Chapter 4: The Five-Cloud Dharma King

What did a combat power value of 45,000 signify? No one understood this better than Mels. Even after receiving the Forgotten One's training and breaking through the cage, his own combat power had only been around 40,000. Although the gap was merely 5,000, this 5,000 meant Mels was at least one tier lower in combat power; and this one-tier difference in skill could very well be the key factor determining victory or defeat in a battle between the two.

While combat power value is merely a reference and doesn't guarantee victory for the higher number, the danger of challenging a superior opponent was all too clear. Moreover, the enemy Mels now faced, even though the Dharma King hadn't uttered a single threatening word, Mels could sense clearly that his order for Akafir to capture the Wolf Clan Sub-Humans alive had completely enraged this profound and unfathomable Dharma King. Because the Dharma King's killing intent was already aroused, he stated that defeating him would avoid making an enemy of the Five Clouds Cave.

Mels knew full well that this challenge could end in his death. However, given the current situation, the simplest way to avoid attack from the Dharma King, or pursuit by the entire Five Clouds Cave, was to challenge the Dharma King. If he had any choice at that moment, if he were truly a member living in the Sub-Humans' world, if he had no companions by his side, then Mels would choose to surrender. But...

"I accept your challenge, but you have to promise not to lay a finger on my friends, no matter what." After pondering for a long while, ignoring the repeated warnings from Sol and the others, Mels resolutely decided.

"Now that's the spirit, boy! Just for that, I promise you, regardless of the outcome of our battle, I absolutely will not trouble your friends, and I even guarantee their absolute safety." Mika boomed in agreement.

Mels wasn't actually worried about Mika's promise; what he worried about were the Eagle Clan Sub-Humans eyeing them menacingly from the side. And Mika seemed to understand Mels's intention, as a sweeping glance already shot a warning look towards the Eagle Clan Sub-Humans.

After hearing Mika's solemn promise, Mels gave him a slight bow and then said, "Can you wait for me for a few minutes? I want to have a word with my friends, and also ask him to put up a barrier during our fight to avoid harming the Bear Clan citizens."

"Oh? You even have a subordinate who can use magic? Well, I'm learning something new every day. Please go ahead, I'll wait right here for you to finish everything." Mika smiled slightly, let the gathered qi energy dissipate, and then retreated to one side.

After receiving Mika's acknowledgment, Mels turned and huddled everyone together, whispering, "All of you listen, I've made up my mind. I'm fighting the Dharma King, no matter what; otherwise, I'll die with regrets. If, and I'm just saying if, if I die in the battle, or if they capture me, don't you dare try to rescue me.

Since he's one of the Four Great Dharma Kings guarding the cave, it means there are at least three other enemies like him, or even stronger. Add to that the so-called Cave Master, even going all out, you wouldn't stand a chance of saving me or getting revenge. You have to see our mission through. You all know why we came here, and you should understand even more that there are important matters waiting for you to resolve. So, you absolutely must not give up lightly, understand?"

"Boss, don't talk like that! I believe you will definitely win, definitely!" Akafir blurted out.

Hearing Akafir's words, a look of relief washed over Mels's face. He patted Akafir's shoulder and said to everyone, "Akafir's got a point. I *will* win! But winning might cost me everything. Therefore, after the battle ends, if I cannot continue to lead you, then Kaslo's in charge of finishing the job."

"Me? How can I? No, I definitely can't!" Kaslo hadn't expected Mels to suddenly place the heavy responsibility of leadership on him and immediately waved his hands in frantic denial. But Mels didn't give him another chance to object; he just gave everyone's hand a firm squeeze, then turned back to face the Dharma King.

"Dharma King, I am ready. Once Sol's got the magic barrier up, we'll settle this fair and square!" Mels said, signaling to Sol. Truth be told, Mels could have picked another battleground, without needing to order Sol to reveal his magical abilities. Mels was doing this to keep Sol in check, preventing him from jumping in with magic if things went south. Pulling a cheap shot like that, not only would the Dharma King certainly be furious, but even Mels would feel insulted. Furthermore, even if they could win that way, they'd have a target on their backs from the Five Clouds Cave from then on. This situation was absolutely what Mels least wanted to see, so he was taking preventive measures.

Although Sol had some objections to Mels's command, he knew better than to argue now. With no other choice, he began chanting softly. In a short while, a powerful magic barrier that enveloped the entire guesthouse appeared around everyone.

Looking at the faint silver-glowing mist surrounding them, the Dharma King was fascinated. After a long moment, he sighed, "Is this a magic barrier? This is my first time seeing one. Hmm, it seems this barrier shares similarities with protective walls. Now I can fight without holding back. Alright, lad, you should have no regrets now, right? Then bring it on!"

"Good, time to show you what I'm really made of. Hah!" With Mels's angry shout, he plunged the soft sword he carried into the metal roof in front of him, then let loose all the qi energy in his body. Violent energy erupted from him like a stampede. The rapidly spinning vortex of air continuously condensed above Mels's head, drawing the surrounding air into it. Within seconds, this airflow roared furiously like a tornado.

"Now that's impressive! I really don't know who your master is, to have taught a disciple like you. If given ten years, no, perhaps just five, you might reach my level. It's a pity you met me too early. With your current ability, it's impossible for you to defeat me!" Dharma King Mika stood firm within the fierce wind, his posture completely unshaken, while the Eagle Clan Sub-Humans beside him had already retreated into the distance with horrified expressions. After finishing his praise for Mels, Mika raised both hands high above his head, palms tightly clasped together, his arms forming a circle overhead.

Without any other visible action from the Dharma King, in an instant, a blinding golden light shot out from the circle formed by his arms. It was as if an immortal Buddha had descended; the golden light made it truly difficult for everyone to keep their eyes open. Many Bear Clan soldiers watching the battle in the guesthouse courtyard were already kneeling on the ground, kowtowing and praying towards the Dharma King high above.

"Bewitching the masses! True Nameless Divine Style, Supreme Innate Combat Aura, Dual-Layer Blazing Demon Armor!" Accompanied by Mels's loud shout, the intense qi energy tornado swiftly returned to his body, as if putting on a brand new suit of armor. At this moment, Mels's body also radiated myriad rays of light, and those ignorant Bear Clan citizens immediately began worshipping him as well.

"Heh, now you're starting to bewitch the masses too." As if treating it as a game, Mika teased half-heartedly, then lowered his arms and shouted, "Be careful, witness my Mad Lion Battle Aura!" It was just a sentence; if spoken by an ordinary person, it might hold no threat. But this very sentence almost transformed Mika into a different person. Savage! At this moment, Mels could only use 'savage' to describe his feeling. It was as if the person Mels now faced was no longer a Sub-Human, but a wild beast, a living wild beast from the primordial world! The golden light on Mika's body had long since vanished. Now, he radiated a blood-red glow all over. Perhaps due to the effect of the qi energy, all the hair on his body stood on end, and his black eyes, as if wrapped in blood, became that deep, terrifying crimson.

Mels could now clearly sense that his opponent's combat power far exceeded his own. He understood even more that the gap between their combat powers was definitely not within 5,000. If Sol still had the energy to fiddle with that strange instrument at this moment, he would surely cry out in shock. Because Mika's combat power at this moment had far surpassed 70,000.

Looking at the powerful opponent before him, Mels's heart turned cold, but he still refused to admit defeat. With a casual, light wave of his hand, the soft sword embedded in the roof flew back into his grasp. Without giving his opponent any chance to react, Mels spread his own combat aura over the soft sword, then followed the sword's movement, leaping into the air to pounce at the Dharma King hovering in mid-air.

At the level of power Mels and the Dharma King possessed, the sky could no longer hinder their advance. Mels soared into the air like an immortal demon, while the Dharma King, unhurried, extended a single finger to meet the soft sword in Mels's hand.

In Mels's hand was a sword that could slice through iron like mud; in the Dharma King's hand was a finger of flesh and bone. These were two vastly unequal objects. Yet, despite this enormous disparity, the sword in Mels's hand was forcefully blocked by the Dharma King's single finger. Without any extra words, and without any sign of frustration or helplessness, Mels, as if he had long anticipated this outcome, withdrew his sword and thrust it at the Dharma King again.

The meeting of sword and finger, of course, couldn't produce an earth-shattering sound. But it was this silent battle that made the onlookers watch with bated breath. By now, everyone knew the gap between Mels and the Dharma King was too great. No matter what sword techniques Mels employed, he could never break through the Dharma King's finger. As if tired of the game, the Dharma King suddenly exerted force with both hands, extending his palm with almost lightning speed to strike at the vital point on Mels's chest, who was still continuously attacking.

A dull thud, mixed with the crisp sound of bone breaking. Mels spat a mouthful of blood into the air and crashed heavily onto the roof like a meteor. Fortunately, the guesthouse was made of metal, so Mels avoided falling straight through to the bottom floor. However, the full force of the attack had entered his body, leaving him trembling all over, momentarily without the strength to even stand up.

"Do you still wish to fight me?" Floating in the air, Mika looked coldly at Mels. Unlike his previous amiable self, the current Mika, in every gesture, exuded an invincible majesty; as if his words were decisive commands.

Hearing Mika's words, Mels remained silent. Forcibly suppressing the fear and cowardice within his heart, Mels mustered the last trace of power in his body and loudly shouted, "For my friends, for our shared hope, the heart of battle, unwavering until death." The moment Mels finished speaking, an even more powerful force suddenly surged from within his already depleted body. Propelled by this force, his body seemed on the verge of exploding from the rapidly expanding qi energy inside.

"Ahhhhh..." Wave after wave of qi energy impact forced Mels to open his mouth wide, continuously howling. And in that instant, the flaming armor surrounding his body actually shattered into pieces.

"Boss!" Seeing Mels's abnormal state, Sol disregarded maintaining the barrier and shouted loudly. Yet before his voice faded, an even more dazzling light erupted from all over Mels's body.

At this moment, not only could Sol and the others not look directly at Mels's body, even Mika was forced by this intense light to helplessly close his eyes. As the light gradually faded and everyone could see clearly again, they saw a brand new suit of armor covering Mels's body—a magnificent, exceptionally gorgeous armor shimmering with five colors.

"Th... the third transformation! It's the third transformation of the Supreme Innate Combat Aura!" Akafir suddenly cried out excitedly. Only after hearing his words did everyone understand that during the previous intense battle, Mels's True Nameless Divine Style ultimate skill had broken through once again. Now, his combat energy was beginning to shift from a disadvantage to an advantage stronger than the Dharma King's.

The Dharma King also seemed to have sensed the change in Mels. However, the Dharma King now showed no sign of fear; instead, it was replaced by a look of anticipation, of excitement.

Mels struggled to rise. Driven by the qi energy, the aura he now emitted was completely different from before. Gently wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he casually waved his hand and picked up the fallen soft sword again. Like an avenging lion, with a flash of light, Mels had already flown to the Dharma King's side.

"This is what you gave me earlier; now I return it to you!" From within the close distance, Mels spat out these words through gritted teeth.

Only then did the Dharma King realize his opponent's strength had become difficult to gauge. In his shock and uncertainty, just as he thought to retreat, he was already swept by Mels's long sword. The Dharma King, who had previously been able to stop Mels with a single finger, now had a diagonal wound nearly forty centimeters long slashed across his chest. Perhaps because the qi energy was driven too fast, or perhaps because the feeling of shock hadn't yet passed, the Dharma King couldn't stop the blood from gushing out. A mist of blood immediately descended from the sky.

The rapid loss of blood also accelerated the dissipation of the Dharma King's qi energy. Within seconds, the crimson glow on his body gradually faded. And his hands, due to the pain, began pressing tightly against his chest. Looking at the dispirited Dharma King, Mels did not pursue the attack but coldly asked, "Do you still wish to fight me now?"

Was it helplessness, humiliation, doubt, or unwillingness? The Dharma King's expression changed constantly, but finally, his proud head lowered, shaking gently. Mels had won, won so quickly, won in a way even he himself couldn't believe. In truth, he knew very well in his heart that his victory was extremely fortunate. If the Dharma King had known from the start that he possessed such strength, if the Dharma King hadn't been careless, Mels might have at best fought to a draw. But regardless, the victor of this battle was Mels, and only the victor had the right to receive everyone's cheers.

Unfortunately, Mels didn't get to hear the cheers. His body, having suffered consecutive heavy impacts and having stimulated excessive potential, simply couldn't hold on much longer. The Dharma King's shake of the head was like a referee raising a flag; at the moment of victory, Mels fell unconscious, plummeting straight down from the air.

The fierce battle that night became a topic the Bear Clan citizens relished discussing for many years to come. The protagonist of the tale, the Bear Clan's new War God in their hearts, Mels, only gradually regained consciousness three days after the intense battle. During these three days, Sol and the others had been taking care of Mels without even changing their clothes. To avoid their identities being discovered, Sol and the others refused Mast's offer to bring doctors, relying only on their own magic and the Bear Clan's healing medicines to treat Mels. Perhaps the decisive role played by that night's battle, Mast had been a hundred times more attentive towards Mels and the others since that night. Not only did he comply with all of Sol's requests, he also ordered triple the armed forces to protect the safety of Mels and the others.

Sol had never understood why the Sub-Humans, possessing such advanced technology, still revered individual martial prowess so highly. It wasn't until Mast explained to him that he learned the Sub-Humans' greatest enemy was the Federation, and the Federal People not only possessed technology but also terrifying martial arts and magic. Although many among the Sub-Humans were also learning magic and martial arts, they still couldn't rival the Federation.

Therefore, in the hearts of the Sub-Humans, they believed that no matter how high the technological power, it couldn't compare to one's own combat ability. Moreover, in actual combat, individual martial arts often could unleash unimaginable power. For example, Naba being able to easily take the enemy marshal's head was the best illustration. Thus, in the Sub-Humans' world, organizations like the Five Clouds Cave, with their superb martial arts and mysterious nature, were entities that any race was unwilling to offend and eager to win over. And Mels was clearly a young-generation master not belonging to any faction, so naturally, Mast would strenuously try to recruit him, even willing to give him whatever he wanted, just to have him serve his purposes.

Mels's sudden collapse after the battle was largely due to using excessive force and, without preparation, triggering the greater power of the Flowing Heart Scripture. To allow the qi energy in his body to flow smoothly and for his body to quickly absorb this portion of power, his body, lacking sufficient control, automatically shut down his sensory organs to protect his mind from being affected. Precisely because of this, after regaining consciousness, Mels quickly recovered his health without showing signs of weakness.

Of course, Sol and the others were the happiest about Mels's recovery. And Mast, using the pretext of visiting the patient, appeared multiple times at the guesthouse. Although Mast used various methods, overtly and covertly, to express his desire to keep Mels, Mels remained unmoved. After all, he knew very well in his heart that his goal was to go to the Federation with his companions.

On the other hand, the "rebellious" forces led by Prime Minister Jilu ceased their harassment of the royal capital and their plans to kidnap Mels after the battle. This wasn't just because the Prime Minister had reassessed the combat power of Mels and his group; it also expressed his unwillingness to make enemies of them. Therefore, in a sense, Mels and his group played a significant role in the Bear Clan temporarily maintaining stability.

Time quietly passed under this strange tacit understanding among the various parties. About two weeks after the battle between Mels and the Dharma King, Mast finally couldn't withstand Mels's repeated requests and helplessly issued the travel documents for passage to the Eagle Clan. Although Mast very much wanted to keep Mels for his own use, he also worried that continuing to keep them might bring him unfavorable influence; after all, the young clan leader now regarded Mels as his idol. Moreover, under Mels's repeated demands, Mast had deeply felt that the anger in Mels's heart was growing stronger and stronger. He really didn't want to make an enemy like Mels, so he ultimately could only agree to Mels and his group's request, letting them leave.

On the other hand, while Mels and his group were striving to leave the Bear Clan territory as soon as possible, the Five Clouds Cave's Mad Lion Dharma King Mika had already returned to the headquarters located in the desert at the western edge of the continent. The Five Clouds Cave was a mysterious organization that rose after the Sub-Humans fled the Federation continent. In the Sub-Humans' world, most commoners only knew of their glorious past, not the true situation of this organization.

Actually, the original founder of the Five Clouds Cave started this organization with the purpose of protecting the Sub-Humans from being enslaved by the Federation humans again, and to cultivate a large number of elite warriors for the war of freedom that might appear at any time. However, as time passed, this belief gradually changed. The current Five Clouds Cave merely inherited the fame of those years, respected openly but filled with selfish desires secretly, an armed organization.

As for Mika, although injured in the battle with Mels, his wounds weren't severe. Mika, admitting defeat, left the Bear Clan royal capital that very night, taking the two external envoys and immediately returning to the Five Clouds Cave to report the matter of Mels to the Cave Master.

The personnel of the Five Clouds Cave, who had always believed in martial prowess, disdained using the various transportation tools invented by the Sub-Humans. Relying on their own physical strength and traveling arduously for two weeks, they finally entered the mysterious headquarters in the desert. The reason Mika was in such a hurry to return to the Five Clouds Cave wasn't because he was particularly afraid of Mels's martial arts, but because during the battle with Mels, Mika had discovered a secret that extremely shocked him—Mels was not a Sub-Human!

"What did you say? There are humans among the Bear Clan impersonating Sub-Human citizens? And their power can rival ours?" Behind a black curtain, a gloomy male voice inquired with a slightly shocked tone.

"Yes, Cave Master! I am absolutely certain that person is definitely not a Sub-Human. I fought him and tried to inject qi energy into his body to seal his movements, then bring him back to headquarters. Precisely because of this experience, I am very sure his qi energy meridians are completely different from us Sub-Humans! However, I am ashamed. That human's martial arts are extraordinary. I was completely at a disadvantage in the battle with him, suppressed everywhere. Moreover, he has a human magician with quite remarkable magic by his side, and the combat abilities of the other few warriors are not inferior to the external envoys. I was outnumbered and isolated. Fearing to alert the enemy and let them escape, I did not expose them. I could only hurriedly return to headquarters after the battle to request instructions from the Cave Master." Mika stood respectfully at the foot of the black stone steps, speaking to the unseen "Cave Master."

"Hmm, you did the right thing. Since one among them can rival you, then once exposed, I'm afraid no one in the Bear Clan would be their match. Capturing these humans requires careful planning. Sigh... I never thought, after we have lived in seclusion for several hundred years, the Federation still won't let us go. It seems the Sub-Humans' disaster is about to descend." said the Cave Master.

"Cave Master, actually, I don't believe these humans are Federation warriors." Mika suddenly spoke up. The Cave Master seemed very interested in his words. After pondering slightly, he said, "Mika, what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Reporting to the Cave Master, these humans are very different from the Federation warriors we know. First, they are proficient with cold weapons, not the particle swords commonly used by Federation warriors. If they wanted to conceal their identities, being proficient with cold weapons would instead easily attract attention. After all, in the current Sub-Humans' world, most cutting tools use particle swords, while cold weapons are quite rare.

Furthermore, I observed them carefully and discovered these people all wear a metal ring on their arms. If my observation is correct, these metal rings should be devices that suppress a certain kind of power, like the 'Sealing Magic Rings' passed down from our ancestors. If these things are truly Sealing Magic Rings, it means they are new-generation bio-weapons possessing Summoned Beasts, likely the new humans from the continent on the other side of the legendary Divine Barrier." Mika expressed his thoughts to the Cave Master.

"Such a thing actually exists? Hmm... It seems we cannot go capture them for now! Mika, immediately relay my order to have spies everywhere keep an eye on these people's movements. Also, don't tell anyone for now about their human identity." After listening to Mika's report, the Cave Master immediately issued a series of instructions.

"Cave Master, actually, I think allowing these humans to act freely might cause a great impact on us Sub-Humans. I believe, even if their martial arts are superb, as long as three of the Four Heavenly Kings are dispatched, we should be able to capture them." Mika continued.

"No! These past few days, unusual fluctuations have been continuously detected near the Federation space-time gate near the headquarters. If my guess is correct, the Federation is likely unilaterally opening the space-time gate. You know, our Five Clouds Cave's greatest mission is to prevent Federation invasion. At this critical juncture, I need your help. Therefore, none of the Four Heavenly Kings or the Light and Dark Dharma Protectors can leave! Those humans are few in number. Even with the highest martial arts, they can hardly affect the overall situation. So, just send people to track them, keep abreast of their movements at all times. It's not too late to act after determining their purpose." The Cave Master patiently explained to Mika.

"Yes, understood," Mikalo replied respectfully after listening.

"Compared to human affairs, I am more concerned about the arrogance of the Eagle Clan. The old king of the Eagle Clan is getting on in years. For several years now, he has been doting excessively on his three sons. Originally, this was the Eagle Clan's own affair, and we cannot interfere. However, recently, those three princes have become increasingly outrageous—not only openly calling for the creation of a Sub-Humans Empire but also showing us no respect. As the saying goes: even a worm will turn. Today, I can no longer tolerate their rudeness. Mikalo, notify the Thunder and Lightning Generals immediately and order them to lead their troops to secretly execute the three princes at the first chance!" the Cave Master commanded loudly, his voice filled with killing intent.

Upon hearing the Cave Master's words, Mikalo was horrified and hurriedly said, "Please calm your thunderous rage, Cave Master. I believe assassinating the Eagle Clan princes is a terrible idea! In the current Sub-Humans world, the Eagle Clan holds the most formidable power and is our greatest ally in the future war against the Federation. Although the three princes are reckless, I beg you, Cave Master, to let them off due to their youth and ignorance. I believe that with proper guidance, they will surely repent and mend their ways."

"There is no need to say more. My mind is made up—no matter what, these three must be executed!" declared the Cave Master.

"Cave Master..." Mikalo's words were cut short as the Cave Master sternly shouted, "Mikalo, why are you still standing there? Do you intend to defy my orders?"

"I wouldn't dare, Cave Master. I will carry out your instructions as commanded," Mikalo reluctantly agreed under the pressure. Watching Mikalo quietly withdraw, the Cave Master lapsed back into thought. Although no one could see his expression at that moment, his earlier words made it abundantly clear that the ambitions harbored in this Cave Master's heart were not formed overnight.

At the same time, in the Duke's mansion, Mast was packing up the last of their things for Mels and his companions. Today, Mels and the others would depart the Bear Clan capital, where they had lived for two months, aboard a Float Car. Mast's feelings toward Mels were complicated—from initial exploitation to current attempts at recruitment and a faint sense of concern, too many unexpected events had occurred.

Although Mast knew full well that Mels and his companions had no intention of competing with him for power in the Bear Clan, he couldn't help feeling uneasy about the young chieftain's growing trust in them. As he packed, Mast thought to himself, "They're finally leaving. If only he could stay and help me, how wonderful that would be! With such a master by my side, I wouldn't have to bow and scrape before the Five Clouds Cave in the future. But alas... that's just how things go. Let it be just a dream."

In truth, Mast had been quite generous to Mels. After agreeing to their departure, Mast not only provided them with a substantial amount of Sub-Humans currency but also arranged for a highly advanced floating combat vehicle. Now, he had also prepared all the necessary supplies for their journey—food, medicine, and even specially crafted cold weapons—he really thought of everything.

After placing the last few items into the luggage, Mast boarded a vehicle heading to the guesthouse. Today, not only he but also the Bear Clan's young chieftain would personally see Mels and the others off.

By now, Mels and his companions were already fully prepared. However, unwilling to engage in empty pleasantries with the Bear Clan's military and political dignitaries outside, they quietly waited in their rooms for Mast's notification.

"Big brother! Brother Mels!" Just as the youths were discussing their plans after arriving in the Eagle Clan, the young chieftain rushed into the room, grabbed Mels, and exclaimed, "Brother, are you really leaving? Why not stay in the Bear Clan? Has someone bullied you? Brother, if you agree to stay, I'll have whoever bullied you shot, no matter who they are!"

"Haha, young chieftain, no one has bullied me. Actually, I was just passing through the Bear Clan, and we were bound to leave sooner or later. Young chieftain, you must remember that you are the chieftain of the Bear Clan. Every decision you make will affect the Bear Clan's future. So, you must constantly remind yourself not to be too mischievous or willful. Try to be an outstanding leader and bring happiness to the Bear Clan people!" Mels patted the young chieftain's head and spoke earnestly.

Although their two-month acquaintance wasn't particularly long, Mels had genuinely grown fond of this adorable young chieftain. Mels understood all too well that the young chieftain's life had already been predetermined. No matter how much he loved adventure, he could never roam as freely as Mels did. Although the young chieftain was nominally the ruler of the Bear Clan, in reality, he was merely a puppet. The road ahead for him was long, and he would face many more enemies. Therefore, Mels could only hide his feelings and strive to make the young chieftain stronger.

"Brother, I promise you I won't be willful or cause trouble anymore. But you must also promise me that after you finish your business, you'll come back to keep me company!" the young chieftain said innocently, tugging at Mels.

Seeing the earnest look in his eyes, Mels forced a bitter smile and replied, "Young chieftain, I promise you I'll come back when I have the chance." In truth, Mels knew he was deceiving the young chieftain, but he had no choice. After all, he couldn't reveal his true identity to any Sub-Humans. Unaware of Mels's thoughts, the young chieftain immediately cheered with joy upon hearing his promise.

While the young chieftain was chatting with Mels, Mast entered Mels's room with two subordinates. When he saw the young chieftain happily gathered around Mels, a flicker of something unusual passed through his eyes.

"Duke, I'm sorry to trouble you to personally see us off," Mels said, rising immediately upon noticing Mast.

"Not at all, not at all. After all, you are our guest in the Bear Clan and have done much for our chieftain. It is only right for me to see you off. By the way, everything is ready. We are just waiting for you and your companions to depart. When do you plan to set off?" Mast, having navigated political circles for years, maintained a smiling facade despite his inner dissatisfaction.

Hearing Mast's words, Mels smiled slightly and said, "Sir, I have a few words I'd like to discuss with you privately. Do you have time for a brief conversation?"

"Of course, no problem. Please come with me!" Mast nodded slightly and led Mels alone to another room in the guesthouse.

As soon as they entered the room, before Mast could even ask, Mels spoke up, "Lord Mast, I probably shouldn't be saying these things. I am neither a citizen of the Bear Clan nor a noble of the Lion-Tiger Clan. I am merely a passerby, an ordinary Sub-Human traveling through the Bear Clan. But I must tell you that you are an exceptional individual. Given the current circumstances, your future status in the Bear Clan will undoubtedly be extraordinary. However, no matter how prestigious your position may be, you are not the ruler of the Bear Clan. Therefore, I urge you to fulfill your duties properly and refrain from contemplating actions that could ruin your lifelong reputation."

Although Mels didn't explicitly state it, Mast was well aware that Mels was warning him against rebellion. His eyes narrowed as he was about to retort, but before he could speak, Mels raised a hand to stop him and continued, "I know you probably think I'm talking nonsense and may even resent me deeply, but I must say this. In the future, I may never return to the Bear Clan, but that doesn't mean I will abandon protecting the young chieftain. The young chieftain is pitiable, and the burdens he carries are far too heavy for a child his age. I only wish to remind you, Duke, that if anyone attempts to harm the young chieftain or seize his power, I, Mels, will return to the Bear Clan without fail and make those traitors suffer a fate worse than death!"

Mels's words were not spoken loudly, but the killing intent they radiated sent cold sweat streaming down Mast's back. Although Mast had never truly considered usurping the chieftain's position, he knew deep down that he longed for such a day. Now, under Mels's warning, Mast suddenly felt as though he had been completely seen through, with no ability to retaliate.

"Alright, I've said what I needed to say. Duke Mast, we will now leave the Bear Clan. I sincerely hope that, for the rest of your life, you will wholeheartedly assist the young chieftain and strive to make the Bear Clan one of the most powerful races in the Sub-Humans world." After saying these words, Mels bowed to the still-stunned Mast and then strode away.