“Activating the arcane array now might only enrage the spirit leopard and make things worse,” Bernard warned. “Don’t worry. If Mr. Chance is in real danger, I’ll eliminate these beasts myself.”
Bernard’s willingness to slay the valuable spirit beasts to protect Jared showed just how much he valued him.
Taming a spirit beast was no easy feat-it required patience, resources, and time. Losing even one was a great loss for Allardland.
As Jared neared the spirit leopard, the creature’s red eyes gleamed with menace, and it appeared ready to strike. But suddenly, a flicker of fear crossed its blood-red eyes.
It sensed something in Jared-an aura of dominance, an aura of a divine beast. This pressure, like that of a king of all beasts, tamed the once-fierce spirit leopard instantly.
Jared carried within him the Golden Dragon’s True Form, the most powerful of the beast race. His Draconian bloodline gave him an authority over all beasts, and when he released just a hint of his Draconian energy, the spirit leopard immediately submitted.
To everyone’s astonishment, the once- aggressive spirit leopard dropped to the ground, tail wagging like a harmless pet.
Jared gently stroked the spirit leopard’s head again, and this time, it responded by nuzzling against his hand. Jared infused a wave of spiritual energy into the creature, searching for any clues about its condition.
Both Bernard and Dylan were dumbfounded. They had never seen a ferocious beast become so docile in an instant. They had no idea Jared had subdued the creature using his innate power as a descendant of the Draconians.
Jared, however, found nothing unusual about the spirit leopard after his inspection. This left him puzzled.
If he couldn’t identify the cause of the illness, there was no way he could treat it. The feeding resources weren’t the problem, nor was the environment. The handlers assigned to each beast were highly trained, and yet, only the beasts in this particular courtyard were affected.
Jared stepped out of the arcane array, looking slightly troubled. “Your Majesty, I haven’t been able to diagnose the illness yet, so I can’t treat the creatures. I’ll need more time to observe and investigate further.”
“No problem, Mr. Chance,” Bernard said graciously. “You can stay here as long as you need. And as for the immortal’s bone, I’ll personally escort you to retrieve it when you’re ready.”
Bernard’s eyes gleamed with an idea. “In fact, I would love for Mr. Chance to take up permanent residence in Allardland. You would be treated as an honored guest, free to explore the empire as you please. No one would dare hinder you.”
It was clear that Bernard wanted to keep Jared in Allardland. Having someone of Jared’s talents would be an enormous advantage for the dynasty.
Jared smiled politely. “I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but I’m used to my freedom. Besides, I have many responsibilities to attend to.”
He then added, “You should also know that I’m still being hunted by the Demon Seal Alliance. Staying here might bring trouble to Allardland.”
“Mr. Chance, if you choose to stay here, even the Demon Seal Alliance wouldn’t dare set foot in Allardland,” Bernard replied confidently, thumping his chest. “I would personally see to it.”
Alas, Jared shook his head. “I can’t. I’m here to help with the spirit beasts, but I need to return to the central region as soon as possible. The Foster family has taken over, and my woman has nowhere to go. I can’t leave her to fend for herself.”
Hearing this, Bernard’s expression darkened.
“The Foster Family?” He turned to Ezequiel. “Mr. Yorba, which of our cities is closest to the Imperial Fox City in the central region?”
Ezequiel quickly responded, “Your Majesty, it’s Lofbury, where General Quivey is stationed in.”
Without hesitation, Bernard commanded, “Send word to General Quivey to march on Imperial Fox City. Obliterate the Foster family and help Mr. Chance reclaim the city!”
