Chapter 338

Chapter 338: Please Take Us In

As the battle began, the moon-returning dragon made his stance clear.

“I’m out.”

Having just withdrawn from the bet for the holy treasures, he now chose to step away from this competition as well.

His actions drew even more laughter, ridicule, and scorn.

Tong Lieyang mocked, “Not a bit of a man. Are you a prince? Ha! Looks like the fall of your nation is inevitable. In my opinion, our Crimson Flame Dynasty should step in and divide the Cold Moon Dynasty among ourselves.”

Marquis Xia Houzun smiled and added, “Indeed, someone has already suggested this to His Majesty.”

Their words struck the moon-returning dragon like heavy hammers, causing his expression to change drastically.

The Cold Moon Dynasty was already struggling to withstand pressure from the Taixu Dynasty. Now, with the Crimson Flame Dynasty eyeing them as well, it seemed inevitable they’d be torn apart by two ravenous beasts. Even if they had once been predators, they were now worn down and aging, no longer possessing their former strength.

Zhang Yang frowned, clearly noticing how the Cold Moon Dynasty was becoming a shared target.

Marquis Xia Houzun’s remarks weren’t empty threats. If the opportunity presented itself, who wouldn’t want a piece of a great empire that had endured for over ten thousand years?

Still, Zhang Yang believed the Cold Moon Dynasty hadn’t quite reached the point of collapse yet.

Jin Liuli wore a proud expression as she glanced at the moon-returning dragon, her eyes filled with disdain as if she already considered him a dead man.

Zhang Yang reached out and patted the moon-returning dragon’s shoulder, saying nothing.

Some things were better left unsaid, especially in such a delicate situation.

But for the moon-returning dragon, this was the greatest humiliation of his life. He would remember it. His decision to give up the duel, to abandon the competition, was a desperate move to fuel his hatred and push himself to rise again. He could not allow himself to be defeated.

Still, no one else cared how he felt or what he planned to do next.

Their attention had shifted elsewhere to Tiger Howl Wind, Chasing Wind, Mu Shan, and the thirty-two talented individuals behind them.

It had to be said, gathering so many gifted cultivators, none of whom were ordinary, was indeed enticing. It was no wonder the Sunlit Sacred Land had returned. Even Jin Liuli, who had once pursued and hunted them down, now wanted to recruit them. Tong Lieyang, who had been slapped in the face twice, still refused to give up. And the moon-returning dragon, manipulated by the Taixu Dynasty and barely surviving, still wanted to make another attempt—all because these men were exceptionally remarkable.

Lu Hengkong spoke first. As the Son of the Sunlit Sacred Land, he was a Naturally Born Son. His father wasn’t just a saint, he was also the Lord of the Sacred Forest, a revered figure in the Western Desert.

He had strong backing and deep confidence, especially since he had secretly allied himself with Prince Sparrow, Horse Prince, Mouse Prince, and several other princes from the Forbidden Land. His confidence had grown further from these preparations.

“Tiger,” he said, “if you join our Sunlit Sacred Land, I’ll personally welcome you. As a Naturally Born Son, I promise to make you a direct disciple of one of our great saints. Furthermore, all of my brothers possess extraordinary talent. Nearly half of them are qualified to become disciples of saints within the sacred land.”

His proposal immediately caught everyone’s attention.

To become a saint’s disciple and to bring along companions who could also be trained by saints meant they would have incredible support, forming a powerful faction within the Sunlit Sacred Land. It was undeniably attractive.

Everyone turned to look at Tiger Howl Wind, who maintained a neutral expression, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

“The Son’s offer is indeed tempting. However, my brothers have already reached a high level of cultivation. Tiger himself is close to achieving the Great Boundless realm. With his talent, he’s already preparing to become a saint. So, what significance would a master-disciple relationship hold at this point? It seems rather unnecessary,” Marquis Xia Houzun pointed out coolly. “If it were me, I wouldn’t agree. There’s no emotional bond, no true inheritance; it feels more like a transaction than a connection. Completely unsuitable.”

Lu Hengkong sneered. “Then what kind of offer do you believe is most appropriate, First Marquis?”

Marquis Xia Houzun replied, “Emotion! That’s the key. Emotion is like a lock, it binds people, hearts, and souls. If offspring come from it, it creates real, sincere ties. Only through emotion can one live without regrets or burdens from the past.”

He turned to Tiger Howl Wind and smiled. “Our Crimson Flame Dynasty is willing to betroth our little princess to you, Tiger. You should know that marrying a princess is a matter of royal dignity. It cannot be taken lightly. And our little princess is naturally beautiful, skilled in martial arts, and a perfect match for you.”

His offer stirred some commotion, especially among those from the Sunlit Sacred Land. It was clearly a more advantageous proposal than their own.

Marrying the princess would mean becoming part of the Crimson Flame Dynasty’s royal family. With Tiger Howl Wind’s Battle God-level talent, he could certainly rise to saint-level status with full royal support.

Still, Tiger Howl Wind remained expressionless and silent.

Marquis Xia Houzun’s brows knit slightly, though he smiled again. “It seems Tiger is still waiting to hear what Master Jin has to say. Haha! I’m quite curious. The master once hunted you down, driving you to a life-or-death situation and forcing you to retreat to the Falling Star Mountain Range. How could that kind of enmity not leave a scar? Would you still be willing to join the Hunters’ Guild after that?”

His words were sharp as blades, stirring tension between Tiger Howl Wind and Jin Liuli with every sentence.

Lu Hengkong chuckled. “I’m also very curious. I’d love to see what kind of heavenly offer the master can make. Please enlighten us.”

The two had clearly joined forces to press Jin Liuli, hoping to force her to retreat before they moved forward.

Jin Liuli sneered and shot them a disdainful glance. Even in front of these two influential figures, she remained proud and aloof. She tapped her finger lightly on the table, her eyes like polished glass as she fixed her gaze on Tiger Howl Wind.

“I know there were misunderstandings between us, and they did cause a rift. But that’s fine. I can resolve any lingering dissatisfaction in your heart, and I firmly believe you will choose me.”

Her confidence intrigued everyone present.

Even Zhang Yang, who was just watching from the sidelines, wore an amused expression. He was curious about what kind of terms she could possibly offer.

Tiger Howl Wind remained indifferent toward Lu Hengkong and Marquis Xia Houzun, keeping his thoughts tightly guarded. But when it came to Jin Liuli, his gaze wavered slightly, there was something in his eyes, a flicker of hesitation.

Jin Liuli noticed and smiled slightly. “I know your feelings toward me have changed. And truthfully… I’ve developed a liking for you as well. Look across the entire Western Desert—what man has ever caught my eye before? Have you ever heard of me using beauty to win someone over? Never!

“You’re the first.

“That alone speaks volumes about how much I value you.

“I do have ambitions. Everyone knows this. But now that my elder brother has taken the throne, that dream has long since been severed. What remains is the development of the Hunters’ Guild. However, I know I cannot rely solely on myself—it’s not enough. So I’ve made a decision.”

She paused there.

Everyone present leaned in ever so slightly, unconsciously drawn in, waiting to hear what she would say next.

Standing up, she gazed at Tiger Howl Wind with her Liuli-like eyes and declared, “I am willing to marry you—and make the Hunters’ Guild your dowry—allowing you to become the first-ever non-royal leader of the Guild in history! Moreover, I will assist you in making its fame shake the entire vast world!”

Her powerful words landed like a general’s declaration on the battlefield.

Her offer clearly aimed to dissolve any rift between herself and Tiger Howl Wind.

Jin Liuli continued, “Of course, I won’t hide it from you. What I seek, ultimately, is the world’s strongest. You have this potential, so you must keep striving, breaking through, and growing stronger. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee I won’t eventually abandon you. This is my sincerity—nothing concealed.”

Her boldness and candid attitude drew many glances.

Tiger Howl Wind, clearly affected by her words, appeared momentarily stunned. However, he quickly regained his composure, his expression once again calm and unreadable. He responded lightly, “If it were just me, I might find it appealing. Without considering anyone else, a challenge is something every man should take on. But I have brothers—I won’t lead them into the cold and impersonal Hunters’ Guild. I’m sorry.”

No one had expected him to reject Jin Liuli so directly.

Jin Liuli was left dumbfounded. She believed her offer to be irresistible. In her entire life, she had never faced such a humiliating blow—and she was the one who had taken herself out of the equation.

Marquis Xia Houzun and Lu Hengkong, on the other hand, were elated. His rejection of Jin Liuli meant their chances had just increased.

But before they could react further, Tiger Howl Wind, flanked by Chasing Wind and Mu Shan, stepped forward, knelt before Zhang Yang, and declared loudly, “Tiger Howl Wind and the thirty-two of us are willing to join the Vast Forest. We sincerely ask for you to take us in!”