When Man Xiongmu heard the voice outside the cave, his brows immediately knitted together.
He had never been close to the people of Wild Dog Cave. Tong Guan was infamous for his solitary and arrogant nature—so why had he suddenly come knocking at this moment?
Yet Man Xiongmu's gaze soon shifted toward Wu Tian.
Wild Dog Cave required dog spirits to refine beast skins. This was common knowledge throughout Skeleton Mountain.
"So this is the danger Bai Long'er sensed," Man Xiongmu thought gravely.
He had long known that once Bai Long'er's cultivation grew, others would inevitably covet him. Even if it had not been Wild Dog Cave, someone else would have come sooner or later.
Among the thirty-six caves of Skeleton Mountain, who did not need spirit beasts to flay hides, extract bones, and refine beast robes?And if one wished to refine large-scale ritual artifacts, even more flesh and souls were required.
With such an outstanding appearance and potential, it would be strange if no one set their sights on Bai Long'er.
Man Xiongmu narrowed his eyes.
If he could use this incident to decisively crush these intentions, it might spare Bai Long'er a great deal of future trouble. At least until he reached the Cauldron Forging stage, he might enjoy some peace.
With that in mind, Man Xiongmu opened the cave gates and laughed aloud.
"So it is Senior Brother Tong. Please, come in."
Tong Guan entered the cave with his son, Tong Jin.
At a glance, he saw the white dog lying calmly on the ground.
Snow-white fur, agile dark eyes, spiritual energy overflowing from its body—exceptionally refined.
Even in these savage mountains, such a spirit beast was exceedingly rare.
Tong Guan himself remained composed. Having cultivated for decades and already perfected his cauldron, ordinary spirit beasts no longer stirred his emotions.
But Tong Jin—
The boy's eyes nearly bulged out.
He stared fixedly at Wu Tian, unable to look away. Just imagining a beast robe refined from such pristine white fur made his heart race.
"Jin'er, greet your Uncle Man," Tong Guan said calmly.
Tong Jin snapped out of his daze and hurriedly bowed.
"Disciple greets Uncle Man."
"No need for formalities. Senior Brother Tong, please sit," Man Xiongmu said.
Tong Jin, however, had no seat and could only stand obediently beside his father.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Tong Guan went straight to the point.
"Junior Brother Man, Jin'er is my only son. Cultivators rarely have children—I never expected to have one myself."
"Fortunately, his talent is decent. Born with superior spiritual aptitude, he recently completed his Qi circulation and has begun shaping his true energy."
"You know that my Wild Dog Cave lineage must refine beast robes from dog spirits."
"I heard that you raised a white dog that has become a spirit, so I came personally to request it. I hope Junior Brother can grant this favor."
For the sake of his son, Tong Guan's usual arrogance was clearly restrained. His tone carried sincerity.
Man Xiongmu frowned, his expression turning rigid.
"Senior Brother, may I ask—who told you this?"
Without waiting for a reply, he continued coldly:
"The white dog in my cave is not a spirit cultivated through demonic energy. It has refined Nether Qi, the orthodox path of our sect."
"I am nurturing it as a spirit beast, with the intention that it will one day forge a cauldron, transform into human form, and become a guardian of Qiyun Cave."
"Senior Brother's request—I cannot agree."
Tong Guan's eyes narrowed, glowing faintly green like cold blades.
"Oh? I see."
"That is not an unsolvable matter. If Junior Brother wishes to cultivate a spirit guardian, I can provide other fine-blooded spirit beasts or compensate you with resources."
"This white dog has only recently awakened. Losing it would not delay you much."
"Please, give me some face. I am willing to pay an appropriate price."
In his mind, this was merely Man Xiongmu driving up the cost.
His displeasure grew—but for his son, he endured it.
Man Xiongmu cut him off sharply.
"I have already made myself clear. This white dog is not for trade."
"I must have disappointed you."
The atmosphere in the cave instantly became suffocating.
Even breathing felt heavy.
Wu Tian felt naked killing intent press down upon him, as if a ferocious beast had opened its jaws, ready to devour him whole.
Unable to endure the silence, Tong Jin shouted from behind:
"Father!"
Tong Guan's aura retracted slightly. His voice turned flat and cold.
"Man Xiongmu, you know my temper."
"I want this white dog. Name your price."
"As long as it is not excessive, I will agree."
"If not for my son—hmph."
In earlier years, he would have already struck the dog dead on the spot and left.
What was Qiyun Cave to him?
Man Xiongmu had only just stepped into the Law Refinement Realm. What right did he have to posture?
Man Xiongmu's face darkened completely.
"Tong Guan. I have said it clearly."
"This white dog is not for sale."
"I still have cultivation to attend to. I will not entertain guests."
"Please leave."
The cave doors boomed open.
Sunlight poured in, illuminating drifting dust like scattered gold.
"Very well. Very well indeed," Tong Guan stood up, his face returning to calm indifference.
"Jin'er, we're leaving."
Tong Jin was furious. He pointed at Man Xiongmu and shouted:
"You old thing! How dare you disrespect my father—believe it or not—"
"Enough!" Man Xiongmu roared.
His pupils flashed dark gold. A surge of sinister wind erupted behind him, sweeping through the cave like an underworld gale, freezing marrow and soul alike.
Tong Guan instantly pulled Tong Jin behind him.
His black robe whipped violently, and the beast-skin cloak on his back echoed with faint, savage dog howls.
"My son is not yours to discipline."
"What—do you wish to fight me, Man Xiongmu?"
Tong Guan bared his teeth in a cold grin.
"Ungrateful fool. I will have this white dog."
"Alive or dead—it makes no difference."
"I have never failed to obtain what I desire."
Man Xiongmu laughed in fury—then suddenly grew calm.
He slowly sat back down.
"Tong Guan, it's not that I look down on you."
"But with your level, you are not qualified to touch this white dog."
"Look carefully. Do you recognize this?"
With a flick of his sleeve, Man Xiongmu sent a beam of light toward Wu Tian.
In an instant, golden radiance erupted from Wu Tian's body.
Six ancient characters formed in midair.
A cold, clear female voice resounded throughout the cave:
"Permission granted to cultivate within the mountain."
Tong Guan froze.
Then his expression changed drastically.
He recognized it.
Without another word, he seized Tong Jin and turned to leave immediately.
Wu Tian stood stunned.
He had never known such a protective mark existed upon him.
After the father and son vanished, Wu Tian finally asked, shocked and confused:
"Master… what just happened?"
(End of Chapter)