67: Chapter 67: Enraged, Xiong Lei compromises.

Bai Xuan stated his demands. Hearing this, Xiong Lei was furious:

"This is clearly bullying the bears! Why should we listen to you? And do we need you to protect us? You look down on us too much, and you think too highly of yourself."

The Black Bear tribe could run rampant in this forest. They were the ones who bullied other ferocious beasts; how could they let others bully them? Not to mention, running wild on Bear Clan territory.

This concerned the dignity of the Black Bear tribe. How could Xiong Lei not be angry? He wasn't Yuan Jin, so easily compromised!

"Are you sure?" Bai Xuan's eyes turned cold, and his terrifying aura poured out.

Pressing down on the ferocious beasts, making it hard for them to breathe.

It caused actual physical damage; some beasts couldn't even bear it; their minds went blank, their eyes closed, and they collapsed with a thud.

The ice layer on the ground was also shaken, appearing with dense cracks.

"Xiong Lei, you won't suffer by following the Eagle King, just..." Yuan Jin trotted to Bai Xuan's side and then looked at Xiong Lei, trying to persuade him.

Xiong Lei was silent. This giant eagle's strength was too terrifying. If he didn't agree, it would likely cause unnecessary casualties, or even the annihilation of the clan, but agreeing was too undignified:

"Is there no other choice?"

Other bear-type beasts hung their heads timidly, not daring to look at Bai Xuan.

The Black Bear commander who had clamored against Bai Xuan earlier was even more terrified, his body shaking uncontrollably, sweat flowing continuously from his forehead.

"Choose between dignity or survival."

Bai Xuan gave two choices again. Reasoning with them might not work, but using hard-line tactics to make them feel fear meant they would likely choose to compromise. Later, by combining favors and threats, most of them would work for Bai Xuan.

At worst, Bai Xuan could choose another beast tribe; it wasn't like he needed them specifically. If they were wiped out, Bai Xuan could support another tribe to rise, and he could still rule this forest.

"I am willing to serve the Eagle King." A bear-type beast couldn't hold back and was the first to submit to Bai Xuan. This caused a stir, and over a dozen black bears spoke up:

"I am willing too." "I am willing too."

Xiong Lei turned his head to look at those black bears:

"You..."

"Commander Xiong Lei, this is the only way. Why choose a dead end when there's a path to survival? Besides, it's only 40% of our resources; it doesn't affect us much, and we can save our lives. Why not?"

"Well said. 40% of resources doesn't affect us much. Giving it is fine; it's no big deal. It's better than being eaten, right?"

"And what about you?" Xiong Lei looked at the bear-type beasts who hadn't spoken.

Those bear-type beasts wanted to speak but stopped, ultimately remaining silent, hesitant, and unsure how to decide.

"Those who agree, come to my side." Bai Xuan smiled slyly.

Now Bai Xuan could confirm that they were not beasts who feared no death. As long as they wanted to live, everything would be easy to handle.

Those bear-type beasts willing to serve Bai Xuan stepped forward, walked to Bai Xuan's side, and looked at their hesitant kin.

"40% of the resources can save your lives; I think it's very worth it. Likewise, I won't interfere too much in your tribe's affairs. You can still live with dignity; just hand over the resources. Before I leave, I will incidentally clear out some tribes that threaten your survival. You aren't losing out, are you?"

Bai Xuan persuaded them. Now that the Black-Scaled Bear King was dead, if they still refused, even if Bai Xuan didn't kill them, other tribes would inevitably unite to eradicate the Bear Clan.

So now there were only two roads before them: either live or die.

After hearing Bai Xuan's words, more black bears chose to submit to Bai Xuan and walked to his side. Now, three-quarters of the black bears had chosen to submit to Bai Xuan.

Xiong Lei was still wavering and hesitant. Those who remained were the good brothers and sisters who had braved life and death with him; they chose to stand with Xiong Lei.

Looking at these bear companions who had braved life and death with him, Xiong Lei was silent for a moment before making the final choice:

"I am willing to serve you, but you must guarantee that you will never harm the Bear Clan."

Xiong Lei knew that if he fought Bai Xuan, it would be a dead end. It didn't matter if he died, but it wouldn't be worth it if those companions who had braved life and death with him died because of his choice.

Because of this, he was willing to compromise and submit to Bai Xuan, provided that Bai Xuan could guarantee he would never harm the Bear Clan.

"As long as you do your jobs well, I will never harm you. In the future, I can even lead you to the peak. You are called Xiong Lei, right? You should understand the current situation. It's not just beasts that threaten your survival, but also humans. If you continue like this, you will inevitably fall from your current status and struggle to rise. But I can lead you to the peak. Likewise, your choice is definitely not wrong."

"Finally, it's not like I need you specifically; I can just as easily support other tribes to rise and clear away obstacles."

Bai Xuan needed them to collect spirit stones for him, and they needed Bai Xuan to stabilize the Bear Clan's position. It could be said to be mutually beneficial.

Under this coercion and inducement, Xiong Lei lowered his arrogant head:

"Having these words from you, Eagle King, is enough. I, Xiong Lei, will definitely do my utmost to serve you, through fire and water, without hesitation."

The other bear-type beasts did the same, bowing their heads and submitting to Bai Xuan.

"A wise choice." Bai Xuan nodded with satisfaction. Having another helper was great. He would keep up the effort and strive to control the entire Far East region.

"Um... Eagle King, I am very loyal to you. Earlier, when leading the way, they were somewhat dissatisfied with me, so I request that you, Eagle King, help us resolve this rift."

Yuan Jin was very clever. While Bai Xuan was still there, he wanted Bai Xuan to say a word or two to resolve the previous incident, clear up suspicions, and restore harmony.

"I was the one who told Yuan Jin to do it. Xiong Lei, please excuse him; don't hold it against him."

Bai Xuan smiled.

This guy was quite smart, knowing to let him solve it, and his tone was respectful—he both flattered Bai Xuan and solved the trouble.

Having them work together to obtain more spirit stones and resources was great.

And Bai Xuan taking 40% was already quite reasonable. Taking too much would be like making the horse run without letting it graze. Before long, it would stir up conflict, which was not what Bai Xuan wanted to see.

Before long, they would realize Bai Xuan's utility. Gradually, they would be able to willingly submit to Bai Xuan.

"Yes, subordinate understands." Xiong Lei agreed respectfully.

However, when he made eye contact with Yuan Jin, he glared fiercely at him. Yuan Jin scratched the back of his head awkwardly:

"Uh, Xiong Lei, we are good brothers. Let the past be the past. From now on, you and I will work together to better serve the Eagle King and strengthen the clan."