"But they aren't members of our Haibei Tribe. I'm afraid doing this would be rather improper."
"Do you call the shots in our Haibei Tribe, or do I, your ancestor? Huh? Once I carve Soul Marks on them, they're members of our Haibei Tribe. Look at what that stupid bird has amounted to. Do you want those children to become heirs to a dog?"
Artifact Spirit Ancestor's shouting left Mu Bai speechless. Despite being humiliated like this, Golden Roc was not annoyed. Still in the form of Big Yellow Dog, he wagged his head with his tongue hanging out, waiting for Mu Bai's weightiest decision.
"Ancestor, I understand what you mean, and I understand how you feel. Strictly speaking, though, my Uncle Hai Zhan is the Haibei Tribe's Clan Patriarch now. Without his agreement, I can't make this decision myself."
"Heh, does that little old fellow have more seniority than me? If I say it's fine, it's fine!"
"We should at least hear what the children think."
"As long as they aren't idiots or fools, they'll know what a tremendous opportunity and blessing it is to choose me. Only an idiot would think of choosing this stupid bird."
Golden Roc's silence did not mean he failed to understand what Artifact Spirit Ancestor was saying. He might have been rather simple and honest, but he was not made of clay. He immediately stretched out his neck, the dog fur on it bristling as he growled angrily at Artifact Spirit Ancestor.
"Oh, don't like being called stupid? Or don't like being told you're useless? What, want to have a match?"
Artifact Spirit Ancestor raised his hand to smack Golden Roc's head, but Golden Roc was now in a dog's body. He turned and bit Artifact Spirit Ancestor's wrist, baring his teeth, yet