The moment Niu Wu Ba's words left his mouth, the entire venue fell into complete silence…
Although Ba Li Jiao Huang had already anticipated this, he still couldn't help clenching his fists tightly. A storm of complicated emotions surged in his heart…
He was acknowledged as a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius of U Origin Continent. Before even reaching five hundred years of age, he had climbed to the top of the Golden Ranking and become the leader of a Ninth Grade force, his fame resounding far and wide.
Compared to him, Hu Qingwu and Kun Mingyue had risen to fame even earlier. They belonged to the previous generation and were the objects of admiration for countless male demon beasts across many eras.
When Ba Li Jiao Huang was young, the one he admired most was Hu Qingwu, with her irresistible charm…
As for Kun Mingyue, although she was also extraordinarily beautiful, her personality was too proud. She was a true female powerhouse, not to his taste.
Ba Li Jiao Huang had secretly sworn that once he grew strong enough, he would surpass Hu Qingwu and take her as his wife…
With his terrifying talent and determination, Ba Li Jiao Huang had succeeded. He had caught up to Hu Qingwu in both status and strength…
It could be said that Ba Li Jiao Huang's talent even surpassed that of Hu Qingwu and Kun Mingyue… which was why being called the number one genius of U Origin was no empty title.
Unfortunately, up until now, Hu Qingwu had never taken his feelings seriously. The relationship between the Giao Clan and the Hu Clan had never been close.
What made Ba Li Jiao Huang even more despairing was that the person who had taught him — the one who surpassed him in every way — Niu Wu Ba, had also set his sights on Hu Qingwu.
Outsiders only knew that he and Niu Wu Ba shared a master-disciple bond from their time at the Heavenly Demon Academy, but they didn't know why the two had never publicly announced it… nor held a proper formal apprenticeship ceremony.
The deeper reason was that both of them knew they liked the same woman. Niu Wu Ba and Ba Li Jiao Huang were both infatuated with the same person… How could they possibly establish an official master-disciple relationship?
In the demon race, the Hu Clan truly possessed overwhelming allure. They were the perfect dual cultivation partners — their true forms beautiful and adorable. In terms of attractiveness to males, they far surpassed the Kun Clan with their massive bodies.
Niu Wu Ba was also a powerful male. It was only natural for him to pursue the finest mate… Ba Li Jiao Huang had never blamed him. He only blamed himself for not being strong enough…
While Ba Li Jiao Huang was still lost in thought, Hu Qingwu had already looked calmly at Niu Wu Ba and spoke without any emotion:
"I'm truly sorry, but this Clan Leader must disappoint Headmaster Niu's good intentions!"
Ba Li Jiao Huang's face lit up with wild joy. He quickly raised his head, his heart pounding wildly. She had rejected Niu Wu Ba — that meant he still had a chance…
"Clan Leader Hu should think carefully. You are the leader of an entire clan. You should consider the well-being of all your clansmen and not make decisions based on personal feelings, or it may lead to unpredictable consequences!"
Being rejected so bluntly, Niu Wu Ba's heart sank. His expression darkened as he spoke in a low, forceful tone.
Before Hu Qingwu could reply, Hua Qingzhu had already curled her lips in disdain and mocked:
"Hmph, is this what you call a marriage proposal? I'd say it's closer to emotional blackmail. Look at how our husband does it and learn!"
Su Yan recalled the scene from that day with Lan An and herself. A wave of sweetness flooded her heart like tasting honey, and the corners of her soft lips curved into a radiant smile beneath her veil…
The other Harem women nodded in agreement. If they had been proposed to in such a manner, they would have given the man a slap.
Niu Wu Ba clearly didn't understand these things. In terms of wooing women, how could someone like him compare to a young man from the modern era like Lan An?
He only knew that in the demon race, the strongest male had the right to choose his mate. And right now, he represented the pinnacle of combat power in U Origin Continent — the only backing the entire Hu Clan could rely on. Hu Qingwu's rejection was, in his eyes, an emotional and shortsighted decision. Therefore, he brought up the danger facing the entire Hu Clan to remind her, hoping she would reconsider.
"This Clan Leader's decision is final. If Headmaster Niu has nothing else to say, let the banquet continue!"
Hu Qingwu's tone carried absolute resolve. She looked directly at Niu Wu Ba, hoping he would drop the matter.
But how could Niu Wu Ba let it go? He had already shot the arrow — there was no turning back. If he backed down now, he might never have another chance to bring up the proposal again.
Thinking of this, Niu Wu Ba suddenly stood up. He took out a jade box from his storage ring and opened it with great solemnity…
In an instant, spiritual energy from all directions surged wildly, converging into the box. Inside lay a white demonic core the size of a pearl, extraordinary in every way.
The moment they saw this demonic core, the Hu Clan members' eyes widened. Their bodies trembled, and their breathing grew labored. Even Hu Qingwu's gaze flickered slightly.
Niu Wu Ba held the demonic core in his hand. Seeing the reactions of the Hu Clan, his confidence surged. He spoke with feigned generosity:
"This is the demonic core of an ancient Eight-Tailed Fox. When it was alive, it was a late-stage Eighth Grade powerhouse. This Headmaster paid an extremely high price to obtain it. Consider it my betrothal gift!"
"Oh?"
The Harem women let out a soft gasp of surprise. A demonic core was the crystallized essence of a demon beast, containing nearly its entire lifetime of cultivation. In the past, Xiao Shi had also received a Lightning-attribute demonic core from Lan An to increase her strength…
They hadn't expected Niu Wu Ba to have prepared something so valuable. No wonder he dared to propose marriage.
All eyes turned toward Hu Qingwu, clearly waiting for her decision.
Fearing Hu Qingwu would continue to refuse, Niu Wu Ba added:
"The demonic core of an Eight-Tailed Fox. If Clan Leader Hu can refine it, I believe you will break through to the Eighth Grade within ten years. Your own talent may even undergo a transformation, allowing you to evolve from Six-Tails to Eight-Tails. The benefits are obvious — there's no need to explain further, right?"
The crowd nodded. Indeed, they could not deny that Niu Wu Ba's words were true. Such a massive temptation… it would be difficult for any Hu Clan member to resist.
Legend had it that the ancestors of the Hu Clan in ancient U Origin Continent were also Eight-Tailed Foxes. If Hu Qingwu could obtain this demonic core, she would have the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with her ancestors.
Not to mention breaking through to the Eighth Grade — something millions of demon beasts in U Origin Continent could only dream of.
Unfortunately, no matter how attractive the demonic core was, Hu Qingwu's eyes showed not the slightest ripple. She looked at Niu Wu Ba and said:
"The Hu Clan can purchase this demonic core from Headmaster Niu at a high price. As for the betrothal gift… my answer remains the same. I have no feelings for you. We cannot."
What did Hu Qingwu want the demonic core for? Of course, it was for her disciple Hu Ngọc Nghiên to use…
However, her words sounded like humiliation to Niu Wu Ba…
"You…" Niu Wu Ba's face flushed red with fury. Hu Qingwu's cold rejection pained him deeply. Moreover, no one would feel happy after being rejected so many times, especially when he had prepared such a valuable gift.
But with his status, Niu Wu Ba naturally could not show it outwardly. He shot an angry glance at his subordinate.
Bang…
Seeing this, the Second Elder of the Heavenly Demon Academy slapped the table and stood up. He pointed at Hu Qingwu and shouted:
"Hu Qingwu, this Elder believes you are simply unworthy of being the Clan Leader of the Hu Clan!"
"Insolence!"
A group of Hu Clan elders roared in anger. Although they were still heavily injured, they had long been resentful about the Heavenly Demon Academy's delayed reinforcements. Now that these people dared to question their Clan Leader, they were furious.
"Silence…"
Hu Qingwu raised her hand, calming the Hu Clan elders. She then turned her gaze toward the Second Elder of the Heavenly Demon Academy and spoke calmly:
"Esteemed Elder, why do you say that Qingwu is unworthy of being the Clan Leader of the Hu Clan? Please enlighten me."
"Hahaha!"
The Second Elder of the Heavenly Demon Academy laughed coldly, as if he had been waiting for this question. He stood up straight and began listing his points one by one:
"First, why would you rather let the Hu Clan face the continued threat of attacks from the Blood Emperor Clan than accept protection from our academy? Have you considered the safety of your clansmen at all? You claim that the Heavenly Demon Academy and the Hu Clan are not close enough to merge. But if you marry our Headmaster, the two clans would become one family and join forces against our common enemy. That would be the perfect choice any proper Clan Leader should make!"
"Second, you rejected the Eight-Tailed Fox demonic core. Do you intend to prevent the Hu Clan from ever witnessing the glory of their ancient ancestors? Moreover, if you refine this demonic core, your strength will advance to the Eighth Grade and you will be able to protect the Hu Clan. The benefits are clear — as Clan Leader, you should consider the greater good of the entire clan rather than refuse based on personal feelings!"
"Finally, in what way is our Headmaster unworthy of you? In terms of status, he far surpasses you. In terms of strength, there is even less need to speak… If you receive his protection, the entire Hu Clan will enjoy eternal peace. Why do you refuse?"
"All of your decisions only prove that you are controlled by personal emotions and do not place the interests of the Hu Clan first. How can you be worthy of being Clan Leader?"
The Second Elder of the Heavenly Demon Academy spoke eloquently, his words clear and logical, spittle flying as he criticized Hu Qingwu in front of countless people.
However, from beginning to end, he did not dare look directly into her eyes, fearing he would lose composure before those bewitchingly beautiful eyes.
Hearing the Second Elder's lengthy speech, the crowd fell silent. Because they could not refute him.
According to common sense, as the leader of a clan or force, one should consider the bigger picture. Sometimes, one had to sacrifice personal interests — or even personal feelings…
The clearest example was Ba Li Jiao Huang himself. In order to avoid offending Niu Wu Ba, he had accepted giving up his pursuit of Hu Qingwu even though his heart was bleeding. He had even chosen not to aid the Hu Clan as quickly as possible in order to elevate the Giao Clan to one of the top three forces.
Earlier, there was also Bing Chang Kong, who had gritted his teeth and watched his own flesh and blood fight each other to death, all so he could select the most outstanding successor for the Crown Prince position.
But here, Hu Qingwu was doing the opposite. She was ignoring all the obvious benefits in front of the Hu Clan, simply to reject Niu Wu Ba.
Therefore, when the Second Elder questioned her, many people turned their eyes toward her, waiting for Hu Qingwu's response.
Niu Wu Ba glanced at the Second Elder with satisfaction. This old man was the most eloquent speaker in the Heavenly Demon Academy. Bringing him along this time had been the right decision.
The Second Elder looked smug. If he could change Hu Qingwu's mind this time, he would definitely receive a heavy reward from Niu Wu Ba — perhaps even compete for the position of Great Elder.
"Hehe!"
Under everyone's watchful gaze, a laugh carrying endless charm suddenly rang out, making a group of men feel their lower bodies tighten.
They saw Hu Qingwu's shoulders trembling slightly, clearly trying to hold back laughter…
The Harem women also chuckled softly. Even the usually cold Ji Bing and Ji Ya couldn't help but curl their lips.
In the crowd's confusion and Niu Wu Ba's growing unease, Hu Qingwu crossed one jade leg over the other in a lazy posture. Her entire demeanor had changed from her previous calm. She spoke coldly:
"The Second Elder is absolutely right. As the Clan Leader of the Hu Clan, I should consider the greatest benefits for the Hu Clan!"
Seeing that even Hu Qingwu seemed to agree with him, the Second Elder grew even more pleased, believing she had accepted. Joy bloomed in his heart.
However, her next words quickly made his face stiffen once more…
"The benefits you mentioned are not the greatest. In fact, aside from that demonic core which has some value, everything else is worthless in my eyes!"
Her icy words pierced straight into the heart. As the leader of a clan, how could Hu Qingwu possibly be gentle? The Heavenly Demon Academy had repeatedly touched her bottom line — it was time to strike back.
"Ridiculous. In this world, aside from the Heavenly Demon Academy, who else can offer the Hu Clan such great benefits? Even the Treasure Pavilion would find it difficult!" The Second Elder spoke with arrogant confidence.
The crowd was also extremely puzzled. No one understood what Hu Qingwu was thinking. They focused their attention completely…
"First, the Hu Clan needs protection from the academy? How laughable… We are all adults here. No one is stupid. Why did the Heavenly Demon Academy and the Giao Clan delay their reinforcements earlier? You all know the reason very well in your hearts. How can this Clan Leader still place any trust in the Heavenly Demon Academy?"
Hu Qingwu raised one finger. Before they could react, she raised a second finger and spoke with a cold smile:
"Second, the Eight-Tailed Fox demonic core can indeed help the Hu Clan break through to the Eighth Grade — that is not false. It may even allow the Hu Clan to produce an Eight-Tailed Fox to rival our ancestors — that is also true!"
"Then why do you still reject it?" Niu Wu Ba finally couldn't hold back and spoke up.
"Hehe, the answer is very simple…"
Hu Qingwu laughed seductively. Then she suddenly stood up. Under countless wide-eyed stares and gaping mouths, an earth-shaking pressure erupted from her alluring body…
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
In that instant, heaven and earth changed color. The surrounding space shattered into pieces. A group of demon beasts turned pale with terror, nearly spitting blood.
But that wasn't the end. In the stunned gazes of countless Hu Clan members, behind Hu Qingwu, where six soft tails had once been, a blinding light suddenly flashed…
When the light faded, nine noble and proud tails rose high, fluttering majestically beside her peerless body. On her forehead, a delicate Heavenly Fox imprint appeared, amplifying her noble aura countless times…
Swish! Swish! Swish!
From top to bottom, every single Hu Clan member felt an overwhelming pressure originating from the deepest part of their bloodline. It caused them to instinctively kneel in absolute submission. Their beautiful eyes filled with worship and bewildered awe.
At this moment, Hu Qingwu was like a queen. Her sharp gaze swept across Niu Wu Ba and the others. Her red lips parted, and her arrogant voice echoed in all directions:
"Why does this Clan Leader need to break through to the Eighth Grade when I am already an Eighth Grade powerhouse?"
"Why does this Clan Leader need to rival our ancestors when I have already surpassed them?"
"Is your demonic core really that valuable?"
"Gulp…" The sound of dry swallowing echoed in many throats.
Then came silence…
A silence so absolute it was deafening…
No one answered Hu Qingwu's words, because they were no longer calm. They had even lost the ability to react for a moment…
Only the Harem women remained composed, sipping their wine with interest as they watched the excellent show unfolding before them…