want, and as long as it's not too excessive, I will agree."

"If it weren't for my son, heh!"

If it were in his earlier years, he would have likely struck down this White Dog on the spot and then left in a huff.

What could a mere Qiyun Cave do to him?

Man Xiongmu had just stepped into the Law Refining Realm. He probably hadn't even condensed a Law Seed. What right did he have to put on airs in front of him?

Man Xiongmu's expression also turned cold. "Tong Guan, I have already said, I am not selling this White Dog of mine."

"I need to meditate and cultivate. I am not in a position to receive guests."

"Gentlemen, please!"

The cave dwelling's entrance swung open with a bang, sunlight pouring in, illuminating the swirling dust with golden specks.

"Fine, very fine," Tong Guan stood up, his face returning to a placid expression. "Jin'er, let's go."

Tong Jin was both angry and annoyed. He pointed at Man Xiongmu and cursed, "Old man, how dare you not give my father face? Believe it or not..."

"Presumptuous!" Man Xiongmu was completely enraged. His pupils instantly turned dark gold, and a sinister, strange wind erupted from behind him, instantly sweeping through the entire cave dwelling, making it feel as if it had plunged into the netherworld, with a chilling aura that pierced to the bone.

Tong Guan pulled Tong Jin behind him protectively. His wide black robe billowed in the sinister wind, and from the cloak that had transformed from the Beast Robe, the ferocious roars of vicious dogs could be faintly heard.

"My son is not for you to lecture."

"What, Man Xiongmu? Do you want to spar with me?"

He grinned, revealing his ferocious and chilling teeth. "You ungrateful wretch, I'm taking this White Dog, dead or alive."

"Heh heh, there's nothing I've ever wanted that I couldn't get."

Man Xiongmu laughed in extreme anger, calming down in the face of the situation. Seven parts of his anger had been feigned all along, and he had already foreseen this predicament; the arrogance of Wild Dog Cave wasn't a recent development.

He slowly sat back down, his tone indifferent. "Tong Guan, it's not that I look down on you, but you're not worthy of laying a hand on this White Dog."

"See what this is?"

With that, he flicked his sleeve and sent a beam of pháp quang from his right hand, which landed directly on Wu Tian.

Instantly, golden light surged from Wu Tian, coalescing into six ancient characters. A cold, feminine voice echoed through the cave dwelling.

"Permitted to enter the mountain for cultivation."

Tong Guan was stunned at first, but he quickly recalled a certain entity. His expression changed on the spot. Without a word, he grabbed Tong Jin and turned to leave.

Even Wu Tian was bewildered; he hadn't known about this golden light on him.

After Tong Guan and his son had disappeared, he asked, a mix of shock and joy in his voice, "Master, what was that just now?"