Capítulo 186: Chapter 186: The Difference Between Wolves and Dogs
"One person, a three-inch tongue."
Zhong Shan's simple declaration left everyone momentarily stunned. Mixed reactions of disbelief, doubt, shock, and disdain filled the air.
The five members of Yuheng Sect were puzzled, their minds racing with questions. Going out alone? With just his tongue? Was he seeking death? Leaving the protection of Yuheng Sect's grand array would surely result in a fierce assault.
Gulin looked at Zhong Shan as if he were a fool. "Go ahead, leave. The sooner you die, the better," his eyes seemed to say.
Mr. Shuijing paused, his fan momentarily still against his chest. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes before he resumed fanning himself, though his brow remained furrowed. He trusted Zhong Shan; if he claimed there was a way, there likely was.
Princess Qianyou, Ah Da, and Ah Er shared Mr. Shuijing's sentiment, watching Zhong Shan intently.
"Zhong Shan, do you speak the language of wolves?" Princess Qianyou asked, her brow slightly furrowed.
"I don't speak it, but I can understand some of it," Zhong Shan replied with a smile. Over the years, he had learned a considerable amount about wolf communication.
Everyone's eyes widened at Zhong Shan's response.
The members of Yuheng Sect were visibly delighted. Could he really understand wolf language?
Gulin, on the other hand, was dumbfounded.
Mr. Shuijing smiled faintly, and Princess Qianyou looked hopeful.
"Very well, I will accompany you," Princess Qianyou offered, concerned for Zhong Shan's safety. The wolves outside were formidable, and she could ensure his protection.
"No need. I'll go alone. Negotiations are more sincere when conducted by one person. You all wait here in Yuheng Sect for my return," Zhong Shan declined with a shake of his head.
"Alright," Princess Qianyou agreed, not pressing further.
A group of people escorted Zhong Shan to the edge of Yuheng Sect's grand array.
Gazing at the array, identical to that of Kaiyang Sect, Zhong Shan knew how to pass through.
"Be careful," Princess Qianyou advised one last time.
"Understood," Zhong Shan replied with a smile. He then turned his attention to the thousands of wolves outside the array.
With a flick of his robe, Zhong Shan walked towards the array's edge.
The others watched anxiously from within, their eyes fixed on Zhong Shan.
"Ah Da, Ah Er, be ready to rescue him if necessary," Princess Qianyou ordered.
"Yes," they responded immediately.
The members of Yuheng Sect watched with worry, while Gulin's face was cold and mocking. Mr. Shuijing, fanning himself, observed intently, curious about Zhong Shan's next move. Ah Da and Ah Er remained alert, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Only Princess Qianyou wore a complex expression, her brow tightly furrowed as she watched Zhong Shan. Her look wasn't just of concern but also a mix of frustration.
"Hummmmmmmmmm..."
Zhong Shan stepped out of the outermost layer of the array.
"Growrrrrr..." Many wolves bared their teeth, ready to unleash fireballs.
"Roarrrrrrr..."
The leading wolf let out a long howl, causing the others to halt their fireballs, looking at the lead wolf in confusion.
"Everyone, I've come to negotiate. Allow me to enter," Zhong Shan said loudly.
The lead wolf seemed to frown at Zhong Shan's words.
"Whimper whimper..."
The wolves surprisingly obeyed, making way for Zhong Shan, evidently understanding his language, though they couldn't speak it themselves. Everyone in Yuheng Sect stared at Zhong Shan with wide eyes. How could it be? Just a single sentence, and the wolves actually listened and cleared a path for him to negotiate? Had they been waiting for negotiations all along?
As Zhong Shan approached, the wolves shook their heads in a peculiar manner. He gave the largest wolf a special look, one that he had learned from Qingyun Wolf General, a look that meant 'alert' or 'caution.'
The leading wolf seemed to understand.
"Woof woof woof," it barked a few times.
Some wolves continued to bare their teeth at Yuheng Sect, while others allowed Zhong Shan into their midst, surrounding him and obscuring him from view.
"Princess," Ah Da immediately expressed his concern.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Princess Qianyou said, furrowing her brows as she watched from a distance.
Mr. Shui Jing also looked at the scene with a puzzled expression, feeling as if there was something he couldn't understand.
Everyone waited in anticipation.
Within the wolf encirclement, Zhong Shan noticed the wolves' curious expressions as they looked at him. The leading wolf growled and questioned Zhong Shan.
Wolf language: Who are you? Why do you have the scent of my clan?
Understanding its words, Zhong Shan smiled slightly and said, "Who I am, you should already know. Emperor Xuan Xie and I have a contract. The wolves are the national beast of my Great Zheng Dynasty."
Wolf language: Great Zheng Dynasty? How could the Supreme make a contract with a mere dynasty?
Zhong Shan smiled at the big wolf and replied, "You should ask your Supreme about that. However, this contract is real, and every wolf can sense it."
Hearing Zhong Shan's words, the big wolf fell silent for a moment, and the other wolves did the same.
Wolf language: Then why are you here? Do you intend to help Yuheng Sect?
"I've heard what happened. Bring out the son of Fire Wolf General; I want to speak with him," Zhong Shan said after some thought.
The leading wolf stared at Zhong Shan, then howled to the sky.
"Awwooooooo!"
Following the howl, the wolves became restless, and soon a wolf with bloodshot eyes and an angry expression ran over from the distance. This wolf, though only fifteen meters tall and considered small among the wolves, was still a giant compared to Zhong Shan.
"Woof woof woof," the wolves barked at the newcomer, explaining Zhong Shan's identity. Even without the explanation, the small wolf seemed to know who Zhong Shan was. However, it remained furious, eyes burning with rage.
"Are you the son of Fire Wolf General?" Zhong Shan asked.
The small wolf growled in response.
Wolf language: Yes, you are chosen by the Supreme. I respect you, but I must avenge Yuheng Sect and Liu Wushuang.
"Heh, I'm not stopping you. I just think that by doing this, you're dishonoring your father, the Supreme, and the entire wolf clan," Zhong Shan said.
Wolf language: What do you mean? I'm avenging myself; how is that dishonorable?
"Let me ask you, why did the ten thousand wolves charge here?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.
Wolf language: Naturally, to avenge me.
"Then why do they seek revenge for you? Other wolves have been killed, but this didn't happen. Why did you bring ten thousand wolves to attack?" Zhong Shan asked again.
Wolf language: .....
"I'll tell you. It's because of Fire Wolf General, not you. The ten thousand wolves are here to support Fire Wolf General, to avenge his disgrace. What you are doing is announcing to the world that you can't avenge yourself. At the first sign of trouble, you hide behind your father's reputation. Fire Wolf General is a legendary hero, but his son is a coward," Zhong Shan said sternly.
Wolf language: I'm not, I'm not a coward. If it were a one-on-one fight, Liu Wushuang wouldn't be my match. He set a trap with a group of people; that's how I got captured.
Seeing the little wolf getting agitated, Zhong Shan smiled and said, "I believe you, and that's why I'm here to talk to you."
Wolf language: Are you here to plead for Liu Wushuang?
"No, I'm not here to plead for him. 'Heaven's sins can be forgiven; one's own sins cannot be survived.' He deserves severe punishment," Zhong Shan said solemnly.
Wolf language: Then why are you here?
"I'm here to plead for Yuheng Sect. You can have Liu Wushuang, but Yuheng Sect has a connection with me and must not be destroyed," Zhong Shan said firmly.
Wolf language: Fine, I'll give you that respect, but only because of your abilities.
Hearing this from the little wolf, Zhong Shan smiled slightly and said, "You are a wolf who understands the importance of gratitude and enmity. With this, I am also relieved for Fire Wolf General, knowing he has such a sensible son. But let me tell you this: wolves fear no situation. You are currently under Fire Wolf General's protection, and the wolves only recognize him. If you become a general yourself, the wolves will truly be loyal to you. Only then can you lead them and your decisions will be their honor. That's when you can truly use their power."
Wolf language: Understood!
"How long was Liu Wushuang holding you captive?" Zhong Shan asked again.
Wolf language: Three months.
"Alright, then Liu Wushuang will be yours for three years. Since you didn't capture him yourself, you'll have him for three years to deal with as you see fit, as long as he isn't killed or crippled. After that, release him," Zhong Shan said seriously.
Wolf language: Three years?
"Yes, three years. Let him rest for a year, and if you have the ability, capture him yourself. The difference between wolves and dogs is that wolves do not rely on charity. Dogs wait to be fed; wolves fight for what they need. They do not accept handouts," Zhong Shan explained.
Hearing Zhong Shan's analogy, the little wolf's pupils contracted as it stared at Zhong Shan.
Wolf language: Fine, three years. I'll pay some interest now. In the fifth year, I will personally capture him.
"Good, then wait for it," Zhong Shan nodded.
Wolf language: Alright.
As Zhong Shan was about to leave, he suddenly turned back and said, "When your father comes out, give him my regards and tell him my name is Zhong Shan."
After speaking, Zhong Shan walked back towards Yuheng Sect's grand formation through the path made by the wolves.
Watching Zhong Shan leave, the little wolf narrowed its eyes. Although he was just a man, the little wolf sensed a grandeur and majesty from him, something it had only felt from its father. His name was Zhong Shan?
"He's back," Ah Da said excitedly.
Everyone watched as Zhong Shan slowly walked back from a distance. The wolves no longer troubled him and even seemed to look at him with respect. Respect? Was Zhong Shan really so good at negotiating that even these beasts admired him?
The members of Yuheng Sect showed signs of relief and hope, as if a storm had passed and clear skies were ahead. They just didn't know what the exact terms of the negotiation were.
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