99: Battle situation

Xuan Mo heard something about Bai Yao, turned his head, and looked in the direction of the sound, seeing several burly beastmen gathered together, conversing in low voices.

They were mentioning the words "Northern Region" and "Wolf Clan."

Bai Yao still couldn't help herself, immediately stepping forward quickly, "Big brothers, are you talking about the Wolf Clan in the Northern Territory?"

Several Male beastmen looked at Bai Yao upon hearing her voice, their gazes immediately falling upon Xuan Mo, who stood silently behind her.

Although Xuan Mo did not speak, the invisible pressure belonging to a Ninth-Rank Expert that emanated from him caused the beastmen to involuntarily shrink their necks, their momentum immediately dropping by half.

One of the beastmen, who appeared to be the Leader, quickly restrained his casual demeanor and replied respectfully, "Yes, respected Female. We frequently trade in the Northern Region."

"In previous years around this time, we could exchange for a lot of supplies from the Wolf Clan, especially fine cold-resistant furs."

"But this year... alas, the civil war over there is fierce. Especially recently, we heard the largest scale conflict broke out, cutting off the trade routes. We have no hope for supplies this year."

"What is the battle situation?"

Xuan Mo's deep voice rang out. He understood the cruelty of tribal warfare better than Bai Yao.

Although Lin had awakened his bloodline when he left, he had been wandering outside for many years, and his foundation was shallow. How could his uncle, Soro, be easy to deal with?

Can Wolf successfully gain the Tribe's recognition? Can he survive that bloody internal strife?

The Beastman shook his head, looking troubled, "We don't know the exact situation. We only heard that the Wolf Clan is currently divided into two factions. One faction is led by Soro, the Tribe's former Leader."

"The other faction... is supposedly led by a newly emerged Young Wolf Lord. The two sides are fighting fiercely, and the news is very chaotic."

Young Wolf Lord?

Bai Yao immediately understood that this must be referring to Lin.

Although the news was vague, it confirmed that Lin was indeed involved and at the center of the storm.

Her heart sank abruptly. These traveling merchants knew very little. She wanted to go to the Northern Region, but it was thousands of miles away and fraught with peril.

With her current strength, she wouldn't just be useless if she went; she would probably become a burden.

She forcefully suppressed her surging worries, thanked the beastmen, and then reluctantly turned to leave, her steps heavy.

She had to find a way to obtain more accurate information.

The Northern Region was far away. To get accurate intelligence in the Central Region, perhaps she could only seek help from that person.

The Fox Clan High Priest, Xing Che, known for his wisdom and intelligence network.

Bai Yao knew very well that Xing Che would never help easily; that calculating fox would certainly demand a price.

But no matter what, she needed to know news of Lin, and whether he was safe.

Having made up her mind, she decided to go find Xing Che later.

Lou Qi and Xuan Mo followed on either side of her, easily sensing her low spirits.

Through his last peek, Lou Qi already knew that Wolf was one of Bai Yao's mates.

Seeing Bai Yao so worried about another Male at this moment, a trace of displeasure arose in his heart—one he hadn't even deeply examined himself.

In his deeply ingrained view, the law of the Beast World was survival of the fittest. If Wolf truly fell in battle, it only proved he wasn't strong enough.

If he still needed to rely on a Female for rescue, it was a sign of weakness.

He couldn't understand Bai Yao's concern. How could a Male who wasn't strong enough be fit to be her mate?

However, he showed nothing on his face, merely lifting his seemingly innocent face and comforting her with a tender voice:

"Sister, don't worry too much, the beast god will protect him."

Bai Yao forced a smile and gently ruffled his hair, remaining silent.

Any comfort felt pale at this moment; she truly wasn't in the mood to deal with it.

Xuan Mo took in Bai Yao's worry and fear. He offered no verbal comfort, merely silently closed the distance of his protection.

Since that Wolf was absent, protecting her was his responsibility.

However, a more realistic problem surfaced in his mind: the Northern Region conflict was so intense that it was almost impossible for Wolf to return before winter arrived, and he might not even be free after winter passed.

So, what about winter?

He needed to hibernate.

At that time, who would protect Bai Yao?

Moreover, the creative abilities Bai Yao displayed were becoming increasingly noticeable, and it was hard to guarantee they wouldn't attract covetous gazes.

It seemed that finding another mate for Bai Yao had become the only urgent option.

This thought brought sharp pangs of pain to Xuan Mo's heart; the intense feeling of rejection almost suffocated him.

But rationality told him this was the most effective way to ensure Bai Yao's safety.

The new mate must be powerful enough, either possessing outstanding personal strength or a formidable background.

His gaze inadvertently swept over Lou Qi beside him, and an absurd thought flashed through his mind: this Little Cub also seemed particularly concerned about Bai Yao.

But he immediately shook his head internally, dismissing the thought. How could a Cub bear the responsibility of protection?

He actually had two potential candidates in mind.

Although he was extremely reluctant to admit it, their strength and background could indeed protect Bai Yao completely.

Fox Clan High Priest Xing Che, or the Young City Lord of Hundred Beasts City, Caesar.

Both of these men had interacted with Bai Yao, and based on Male intuition, Xuan Mo could sense their interest in her.

But would Bai Yao accept? If he proposed it rashly, it might backfire.

This matter must be resolved before winter arrives. Xuan Mo felt a headache coming on.

The three of them, each preoccupied with their own thoughts, continued walking along the bustling street.

Bai Yao was contemplating how to negotiate with Xing Che to exchange for information.

Before they knew it, they had walked into the central area of the market.

The buildings here were noticeably more gorgeous and exquisite, and the air was filled with the tempting aroma of food, clearly marking it as a high-end dining area.

Suddenly, a well-dressed, respectfully mannered Beastman Attendant blocked their way and bowed to Bai Yao:

"Esteemed Female, my master requests your presence."

Xuan Mo's eyes sharpened. He instantly shielded Bai Yao behind him, his powerful aura locking onto the Attendant.

"What is the matter?"

The Attendant was intimidated by the pressure of the Ninth-Rank Expert; cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead, and his body trembled slightly as he quickly explained:

"Please... please don't misunderstand. My master is the Young City Lord of Hundred Beasts City, Lord Caesar. He is in a private room upstairs and wishes to invite you all for a discussion. There is absolutely no ill intent."

Caesar?

Bai Yao was surprised.

She had only met this Young City Lord once in Hundred Beasts City, and they had no deep connection. Why the sudden invitation?

Xuan Mo's eyes shifted slightly, his mood complex. He had just thought of him, and now the person appeared?

Was this a coincidence, or...? Meanwhile, Lou Qi, standing nearby, felt alarm bells ring in his heart the moment he heard Caesar's name.

The City of Ten Thousand Evils and Hundred Beasts City were long-standing rivals. The higher-ups on both sides knew each other, and might have even crossed paths before.

If they went up to meet, would Caesar recognize him?

Although his current form was that of a Cub and his power was temporarily lost, there was always a chance... If his identity were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Just as Lou Qi was struggling internally, thinking of a way to escape, Bai Yao made her decision.

She was worried about the lack of reliable news sources. Hundred Beasts City was immensely powerful, and its intelligence network might not be inferior to the Fox Clan's. Prying for news of Wolf from Caesar might be a shortcut.

"Alright, please lead the way."

Bai Yao's clear voice rang out, interrupting Lou Qi's thoughts.

The Attendant looked as if he had been granted a general pardon and quickly led the way.

The three were led into a luxuriously decorated private room.

Hearing the movement, Caesar had already stood up and walked to the door to greet them, a proper smile on his handsome face:

"Thank you for honoring me with your presence. I apologize for the abrupt invitation, but I truly have something I wish to discuss with you."

However, as Lou Qi followed Bai Yao and Xuan Mo into the private room,

When Lou Qi clearly saw the situation inside, he was completely stunned.

Inside the room, besides Caesar, there was actually one more person.

A person he never would have imagined appearing in this place.