Beast King Mountain.
In the southwest of Huang Province, there sprawls an ancient bear, dominating a realm. Its paw strikes the earth, sculpting mountains that span tens of thousands of miles.
It is benevolent by nature and protects all the beasts of the eight directions; evil demons dare not intrude. The beasts living in the mountains are mostly harmonious, with few violent and rash individuals. They cultivate the Spiritual Energy of heaven and earth, embody the vital essence of the cosmos, and battle mightily while living freely—it is a paradise for the Beast Race, a place all Demon Beasts yearn for…
The vast and extending Beast King Mountain, winding for tens of thousands of miles, resembles a colossal ancient beast crouching on the ground.
At the mountain gate.
Two Bone Power Sheep, armed with Fine Iron Steel Forks, stood like door gods. They patrolled back and forth, inspecting any small creature that dared to approach the entrance of Beast King Mountain.
"Yo, it's the same two old brothers guarding the mountain today?"
The earth quivered as a Jinmao Rat scurried out. He quickly bowed to the two Patrolling Mountain Little Demons.
Although they were just Patrolling Mountain Little Demons, these two Bone Power Sheep possessed immense strength. Most importantly, it was said they carried the bloodline of Ancient Beasts, inherently bestowed with the extraordinary talents of listening across a thousand miles like a breeze and seeing mundane worldly affairs within a vast radius.
They were what Cultivators referred to as having the "thousand-mile eye" and "wind-accompanying ear."
Of course, it's not quite that exaggerated, Master Jin San knew.
"I was wondering what that strange noise from the ground was! It turns out it's you, you Jinmao Rat!" one of the horned Little Demon sheep said, pointing his steel fork—at least ten feet long—at the Jinmao Rat. "Why have you returned? When you left Beast King Mountain that day, didn't you state clearly that if you didn't complete the task set by the King, you would never set foot in Beast King Mountain again?"
"Have you returned because you've completed your task?"
"If so, I'll report back to the King immediately. If not, then leave quickly."
The two Bone Power Sheep, strong and imposing, looked down at the Jinmao Rat with serious gazes.
Hesitating for a moment, the Jinmao Rat nodded and said,
"I guess I finished it…"
"Finished is finished! What do you mean 'guess'? What cunning scheme are you plotting now, you thieving rat?"
"Finished, it's finished." The Jinmao Rat steeled his heart and touched the object given to him by the human inside his robe.
"Alright then, I'll go report to the King now. Stay put here," the horned Little Demon sheep said before leaving.
The Jinmao Rat waited, his heart pounding with anxiety. Raising his head, he gazed at the great mountain ahead, vaguely discerning the location of his home.
The internal structure of Beast King Mountain was quite complex due to the variety of Beast Races residing there. Almost every type of environment preferred by different beasts could be found within.
In the mountains, there were swamps, secluded valleys, snowy woods, lava caves, windy plains, underground chambers, and so on.
At the very top, the highest part of Beast King Mountain, lay the Three Saints Cave—the dwelling place of King Xiong Ba.
It was said that King Xiong Ba had three sworn brothers, collectively known as the Three Saints of the Beast Race, and that was why the King's residence was named as such... The Jinmao Rat had never seen them; he had only heard of them from many Little Demon Beasts.
Before long, the horned Little Demon sheep returned, accompanied by a demon wearing a fox mask, who was always found by the King's side.
The Ghost Demon Fox was considered one of King Xiong Ba's most trusted advisors and was deeply trusted by the King.
Many affairs of Beast King Mountain were sometimes handled by this Demon Fox.
"Honorable Demon Fox!" The Jinmao Rat bowed in greeting.
"Come with me." The Demon Fox's voice was icy. He was dressed in a simple blue cloak with a gloomy fox head on the shoulder protector.
It was a Fox Fur Cloak made from fox skin, which looked extremely macabre.
The Jinmao Rat hurriedly followed behind the Ghost Demon Fox.
With a sweep of his sleeve, the Ghost Demon Fox summoned a bamboo leaf-shaped Magic Artifact. Carrying the Jinmao Rat, they rode the wind upward, straight to the Three Saints Cave at the top of all the mountains.
Upon entering the vicinity of this cave, there were fewer Patrolling Mountain Little Demons around. Instead, many lavishly dressed dancers of the Beast Race were coming and going.
"Is the King indulging in music and dance again today?" the Jinmao Rat asked softly.
In recent years, King Xiong Ba seemed to have grown somewhat weary, seldom managing the affairs of the mountain.
He had even started to imitate those human emperors of the Mortal World, indulging in nightly music and festivities…
"Don't ask what shouldn't be asked," cautioned the Ghost Demon Fox.
Soon, they entered the Three Saints Cave, and the sounds of elegant and melodious music wafted into their ears. In front, rows of rabbit-clan Beast Race females, wearing light and thin silks found who knows where, were gracefully twisting their figures. Beneath the translucent fabric, their rosy fur, full of youthful vigor, was vaguely visible, exuding a vibrant charm with their light and beautiful dance.
So beautiful, the Jinmao Rat thought.
These had to be the Beast Race females of the Moon Rabbit clan. They looked young and their expressions were willing, clearly indicating they had come here of their own accord, not by force.
Indeed, it used to be rare for the King to arrange such entertainment in the mountains.
"The King has urgent matters to attend to, everyone leave!" barked the Ghost-faced Fox upon entry.
The multitude of Beast Race females stopped abruptly, and even the dozen or so Little Spirit Birds playing string and woodwind instruments hurriedly ceased.
The whole cave instantly fell silent.
"Hmm?"
At that moment, at the highest point of the Three Saints Cave, a giant bear who had been half-dozing on the throne opened his eyes.
The Jinmao Rat's breath hitched as he looked toward the King.
It had been a long time since he'd last seen him, but the King was still as burly as ever. His glossy black fur gave off a captivating chill. He was draped in a crimson cape made from Dragon's Scales, adding a touch of majestic authority. Around his neck hung a Necklace made from the sinews of an Ancient Beast, exuding overpowering dominance…
Every time I see the King, I feel he's the ultimate embodiment of the Beast Race, the Jinmao Rat thought.
"King, there are important matters that need addressing," said the Ghost-faced Fox in a deep voice.
"What matters!" King Xiong Ba slapped his cushion and slurred with drink, "Just deal with them yourself. I only want to enjoy myself right now!"
"Continue the music, continue the dance!"
"..."
The rabbit females and Little Spirit Birds on the other side exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.
"King, this concerns the Heavenly Revelation Secret Treasure," the Ghost-faced Fox slowly said.
"Hmm..."
King Xiong Ba opened his eyes, frowned, and waved them off. "You all may leave. Today's music and dance were quite enjoyable, but that will be all the King wishes to appreciate for today."
"Yes!" Both groups of the Beast Race gracefully retreated.
"Where is the Treasure?" the Ghost-faced Fox turned to the Jinmao Rat.
At this, the Jinmao Rat suddenly knelt with a THUMP and said,
"King, that, that... I have important matters to report..."
King Xiong Ba spread his massive legs apart, his gaze sobering in an instant. He sat forward on his throne, his crossed bear paws propped under his chin and resting on his thighs, staring down at the Jinmao Rat below. A strong sense of oppression filled the cave, turning it as cold as an iceberg.
"Speak."
The Jinmao Rat immediately recounted the details of the incident thoroughly.
He kept to his promise, not disclosing Wang Mu's name, only mentioning that he had encountered a mysterious person in the Holy Land, who had caught him...
Afterward, he presented the scroll.
After hearing the account, before King Xiong Ba had a chance to speak, the Ghost-faced Fox next to him burst out angrily,
"You thieving rat, you believe such nonsense? A mere human, with this worthless thing, dares to claim it rivals the Heavenly Revelation Secret Treasure, and you expect the King to protect a Jinmao Rat that has undoubtedly made countless enemies outside?"
The Jinmao Rat trembled, praying fervently in his heart that this item would be useful.
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.