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Chapter 257 - The Young Heir of the Howling Moon Clan

Jian Dan had no interest in the drama unfolding at the market stall. The moment she realized the other person was after the same item, she made a small motion with her finger. The ice box slipped into her palm, and with practiced ease, she placed it into her storage ring. Then she tossed a porcelain pill bottle to the spider-woman vendor, transmitting a message along with it: the bottle contained a Shape-Shifting Pill.

The spider-woman had braced herself for a fight. She was expecting the demon cultivator to take the item by force. Instead, she received a pleasant surprise. Once she confirmed the pill's contents, she swallowed the jade bottle whole into her internal space with delight.

Her tone became even warmer. "Esteemed guest, is there anything else that catches your fancy?"

"I'd like to pre-order some of your silk, after your transformation," Jian Dan replied plainly.

"That..."

The spider-woman hesitated, until Jian Dan casually tossed her a storage pouch. "That's a deposit."

Now beaming, the spider-woman accepted the pouch with a grin but still voiced a concern. "Esteemed guest, it's not that I'm unwilling, but shapeshifting takes time for us beast cultivators. If I can't find you by then, how can I deliver the goods?"

Jian Dan gave a small smile. She turned the black-gold ring on her finger and said, "When I need it, someone will come to collect. Besides, with Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ present, I trust you will keep your word."

Any thoughts of exploiting loopholes vanished the moment the spider-woman realized Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ was standing nearby. She bowed with a respectful smile and nodded quickly.

Meanwhile, the female beast cultivator who had been left out was now glaring, her expression dark. Watching Jian Dan finish the transaction so smoothly only added to her frustration, and she exploded in anger.

"Bai Jue, where did this demon cultivator come from? How did she even get into the beast clan's territory? And she dared to steal from me? Where does she get the nerve?"

Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ had noticed her from the start but had no intention of entertaining her. This peacock woman, the daughter of her clan's chief, frequently found excuses to pester him. She had even mocked Yingge in the past, claiming she'd never be able to cultivate. Bai Jue had long placed her on his personal blacklist.

"Kong Que, mind your words. These are honored guests invited by the Nine-Tails Beast King."

Kong Que's heart skipped a beat. She had seen Bai Jue enter Si with others but didn't realize they were the Nine-Tails' guests. She had planned to stage a casual meeting and maybe flaunt a little, but her mood soured when the demon cultivator bought the item she had wanted.

"Ah, so they are friends of the Beast King. Kong Que greets you." Her bow was stiff and clearly reluctant.

Mo Qi and the others had expected some fun but were surprised by Mo Yue's fast reflexes. Since the little spat had fizzled, they didn't feel like browsing anymore. Mo Su spoke up.

"Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ, I see a teahouse just up ahead. We'll rest there for a while. Looks like this Kong Que has something to discuss with you. We'll wait."

Bai Jue nodded reluctantly, watching the group enter the teahouse before turning back, his voice cold. "What is it?"

"Brother Bai, can't I visit even without a reason? My father is already preparing a marriage proposal to your White Crane Clan. I came ahead of time to tell you the good news."

Her eyes were soft and full of emotion as she gazed at Bai Jue's handsome face, completely missing the flicker of disgust in his eyes.

Inside the teahouse, a white-furred long-armed monkey welcomed the group.

"Esteemed guests, is this your first visit to the beast clan's lands? Would you like to try our signature tea, 'Beast Beauty Brew'?"

"What's special about it?" Mo Yi asked, sitting without complaint on a rough wooden stool.

"It's tailored for human cultivators. Drink it, and you'll maintain a beast form for a day, possibly even transform fully."

"Sounds interesting," Mo Yi replied.

"You're still too young, Junior Brother," said Mo Qi. "I've heard of this tea. It needs a catalyst, something like beast fur or blood."

She turned to the monkey and asked, "So drinking your tea will only turn us into long-armed monkeys, won't it?"

The monkey chuckled awkwardly, scratching its head, then nodded.

"That's easy enough. Bring us a cup without the catalyst. We'll just try it for fun."

Mo Yi made the final call, and no one objected. The monkey scurried off to prepare it.

Meanwhile, Jian Dan finally plucked the fluffy creature from her boot and placed it on the table. Everyone leaned in for a look.

It was a Howling Moon wolf cub, its fur a mix of black and white, with a tiny crescent moon mark on its forehead. Small and round, it blinked at the group with wet, shiny black eyes.

Mo Su and Mo Yi lost interest after a glance, but Mo Qi was immediately smitten. She reached out to pet it, and the cub bared its tiny fangs and flashed its claws in warning. It was more adorable than threatening.

Due to the difference in strength, Mo Qi soon scooped it up with a mischievous laugh. She ruffled its soft fur thoroughly, petting it from head to paw, while the poor cub whimpered helplessly. Only when she was satisfied did she return it to Jian Dan.

Jian Dan gave Mo Qi a look of exasperation. She didn't approve of her companion's antics but couldn't scold her outright. Hoping to avoid any trouble with the pup's family, she gently pulled the cub back into her arms and began smoothing its fur with careful strokes.

"How did you end up out here alone? You're far too young. It's dangerous outside, and your family must be worried."

The cub looked up at her with wide eyes. Most importantly, she hadn't bullied him. She even groomed his fur, just like his mother used to.

In a soft, babyish voice, he replied, "Father is marrying a new wolf queen. He doesn't want me anymore."

Jian Dan raised a brow. A classic stepmother storyline.

Still, she doubted the father truly abandoned the cub. Judging from the number of wolf clan cultivators searching earlier, someone had stirred things up. She could feel the pure bloodline in the cub. A pup like this wasn't easily cast aside.

If raised properly, he would surely become a clan leader one day, and likely wouldn't be any weaker than the current chief.

"That's nonsense. You're the only heir of the Howling Moon Clan. Of course you'll be the future leader. Running away from home like this... what if your father and new queen have another pup? What if they replace you?"

"Really?" The cub blinked up at her, uncertain and a little frightened.

"Absolutely."

Tears welled in his eyes. Jian Dan quickly patted his head and offered a solution.

"That's why you need to go home right away. Enter through the front gates. Let everyone know that you are the young heir. Then train hard and become stronger. Your father may have a new queen, but it'll be a while before she gives birth."

"Mm! I understand. I'll work hard."

"That's the spirit. Since you're such a good boy, I'll give you a gift."

She reached into her black-gold ring and retrieved an ornate brocade box. Inside lay a rose-gold bell.

It was an illusionary artifact Jian Dan had taken from Pan Yuanyuan after defeating Tang Jian. Since she had the Eye of the Dream Beast, the item was useless to her—until now.

She fastened the bell gently around the pup's neck.

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