Even the Barbarians Had Backbone

Inside Yun Tian Pass.

Xiong Ju stared at the Country Lord's Scepter in his hand. Half a day had passed, yet it still showed no sign of stirring.

He was dumbfounded.

"H-how is this possible? Father!"

Disbelief filled Xiong Ju's face.

Once activated, the Country Lord's Scepter could summon his father.

It was his greatest reliance.

But now...

Beads of cold sweat rolled down his face.

He stared hard at the dull, lifeless scepter, then at the faces around him—cold, furious, mocking, even a little crazed.

His heart sank to the bottom of an abyss.

Chituli and Shuize Tu went pale as well.

They realized what it meant. Only someone on the Country Lord's level could keep him too occupied to descend.

And the most likely explanation...

Was that the one in Yang Province had made his move.

"Great Prince, it seems the Country Lord can't spare a thought for us right now."

The elder of the Xuan Wolf Tribe spoke quietly.

"Can you let us leave now?"

"Impossible!"

Xiong Ju roared the word almost without thinking.

He held the Country Lord's Scepter and commanded Yun Tian Pass.

If Yun Tian Pass fell under his command...

What would his father think of him?

The position of Country Lord would likely be beyond his reach for good.

Xiong Ju could not bear that.

He turned to Chituli, madness filling his eyes, and roared, "Chituli, I order you: today, anyone who dares take one step out of camp dies without mercy!"

Every gaze fell on Chituli.

For a moment, all the pressure rested on him.

Chituli's mouth twitched.

He drew a deep breath. In the end, he made his choice and stepped aside.

Seeing their leader move aside...

The warriors of the Chize Tribe behind him also parted to clear a path.