Chapter 46: Busy with Affairs

The young man leaped from the floating airship, his steel-studded boots thudding heavily on the ground, producing a loud clatter. Dressed in leather from head to toe, with an open jacket revealing a black shirt embroidered with a massive wolf’s head, its blood-dripping fangs were particularly striking, as if he feared no one would know of his special relationship with the Wolf King.

Underneath his clothes, he had a variety of short knives, from slender blades the length of his fingers to broad, saw-toothed war knives the width of his forearms. He made no attempt to hide these knives, instead, he flaunted them.

Behind him, over a dozen other young men, all wearing black leather and bearing the emblem of the Wolf King, jumped down.

The young man sauntered up to Iron Bear, and with a smirk, asked, “You’re the boss here?”

“I am. May I ask who you are?” Iron Bear cautiously inquired.

The young man patted his chest, proudly declaring, “I am Xue Ding. You may not know me, but you must have heard of me. The Wolf King is my godfather!”

Iron Bear was taken aback. Everyone knew the Wolf King was a werewolf, yet this man, clearly a human, claimed the Wolf King as his godfather, and acted as if it were a point of pride. As for Xue Ding’s name, he had never even heard of it. However, regardless, the Wolf King controlled half of the Eastern Sea and was a formidable force that Iron Bear could not afford to offend.

Noticing Iron Bear’s dubious expression, Xue Ding smiled cryptically and, walking up to him, tapped his chest, saying, “Do you doubt my claim?”

A strong whirlwind suddenly swept around them, knocking Little Knife and others off balance.

Iron Bear’s face turned pale, feeling the intense power emanating from Xue Ding, like a swirling maelstrom of blue storm. Even without considering other factors, Xue Ding’s thirteen-level origin power alone was enough to suppress him completely.

Seeing Xue Ding’s strength, Iron Bear immediately suppressed any skepticism.

Xue Ding pointed to the group of black-clad youths, “They are the Black Wolves, my personal guards and reserves for the Wolf King’s guard.”

“The Wolf King indeed favors you,” Iron Bear said, his compliment sounding a bit forced.

Xue Ding, however, seemed quite pleased and laughed heartily, “My godfather has been very kind to me. So, do you still doubt my identity?”

Sweat beaded on Iron Bear’s forehead, “No, no, no. Who would dare to impersonate the Wolf King’s people in the Eastern Sea?”

“Good to know,” Xue Ding patted Iron Bear’s shoulder and led the way into the town, saying, “Though this place is a dump, let’s make do. First, prepare some food for us, then show us something entertaining.”

“Everything is ready, please follow me.”

Iron Bear led the way, guiding Xue Ding and the Black Wolves into the town. These Black Wolves, intent on showing their might, released their full aura, revealing their strength. A group of seventh and eighth-level warriors was enough to intimidate the entire town. Even Iron Bear would hesitate to confront them.

Xue Ding casually grabbed a young woman, felt her up, and pushed her aside, muttering, “Nothing much there.”

The girl, feeling like she had narrowly escaped death, quickly ran away, causing the Black Wolves to laugh. The townsfolk watched with indifference, though a few showed anger, but they dared not speak out. The four powerful origin vortices within Xue Ding were like mobile storms, capable of tearing anyone in the town to shreds.

Upon reaching Iron Bear’s residence, Xue Ding sat himself down in the center. Iron Bear ordered the servants to bring out the prepared food and drinks, filling the table.

Xue Ding’s eyes lit up, “Surprisingly, this small place has some good stuff!”

He pulled out a knife and stabbed a large piece of roasted meat, devouring it. Chewing, he mumbled, “Not bad, really not bad! This meat has a great taste. It’s either iron-rhino or mad bull, and a particularly fierce one at that. Only at my godfather’s place can I find such delicacies.”

As Xue Ding praised the food, Iron Bear grew uneasy. He hadn’t expected such high praise. To be honest, when Qian Ye brought the meat, he couldn’t identify what it was, guessing it might be armored cattle or iron rhinoceros. The variety of ferocious beasts in the Neutral Lands was vast, so he had it cooked and served to Xue Ding.

While eating, Xue Ding harshly criticized the cook, lamenting the waste of such fine ingredients. Before Iron Bear could fully grasp this, Little Knife, realizing the implication, hurriedly said, “There’s still a big piece left in the kitchen. I’ll have it wrapped and sent to your airship.”

“You’re smart, just the kind of person I like,” Xue Ding laughed, patting Little Knife, “Follow me, and I’ll promote you to a Black Wolf.”

Little Knife forced a smile, “Thank you, but my wife is pregnant. I’ll join you after the baby is born.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you!” Xue Ding replied generously.

The meal lasted until sunset and the night’s arrival. Satisfied, Xue Ding promised to halve the town’s taxes for the year, which delighted Iron Bear.

After several nudges from Little Knife, Iron Bear invited Xue Ding to take a tour of the town, taking whatever he fancied.

Pleased, Xue Ding praised both Iron Bear and Little Knife, then wandered through the town.

Despite its poverty, the local specialties were worth seeing. The few pretty girls, hoping to catch Xue Ding’s eye, tried to seduce him, but he, seemingly accepting all comers, only toyed with them before pushing them away, uninterested in anything more.

Suddenly, Xue Ding stopped, picking up a wooden carving. The sculpture depicted a fierce beast, tall and long-limbed, with a row of sharp bone spines running from its head to its back. The carving was lifelike, exuding explosive power, ready to strike at any moment.

“A Sword Beast? Here? Anyone who saw one and lived to tell the tale is no ordinary person!” Xue Ding muttered, examining the carving.

Iron Bear, unsure of its origin, pulled over the stall owner and quietly inquired.

“It was brought by a newcomer. He probably carved it himself. I liked the craftsmanship and the wood, so I bought it, planning to sell it inland,” the owner replied truthfully.

Xue Ding ran his fingers over the carving, his expression changing. Hearing the owner’s words, he sneered, “This isn’t just good craftsmanship. Whoever carved this likely has combat skills not far below mine. Give him a sword, and he could kill everyone in this town!”

Iron Bear’s face turned pale, recognizing the danger. Though he couldn’t judge the quality of the carving, he knew Qian Ye’s strength far surpassed his own. With Xue Ding’s temperament, trouble was brewing.

Indeed, Xue Ding said, “You say he’s new? Where is he now? This is an interesting fellow, worth a visit.”

Iron Bear replied, “He lives far away, and it’s dark now. The journey might be dangerous.”

Xue Ding sneered, “Some primitive races? I’m not afraid of them.”

Seizing the moment, Iron Bear said, “Alright, I’ll arrange a vehicle. The road is long and passes through a dark forest.”

“Dark forest?” Xue Ding’s expression changed, clearly wary of it.

“Just along the edge,” Iron Bear assured him.

“Alright, then,” Xue Ding relaxed.

While preparing the vehicle, Little Knife discreetly pulled Iron Bear aside, whispering, “Are you really taking them there? The newcomer is not to be trifled with.”

Iron Bear grimly replied, “I know. That’s why I’m taking him. If we can’t handle him, Xue Ding surely can. And if not, offending the Wolf King’s godson means he won’t last here either.”

Little Knife, startled, said, “Isn’t that risky? He’s not an easy target.”

Iron Bear snorted, “This is my territory. I won’t tolerate anyone stronger than me.”

Little Knife hesitated, then withdrew.

Soon, the convoy set off, heading towards the coast under the cover of night. They moved slowly, especially through the dark forest. Despite living in the area for years, Iron Bear remained cautious. To his surprise, the forest had shrunk significantly since his last visit, though he felt a vague unease.

Finally, they emerged from the forest. Xue Ding sighed in relief, “Such a short trip, and you’re so fearful?”

“The forest used to be much larger,” Iron Bear explained.

Nodding, Xue Ding understood.

Beyond the forest, the land was flat, and the convoy sped up, soon spotting Qian Ye’s small courtyard.

Xue Ding hopped out of the vehicle, about to head to the courtyard, when he spotted a figure by the sea. With keen eyesight, he recognized a man using a two-meter-long sword to carve wood.

“Is that him?” Xue Ding asked.

“Yes,” Iron Bear confirmed.

Holding up a hand to keep the Black Wolves in place, Xue Ding walked to the sea, approaching Qian Ye from behind.

Qian Ye, focused on his work, ignored Xue Ding.

Fist clenched, Xue Ding sneered, “So, you don’t even spare me a glance?”

“Busy,” Qian Ye muttered, not looking up, his mind on the mysterious entity in the sea, who had time for such pretentious displays?