Chapter 438: Chapter 5: The Affectionate Father (Part 5)

The old clan leader did not speak. Li Longyun suddenly said, “Father, this Black Jade Lotus Seed is very beneficial for you.”

The old clan leader glanced at Li Longyun, remaining silent.

Venerable Zhuang, however, smiled and said, “It seems I was presumptuous. The old clan leader can consider it first.”

Afterward, Venerable Zhuang left, being led to the area specially designated for guests by the Wolf Clan. Meanwhile, Li Longyun began to lobby the old clan leader.

He also knew the significance of the Black Jade Lotus Seed. The Humans already had a Saint. If they had three Black Jade Lotus Seeds, they could certainly produce another Saint, making the Human Clan more dominant among the three great clans.

Two Saints, indeed.

As for the Wolf Clan, obtaining the item didn’t mean it would be given to the old clan leader.

Although it’s highly likely the old clan leader would enter the peak period of the Great Demon King after consuming it, the old clan leader had always valued him highly.

Li Longyun knew the expectations the old clan leader had for him. If someone proposed that he should take it, the old man would probably agree.

After all, he was still young.

Li Longyun seemed to envision himself becoming a Saint, continuously urging the old clan leader to cooperate with Venerable Zhuang.

The old clan leader, however, remained silent, somewhat displeased seeing Li Longyun continue speaking without stopping, but said nothing.

Could such a matter be immediately answered? Since when did Longyun become so impatient and unable to hold back?

Li Shuning climbed onto the old clan leader’s knee, pulling on his beard, and laughed.

The old clan leader laughed heartily as well.

Ordinarily, Li Shuning acted like a little adult and would never be so intimate. The old clan leader found this quite novel.

Seeing Li Longyun standing by awkwardly, the old clan leader felt somewhat dismissive.

“Longyun, you should go back first. Let me think it over.”

Li Longyun, seeing he couldn’t persuade the old clan leader, unwillingly left.

After Li Longyun left, Li Shuning, with an innocent and playful tone, said, “Grandfather, what is a Black Jade Lotus Seed? Is it something tasty? Where does it grow? Ningning also wants some.”

The old clan leader tapped Li Shuning’s nose, “Little Ningning is quite greedy, huh? This Black Jade Lotus Seed is not a snack. It’s quite powerful and generally grows in dark places, needing to absorb Demonic Qi and various sinister auras to grow.”

“Demonic Qi, if we eat it, won’t we become members of the Demon Clan too?”

“Silly girl, no, that’s the allure of the Black Jade Lotus Seed.”

“If it’s so beneficial, why are the Humans seeking us? Can’t they just keep it for themselves?”

The old clan leader sighed, “Because holding it alone is too hot to handle. The Black Jade Lotus Seed likely grows on Demon Clan territory, so they thought to seek our help. Otherwise, they’d keep it all to themselves, not sharing with us.”

Li Shuning blinked, “Then why does Father keep urging Grandfather to go? If it’s dangerous, shouldn’t Father advise Grandfather against going?”

The old clan leader sighed again but didn’t speak.

Li Shuning softly said, “Grandfather, does Father not like us? I once saw Father turn over a table at Mother’s and slap her. Grandfather, Mother said she married Father out of love, so why would Father hit Mother?”

The old clan leader was a bit shocked. The son he raised actually lay hands on his wife? How could he behave like this towards a woman? What’s wrong with him?

He found it incredible. A change in temperament should have its limits, right?

“Grandfather, Father seems to favor that Human. Why? He never smiles at me or Brother, yet he smiles so broadly at that Human. Grandfather, doesn’t Father like us, boohoo.”

Li Shuning forced out a few tears.

The old clan leader felt a deep sympathy. As a Great Demon King, he focused on cultivation and clan dynamics, never as delicate as to know about his daughter-in-law’s affairs.

He only knew his son’s temperament had changed drastically, but didn’t realize the extent.

This marriage was arranged by him, but the two had interacted and developed feelings before deciding on marriage. Why did it turn out like this?

The old clan leader didn’t think Li Shuning would lie. She’s too young to concoct lies.

Also, Li Longyun’s attitude towards that Venerable was indeed peculiar.

Was it necessary for the White Wolf Clan’s leader to fawn over a Venerable of average strength in the Human Clan?

The old clan leader’s suspicion weighed heavier and heavier.

The White Wolf Clan had its pride. How could a leader like that shoulder the responsibility of protecting the White Wolf Clan?

“Grandfather, that Human is bad, seeking you for dangerous tasks. Please don’t go, okay? Ningning is scared. If something happens to Grandfather, Father will surely treat us worse. When I was little, Father held my feet, wanting to throw me into Crescent Lake. He thought I was asleep but I knew. I was scared and kept my eyes closed.”

Li Shuning wasn’t lying. In the story, on the original host’s third day after birth, he nearly threw her into Crescent Lake, only saved by a passerby.

The old clan leader was startled. Crescent Lake, what kind of place is that? How could Li Longyun be unaware?

Was his loathing for Tianlu’s trio this deep?

Li Shuning’s words completely dispelled the old clan leader’s intent to collaborate with the Humans.

No one could predict the outcome of working with Humans. If anything happened to him, with Li Longyun acting this way, Tianlu’s trio would surely meet a disastrous fate.

The old clan leader couldn’t feel at ease without figuring out Li Longyun first.

Sure enough, the old clan leader refused Venerable Zhuang. Venerable Zhuang was surprised since the clan leader had advised the old clan leader, expecting significant chances of cooperation. Unexpectedly, they were turned down.

Venerable Zhuang felt a bit anxious but couldn’t force it. Without partners, only the Human Clan would struggle to succeed.

Venerable Zhuang hurriedly departed the White Wolf Clan’s territory, needing to report back and decide who to collaborate with at the earliest.

When the Black Jade Lotus Seed ripens, if no one picks it, it will fall into the water and dissolve—then no one gets it.

Li Longyun also didn’t understand, “Father, why pass up such a good opportunity? With the Black Jade Lotus Seed, you’d have the chance to reach the peak period. And cooperating with Humans could win allies; if the Demon Clan rises, having allies is safer for the White Wolf Clan.”

The old clan leader looked at Li Longyun with disappointment in his eyes. Was this person truly his son?

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