Under the oppressive presence of Cang Yan, Yun Qingxue anxiously pondered her next move. Delaying tactics were no longer viable—overuse would inevitably arouse Cang Yan’s suspicion, jeopardizing the plan she had devised with Feng Zihuang.
What should she do…
“Does the Beast King still remember the agreement we made when I first arrived in the Beast Clan?” After a moment of thought, Yun Qingxue tentatively spoke.
Cang Yan’s deep, penetrating gaze fixed on her, easily seeing through her attempt to divert the conversation. “Has Qingxue made up her mind?”
“Why must the Beast King dwell on whether I like you or not? Wouldn’t it be better to simply follow our original agreement?” Yun Qingxue smiled faintly, though the tension within her grew tighter. Promises were not to be given lightly—especially between rulers of their respective clans.
“Agreements must naturally be honored, but what I truly wish to know is whether Qingxue likes me or not!” Cang Yan pressed relentlessly. She wanted to evade the topic, but he refused to let her have her way. Today, he would force her to say those words herself.
“Is it really that important?” Yun Qingxue forced a lighthearted laugh.
Cang Yan countered, “Does Qingxue think it’s important?”
Given his current demeanor, how could she dare say it wasn’t?
Frowning, Yun Qingxue realized her attempt to redirect the conversation had failed. She was at a loss.
“Qingxue has half an hour left. After that, I expect your answer—spoken in the name of the Flower Queen!” Cang Yan’s eyes darkened. Her repeated delays only confirmed that she held no affection for him. But so what?
What Cang Yan desired, he always obtained. The throne of the Beast Clan was no exception, nor was the Flora Clan. Soon, the entire Xuanling Continent would bow to the Beast Clan—to him, the Wolf King.
Yun Qingxue would not be an exception. He would not allow it.
Her hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly. Would feigning unconsciousness work now? Against Cang Yan’s relentless pressure, she truly had no countermeasures left.
How could he be like this? This was practically coercion! Cang Yan was less of a Beast King and more of a bandit!
“Beast King, Flower Queen, what a coincidence.”
Just as Yun Qingxue found herself cornered, a voice rang out from afar. Feng Zihuang, clad in fiery red robes, and Jin Lin, draped in gold, approached leisurely.
To Yun Qingxue, Jin Lin’s voice at this moment was nothing short of heavenly.
Cang Yan narrowed his eyes, watching Yun Qingxue with an ambiguous smile. “Indeed, what a coincidence.”
Her heart sank further. Cang Yan must already suspect the three of them—or perhaps he had never let go of his suspicions, only now they had deepened.
“Such a fine scenic spot, yet it’s been reduced to such a mess?” Feng Zihuang frowned, seemingly lamenting the ruined beauty.
Jin Lin, however, brightened, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he looked toward Cang Yan and Yun Qingxue. “Could it be that the Beast King and Flower Queen were sparring here? That would explain the state of things!”
Without waiting for a response, Jin Lin turned eagerly to Cang Yan. “Last time we dueled, we never settled the score—it was unsatisfying. Since we all have time today, why not have another match?”
“The Dragon King and Phoenix King seem quite idle. Why don’t the two of you spar instead?” Cang Yan suggested coolly. He had no interest in humoring Jin Lin’s childish antics.
“Ah,” Jin Lin shook his head, “as the Beast King said, Brother Feng and I have ample leisure to spar anytime. But you, Beast King, seem busy. A chance to cross blades with you is rare indeed!”
He turned to Feng Zihuang. “Brother Feng, you wouldn’t believe how formidable the Beast King is in combat. Fighting him is exhilarating—a true match of equals!”
“Oh?” Feng Zihuang mused before smiling. “If Brother Jin says so, I’d also like to test my skills against the Beast King.”
Cang Yan’s fists clenched beneath his sleeves. The Dragon King and Phoenix King were clearly tag-teaming him—had they formed an alliance? Did they plan to gang up on him? Hmph! This was the Beast Clan’s territory. They had no right to act so brazenly here!
“Gentlemen,” Cang Yan coldly interrupted their banter, “I am currently accompanying the Flower Queen and have no time for sparring. If you’re so eager, why not duel each other?”
“Beast King, that’s not quite right,” Feng Zihuang smirked devilishly. “As the saying goes, ‘If love between both sides can last for years, why need they stay together night and day?’ You and the Flower Queen will have eternity together—why cling to this moment?
“Besides, since ancient times, beauties adore heroes. I’m sure the Flower Queen would love to witness the Beast King’s valor and prowess firsthand. Isn’t that right, Flower Queen?”
Feng Zihuang arched a brow at Yun Qingxue, his smile bewitching.
Clad in fiery red, his smile could topple cities.
Yun Qingxue chuckled softly before turning to Cang Yan with an innocent, almost childlike smile.
“Since we met, I’ve never seen you in combat.”
Cang Yan’s gaze deepened, like hidden undercurrents. “Qingxue wishes to see?”
Her playful smile grew impish. “The question you asked earlier—I need more time to think.”
Cang Yan’s expression darkened further. Yun Qingxue knew his suspicion toward her, Jin Lin, and Feng Zihuang was nearing its peak.
“Simply sitting here pondering is dull. How about we make a deal, Cang Yan?” Her tone grew more composed.
“What deal?” Cang Yan frowned.
“Since the Dragon King and Phoenix King are so eager, why not indulge them? First, a friendly spar between the three rulers of Xuanling would make for a legendary tale. Second, once the match ends, I’ll have had enough time to consider your question and give you my answer.”
Cang Yan studied her skeptically.
Yun Qingxue met his gaze with serene clarity, her eyes as transparent as spring water.
“Hahaha!” Jin Lin suddenly burst into laughter, eyeing Cang Yan teasingly. “With a beauty watching, if Brother Cang truly refuses, Brother Feng and I won’t force the matter!”
Beside him, Feng Zihuang lowered his head slightly, his lips curved in his usual smile. The Dragon King was far from the carefree fool he pretended to be—only a true master could wield such flawless provocation.
P.S.: Thank you to “Child Who Eats Porridge” for the amulet reward. Mwah!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage