Chapter 536: Chapter 405: The Grand Finale (Part 2)

Neatly arranged brick-tile houses, broad and level cement roads, crisscrossing fields, and later, the marketplace built at the entrance to Sky-mist Canyon.

The market was filled with all kinds of shops: blacksmiths, vendors selling exquisite pottery, silk merchants, shops for furs and woven goods, and a variety of intricate handicraft stores.

There were also all sorts of food stalls, drawing crowds every day, bustling with life.

All these stalls were opened by the Beastmen of The Wolf Tribe, with trade evolving from the most primitive bartering to the use of coin.

The currency, of course, was gold, silver, and copper.

Later on, Luna Sutton discovered a gold and a silver mine, and fashioned all sorts of coins modeled after those from her previous life’s ancient era.

This move spurred the economic development of the entire Beast Realm.

The circulation of gold and silver made transactions more convenient and brought greater prosperity to The Wolf Tribe’s market.

Not just in The Lower Domain—even Aetheria began to use gold and silver. All sorts of businesses opened up at the great marketplaces, a scene full of hope and vitality.

As time went on, the little ones grew up.

The eight serpent cubs of Kael, Kael Shadowend, Frey, and Rhys Blackwood had shed their childishness; after taking their human forms, those youths looked more and more like their fathers, not just in appearance, but also in temperament.

Moreover, under the strict guidance of Corbin Crowley and Rhys Blackwood, their skills became keen—they had become The Wolf Tribe’s most outstanding beastmen.

They had even begun following the path of Cultivation.

Now, Rhys Blackwood rarely returned to Aetheria. With his eight sons grown and able to handle matters on their own, he left The Aethel Serpent Clan in the hands of the eldest, Xerxes Blackwood, with the other seven assisting their big brother in running things.

Fortunately, the eight brothers were deeply bonded, so there was little risk of infighting over power.

Compared to managing these trivial affairs, they far preferred Cultivation.

Barrett Arcanus and Fintan Arcanus, the two brothers—one steady and reliable, the other lively and charming—were even cleverer than their father.

The two young Phoenixes were exceedingly handsome too, inheriting Soren Phoenix’s refined grace, and, of course, remarkable wit.

Soren Phoenix likewise left The Phoenix Clan’s affairs to the eldest, Jasper Phoenix.

The second son, Cyrus Phoenix, like his father, was suave and dazzling. Wherever he went, hearts fluttered. With a silver tongue for sweet talk, he left a trail of romances behind—truly his father’s son.

Caden Sterling and Lucas Sterling, too, gradually grew into men: one calm and wise, the other refined like jade, full of youthful grace.

Kian Sterling handed over Beast King City to Caden Sterling when the boy turned fifteen. His son was even smarter, more quick-witted than he, and his cultivation was nothing to scoff at, giving him nothing to worry about.

The second, Lucas Sterling, knowing his brother was cautious, did not follow him to Beast King City, instead wandering and seeking adventure here and there.

Sol Valerius and Aurelius Valerius were taken to The Dragon Clan by Horace Valerius for training a few years back.

He had no hopes for his own son, but his grandson gave him hope. In Horace Valerius’s old age, he handed The Dragon Clan fully over to Sol Valerius.

Of course, he did not shortchange his youngest grandson, Auri, who was intended to become the clan’s protector.

But Aurelius Valerius refused. On the day after his big brother became Clan Leader, he snuck away to The Lower Domain to find Lucas Sterling, and the two wandered the world together.

Zeke Veridian’s sons, Cade Skyler and Linus Veridian, also grew into outstanding beastmen.

One ethereal as an immortal, the other clever and resourceful.

Zora, Lyra Fawkes, and Faye all blossomed gracefully, each strikingly beautiful.

Zora bewitched and enraptured, every glance seductive—she truly did justice to the Nine-Tailed Fox name.

Lyra Fawkes, though not as enchanting as Zora, was all the more ethereal—thanks to Cultivation, she seemed almost a little fairy.

Faye was pure and refined, like an orchid blooming quietly in the mountains, showing her beauty in tranquil silence.

The three girls, each beautiful in their own way, became the most dazzling jewels of The Wolf Tribe, even the whole Beast Realm, drawing the admiration and pursuit of countless beastmen.

Time likewise left its mark upon Lyle Sutton.

The once-brawny chieftain of The Wolf Clan—his temples now touched by frost, his back still straight, though his steps no longer as steady as in days of yore.

He stood atop the highest tribal wall, gazing down at the flourishing homeland below, old eyes full of comfort and pride.

On this day, Lyle Sutton summoned Luna Sutton and all her Beast Husbands, including Mason Sutton, to the council hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn.

He looked at this group before him—these sons-in-law who had long surpassed the mundane, wielding the power to move mountains and seas, and his daughter, ever more composed and wise.

He spoke slowly: "Luna, Corbin, and all of you... I am old. The future of The Wolf Tribe needs someone younger, more energetic to lead it."

His gaze fell upon his son, Mason Sutton.

Mason had inherited his father’s stature, but not his decisiveness and vision. Now, he looked rather uncomfortable.

"Father..."

Mason wanted to say something but Lyle Sutton stopped him with a raised hand.

Lyle Sutton looked at Corbin Crowley, his most powerful son-in-law, and the one he most regretted not having as a son.

But, after all, sons and sons-in-law—what difference did it make?

"Corbin, you are steady, reliable, and the strongest of all. If you take the Clan Leader’s place, the tribe will only grow stronger—no one would dare challenge us..."

Corbin hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, silver eyes calm as a still lake: "Chief, this is not my aspiration. The day-to-day management of the tribe is too tedious; it is not what I desire."

He looked toward Mason, continuing, "Mason is of your blood; it is only right that the tribe is passed to him. You needn’t worry that he’ll struggle—with us here, no one will dare harbor other thoughts."

Lyle Sutton knew his intention was firm, so only sighed lightly, saying nothing more.

He then looked at Zeke Veridian and Malachi Arcanus.

Zeke, cool as bamboo, said indifferently, "Cultivation and the pursuit of the Way—these bring immortality. Mundane concerns only bind the soul."

His words were brief but his stance clear.

Malachi Arcanus scratched his head and grinned, "Don’t give that kind of stuff to me—too much hassle, and I don’t get it, and don’t care."

Soren Phoenix, Mael Valerius, Rhys Blackwood, and Kian Sterling were not of The Wolf Clan; the seat of Clan Leader would of course not fall to them.

Lyle Sutton could only smile wryly—he hadn’t expected his sons-in-law to refuse so simply and decisively.

So, the position of Clan Leader finally went to Mason Sutton. Luckily, with Corbin and the others around, he had no worries about dissent or opposition.

And so, Mason Sutton succeeded Lyle as the new chief of The Wolf Tribe.

Although some Beastmen privately doubted Mason’s abilities, none dared voice it aloud.

......

Another year’s harvest festival arrived.

On the Tribal Square of The Wolf Tribe, bonfires roared, the scent of gourmet food mingling with fresh fruit wine drifting in the air.

The Beastmen and females sang and danced, celebrating abundance and peace.

The liveliest spot at the center of the square was claimed by Luna Sutton’s family.

The grown children had long since drifted to their own circles—some sparring with companions, some helping prepare for the ceremony.

Kael, Kael Shadowend, and Frey, together with Rhys Blackwood’s seven sons, sat in a circle, quietly discussing some sword technique.

The eldest, Xerxes Blackwood, remained with the Aethel Serpent Clan to handle affairs and couldn’t make it over.

Barrett Arcanus and Fintan Arcanus were arm-wrestling young beastmen, their shouts echoing through the night.

Cade Skyler, Linus Veridian, and Lucas Sterling sat quietly a bit farther off, chatting and laughing in low voices.

Zora, Lyra Fawkes, and Faye sat gracefully, a circle of admirers surrounding them.

Luna Sutton sat on a fur cushion, leaning against Corbin Crowley’s chest, watching it all with a smile.

Zeke Veridian sat on her left, warming a cup of tea with spiritual power.

Kian Sterling was on her right, deft fingers peeling grapes and feeding them to her one by one.

Malachi Arcanus presented her with a sizzling roast beast leg, showing it off like treasure.

Rhys Blackwood sat silently, gazing at his children, his eyes gentle and soft.

Soren Phoenix and Mael Valerius also sat by, one lazy and rakish, the other proud and regal—yet both smiling as they watched the lively scene.

Time flowed softly; all was calm and well.

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(The End)