Chapter 1729: Guarding the Entrance

“Boss Azure Dragon… acknowledged a master?”

Silence fell all around.

The Skyfire Phoenix, the Hou Tu Qilin, and the Netherdark Xuanwu all stood rooted to the spot, as if stunned.

They were very familiar with Boss Azure Dragon's willpower... yet the creature had prostrated itself on the ground after only a few words, completely devoid of dignity, and with an expression of extreme longing...

What had happened?

Not only were they bewildered, but Wu Changping, who was imprisoned, also felt like he was going crazy. To tame the Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger, he had expended countless efforts and promised countless treasures, even recruiting seven people and spending a Great Sage artifact... yet he had gained nothing and was even captured. This fellow, on the other hand, had tamed the Cloud Tiger in just a few minutes, and with a single sentence, made the Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood prostrate itself, not daring to retort. Could this really be happening?

“Sacrifice!”

Zhang Xuan smiled faintly. As long as one possessed Dragon bloodline within their body, the Eight Sounds of Heavenly Dragon would be the strongest weapon. Even though the Azure Dragon was high-leveled, it still couldn't escape this. It was precisely because Zhang Xuan knew this that he intentionally made the bet with it. The result was obvious; it easily fell for it. It wasn't that the opponent was easily tricked; rather, no one would have imagined that an ordinary human could speak the language that only true dragons could utter. Even more unfathomable was that a Golden Body realm fellow possessed so many tricks, catching even powerhouses like them off guard and capsizing them.

Despite its immense reluctance, the Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood had no choice but to offer its essence blood. After signing the contract, Zhang Xuan looked at the remaining three Saint Beasts: “It's your turn. I made the Azure Dragon submit with a single sentence, winning the bet... However, it was just an ordinary bet, not sworn to the heavens, nor did I use any special means. If you don't comply...”

“We possess the bloodline of ancient divine beasts burning within us; how could we go back on our word?”

“If we lost, we lost. Boss Azure Dragon acknowledges you, so there's nothing wrong with us acknowledging you as our master...”

“We just hope you won't force us to do anything against our principles...”

Though full of helplessness, the Hou Tu Qilin, Skyfire Phoenix, and Netherdark Xuanwu ultimately nodded in agreement and offered their essence blood. They were willing to accept their loss. Since the opponent could make their boss submit with a single sentence, acknowledging him as master wouldn't be a disgrace. Moreover, possessing divine beast bloodlines and surviving within the Temple of Confucius's ruins, they couldn't possibly go back on their word.

“This makes things even simpler...”

Seeing them abide by the agreement and not go against it, Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, with the Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood and the Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger, even if the remaining three disagreed, he could still force them into submission. This merely saved him some trouble.

“Since you've submitted to me, as your master, I shouldn't be stingy!”

After subduing all the beasts, Zhang Xuan surveyed them: “Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger, you belong to the Metal element, which excels in offense but is much weaker in defense. Most critically, although your internal power is immense, you're not skilled in its application, which gave me an opportunity. Now, I'll point out a few flaws for you; with slight corrections, your strength will surely increase!”

Having said that, he explained some of the creature's flaws and methods for correction. During his previous battle with this beast, the library had already identified its weaknesses. Combining that with his beast-taming experience, finding methods for improvement was simple. Following his instructions, the Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger indeed felt its combat power significantly increase. Its eyes shone, and it prostrated itself again, completely convinced.

If before, its submission was due to a beating combined with threats and temptations, now it was truly convinced, without any second thoughts. He then offered guidance to the remaining Saint Beasts. They all felt immense progress, each one filled with excitement and gratitude.

Having reached the Consummation of the Undying Realm, they had originally thought that without significant changes in their bloodline, further improvement was impossible. Unexpectedly, there was still room for advancement. Following the cultivation methods he described, even breaking through to Ancient Saint might be possible! For them, this was far more appealing than becoming a king and leading a group of Saint Beasts.

“Master, what about these people?” the Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood pointed at Wu Changping and the others, asking.

“They were disrespectful to the Cloud Tiger. Although their actions were inappropriate, they are still human. Have them make some compensation, then release them!” Zhang Xuan waved his hand. If they hadn't scouted ahead, and he had rashly charged in, he would have surely been surrounded by the five Saint Beasts, and the current outcome wouldn't have been possible. However, they had harbored killing intent towards him and had besieged his beast pet. Releasing them directly wouldn't be justifiable to the Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger.

“Yes, Master!” Seeing that their new master wasn't a pushover, the Saint Beasts simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed following him wouldn't lead to any disadvantages.

Under the oppression of the five Saint Beasts, Wu Changping and the others, bowing to circumstances, had no choice but to hand over all the treasures they had collected during this period, as well as their Level-9 pills and artifacts, before they could escape.

“Take these! How you distribute them is up to you. Also, if you perform well, I can even bestow the Great Sage artifact in my possession for your use!” Zhang Xuan wasn't concerned about these treasures. He waved his hand, letting the Golden Spirit Cloud Tiger handle them, while simultaneously promising the beasts a grand reward. Beast taming, just like leading subordinates, required a balance of benevolence and might, along with setting a goal. Pointing out cultivation flaws to help them improve their strength, then promising artifacts... such clear benefits would truly ensure their complete submission without any wavering loyalty.

Indeed, upon hearing this, the five Saint Beasts became even more excited than before, with no other thoughts.

“Shouldn't you all be scattered in different locations? Why are you gathered here?” After Wu Changping and the others left, Zhang Xuan voiced the question in his mind. According to the Scarlet-Browed White Tiger, the five kings were supposed to be dispersed across five regions, each guarding their own territory, with no interaction. Why were they all gathered in one cave?

“When humans enter, we five gather. Firstly, to discuss countermeasures, and secondly, to guard the entrance so that it isn't easily discovered!” the Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood explained.

“Entrance?” Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up: “Could it be... the entrance to the Temple of Confucius is in this cave?” The five Saint Beasts all came out from inside. Since they were guarding... could the so-called entrance be here?

“Yes!” The Azure Dragon of the Qiong Wood nodded: “Back then, Master Kong captured us and brought us here to guard this place, to protect the entrance so that it wouldn't be easily found, considering it an added trial for them!”

“Master Kong captured you?” Frowning, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but look at them, full of doubt: “You've seen Master Kong?” Master Kong disappeared from the Master Teacher Continent tens of thousands of years ago. Although Saint Beasts have longer lifespans than humans, it's impossible for them to live for such an extended period. Otherwise, they would have become ancient relics long ago, and humans wouldn't be able to contend with them. If that's the case... what did they mean by saying they had seen Master Kong?