Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Bear King

Dog Vanguard led his small team into the territory of the Giant Python King, where they were surrounded by nothing but venomous snakes and massive pythons. Having formed his own demon core, Dog Vanguard was not particularly afraid of the poisonous creatures around him. However, the fledgling spirits following behind him were still in a state of ignorance; they were innately terrified of poisonous beasts and couldn’t control their emotions, causing their legs to tremble uncontrollably.

“Giant Python King, our lord has sent a message. Will you come out to receive it?” Dog Vanguard called out, knowing that if they continued forward like this, these newly awakened spirits might be scared half to death.

He activated his demon core and shouted into the mass of pythons.

Sure enough, a path slowly opened among the writhing serpents, and a massive azure python, at least several dozen yards long, slithered toward Dog Vanguard along the path.

“What important business brings you here on behalf of King Yurong?” The booming male voice from the python’s mouth only intensified the fear among the spirits behind Dog Vanguard; some even collapsed to the ground, unable to withstand it.

Confronted by the Python King’s intimidating presence, Dog Vanguard dared not shield the spirits behind him. He wasn’t sure of the Python King’s temperament—if he angered the python now, they could all end up as a meal.

“Our lord is no longer King Yurong.”

“What? Who conquered Five Camphor Grotto? Why haven’t I heard any news?” The Python King was clearly surprised by Dog Vanguard’s words.

“It’s not like that. King Yurong is now our Second Lord. The new lord is King Divine Ape, Yurong’s sworn elder brother.” Fearing a misunderstanding, Dog Vanguard quickly explained.

“Oh? So what message does your new lord send?” The Python King looked at Dog Vanguard with a trace of interest.

Staring into the python’s lantern-sized eyes, Dog Vanguard’s eyelids twitched. If he said the wrong thing now, would he be swallowed whole on the spot?

“Our lord commands that you submit to Five Camphor Grotto within three days.” As soon as Dog Vanguard finished speaking, a chilling aura swept toward him.

“Run!” With a single shout, Dog Vanguard immediately fled, no longer caring if his team could keep up; saving his own life was all he could manage.

The surrounding pythons attacked Dog Vanguard and his squad, engulfing them in a sea of snakes. Dog Vanguard summoned all his speed, flying toward the sky. Having only just formed his demon core, he couldn’t truly ride the clouds—at best, he could crawl along them, but even this was pushed to its utmost.

“Eagle Vanguard, save me!” A giant eagle swooped down, grabbing the fleeing Dog Vanguard and soaring into the sky.

High above, Eagle Vanguard realized something was amiss—why hadn’t the Python King charged after them? Gazing down, he saw only the chorus of hissing snakes; the Python King himself appeared deep in thought.

Given the Python King’s usual temper, he would have devoured Dog Vanguard by now. Yet he had allowed Dog Vanguard to escape unharmed, even though the rest of the team had perished among the serpents. The king had given no order to pursue.

“Go back and tell your new lord—if he has the guts, let him come take this territory himself. If not, stay tucked away in Five Camphor Grotto and don’t come out to make a fool of yourselves!” The Python King looked up and shouted at Dog Vanguard and Eagle Vanguard as they hovered in the sky.

“Let’s go back!” Though the situation had been perilous, they had escaped without fatal harm—dangerous, but ultimately a narrow escape.

Eagle Vanguard carried Dog Vanguard swiftly back to Five Camphor Grotto.

“Something’s wrong, Dog Vanguard, Eagle Vanguard—Wolf Vanguard is badly wounded. The lord is tending to his injuries right now!” A demon soldier rushed to meet them as they returned.

Wolf Vanguard had been sent to the human kingdom, which was supposed to be the safest mission. Yet he was the first to be reported injured.

Dog Vanguard and Eagle Vanguard hurried into the cave, where they saw Wolf Vanguard lying flat before Yuan Wuji. Yuan Wuji was channeling a strand of life force from the depths of Five Camphor Grotto into Wolf Vanguard’s body, guiding it to circulate within him. It was only a matter of time before Wolf Vanguard’s wounds were fully healed.

“Now, only Sheep Vanguard has yet to return. Dog Vanguard, Eagle Vanguard, and Wolf Vanguard—tell me everything you’ve encountered and heard,” Yuan Wuji said after tending to Wolf Vanguard’s wounds.

Dog Vanguard and Eagle Vanguard reported all that had happened with the Python King, leaving nothing out.

“Let’s see if he still dares speak so boldly when the time comes.” Yuan Wuji knew all these demon kings had their tempers, but he was not one to be taken lightly. Those who dared speak to him in such a manner would answer for their words.

“Wolf Vanguard, what happened on your mission? How did you end up so gravely injured?” Yuan Wuji raised his hands, using his magic to lift Wolf Vanguard so he could speak.

“My lord, when I arrived, the emperor himself, accompanied by his grand advisor and ministers, came to greet us. We were well received with fine wine and food. I stated our purpose, and they showed us no hostility. But as we were leaving for the human kingdom, we were ambushed. The leader was at least a late-stage demon core cultivator. I was outmatched; the whole team perished, and I barely escaped with my life.” Wolf Vanguard recounted the ordeal with difficulty.

Yuan Wuji gently laid the wounded Wolf Vanguard down.

“My lord, Sheep Vanguard is being pursued by Bear King’s troops!” A small demon rushed in, breathless with urgency.

“It seems we must deal with Bear King first. Where is Sheep Vanguard now?” Yuan Wuji grabbed the little demon, and in the astonished eyes of the three vanguards, disappeared from Five Camphor Grotto in an instant.

“Wha…what kind of divine art was that?” Dog Vanguard had never seen such a technique and was too stunned to react.

“That way…” The little demon, still in Yuan Wuji’s grasp, found himself suddenly high above Five Camphor Grotto.

Following the little demon’s direction, Yuan Wuji used the Golden Light Earth-Leaping Art, covering a thousand miles in a breath. Soon, he saw Sheep Vanguard being pursued by Bear King, alongside a cat demon on the verge of forming her own demon core.

“Sheep Vanguard, over here!” The little demon in Yuan Wuji’s hand shouted loudly to the two being chased.

Sheep Vanguard and the cat demon ran to Yuan Wuji’s side, turning to stand behind him and facing Bear King’s forces.

“My lord, Bear King is with that group. He says he wants to kill his way before you and demand an answer,” Sheep Vanguard whispered in Yuan Wuji’s ear.

“Sis, are you all right?” The little demon leapt from Yuan Wuji’s hand, rushed to the cat demon, and asked with concern.

“We’ll talk when we get back,” the cat demon replied, patting the little demon’s head and motioning for her to hide behind, unsure if the lord could protect them all if battle erupted.

“Bear King, do you dare come out and face me?” Yuan Wuji activated the golden metal core within him, and his roar, laced with metallic energy, stunned the front ranks of enemy demons.

“How domineering, King Divine Ape!” From the ranks of the demon soldiers, a burly man nearly nine feet tall stepped forward.

Bear King, having taken human form, strode out to meet Yuan Wuji’s gaze.