A sudden shift in the situation! Along with Feng Xiao, several other young people rushed to the rescue!

And these people were certainly familiar faces—it was Ao Fei and Feng Fei, the two we had fought at the ferry crossing earlier. Trailing behind them were more than thirty tribal elite warriors, all demonstrating remarkable skill!

What surprised me even more was the appearance of Mo Luo Yin Feng and the others—that contingent from the Mo Luo Church! Almost simultaneously with their arrival, they charged toward Xing Ye and You Yue, who were caught in peril!

“Halt,” facing this sudden surge of reinforcements, Da Wang and Da Jia dared not move rashly and quickly retreated back to their main formation. Feng Fei and Ao Fei, along with the others, dared not pursue carelessly and merely fell back to their respective positions.

For a moment, the fierce battle raging across the field actually came to a standstill! “Defeated foes,” Da Long seemed somewhat surprised, but clearly still held Feng Xiao and the others in low regard: “You escaped last time; I didn't expect you to have the guts to come here and seek death now.” “Hmph,” Feng Xiao replied calmly, “We haven't even settled the old scores with you yet.” “If it weren't for the Demon Dragon Patriarch lending aid, you might not have been able to handle us,” Ao Fei scoffed.

“You aren't so lucky this time.” “It seems this time you are quite confident,” on the war chariot, Da Ji, the little fox-girl who had been observing the spectacle, watched with intense interest, appearing entirely unsurprised by the arrival of Feng Xiao and the others. “Hahaha,” Mo Luo Yin Feng chuckled, “Little Fox, you aren't waiting for that big, clumsy dragon to come rescue you, are you?” “Let me tell you,” Feng Fei said with a touch of smugness, “That clumsy dragon is probably lost in the Dead Sea right now, still wandering around aimlessly.” “Interesting,” Da Ji maintained that highly irritating demeanor, fanning herself with a small feather fan—her appearance clearly referencing the look of Zhuge Liang, though in her case, it seemed utterly incongruous.

“It seems you deliberately lured Dabun away, intending to seize the Night Pearl that was stolen last time, is that right? First publication.” “You only figured that out now?” Mo Luo Yin Feng retorted.

“Beasts are beasts; you can never understand human intellect.” “Heh heh,” Da Ji let out a light laugh, toying with her little feather fan, but then turned to me with a peculiar gaze: “This tactic from Romance of the Three Kingdoms—in the Thirty-Six Stratagems, wouldn't that be called ‘Luring the Tiger Out of the Mountain,’ yes?” “.......” For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. Honestly, I barely remembered that many tales from the stories I’d fabricated back then.

But instinctively, I felt an extremely ominous sensation—this little fox was far too calm! You Quan and the others regarded me with curiosity, clearly not understanding what Romance of the Three Kingdoms or 'Luring the Tiger Out of the Mountain' even meant!

Of course, they were mostly perplexed by the implication hidden within the fox-girl’s words. “My Lord, you were acquainted before?” You Quan asked.

“Sort of,” I genuinely didn't know how to explain it to them! I couldn't very well tell them that everything happening today originated from a fantastical lie told thirty years ago.

And that I was the very architect of it all! Thinking of this, I could only force a wry smile: “It’s a long story; I’ll tell you later.” “.......” You Quan seemed even more confused, but he knew this wasn't the time to press the issue.

However, Mo Luo Yin Feng was quite appreciative of the fox-girl’s choice of words: “Luring the Tiger Out of the Mountain—that phrase is quite apt.” Mo Luo Yin Feng then settled in comfortably: “Now that you’ve fallen for the Luring the Tiger trick, shouldn't you raise your hands and surrender now?” “Surrender?” The little fox-girl still wore that smiling expression. “We’ll have to fight another round to decide that.” As she said this, the fox-girl looked rather smugly toward Da Long: “Father Emperor, I was right, wasn't I?

As soon as Dabun left, they would surely come looking.” “Da Ji is divinely insightful,” Da Long said with admiration. “Father Emperor, I am truly impressed!” “This saves us a lot of trouble,” Da Jia and Da Wang chimed in repeatedly.

“Did you intentionally let the Demon Dragon Patriarch leave your side?” Feng Xiao, who had been watching coldly, was now also somewhat surprised. “If he hadn’t left, would you have dared to come?” Da Ji seemed quite pleased with her stratagem, and her little fan began to sway back and forth again.

Seeing her made my blood boil! “Now that the Demon Dragon Patriarch isn't here, what the hell are you still fighting for?” Xing Ye pierced straight to the heart of the matter, voicing the confusion in everyone’s mind!

“Ignorant humans, our Beastmen race is powerful for more reasons than just the Demon Dragon Patriarch,” Da Long stated gravely. “Oh, really?” You Quan looked utterly unimpressed.

“But what you just showed didn't seem very impressive.” “Hahahaha,” the little fox-girl stared at Xing Ye as if regarding an idiot, then settled her gaze back on me: “Don't humans always value strategy? Remember a story you once told that had a move called 'Playing Hard to Get' (Yù Qín Gù Zòng)?

I studied it for ages before devising this plan, and it actually worked.” The fox-girl continued, “There was only one step the plan missed, and that was running into you. But that’s even better!

Once I capture you, I can make you tell me stories every day, and I’ll become much smarter.” “Capture me?” I was stunned. “And tell you stories?

Is your brain malfunctioning!” “Of course,” the little fox-girl said seriously. “Father Emperor said you are the smartest among all humans.

Any story you tell allows us to learn so much. If I can capture you, I will surely become the smartest Beastman.” “.........” I was completely thunderstruck.

What in the world was all this? If I didn't see the earnest look on the little fox-girl's face, I would have sworn she was deliberately mocking me!

“Don't worry, if you don't resist, I will treat you very well,” the little fox-girl said earnestly. “Whatever you ask for, I can grant.” “......” What does this child want?

Why does that sound so wrong! “Treat you well,” Even You Quan, who always maintained a stern face, managed to show a trace of a strange smile.

“My Lord, you are truly fortunate.” And Xing Ye was utterly dumbfounded. After a long pause, he seemed to realize something!

He immediately exploded in fury: “You wretched girl, my father already has three wives, don't even dream about it.” “It’s over,” This brat usually seemed smart, so why is he confused now? I wanted to kick him away.

Now look at the mess! The more you explain, the worse it gets!

For a moment, I felt my entire face flush burning hot! Even without a mirror, I could imagine how red my face must be!

It’s ruined, everything is ruined! My reputation of a lifetime!

And Xing Ye seemed to realize his mistake too, but his awakening came too late! He could only stare with wide eyes, stammering nervously: “I...

I was just anxious.” “Heh heh, Brother Xing Ye, your father isn't worried, so why are you in such a rush?” You Yue, who had been looking on grimly, unexpectedly found a moment for teasing. “I!” “Shut up!” This guy only digs the hole deeper; I quickly stopped him.

The atmosphere was strange! Not just him, but Mo Luo Yin Feng, Ao Fei, Feng Xiao, and Feng Fei all stared at me with peculiar expressions.

This atmosphere! It was so bizarre!

And the little fox and Da Long seemed confused too, but the little fox quickly recovered: “Hey, don't misunderstand, I didn't mean it like that.” “.......” Why is this girl as hopelessly dense as my bratty kid? Say nothing, and no one will call you mute!

I was so angry I almost cursed out loud! “My Lord’s charm is indeed extraordinary,” Mo Luo Yin Feng sighed in admiration.

“Even the Beastmen race regards you as the foremost wise man among humans. Yin Feng humbly bows in defeat.” Although we seemed temporarily aligned on the same side right now, I was certain this fellow wouldn't pass up such a perfect opportunity to tease me.

He even looked envious: “But My Lord, you might want to consider the little fox-girl’s suggestion. For men, having three wives and four concubines is normal.” Mo Luo Yin Feng’s single sentence was like a drop of water falling into a hot frying pan!

The scene immediately devolved into chaos! “No, how can that be?” Da Wang and Da Jia spoke almost in unison.

“The Princess’s status is too noble; how can she marry a human?” “Exactly, absolutely not.” Even the old Ape-man, who had previously maintained an air of inscrutable wisdom, rarely spoke up to support them. “This would throw everything into disorder!” “Disorder is good!

Disorder is good! Da Jia, if everyone is harmonious, why fight?

Aren't they just asking for trouble when they're full?” As if things weren’t chaotic enough, You Yue actually poured oil on the fire. “All of you, shut up!” Da Long’s nose was almost twitching with anger!

And the little fox-girl’s face turned bright red—a sight that made me both exasperated and amused! Heavens, what kind of people are these?

If this continues, there won't be a fight! “Are you here to fight or to do something else?” Unable to bear it any longer, I finally erupted!

That rare tension of an impending major battle and life-or-death situation was completely ruined by this farce! It made me lose my focus!

Everything was a confusing mess! “......” Everyone was stunned, and only then did they snap back to reality!

“Right! Right!

Fight, fight!” Da Long nodded repeatedly but then looked slightly dazed: “Wait, what were we talking about?” My heavens, how is this Beast Emperor ruling? “Playing Hard to Get,” I reminded him irritably.

“Come on, you’re not that old to be so forgetful?” “Who’s forgetful?” Da Long cleared his throat, and his entire demeanor shifted, completely unlike his previous appearance. “To put it simply, you’ve fallen for our Playing Hard to Get scheme.

It’s not too late to surrender now.” “That speech is so unoriginal!” Mo Luo Yin Feng muttered quietly. “He completely plagiarized me.” “Playing Hard to Get!” Feng Xiao and You Quan both regained serious expressions.

Could it be that Da Long still held some hidden trump card? However, upon seeing the Ape-man elder standing beside Da Long, I suddenly understood.

I had felt something was off about that old fellow from the very beginning—he was so low-key, unobtrusive. Could that old man be the ultimate ace in the hole?

“Don't you think it’s too late now that you’ve realized it?” Da Long seemed to see right through my thoughts! A strange smile flashed in his eyes.

“I learned this trick from you. How is it?

Not bad, right?” “You!” For a moment, I was speechless, simply standing there stunned. “When did these Beastmen become so cunning?” “Since everyone is here,” Da Long chuckled menacingly, “Let’s start the second round of competition.” “Fine, let’s see what other tricks you have up your sleeve.” He then turned respectfully to the Ape-man elder: “Teacher Tian Mu, these people are in your hands.” “Your Majesty need not worry.

Not one of them will escape,” the Ape-man elder said in a deep voice.