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Chapter 686: Chapter 690: Confrontation
Xi Chen took a deep breath and tried to calm his tone, "While the King might think I’m overstepping bounds, I feel compelled to ask, does he not fear breaking the hearts of the city’s people by doing this?"
These cubs are the future of the Kingdom and being a king yourself, you should understand this more than me.
We all have never been to the Wood Immortal Mansion. Can you really assure us that your decisions would carry much greater significance than the lives of the city’s people?"
Liao Li’s aura gradually calmed, "I understand what you’re saying, but I was forced into this too.
To enter the Wood Immortal Mansion, one must possess five Crystal Stones as keys. The Ming Deer Clan is elusive, no one knows where they are, and without them, we can’t find the Wooden Crystal Stone.
I, however, am aware of the location of the White Tiger Clan. Last season, I sent my favorite cub there to negotiate, but something happened and he hasn’t returned yet.
Very recently, I deployed a team of Beast Soldiers to scout ahead, even if there’s any news, it wouldn’t reach us until the heat season.
In such a long time, I of course cannot just sit patiently, thus, the emperor found a way. A Blood Crystal stone nurtured with cub’s blood can work as a substitute to open the gate to the Wood Immortal Mansion."
Xi Chen stared at Liao Li expressionlessly.
His thoughts were racing.
It seems that Liao Li would stop using the blood of the cubs to nurture the Blood Crystal stones if he found five crystal stones.
This might be a good opportunity for him to recommend Gaiyin and company to Liao Li.
However, for the moment, Xi Chen took no action and continued to quietly listen to Liao Li’s explanation.
"However, the process is extremely stringent. It requires the stone to be soaked in a certain amount of fresh blood for 999 successive days.
I have to centrally manage all the cubs to extract a little blood every day to maximize their survival.
The time is nearing, once the Blood Crystal stone is fully nurtured, I’ll compensate them and their families duly."
Hearing this, Xi Chen could not help but clench his fists. Pointing to the starved and tortured cubs, he asked, "Given their current state, do you think they can survive until the Blood Crystal stone is nurtured?"
Liao Li sighed and waved his hand, and an emperor stepped forward to pick up a cub whose wrist had already stopped bleeding.
Liao Li said blandly, "Yes, I believe they can. The amount of blood needed for the Blood Crystal stone is decreasing. There are only a few days left, they must endure until then."
Xi Chen slowly closed his eyes, reminding himself to stay calm.
If it weren’t for the fact that they had Fire Crystal Stone and Earth Crystal Stone, Xi Chen wouldn’t want to have anything to do with them.
The hypocrisy of their actions, sacrificing others to achieve their goals and using an honourable cause as an excuse, disgusted him deeply.
Xi Chen didn’t know how many times he had clenched and then unclenched his fists. He inhaled deeply and said to Liao Li, "So, if we found the Wooden Crystal Stone and Gold Crystal stone, we would be free to release the cubs, right?"
Liao Li nodded, "Of course, these are all my people. It pains and saddens me to see them like this.
I wish I was the one bleeding instead, alas, it’s my incompetence for not being able to find the whereabouts of the Ming Deer Clan."
Being Liao Li’s sidekick, Xuan Tian stepped forward and comforted, "Your Majesty, don’t speak that way. It’s not your fault. Only the blood of cubs can make the Blood Crystal stones, this is something none of us can change. There is no need for self-reproach."
Xuan Shui also nodded, "That’s right, Your Majesty. Everything you’ve done is for the stronger Kingdom. The citizens live in your protection and should repay you in some way."
Liao Li made a pretense of exchanging pleasantries with Xuan Tian and Xuan Shui.
Listening to them, Xi Chen felt a surge of nausea. He composed himself, took a deep breath and spoke, "I must ask for the King’s forgiveness. I’ve been keeping something from you."
Hearing this, the group gossiping paused and turned their attention to Xi Chen.
Liao Li paused for a moment, a hint of sternness in his eyes, then asked, "What is it?"
Xi Chen said, "Actually, upon my arrival in the kingdom, I made sure to bring everything we needed. The friends who accompanied me are actually the Young Master of the White Tiger Clan and the Young Master of the Ming Deer Clan."
I disclosed the matter of the Wood Immortal Mansion to them without the King’s permission. They stole the Crystal Stones to pledge loyalty to the king, I beg for your forgiveness."
Upon hearing Xi Chen’s confession, everyone reacted with surprise; visible joy appeared on the faces of Xuan Tian and Xuan Shui.
"Really?"
"You’re not trying to deceive us?"
"Exactly, you didn’t mention this earlier; why wait till now? I don’t believe it."
"Neither do I, isn’t it said that the Ming Deer Clan is in seclusion? How did you manage to find them?"
Several Beastmen of the Xuanjia Clan began to query Xi Chen, all with an air of skepticism.
Xi Chen didn’t respond to their questions and looked calmly at Liao Li.
Liao Li showed no emotion, although he thought it was too convenient for Xi Chen to say this now, but it’s something that cannot be faked, so he shouldn’t be lying.
After a moment’s pondering, Liao Li asked, "Oh, so the Young Master of the White Tiger Clan and the Young Master from the Ming Deer Clan also came to the Kingdom? Why didn’t you bring them with you? Not knowing this, I might have seemed neglectful."
Xi Chen replied composedly, "Your Majesty, I had initially planned to bring them to meet you, but then the Grand Commander took me here first.
Upon arrival, I learned that an alternative to the Wooden Crystal stone and Gold Crystal Stone had been found. Afraid of your blame, I then held my tongue.
However, given the current situation, I must speak up regardless of whether your Majesty blames me or not. Else, should anything happen to these cubs leading to an uprising of the citizens, it would surely be a big trouble for your Majesty."
Liao Li kept silent as if contemplating Xi Chen’s words.
After a while, Liao Li spoke, "Good intention, considering you did this on my behalf, I won’t hold it against you this time. But ensure this doesn’t repeat."
Xi Chen bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Liao Li nodded gently, "Let’s go then, since they’re your friends, we can’t be neglectful. I also have a few things to ask the White Tiger Young Master."
