Chapter 48: Property

“New territory, broader mountains, endless mortal beasts to feast upon, and an abundance of spiritual herbs and grasses…”

Listening to General Black announce the grand relocation plan from above, Lu Fei maintained a calm expression, quietly attentive, but his heart could not help pounding wildly. He had long suspected he wouldn't be confined forever to this rocky peak.

After all, with so many… no, so many monsters. Even after the recent battle at Langlang Mountain, in which nearly half the monsters had perished, there were still over a hundred remaining. These monsters had voracious appetites. Staying atop a mountain with pitifully few mortal beasts was never a sustainable solution.

Moreover, the commander forbade the monsters from descending the mountain.

Now his suspicions proved true; this place was merely a temporary stopover.

Especially upon hearing that the new territory was rich with spiritual herbs and grasses, Lu Fei’s excitement grew.

He had a little companion skilled at finding spiritual herbs. In the new territory, he could freely search for them, no longer risking stumbling into another monster’s herb field and spending anxious days harvesting a meager pair of herbs.

As for General Black’s decree that every minor leader must present ten spiritual herbs every two months, those leaders would undoubtedly distribute the task among their own underlings. For Lu Fei, with his little companion, there was nothing to worry about.

Yet, since General Black dared set such requirements, their destination must be vast enough, the environment rich, mortal beasts plentiful—only then could they meet the demands he had announced. If it were only the modest confines of Langlang Mountain, such a task would be impossible.

“There’s more…”

General Black ignored the murmurs below and continued loudly, “When we reach the new territory, to preserve sufficient food sources from mortal beasts, aside from the designated peaks and the main mountain, you are forbidden to transform into semi-demon forms in the other forests. Even if you must transform, do not allow mortal beasts to see you—lest you frighten them away and cause them to migrate…”

“Those who violate this order will be punished as stated above…”

“There’s more…”

General Black meticulously listed out brand new regulations.

The monsters listened with curiosity and anticipation, but worry crept into their hearts as well. In the old Langlang Mountain, there were few rules—one could do whatever one pleased, even daily patrols and chores were handled haphazardly.

But now, listening to General Black, it was clear those days were gone; everything in the new territory would be governed by strict rules.

Lu Fei, hearing all this, was not surprised. After all, General Black’s management at Langlang Mountain had been haphazard and utterly chaotic.

It wasn’t even management—just fencing off a patch of mountain and letting his monsters run wild.

But back then he was the king; his word was law.

Now, having arrived at Great Wilderness Mountain, it was clear they had to adopt the local monster customs.

“That’s all for now…”

General Black continued, “I’ll give you some time now. Hurry back and gather your belongings, then assemble here.”

“We’ll depart soon…”

“If you’re slow, you’ll only be left behind to meet your end.”

“Hurry!”

With that, General Black turned and strode away.

The little monsters paused, then scrambled frantically toward their dwellings.

“Big brother, what should we do?” asked the crow demon, sidling up as monsters scattered around them.

“What should we do…” Lu Fei looked at his second brother in surprise. “What else? Grab your things quickly and follow General Black to the new territory. What did you think?”

He turned and walked off.

“But I don’t have anything to bring…” the crow demon hurried after him.

Redskin followed, “Big brother, I don’t have anything either.”

Lu Fei turned, eyeing the crow demon dressed in a grass skirt, clutching a shabby spear, and Redskin, whose own skirt was made of feathers and who carried a yellow gourd on his back. Only then did he realize these two were absolute paupers.

He said, “Fine, you two wait here. I’ll be back soon.”

He promptly made for his stone cave.

“What’s big brother going back for?” the crow demon wondered. “Doesn’t he have a storage ability?”

Redskin shook his head. “No idea. But I’m sure he has his reasons. We’ll wait.”

Lu Fei was oblivious to his companions’ speculation.

Though most of his possessions were stored in his spatial ability, his most valuable asset was the long-nosed white mouse, his little companion capable of seeking spiritual herbs. He had to bring it along.

Otherwise, in the new territory, he’d be no different from the other monsters.

Once he left his companions, Lu Fei immediately focused his mind, searching with his spiritual sense.

Fortunately, though the distance was considerable, he could still sense it.

Moreover, the little creature hadn’t moved—likely asleep.

Lu Fei quietly sent a summoning message through the spiritual imprint he’d placed in the creature’s body.

Soon, the little companion stirred in his spiritual sense and began moving swiftly toward the stone cave.

Lu Fei likewise raced toward the cave.

When he reached the innermost small chamber, the little creature emerged from beneath the packed earth floor.

It stood up immediately, squeaking at Lu Fei.

Though it couldn’t speak, this time Lu Fei could accurately guess its intent—it was hungry, asking for food.

The realization made him smile, but pressed for time, he scooped up the creature and tucked it into his broad bear fur vest, instructing, “I’m taking you to a new place. It’ll be fun, but you must be quiet—don’t make a sound, don’t move. Once we arrive, I’ll let you out and feed you, like last night. Understand?”

He spoke seriously.

The little creature tilted its head again, but this time, with more information, it pondered longer.

Seeing it nod, Lu Fei was overjoyed. He adjusted the bear fur to completely cover the creature, making it less likely to be discovered.

Just as he stepped out of the inner cave, Lu Fei paused, returned, and scraped at the earthen floor. He pressed the little companion into the dirt, rubbing it thoroughly.

When Lu Fei finally emerged from the cave, the once pure white, beautiful creature was now gray and filthy, looking like an utterly ordinary rat.

Rushing back to the assembly point, Lu Fei found General Black had already arrived, and most of the little monsters were present.

“Big brother, where have you been? Why so long…” Crow Demon and Redskin hurried to his side.

“Quiet…” Lu Fei eyed the front of the monster ranks.

Crow Demon fell silent.

General Black stepped forward, frowning as he surveyed the little monsters below. “Get closer together…”

Though puzzled, the monsters pressed in, nearly shoulder to shoulder.

Then they watched as General Black waved his hand; a vast black wind surged forth, engulfing every monster.

General Black, with the Wolf Commander in tow, rode the black wind swiftly toward the distant horizon.