The Fourth Volume Chapter Twenty-Six: The Beast Emperor's Appointment

  I found a few servants and had them buy some supplements to make for my mother to eat. Actually, although I said I would help her recover her looks and all that, in my heart I didn't have any confidence at all. After all, over the years Mother has been living in torment, her entire body severely damaged, plus the decline of her mental and spiritual state - these aren't things that can be fixed in a day or two. Even if she recovers her spirits, it's not certain that her looks will recover too. All I can do is try my best, even using magic to repair things, then use restorative medicine combined with the power of those two gems to help her recover - maybe there'll be a miracle.

  Tomorrow I will enter the palace to meet with the Beast Emperor, and I don't know what attitude he will have towards me. He seems like a decent ruler, much wiser than my father. He is also my last hope for saving the beastmen tribe. If I cannot save them through the Beast Emperor, then I won't be able to do anything either. One person's power is limited no matter how strong they are, and right now I'm just a half-baked goods.

  I ate something casually and returned to my room to practice the Tianmo Quan. I must keep my mind completely awake, sort out the things I need to report to the Beast Emperor tomorrow, and try to make him follow my train of thought. Only then can I possibly get him to agree with my views.

  Whether I can help with the revival of the beastman tribe depends on whether I can convince the Beast Emperor when I meet him tomorrow. Only with his support can I fully exert my abilities.

  On the way back to the Beastman Country, my Tianmo Quan successfully broke through the fifth layer, all thanks to the Gu brothers. Upon entering the fifth layer, I found that as they said, it's extremely difficult to make further progress. What I regret is not asking clearly what they meant by the breakthrough bottleneck earlier. It seems that I can only proceed gradually, bit by bit. Hopefully, I'll encounter that so-called opportunity. Until the next morning, I spent my time practicing Tianmo Quan, with the cool airflow generated by it constantly circulating in my mind, making my head feel more calm and clear than ever before.

  I hastily finished my breakfast and led the eight Bamun guards to the imperial palace. As soon as we arrived at the palace, we were stopped by the guards at the gate: "Halt, what brings you to the palace?" Due to the presence of the Bamun guards, the palace guards' attitude towards me was relatively respectful.

  I said faintly: "I am Lei Xiang, deputy commander of the Meng Jun Legion. I have an important matter to see Your Majesty, please help me pass on the message."

  The guard looked at me in surprise, bowed and said: "Please wait a moment." One of them quickly ran into the palace. Not long after, the guard came back: "His Majesty has decreed that Bei Mengjun's deputy commander, Lei Xiang, be summoned to the grand hall for an audience."

  I nodded and led the eight Bi Mong guards to rush into the palace. This was my second time coming to the imperial palace, and I still remembered that when I came here last time, I was really shocked by the grandeur of the palace, but after seeing the Dragon God's building, the Beast Emperor's Palace was indeed nothing worth appreciating except for its grandeur.

  I hastened to the grand hall, lifted my robes and knelt down outside, saying loudly: "Your minister Lei Xiang pays his respects."

  "The Beast Emperor's thick, solid and steady voice came from within the palace: 'Lei Xiang? Come in.' Although it was very far away, the Beast Emperor's voice seemed to ring in my ears, showing just how deep and profound this emperor's power was."

  I left eight guards waiting outside the temple and walked in alone. Inside the twenty-meter-high Imperial Palace, apart from the Beast Emperor, there were only dozens of guards and officials present.

  The beast king was still the same, wearing a python robe and jade belt, with a golden crown on his head that shone brightly. His expression was very calm, but he exuded an aura of majesty. I knelt down again: "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and forever."

  "The Beast Emperor's voice was warm and gentle: 'Get up, you're back so soon, how was your journey?'"

  I stood up and replied respectfully: "Reporting back to Your Majesty, I have not failed the trust you placed in me. This trip has been relatively smooth."

  "Oh, you raised your head."

  I slowly raised my head, and the Beast Emperor sitting on the throne shot out two sharp glints in his eyes. I faced him calmly, and a hint of joy flashed across his gaze as he smiled and said: "Good, you're indeed worthy of being the son of King Leo. Follow me, let's go to the Imperial Study to talk." In my heart, I thought that this guy was really calm and composed, truly having the demeanor of a king.

  "Everyone else can leave, this doesn't concern you anymore."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  The Beast Emperor sat behind the large desk where he usually reviewed memorials, drove away the guards and attendants, and smiled slightly at me, saying: "Sit down and talk, Lei Xiang."

  "Where is the seat for your subject in front of Your Majesty? Since I am used to standing, let me answer like this."

  "Alright. Just now, you said this trip was successful, which means you've completed your mission, right?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty, I have completed the task you entrusted me with."

  "The Beast Emperor smiled and said: 'Good, then quickly tell me the entire process.'"

  So, I told him everything from leaving the Beastman Country to heading to the Dragon God, how I got into a fight with Hua Lun, how I was locked up by the Deputy Director, how I received the mission materials in the library, and how I faked my own death to escape from the front lines.

  Of course, what shouldn't be said will naturally be deleted and glossed over by me.

  "After hearing your report, the Beast Emperor said thoughtfully: 'In that case, the deputy dean is indeed quite good to you. Why didn't you continue to stay there for a while longer? We originally gave you ten years' time.'"

  "Your Majesty, I beg your pardon for daring to ask you a question."

  "Hmm? Go ahead and ask."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. I was wondering, how does Your Majesty think our clan's current situation is?"

  The beast king frowned and said: "This question is far-fetched, alas, the situation of my clan is not very good, in some ways, it's still very dangerous. What do you think?"

  I was taken aback by his words and didn't expect the Beast Emperor to be so frank.

  "It was like this, when I left here to go to Longshen, I encountered over a hundred bandits' ambushes, which shows that the chaos of my tribe has reached an alarming level. Since I have completed the task entrusted by Your Majesty, I should quickly return and assist Your Majesty in governing my tribe."

  A gleam of surprise flashed in the Beast Emperor's eyes, and he asked incredulously: "Are you saying that you want to assist me in governing the beastmen tribe? I didn't mishear, did I? If this were said by your father, it would still be somewhat reasonable."

  I suddenly raised my head and stared straight at the Beast Emperor: "Your Majesty, if you are unwilling to listen to my opinion just because of my young age and low status, then you are not the wise ruler that I admire. As humans say, 'having ambition is not about being old, having no ambition is a waste of living a hundred years.' I think Your Majesty should not be so narrow-minded." Even facing the King of Beasts, I still didn't have a hint of fear in my heart.

  The Beast Emperor burst out laughing: "Good, young man, you have courage and vision. Our country lacks people like you. Since you've said so much, I'll listen to your ideas for governing the country. But you should know that our tribe's problems are different from others, and there are many things that aren't under my control."

  I nodded and said, "I understand what you're saying. Before I explain, please forgive me for my disrespect, Your Majesty. If my words later on are too extreme, I also ask for your forgiveness."

  "Correct."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. This time I returned with the purpose of dedicating myself to the country. As for my clan's situation, I still basically understand it. Although in name you are the Beast Emperor, the king of the beastmen tribe, however, under you there are still over a dozen tribal leaders from various tribes. Normally, they do not participate in court politics, but when it comes to critical moments, they will inevitably come out and interfere. Each tribe has its own revered totem, as long as they make a call to action, there will certainly be a response. What you said about being unable to control and inconvenient to govern, I'm afraid refers to these."

  The Beast Emperor smiled slightly and nodded silently: "You see very clearly, since you understand these things, you should also understand my difficulties. It's not that I don't want to govern, but these guys are blocking me, making it impossible for me to govern. For now, the only ones I can completely control are the Lion People and your father's Bimon Tribe. The other tribes have not made any big moves temporarily, but if I were to issue a decree that harms their interests, they would surely rise up in opposition."

  After hearing what the Beast Emperor said, I felt very comfortable in my heart. His words exuded the air of a wise ruler. Since he has ideas for governing the beastmen tribe, I'll help him out properly.

  I hesitated for a moment, then continued: "Your Majesty, although we can't directly govern them, we can gradually gather them in. Although each tribe has its own totem, the Beast God is the common god of all beastmen. Can't we..."

  The Beast Emperor could no longer remain calm, and suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "You're saying..."

  I nodded and said, "That's right, Your Majesty. What I want to say is exactly what you are thinking of. However, before accepting them, you must first govern the country well, so that all people can return to their hearts. As for the worship of beast gods, it's easy to solve. We can organize a Beast God Church and send capable people to infiltrate each tribe, gradually conveying the will of the beast god to ordinary people, letting them leave their original beliefs."

  I leaned in close to the Beast King's ear and told him a way to change the faith of each tribe. After hearing my words, the Beast King hesitated for a moment: "Is this okay?"

  "Of course, Your Majesty, when it's time to cut, then cut."

  The air suddenly became tense, I stared firmly at the Beast Emperor, waiting for his decision. After a while, the Beast Emperor sighed and said: "For my people, okay, let's do it as you said. Your idea is very novel and unique, but indeed has a certain feasibility. Once successful, our tribe will be unprecedentedly united, and by then, we can really compete with humans and demons on an equal footing. If you succeed in this matter, the first leader of the Beast God Sect will be yours."

  I smiled and shook my head, "No, the first patriarch must be you, and future generations of patriarchs must also be the Beast Emperor. Only in this way can we have more persuasive power and truly achieve centralization. I am just your humble servant. This matter cannot be rushed, it must be done slowly, I have a three-year plan..."

  The more the Beast Emperor listened to my plan, the more surprised he became. The process I described was meticulous and feasible, with every detail in place. The Beast Emperor sighed and said: "It's a blessing for our people to have someone like you. This matter is now entrusted to you."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty. The things I obtained from the Dragon God Empire are very useful. I will find someone to compile them into written texts. As for the magic aspects, I think they're not quite suitable for our tribe to learn, but some of the Qi training methods and military tactics are truly invaluable treasures. To achieve unification of the entire tribe, you must have a powerful command force, and this is precisely the best opportunity to cultivate it."

  The Beast Emperor said, "This is exactly what I thought, and it's also the purpose of letting you go to Longshen. In this regard, I have been preparing for a long time, and I have also tried to cultivate some people. There are a batch of existing qualified personnel with good qualifications, I will hand them over to you, and let you train them."

  I smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty, I am not a god, my energy is limited. This matter of the Imperial Academy still requires your personal attention. I have to take care of the Beast God Sect, and there's another thing that I must do."

  The Beast Emperor was taken aback and said, "Is there anything else you need to do?"

  A cold glint flashed across my face, and I said in a stern voice: "Nowadays, our clan doesn't know how many bandits are rampant. Don't underestimate them. In my estimation, the number of bandits nationwide is probably beyond our imagination. It's their disturbance that really shakes the foundation of the country. If this matter isn't resolved, how can we let the people live and work in peace? What I want to do is to exterminate all of them."

  "The Beast Emperor was startled: 'To completely exterminate them, how many people would have to be killed? Can't we just surrender instead?'"

  I shook my head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, in a chaotic world, severe punishment is needed. Killing these people will not only have no impact on the country but also serve as a deterrent. I plan to make the entire national border safe enough for people to sleep with their doors open within one to two years. If we don't take drastic measures, how can we achieve this? This is also a crucial part of promoting our Beast God Cult. If we don't do something practical for the common people, how can we expect them to believe in the Beast God?"

  The beast king was somewhat dazed and sat there blankly.

  "I apologize and say: 'Your Majesty, is it that I have spoken too much today? Otherwise, you can rest first, and I will come again tomorrow.'"

  The Beast King shook his head and said, "No, I'm not tired, I'm too excited, you know? I've been waiting for this opportunity for twenty years. Although your father and I have a good relationship, he's good at fighting but not governing the country. All these years, you're my first kindred spirit. Let me tell you a secret, actually, I'm also a mixed-blood, there's human blood in my lineage too, that's why as a lion person, I have superior intelligence. It's precisely because of this intelligence that I can climb to the position I am today."

  As I listened to him, I suddenly felt that the distance between us had narrowed a lot. At the same time, I also felt that Beast Emperor's current status was not accidental, and his ability to win people's hearts was no less than that of Dragon God's ruler.

  "Your Majesty, I'll continue then. These ideas have been on my mind since I was with the Dragon God. Your support gives me a sense of relief."

  The Beast Emperor smiled slightly and said, "Cut to the chase, speak quickly."

  Although his words were somewhat impolite, they were much more intimate. Of course, I won't be confused by his intimacy, he did this in order to make better use of me.

  "I've said it before, I'm just a small soldier in front of your horse. When I take action, you must be my backup force. What about the talents you mentioned?"

  "Don't worry, they are just like us, with a mixed heritage of beast, human and demon blood. Some of them are even exactly the same as you, also being a mix of human, demon and beast blood. They have no problem with intelligence, what they need is good guidance. Although I've been trying my best over the years, the teaching method was too poor and there were no suitable materials or training methods, so they couldn't bring out their innate wisdom. Their loyalty is also absolutely not a problem, due to their mixed heritage, they have all been ostracized within their own tribes, it was me who saved them."

  I breathed a sigh of relief and asked: "How many people are there?"

  The Beast Emperor smiled slightly and said, "Enough for you to use."

  "I have here a list of the first batch of various talents needed. Take a look, this batch of people must be selected with the best qualifications." I said, handing over a note.

  The Beast Emperor took the note and read it while reciting: "The Beast God Sect needs twelve people, who are comprehensive management talents, to manage the affairs of each territory in the future; Military needs fifty people, who are command talents; The more people who cultivate, the better, who are comprehensive management and technological talents. Lei Xiang, I understand the first two, but why do you need so many people for the last one?"

  I smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, why has our country always been inferior to the Demon Clan? It's because of the scarcity of resources. In fact, our land area is not smaller than theirs, and it's more suitable for farming. However, due to various reasons, it has been abandoned for a long time. Encouraging agriculture and production is the key to enriching the country and strengthening its military. Military talent is no longer as important as it used to be. My plan is to start by encouraging production in the imperial capital, using the talents you've cultivated to teach our people various farming techniques. If necessary, we can enforce it. After a period of time, we will definitely see some results. Every time I clear out a group of bandits, you can send your talents there to encourage production. This way, it won't affect other beast clans, and they might even cooperate with us. Who doesn't want their people to become rich? One of the main reasons I want to eliminate all the bandits is for this purpose. When we have a certain harvest, we can accumulate these resources for future use. This is also the fundamental solution to the bandit problem. When everyone has food and clothing, why would they still want to rob? At the same time, this is also an opportunity to win people's hearts and spread the Beast God teachings."

  The Beast Emperor laughed and said: "Good idea, I've been very annoyed with the demon tribe's faces for a long time, it's just that I've been enduring for resources. This method is great."

  "I bowed and said, 'Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Currently, the most important thing is to train talents. It's best to train the first batch within half a year, with the twelve Beast Gods as the top priority. Not only must their cultivation be high, but they must also have clear minds. They will do the same things as me, that is, to eliminate bandits and spread kindness. We must let everyone know of the existence of the Beast God Sect in the shortest time possible. When this faith reaches a certain level, that will be the moment of our final victory. During their training, I will lead the charge and pave the way for them.'"

  The Beast Emperor nodded and said excitedly: "Bei Meng Army Deputy Commander Lei Xiang hears the imperial edict."

  I fell to my knees with a thud and respectfully said: "Your subject is here."

  "In order for the Beastman Nation to develop smoothly and stably, remove Lei Xiang from his position as Vice Commander of the Thunderbolt Army, appoint him as Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, and grant him the power of nationwide inspection and execution. Furthermore, appoint Lei Xiang as the Deputy Head of the Beast God Sect, in charge of all internal affairs."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty, may our Emperor live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and forever."

  "Rise, this is the imperial edict I give you. The formal decree later will not have the last item, which is also what you hope for, right? Are there any other requests? Speak them out."

  I knelt on the ground and did not get up, respectfully kowtowing three times, saying: "Your Majesty, you trust me so much, I will definitely work hard until death."

  The Beast Emperor walked out from behind the desk, personally helping me up and saying in a gentle voice: "It's all over after death, alas... I really hope our beastman nation can become stronger. Leixiao, if you were my son, that would be great. What a pity, what a pity."

  As I hear the sound of his zither, I immediately understand his elegant intention. Since I have no merit, suddenly receiving a promotion will inevitably raise suspicions. The Beast Emperor is giving me an origin!

  I knelt down again: "Your son greets Your Majesty."

  The Beast Emperor burst out laughing and said: "Good, good, good! My son is truly clever. From today on, you are my adopted son, the Crown Prince of the Temple. Who dares to say anything now?"

  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  "I'd still rather hear you call me Father, having a son like you would be my greatest pride." The Beast Emperor was indeed cunning and thought I was useful, so he spared no effort in winning me over. "Father, your son will get the things from the Dragon God ready as soon as possible for your reference."

  "Yes, this matter, currently speaking is the most important, indeed should be handled first."

  "I have two more personal matters I need to report to you."

  The Beast King looked at me and said, "What's up, speak freely."

  I hesitated for a moment, then said: "Your Majesty, because my father's concubine insulted my mother, I killed her in a fit of rage. It wasn't until afterwards that I found out she was your cousin. I specially come to apologize and take the blame."

  The Beast Emperor waved his hand and said, "This is just a small matter, I pardon you of your crime, speak of the next one."

  I secretly sneered in my heart and continued to say: "There is one more thing, I plan to use three years to make the Beastman Nation basically strong, and after three years, I hope to return power to you and live a free life."

  "The Beast Emperor frowned and said, 'How can this be? I still have many things for you to help me with. You're still so young, how could you think of retiring? Once you help me develop the beastman tribe, you'll be second only to me, above all others.'"

  I sighed and said, "Power is like a fleeting cloud to me. I just want to find a quiet place to spend the rest of my life. I'm telling you this ahead of time because I'm afraid you won't let me go later on. But don't worry, as long as the country is in trouble, I will definitely do my best to help you. Besides, the country belongs to you, and if I hold too much power, people will criticize it."

  At this point, the lovely figure of Ziyuan sisters suddenly appeared in my mind, I really want to find a quiet place with them and form a warm home.

  The beast king was somewhat annoyed and angrily said: "Who dares to object, this matter will be discussed later."

  I thought to myself, even if you don't let me go at that time, I will still sneak away.

  After discussing some specific details, I bid farewell to the Beast Emperor: "Your Majesty, today your son's words are too miscellaneous. You think about it and I will retire first. I will definitely present useful things in the form of a memorial as soon as possible."

  "Alright, no need to rush, you just got back, take a good rest."

  "Thanks for Father Emperor's concern."

  Under the gaze of the Beast Emperor, I slowly walked out of the imperial study. Today was relatively smooth, and the Beast Emperor also supported my suggestion as I had imagined. The future will depend on how things develop from now on.

  Beastmen Country, I will definitely do what I can for you. This is considered as repaying the kindness of nurturing me. After I left, the Beast Emperor said to the door: "Can I trust him?"

  A dark shadow flashed, and a figure that couldn't be seen clearly floated behind the Beast Emperor: "Observing this child's words and temperament, he indeed has a heart to serve the country, at least for now, we can temporarily trust him. However, this person is really too clever, Your Majesty should be cautious." The man's voice was low and powerful, but his age couldn't be discerned.

  Beast Emperor was taken aback: "Precautions?"

  The dark shadow whispered a few words in the Beast Emperor's ear.

  The Beast Emperor's face showed joy, and he said, "Good, let's do it this way."

  "Hei Ying said: 'If this child has any ulterior motives, I will make him drink his regrets under my sword.'"

  It's already noon, and I've unknowingly spent the entire morning talking to the Beast Emperor. I quickly step out of the palace gates, accompanied by eight guards as I return to my residence.

  As soon as I entered the house, I immediately called a servant and asked: "Has my mother eaten yet?"

  "The servant respectfully replied: 'As for Third Master's question, the lady has already eaten and is taking a nap.'"

  "Uh-huh." It seems that the mother has really regained hope, "So, from now on, you should add more honey and black sesame to your wife's diet as supplements, got it?"

  "Yes, Third Young Master."

  "Go ahead."

  I dismissed the servant and rushed straight to my mother's bedroom. The door was not closed, I walked in quietly.

  Her mother slept very soundly and peacefully, with a hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. I gently pulled the quilt up for her, feeling warm in my heart.

  After all these years, it's the first time I've seen my mother with such an expression. Looking at my mother's peaceful sleeping face, I secretly vowed that no matter how difficult it is, I must help my mother fulfill her wish.

  I slowly backed out of the room, just about to go eat, when a servant suddenly came running towards me in a flurry. I coldly asked: "What's the hurry? What's going on?"

  The servant panted and said: "Third Master, His Majesty has sent someone to summon you by name to receive an imperial edict."

  "Hmm, I see." The Beast Emperor had someone come so quickly for what?

  With a heart full of doubts, I rushed to the big hospital.

  Many people in the mansion gathered in the courtyard, watching me walk over, and making way for me. The aunt who had helped the ugly woman plead her case last time was among the crowd, gloating and saying: "Let him kill people at will, now that something has happened, His Majesty has come out to deal with it, let's see what he can do."

  Her voice was very low, but how could it escape my keen hearing? I secretly sneered and didn't respond to her.

  Four lion-like men appeared in the courtyard, accompanied by a group of people from various beast tribes. They were dressed simply and one of them held an imperial edict. I stepped forward: "I am Lei Xiang, is this imperial edict for me?"

  "Are you Lei Xiang?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "Lei Xiang received the imperial edict."

  I knelt down on both knees: "Your subject Lei Xiang has received your orders."

  "The Lion Man read out: 'By the grace of heaven, the beast emperor decreed that Bei Meng Wang Lei Ao's third son, Lei Xiang, is intelligent and wise, with high martial skills, fearless in the face of danger, and has completed the important tasks entrusted to him by me. He is a pillar of the state, deeply in line with my will. From the day I issue this decree, I recognize Lei Xiang as the adopted son of the imperial family. Specifically, remove Lei Xiang from his position as deputy commander of the Bei Meng Army, and appoint him as deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, with the power to inspect the entire country and execute first and report later.'"

  It turned out to be an add-on for me, and it came really quickly.

  Although I was kneeling with my head bowed, I could still feel the astonished gaze of the people around me. I thought to myself, that aunt must be speechless now.

  "Your Highness, accept the imperial edict."

  Upon hearing the words of the Lion Man messenger, I came to my senses and hastily said: "Minister Lei Xiang leads the edict to thank for the grace, wishing our Emperor ten thousand years of life, ten thousand years of life, and eternal life."

  The lion-like messenger handed over the imperial edict and whispered to me, "Your Highness, His Majesty has sent these people who are said to have exceptional memory skills to be under your command. Also, His Majesty requests that you enter the palace tomorrow for an audience." "Mm, got it." "I'll take my leave now to report back."

  After sending away the so-called imperial envoy, I secretly pondered in my heart that the Beast Emperor's actions were too quick. It seems that my words have aroused his extremely high interest. Which monarch does not want to make their own country strong and at their beck and call?

  I looked up and saw that there were eight stenographers, including leopard people, wolf people, fox people, centaurs... and not a single one of the same race. I said in a low voice: "From now on, you'll be following me. Butler, come here."

  The steward of the Wang estate was a cunning old white fox spirit. Upon hearing me call him, he hurried over: "Third Young Master."

  "I said in a low voice: 'Go and arrange a slightly larger room, and have them settled down.'"

  "Yes." The fox-eared butler hastily ran off.