I Tame Beasts by Feeding

"Of course. Xu’er was my disciple as well," Mu Yongxian nodded, the sorrow on his face not diminishing in the slightest. Inwardly, however, he silently breathed a sigh of relief.

The Yang Family was a powerful force entrenched in the Southwest Land of the Martial Continent, and they had been expanding continuously in recent years. Though their core family members were few, every single one was a mighty expert.

With a Purple Mansion ancestor in their family, no one dared to provoke them under normal circumstances.

They primarily relied on the Spirit Beast and Spiritual Ore businesses. In fact, besides the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower, the Yang Family’s influence could be found behind most of the Spirit Beast trade on the Martial Continent.

This was also why they were able to gather such rare tamed beasts as the Celestial Cyan Sub-Dragon and the Celestial Shadow Dragon for Yang Chengxu.

As the Patriarch of the Yang Family, a clan that could be called a behemoth, Yang Pengju was naturally an extraordinary man.

Despite the pain of losing his son, after an initial outburst, Yang Pengju quickly composed himself. Even with immense agony in his heart, he appeared relatively calm and collected as he faced Mu Yongxian and spoke in a sorrowful tone.

"Although this matter was the doing of the Purple Rainbow Sect, it happened within the Wanxiang Sect, so I’m sure you cannot escape the blame. Please compile a report for me, Fellow Daoist Mu, with information on everyone who was inside the Secret Realm. Include everything that happened before they entered, the more detailed, the better."

"Alright."

Mu Yongxian nodded, choking back a sob. He wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, then reached into his Storage Pouch, took out a Jade Tube, and handed it to Yang Pengju.

"This contains everything that happened after their arrival at the Wanxiang Sect, including recordings and all the information on the participating disciples. Please take a look, Fellow Daoist Yang."

Since he had come to apologize for the death, Mu Yongxian had naturally come prepared.

Yang Pengju wasted no words. He took the Jade Tube and swept it with his Divine Sense. A moment later, he slowly lowered it, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

’Meng Wuan... a disciple of Qing Zhu Master... and besides him, there’s someone else... Yu Changsheng...’

As Yang Chengxu’s father, he knew his son better than anyone. He was perfectly aware of his son’s purpose for going to the Wanxiang Sect.

"For this matter, let’s not act rashly and alert our targets. For now, we’ll let things be. Fellow Daoist Mu, there’s no need to be overly grieved. I will make arrangements. We just need to wait for an opportunity..."

Yang Pengju fell silent for a moment and let out a soft breath, the light in his eyes flickering with hesitation. A moment later, as if having made a decision, he looked up at Mu Yongxian and spoke again.

"Additionally, I must trouble Fellow Daoist Mu to relay a message to Jiang Tiancheng. Just say that Brother Yang hasn’t seen Brother Tiancheng in a long time and misses him greatly. I hope he can find the time to visit the Yang Family for a reunion, to share some fine wine, and to welcome a distinguished guest with me."

Jiang Tiancheng was, in fact, the Sect Leader of the Spirit Dragon Sect.

Upon hearing this, Mu Yongxian’s mind raced. Though he had his doubts about Yang Pengju’s words, he didn’t press for details. He simply bowed his head to Yang Pengju and promised, "Yes, I will be sure to relay the message. And please, Fellow Daoist Yang, try not to be too consumed by grief. In this matter concerning Xu’er, we... will face it together."

"Excellent."

At this, Yang Pengju managed to force a faint smile. Mu Yongxian did not linger; after another inward sigh of relief, he gave a wave of his hand and departed.

’It seems some things truly are destined. Xu’er, your father will avenge you. Just wait a little longer...’

As he watched Mu Yongxian depart, Yang Pengju’s expression turned completely grim. He clasped his hands behind his back, gazed into the distance, and muttered to himself.

"As Xu’er’s personal guard, you failed to protect your Young Master. I will spare your life this time, but only because you are still of some use."

"Since you suspect there’s something amiss with this Yu Changsheng, go and investigate him in secret. If you get the chance, capture him alive and bring him to me. If that’s not possible... he doesn’t need to be alive."

Yang Pengju spoke in a low, grim voice. A black-robed figure slowly materialized behind him, bowed silently, and then melted back into the shadows in an instant.

"As you command."

......

Meanwhile, back in the Wanxiang Sect, Yu Changsheng’s life had returned to a peaceful routine: Cultivation, feeding his beasts, and Alchemy.

Business at the Odd Demon Pavilion was booming, and it had become rather well-known. With its growing fame, it naturally attracted some who came to probe, but most only watched from the shadows, not daring to act rashly since they couldn’t ascertain his background.

Yu Changsheng paid them no mind. This continued until another week had passed, when Yu Changsheng, who was in the attic, felt a stir. His eyes slowly opened, revealing a hint of suspicion and alarm.

’A Golden Core expert... It seems they’re coming for this place...’

Yu Changsheng muttered to himself and took a deep breath. After a moment’s thought, he took out his Communication Jade Tube and transmitted a short message. Then, he ended his Cultivation session, slowly rose, and went downstairs.

Within the range of his Divine Sense, he had detected a Golden Core Expert heading for the Odd Demon Pavilion.

The expert’s aura was like a beacon in the night, impossible to ignore.

"Brew a pot of tea. We’re about to have a visitor."

Once downstairs, Yu Changsheng let out a quiet breath. He calmly took out a black mask and put it on, infusing it with his Divine Sense to form a protective layer. Using a Disguise Treasure Pearl, he then adjusted his own aura to mimic the Golden Core realm before leisurely sitting down behind the counter.

"Ah? Okay."

Yu Dahai was startled, but seeing Yu Changsheng’s sudden transformation, he clearly realized something was amiss. He nodded and went to do as he was told.

Yu Changsheng tapped his fingers lightly on the counter. Before long, a tall, burly figure appeared at the entrance of the Odd Demon Pavilion, stopping on the threshold. His frame blocked the sunlight, casting the entrance in shadow.

"Fellow Daoist, you’ve come a long way. What can I help you with?"

Yu Changsheng spoke, his voice deliberately hoarse, as he slowly looked up at the newcomer.

The newcomer was tall and powerfully built, with rugged features. A scar snaked across his right cheek like a centipede, twisting with every facial movement. He looked middle-aged, with a thick beard and simple clothes, and a faint, intermittent aura of Blood Evil Qi emanated from him.

While his face was ferocious and intimidating, what was even more attention-grabbing was the oppressive pressure he radiated. This was not the aura of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, but a Golden Core Expert!

"Are you the shopkeeper here?"

As Yu Changsheng sized up the man, the burly cultivator was doing the same to him. He spoke in a low, deep voice.

"I am."

Yu Changsheng nodded, his aura steady as he met the man’s gaze.

The burly cultivator remained silent, his hawk-like eyes fixed on Yu Changsheng with extreme aggression. He deliberately directed the pressure of his Golden Core cultivation toward him.

"It’s broad daylight. Why are you wearing a mask? Do you have something to hide?"

After a long moment, the burly cultivator spoke gruffly, a flicker of suspicion and uncertainty in his eyes as he stared at Yu Changsheng.

’I can’t see through his disguise. This can only mean one of two things: either the mask is a treasure, or his Divine Sense is on par with mine.’

"And what if I am wearing a mask? Are you not doing the same, Fellow Daoist, hiding your true face from others?"

Yu Changsheng was unfazed, his voice remaining calm and steady as he replied.

The burly cultivator fell silent. Sensing Yu Changsheng’s aura, he was momentarily unsure of what to make of him.

"Yu Changsheng?"

After a moment, the burly cultivator suddenly called out the name, staring into Yu Changsheng’s eyes.

Yu Changsheng was speechless and could only stare at him in confusion.

"I don’t believe I recognize you, Fellow Daoist. You look rather unfamiliar. Why the sudden visit? Are you looking to buy a Spirit Beast? If so, my Ten Thousand Beasts Tower has a wide selection. Perhaps you’d care to come over and browse?"

Just as the two were locked in a standoff, a steady, resonant voice suddenly interrupted them.

They both looked over. At some point, two figures—an older man and a younger one—had appeared together at the entrance to the Odd Demon Pavilion.

The younger of the two, who had a carefree and roguish air about him, was none other than Li Minghan.

The man beside Li Minghan wore a white Daoist Robe embroidered with lifelike patterns of clouds, mist, and various Spirit Beasts. He had sharp brows, bright eyes, and a profound gaze. With the appearance of a middle-aged man, he had a healthy complexion and a posture as straight as a sword. His long hair was tied up in a topknot, and he bore a strong resemblance to Li Minghan.

More importantly, the aura surging from him was also that of a Golden Core expert—and not just an ordinary one, but an expert at the very Peak of the Golden Core realm!