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"My initial thought was that if you, Xuanfeng, hadn't discovered its intricacies, I wouldn't have hinted at it. For you to safeguard the Marsh Gold Trading Route, you must face all sorts of threats head-on. But since you've noticed, there's no need for me to hide anything. After devouring the essences of two level nine magic beasts, the 'Black-striped Swordtooth Tiger' ascended to the level of a level ten magic beast upon death. 'Tiger Soul' is an extraordinary weapon with the power to rend even dragon skin. It enhances the wielder's Aura and permanently embeds the super magic beast skill 'Heaven and Earth Devouring.' It automatically absorbs the essence of enemies and converts it into vitality for the wielder. Prolonged use will lead to astonishing improvements in both physical strength and Aura."

"So, shouldn't it be considered one of the finest Epic equipment?"

"Tiger Soul's power is indeed astonishing. However, the will of the 'Swordtooth White Tiger' did not dissipate but remained within the weapon. This consciousness isn't clear-sighted wisdom but rather a chaotic, single-minded battle intent. When the wielder uses 'Tiger Soul,' it can suddenly erupt, interfering with or even controlling the wielder's will, driving them into madness. That's not the main issue. The reason it's called 'Catastrophe Soul' is that none of its seventeen previous wielders have lived more than five years after obtaining it."

"Oh, didn't you try to find the cause?"

"Of course we did, and we found it. 'Heaven and Earth Devouring' is a skill exclusive to super magic beasts. Although the absorbed essence is somewhat purified, it still carries the traits of the original creature. These conflicting essences ultimately lead to the destruction of the wielder. Only the robust bodies of top-tier Beastman Sword Emperors can withstand such conflict. Yet, every Beastman expert who becomes a Sword Emperor already has an Epic-grade weapon with which they have achieved unity. Naturally, they would not choose 'Tiger Soul.'"

"That's interesting. Let me guess what the Temple has in mind. They surely don't believe I possess the strength of a Sword Emperor. So, if I were to use 'Tiger Soul,' I'd most likely be doomed. What happens after my death? According to tradition, my territory should be inherited by another noble in the family. However, as a commoner, I have no noble relatives. Who, then, would inherit my territory? Presumably, it would be under the control of the Beastman King or the Temple, who would appoint an heir. Since I've accepted the Temple's appointment, I fall under their jurisdiction. Therefore, the most suitable person to inherit my land would be the new Shaman about to reside in Fontainebleau Temple. By the way, Lord Romeo, is that person perhaps you?"

"Haha, although I do have an interest in the Gold Trading Route, I'm not qualified for such a position. The one set to occupy Fontainebleau Temple is Miss Catherine Warfang Rein."

"Warfang? The family that established Lion Heart City, the first golden family of the Alliance?"

"Indeed, and Miss Catherine is also the daughter of the previous Beastman King, Carter, and the direct disciple of the 'God of War Knight,' Leimen. She's a dual-practitioner, a 'Warrior Shaman Knight.'"

"Hmm, that makes sense. I've heard that the current Beastman King, Shamantha, has been relentlessly pressing the Warfang family since he became the Chieftain of the Lions some years ago, already seizing much of Lion Heart City's benefits. With the Warfang family experiencing a decline in talented individuals, they naturally turned to the Temple for aid. The Temple, worried about the King's expanding power, sought a solution. However, King Shamantha is a capable and cunning leader, making direct confrontation difficult. Thus, they had to devise another plan. Taking advantage of his focus on the Viking Empire's human army, they seize the third Gold Trading Route and share the benefits with the Warfang family, thereby balancing power against the Beastman King."

"The old fossils in the War God Temple indeed had such plans, but they didn't expect that an upstart commoner like you would have the ability to discern the mysteries of 'Jade Essence.'"

"Crafty old timers wouldn't make such naive mistakes. They only need to borrow the fearsome reputation of the 'Jade Essence' Fiendslayer. Even if I don't use it, what difference does it make? Who would investigate whether a Wolfman without connections truly died from the curse of the Fiendslayer's divine weapon? Under the vast influence of the War God Temple and the First Family, even the Beastman King wouldn't say anything, right?"

"Since Sir Xuanfeng is aware of this, how do you intend to respond? Compromise with the temple or seek help from the Beastman King?"

"I recall telling you before that my fate isn't something others can control. Those who want to deal with me should be prepared for their own graves. As for you, esteemed Shaman Romeo, your stance and actions are rather peculiar. As a shaman of the temple, why are you telling me these things? On which side do you stand?"

"Well, hehehehe, I'm naturally on the side of a certain handsome young Wolfman. I, Romeo Sky Wolfe, am universally acknowledged as the top connoisseur of beautiful creatures in the Alliance."

"I'll believe that when I see it. Shameless scoundrel! Keep pretending all you want."

I turned and left the banquet hall, entering the temporary temple alone. On the altar lay the jade box containing the 'Jade Essence.' Opening the lid, the golden radiance of the Jade Essence shimmered once more, rippling like water throughout the entire space.

Without hesitation, I reached out and grasped the Jade Essence. A violent, berserk fighting intent surged into my mind, causing the sword to vibrate fiercely in my hand, emitting a continuous howling like it wanted to slash everything in its path.

"Clang~ ~ ~ ~"

The Jade Essence's frenzied roar was cut short by my finger lightly tapping the blade, silencing all disturbances in an instant.

"From this day forth, I shall be your sole master, 'Tiger's Soul'. You shall become the world's paramount divine weapon in my name."

Chapter 17: Illusory Mirage of True Flame's Hue

A month after acquiring "Fontainebleau", the spoils of the previous war had mostly been sorted out. Apart from the riches and funds seized from the "Fallen City," the proceeds from selling nearly two thousand human mercenaries and their equipment were substantial, alleviating our financial troubles in the short term. Aside from those who were sold or surrendered, Sword Master Lanster and several key humans were imprisoned within the city's dungeons, to be used as leverage when negotiating with the humans next year.