On the fifth day after the sect's grand ceremony, Jian Dan posted a message inviting Lang Xiao to visit his cave for a discussion.
Lang Xiao arrived with two of his trusted subordinates at the Tianyue Peak cave of Jian Dan.
Yue Liang had also been summoned back early that morning and was recounting to Jian Dan the events of her recent days at the "Medicine Peak."
On that day, Jian Dan personally escorted Yue Liang back to "Medicine Peak." First, she had met with friends from her clan, then she called Xing Xing to join her in visiting the Ancestor of the Raccoon Beast Clan.
The Ancestor of the Raccoon Beast Clan now cultivated to the late sixth stage, slightly higher than Yue Liang. However, she had not awakened the unique talent skill of their race, so she was exceptionally protective of her.
"Ancestor, what do you think of Zūnshàng's speculation regarding the innate skills of our Raccoon Beast Clan?"
Yue Liang recounted her entire conversation with Jian Lu Zūnshàng to the Ancestor and Xing Xing, seeking their opinion.
The Ancestor sat on a stone bench, leaning on his bamboo staff, listening intently before lowering his head in thought. Xing Xing glanced at the Ancestor and then at Yue Liang before speaking:
"Ancestor, I think Zūnshàng's words have merit. Since our Raccoon Beast Clan settled here, almost no offspring have awakened talent skills. Yue Liang, being of our blood, has awakened hers, but it came with a congenital deficiency that nearly cost her life.
If not for the Ancestor's careful planning, Yue Liang would not be here today. She wishes to repay the clan. Before, I did not want our Raccoon Beast Clan to return to the demon clans because when our clan was destroyed, the Beast Lord did not intervene."
Yue Liang's small, furry face radiated determination. Her round, dark eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.
"But Zūnshàng said our clan's talent is unique. Perhaps that is why we nearly went extinct, yet it is also why we have been protected. That is why we are here, to discuss this matter with the Ancestor."
The Ancestor stroked her chin, considering their words, then slowly spoke:
"When I was at the third stage, the elders took me out to gather spirit bamboo. That time, we did not go to our usual place but to a more distant bamboo grove. Soon, we were captured in a spirit beast pouch, and when we saw daylight again, it was already atop the 'Medicine Peak' of the Heavenly Sword Sect."
The Ancestor gazed at the verdant bamboo forest ahead, memories flickering in his eyes as he recounted how their clan came to Tianjian Peak.
"The elders did not resist. They worked to claim this place as our territory and began to reproduce and thrive. We younger generation once asked when we could return to our original lands, but the elders remained silent and would not speak.
At that time, we thought this branch of the Raccoon Beast Clan had been caged by the Heavenly Sword Sect, meant to serve as spirit pets or contract beasts."
Yue Liang shook her head firmly and said to the Ancestor:
"Ancestor, Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators follow the path of the sword. They rarely use contract spirit beasts for combat. Just like me and Zūnshàng, it was you, Ancestor, who forced Zūnshàng to sign an equal contract to extend my lifespan.
Since leaving the clan lands, it has always been Zūnshàng protecting me. Her cultivation advanced faster than mine, which also accelerated my own progress. Truly, I benefited. Zūnshàng not only gave me a position in the Heavenly Sword Sect but also guided me through training, improving my cultivation and securing my foothold in the sect."
"Indeed. Back then, none of us had Yue Liang's awareness. We assumed we were caged and repeatedly considered leaving 'Medicine Peak.' In the end, the rare spiritual plants and herbs on 'Medicine Peak' made it a forbidden area, preventing casual entry or exit.
Only when I became Ancestor did I learn from the elders that the sudden ascension of the Beast Lord left no designated successor. The beast clans were in chaos, and during that time, our Raccoon Beast Clan elders were under constant attack. At first, the clan believed it was other beast clans competing for the Beast Lord's position. Ultimately, the Ancestor represented our Raccoon Beast Clan and withdrew from the competition."
Yue Liang and Xing Xing had never heard this story. Even during the destruction of the 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner,' the Ancestor had not mentioned these events.
"However, our Raccoon Beast Clan continued to be attacked. Sixth, seventh, and eighth stage raccoon beasts went missing. Eventually, even the eighth-stage Ancestor disappeared. Only then did everyone realize the severity of the problem. By then, the struggle for the Beast Lord's position had entered its final stage. No one could defend our clan.
The previous Ancestor of this branch had connections with the leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect. We reached an agreement, and nearly the entire branch was brought to the Heavenly Sword Sect."
The Ancestor sighed before continuing:
"Actually, the Ancestor at that time survived the disaster through instinct. But being only sixth stage, he could not uncover the true cause and had to lie low. Only when Yue Liang encountered the 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner' did I learn the true reason our Raccoon Beast Clan nearly went extinct."
Yue Liang's anger flared upon hearing this, and she added:
"According to the Ancestor, our clan was attacked by that evil cultivator, who exploited our ability to strike the sea of consciousness and Primordial Soul, hunting high-stage predecessors and using their flesh and skin to craft the evil 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner.'"
"Yes. Fortunately, Zūnshàng cared for you and, at the cost of his own merit, destroyed that banner. Otherwise, our ancestors' Primordial Souls would have remained trapped, forever weapons in the hands of evil cultivators, harming countless lives."
For a moment, all three raccoon beasts fell silent. The cause of the near extinction had been discovered. The Heavenly Sword Sect no longer restricted the return of spirit beasts from 'Medicine Peak,' so they were free to decide their fate.
Finally, the Ancestor made a decision:
"Yue Liang, when the beast clans' visitors arrive, you may communicate and observe their stance regarding our clan's return. Not all raccoon beasts wish to return, but to awaken our innate skills, it is worth a try. You may inform Jian Lu Zūnshàng beforehand and ask him to mediate on our behalf."
"Yue Liang understands Ancestor's intentions and will handle it properly."
Jian Dan, listening to Yue Liang, had long suspected the cause of the Raccoon Beast Clan's near extinction. Her fury during the battle with Fu Cha had already revealed everything.
"Yue Liang, do not worry. I will help you."
"Thank you, Zūnshàng, for your concern."
Yue Liang raised her small paw and saluted Jian Dan. At that moment, Yun Juan arrived to report that the Lang Xiao had arrived.
"Please invite them in!"
Lang Xiao led the way into Jian Dan's cave, bowing:
"Lang Xiao pays respects to Jian Lu Zūnshàng."
Jian Dan gestured for them to sit before speaking:
"The reason I invited you, Lang Xiao, is to seek your advice on a matter."
Lang Xiao glanced at Yue Liang before asking:
"Zūnshàng, are you inquiring about the Raccoon Beast Clan?"