Village Head's Debauchery
Chapter 1365: The Bargain For The Seven-Headed Hydra, Delayed Meeting

Chapter 1365: The Bargain For The Seven-Headed Hydra, Delayed Meeting

The rest were other Duke-ranked Spirit Beasts silently observing the confrontation, along with unknown figures still in hiding who hadn’t taken the oath and intervened in secret.

Upon hearing Kun’lin’s words, neither Jaros, Silvitaris, nor Crahon’ra could retort, held back by their fear of her unfathomable strength. Even Zaelthar and Rhylla, who wanted to speak up, remained silent.

At that moment, everyone turned their eyes toward Orion.

Only he had the power to speak at that time.

Sensing their gazes, Orion was inwardly amused.

He hadn’t intervened previously because he had been looking forward to this.

Although the White Flame Cosmic Tree would also serve as a new home for the Spirit Beasts, it had been built on his and Iyriath Zi’ria’s understanding of the Spirit Realm and the heavens, to accomodate both the gods, and the spirit beasts within its dimensions, it was still far from being a solid replica.

They needed valuable resources that the White Flame Cosmic Tree could dismantle and recreate, and these resources could easily be obtained by the spirit beasts before him.

This was also an opportunity for Paradise to gain powerful allies within the Spirit Realm. Since he couldn’t utilise his true body for the time being, why not make use of the strength of the spirit beasts to accomplish what he intended?

Unless they swore their allegiance to Paradise, Orion planned to keep Zymera’s situation a secret, known only to high-ranking members of Paradise.

"Although we don’t know her current location, since you’re all so desperate to meet her, why don’t we speak in private?" Orion said, releasing a sigh. "It might be possible for us to come up with some clues about her current whereabouts."

Hearing Orion’s response, Kun’lin sighed in relief inwardly. Outwardly, she wore a charming smile. The seed in her palm disappeared, and she pulled her hand back.

The others also felt relieved.

As for Orion’s words, they didn’t pay them too much attention. Since he had accepted, it meant he knew the whereabouts of the Seven-Headed Hydra.

They all understood that they would have to pay a significant price to access the information they needed. As for what it was... they didn’t care. They were willing to pay anything to uncover the secrets that defied the constraints of the Celestial Cycle of Spirit Beasts.

"I have heard your subordinates sing your praises. And now, I am certain that you are indeed a wise leader," Kun’lin said with a smile.

"I’m curious to learn about your force. To be able to stare down a King and live... it means that King has approved of your existence. Such a force must be extraordinary," Jaros said, a wide grin stretching across his crocodile face.

"No wonder you managed to seize such a large territory from the Celestial Spirit Court with ease. I don’t think even the Spirit Beast Coalition can stand against you. They’ll most likely back off once they get hold of this information."

"There’s no need for you to act this time around. Since you’ve accepted this Duke’s request, I will head over to their headquarters whenever you command and flatten it to the ground."

"I can accompany Duke Jaros. While he handles the Spirit Beast Coalition, I will take care of the Divine Corps’ base so they don’t threaten your borders," Crahon’ra said, chiming in with a bright smile on her face.

"Although I didn’t plan on making enemies during this journey, if the Supreme Leader desires it, I will step in to handle both forces before they become a nuisance. A place that has been beheld by the gaze of a King should naturally be protected, and regarded as sacred," said Silvitaris.

Within minutes, after competing to gain an edge over one another, they had quickly reconciled.

Suddenly, a voice called out from within the crowd.

"I also want to make an offer," Zaelthar said, stepping forward. His wife and daughter followed behind him. "I hope you can grant me an audience as well, so we can discuss this in private."

When they saw who had spoken, Jaros and the others fell silent. They knew that Zaelthar and Rhylla had been the first to take the binding oath to prove their sincerity.

Orion must have been aware of this, too. If Orion had granted them an audience, it wouldn’t be surprising if he extended the same courtesy to Zaelthar and his family.

Still, they remained quiet, unsure how Orion would respond.

"You are?" Orion asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"I am Zaelthar, a member of the tempest winged crow race," Zaelthar said swiftly, pushing his chest outward in response to Orion’s question. "This is my wife, Rhylla, and my daughter, Karli," he added, gesturing toward both of them.

They were moved that Orion had chosen to ask for their identities, something he hadn’t done for the others who had stepped forward earlier. Not even for Kun’lin.

The others were surprised as well.

"Oh," Orion nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "You may join us in this meeting," he said, sweeping his gaze over them.

His eyes lingered on Karli. He had noticed that a few of the spirit beasts present were accompanied by women and men who resembled them. He quickly guessed their intentions.

"Thank you, Supreme Leader," Zaelthar said respectfully.

Rhylla and Karli bowed respectfully.

Suddenly, several voices erupted from the crowd.

"I’m willing to offer the Supreme Leader a treasury of my spirit treasures!"

"I have over twenty million field herbs, each over two hundred years old. I’m willing to offer everything..."

"I’ve discovered several territories spanning over thirty million square kilometres, filled with abundant Spirit Wells. I’m willing to offer it, along with my own territory!"

"I have a hidden territory overflowing with a treasure called the Cloud of Zinblis, ready to be harvested..."

"I have two beautiful daughters. I’m certain..."

The spirit beasts began speaking one after another.

Those with priceless resources were willing to offer everything for a seat at the meeting. Others, knowing they lacked such assets, brought forward themselves, or even their daughters and sons, for the exchange.

Because even if Orion had no need for them, they were sure that someone among the force behind him would be interested.

Witnessing this scene, the other spirit beasts, including Zaelthar and his family, snorted inwardly. Still, they didn’t respond once more. They were unsure if Orion would allow this crowd to be involved in the meeting.

Though they wanted as little of the meeting as possible to be known outside, since less competition was better, they also knew that the more people Orion accepted, the more likely it was that he truly possessed knowledge of the Seven-Headed Hydra’s whereabouts.

They were torn between these thoughts, but leaned more toward the latter.

Orion was satisfied as he looked over the crowd of Spirit Beasts. If his plan succeeded, Paradise would be one step closer to solidifying its presence within the Spirit Realm.

Orion cleared his throat loudly.

The crowd immediately fell silent, their eyes fixed on him in anticipation.

"Okay. Everyone here may take part in the meeting," Orion said, observing their expressions and demeanours relax. "However, the meeting will be postponed. You may choose to continue residing on this island or in the territory. You will receive an announcement before the meeting begins."

"I need to handle some issues, along with taking care of the spirit beasts who dared to attack those who have taken a binding oath to protect this territory."

The injured spirit beasts, numbering ten, immediately stepped into the centre of the gathering. This time, their gazes were fixed on Orion and those beside him with more respect and curiosity.

Marquis Cy’lakai and Duke Kafla, who had laid the request as spokesmen for the spirit beasts, stood at the forefront and bowed respectfully to Orion.

"We have thought about this carefully and decided to handle the issue ourselves. After all, we’ve taken the binding oath to defend this territory and trust in our own abilities to do so. This is not your problem to handle, but ours. We don’t want you to delay the meeting over something so trivial," Duke Kafla said, gulping as sweat beaded on his forehead, sensing the gazes from the gathered spirit beasts directed at them.

Previously, no one had objected to using this opportunity to test Orion’s and his forces’ strength, but now that the plan would delay such an important meeting, it had become an absolutely horrible idea.

Marquis Cy’lakai didn’t dare raise his voice or lift his head for fear of angering the higher-ranked spirit beasts present. If even they treated Orion with such respect, then who was he?

Orion focused on them.

"Haven’t I already given you my word that I will lend you my strength to take care of this matter?" he asked. "You don’t need to worry about the meeting being delayed. I don’t think anyone here has any objection, right?" He looked at the gathered spirit beasts.