Chapter 287: The Call of the Wild

Qian Ye’s relationship with Yetong had always been hard to explain, and now before the suddenly sharper Zhuxi, it become even more inexplicable. Helpless and with a bitter smile, he sought to skirt the questions, but the little one wouldn’t allow that. Glaring hard and firing question after question, she looked determined to dig out the truth.

With no alternative, Qian Ye could only deploy his ultimate weapon, forcing the tiny beast back into the cabin.

That finally silenced Xiao Zhuxi; though the way her eyes kept spinning made it clear she was already plotting new tricks. Luckily for Qian Ye, although she’d grown older, she remained deeply attached to clinging to his side—even meat from a Fierce Beast couldn’t beat that joy. Just threatening to push her off made her obedient immediately.

Still, her teasing meant Qian Ye couldn’t return to his cultivation. He simply sat in meditation while thinking of Yetong.

Dragging this situation out couldn’t last forever. Whether it was Song Zining, Zhao Yuying, Ji Tianqing, or Li Kuanglan—though they never directly said anything, all would offer hints one way or another. Choosing quickly would actually be kinder for everyone in the end.

Yet was it just better to part with her?

Did he actually face choosing between brothers and lovers? The truth was: by hiding at that neutral ground, Qian Ye had actually evaded these decisions, avoiding facing the impossible choice headlong.

Yetong would, in the end, inevitably return to Evershadow.

The second Qian Ye recalled this, his heart tightened painfully, his breathing failing him. Their meeting deep within these Great Maw vortexes had gone completely against his desire; secretly he’d even wish the whole event had never occurred. In the depths of his instincts lay a fear—he seemed to see the terrible truth that each time saw them again, the nearer that final separation crept.

Far off remained that dreamlike image of a sacred Mountain, yet right before him already loomed their painful parting.

With Zhang Xuanque crushed, and the Heavenward Kingdom cowed in submission, Qian Ye now had no idea of what next. Initially he had made plans following on from this City Lord appointment of Tidehearing—but the moment he recalled that subtle inner hurt, his heart lost all desire to act anymore.

Only down into the freezing dark of the Battlefield Hall awaited him — its frozen empty depths truly being what his soul claimed as home.

At last, Qian Ye felt completely what The Pole King once must have, that between death’s farewell and life’s parting kiss, none really knows which truly aches deeper.

Silently, the Battlefield Hall drifted far from common realms as if it were sailing into the endless void. This deliberate evasion, Qian Ye prayed, would hide him where none could find—including, inevitably, Yetong.

Within Ancient Totems Castle, The Wolf King came striding from his bath — his steaming breath misting into air, water dripping from his fur, as he collected a waiting robe from a servant, tying it haphazardly while making his way into study. Strolling inside, he casually asked, “Any major developments?”

A servant answered, carefully, “Two communiqués just brought by envoys of the Heavenward Kingdom. Also: Zhang Xuanque’s returned; it seems Qingcheng saw Qian Ye disappear without leaving trails.”

The Wolf King’s eyebrows twitched with clear disgust, asking, “Another set from the Kingdom?”

“The first in two months, Great Warlock.”

Hm, he sneered, then asked coolly; “Is merely two months truly considered long?”

Knowing better than respond foolish words, the servants remained silent, entering along the Wolf King’s trail to the library, which had two great Wargen officers already waiting.

The Wolf King grumbled even more seeing this gathering, muttering, “What does early morning bustle mean now? Was this meeting your breakfast?”

But a captain replied, “Great Warboss, sooo much business awaits at the village!”

“Well… weren’t we honoring Ancestors’ Spirits at any ceremony? There shouldn’t be any such great crises needing me there!”

Another added mournfully, “Other small problems—ye’ might safely say—I handle them, but picking that next Holy One, must require Your Judgment!”

This did raise eyebrows; The Wolf King asked, “Another replacement needed so quickly? I clearly remember appointing one barely a few months back — did perhaps a mere three pass?”

“A mere quarter past.”

“Then, for the Spirits of Wolves why would another replacement be even needed?

“Well, Sir—he reports that in those calls to ancestors’ souls — he’s overwhelmed constantly by something massive trying calling his own essence—twice he injured attempting two of the summons alone against that power.”

His face altered subtly as the Wolf King asked, surprised, “Whose pull? From Void Krakens perhaps — Blood Origin elders, or else?”

“He cannot determine. Direction is just… emptiness. Nothing.”

That altered The Wolf King’s complexion further finally—exclaiming gravely, “The Savage Summons!”

“But Lord,” another asked cautiously, “What even IS The Wild Summons?”

Sighs echoed from the ancient leader as he muttered, “Not that concerning we should be worried… not really… it just wasn’t anything involving wolves.”

The subordinates breathed relief at that, though the second asked with caution, “But if related to wolves—then why do even you care?”

“It involves wolves—but not everything involving wolves is our concern. The Savage Harkening is so mighty that, once it begins, entire continents tremble and break under its call. Not for minor lords to fear.”

Reassured by the Wolf King’s expression, the general calmed momentarily.

Then thoughtfully he continued, “Yet… the little one sensing it at all—that shows considerable promise. Let’s care well for his growth. For a while at least there’s no need for new priests.”

One captain acknowledged this order, then the eyes of the Wolf King swerved to his second aide’s face while questioning gruffly: “And… what do YOU have?”

Indeed, his second aide oversaw External Tribes, with large chunks of their work relating the Heavenwards; but strangely the Wolf King, as of latest, reacted extremely whenever this House name arose in discourse.

This wolf knew full well that the timing today couldn’t be more wrong, and steeled himself before stating, “Commander—they brought a sealed demand letter from the Kingdom—require immediate word—and have attendants still waiting right outside within Totem!”

At the sound—the King huffed audibly enough that even within the chamber shivered—

But the Wolf still hesitated—not just angry, truly torn over how even this low matter forced its way past even temporary repose. With clenched patience he retrieved and studied those document sacks upon his desk, scoffing while remarking, “Tsk! Now those Heavenward snotlings puff cheeks with airs—each pretending to rival Bu Zhou’s glory.”

Such a remark though, left his subordinates speechless—they could afford to be blunt elsewhere in lesser roles—but diplomacy here tied to delicate affairs they had best handle delicately.

Thus with that first parchment retrieved—it took just seconds to open, skim over then show strange emotion: rechecking it thrice before facing them with unreadable stare: “You two already heard of this?”.

“You mean Qian Ye’s ascense upon being made over-lord of Tideharp City?”

“Already spread widely.”

“You heard of this… but why didn’t *I*—”

“Well…”

After recent isolation days — how soon would he receive rumors when the Alpha himself hid all the hours?

Witnessing the dilemma the subordinates faced, King waved off their worry, “Fine-fine! Just another few peaceful days… until now all hell breaks!”

Thus holding the second, heavier, private letter, he still waited instead wandering slightly throughout the chamber, then finally broke silence again: “Well then—what on earth has that brat Qian Ye pulled again?”.

Eyes met; silent nudgements flew between his under-leaders till the exterior representative coughed to say, “Apparently with Zhang as guarantee—Qian Ye negotiated this new post.”

“Truly? Verified?”

“Likely, yes.”

The Wolf King patted the documents thoughtfully, pondered further, then asked slyly, “Tell me, lads—who messed up more here? Bu Zhou for agreeing to this… or Qianxe for presuming his own worth so greatly.”

Silent still the pair remained.

Because within military minds both regarded act like suicide note. Demanding tribute from a figure so powerful was one thing—maybe even plausible, if just slipping through unnoticed as loose crumbs after all. Demand of actual ruling posts? Insane! A city over-lord meant responsibilities matched exactly with strength—the mismatching invited mere delays before one perished inevitably anyway.

Strangely the Wolf King stayed unusually serene this time — instead of rage as expected, waited patiently.

Then one finally offered up hesitantly, “Well considering Tideharp itself—the lad might actually have attempted biting YOUR territory, Commander?”

A sudden chuckling followed: “I’ll admit initially thought along those lines myself, yes. However, recent experiences with Qian Ye through Spiral Gates changed perspectives entirely — I wouldn’t care much who else took that cursed domain! Perhaps some other hand keeping things busy might be… acceptable. What do you think, then?”

In contrast this second, in-territorial General wasn’t so emotionally close to any external threat perceptions, therefore could think more rationally, offering cautiously now, “We oughtn’t underestimate Qian Ye. Besides his considerable allies within Empire factions who’d back such a move, there is his uncanny habit repeatedly winning impossible battles again and again from odds, extracting himself against all expectation… requesting Tideharp specifically—he very possibly has plans beyond mere vanity.”

Unexpected this made Wolf King howling in glee—brought mirthful challenge, laughing: “Who, ME, he’s copying? Winning through impossible?”

Then embarrassedly back tracked the aide, “No, Sir—actually meant that Qian’s recent return involved actually hurting Old Demon So Mu, so badly still causing issues to even this moment.”

Now that revelation did genuinely shake the mighty wolf’s countenance—asking astonished:

“So the old nuisance has already wounded? Excellent! I despised old Su forever, a schemer who advanced solely on flattery while always spew hatred toward those outside wolves using the damned ‘not of flesh or faith—will betray’ mantra!”

At which even the two subordinates showed darkened looks upon the mention of those same sentiments they suffered constantly.

Then finally tearing open the private dispatch with murmurs saying aloud: “Well probably already deduce what this one requires…”

The scroll read a straightforward order for Wolf King to eliminate Qian Ye opportunely—but caution: without drawing significant attention.

The generals understood the directive — confirmed their suspicions toward Kingdom’s hidden plans. Except the second clause still confused them.

Wolf King said blandly while summarizing conclusion: “Zhou personally recognizing Lordship… before quietly arranging a hidden assassin behind the scenes. A bit… unseemly in image, is it not.”

Both Wargen now completely followed this but their puzzlement multiplied instead?

Yet the great King, his face unreadable now continued thoughtfully:

“This move Qian Ye pulled… might possibly be some attempt at harming Bu Zhou’s credibility somehow… hmm…” Then he paused—glancing out dark horizon—asking himself with deeper murmur:

“…But just… what game is he ultimately playing?”