The Blood Banner Alliance

Along the way, the little beast never stopped its happy cries of "Hehe," its laughter eerily similar to that of a human infant. It was in high spirits, curious about everything, as if it had never been to this part of the island before. When they occasionally encountered large ferocious beasts, it showed no fear at all, wanting to charge at them several times, but each time Xiao Chen reined it in.

When they reached Treefolk Valley once more, Xiao Chen did not approach the entrance. Instead, he and the three skeletons climbed directly up the steep cliff wall, peering down into the open valley below.

The valley was a lush expanse of emerald green, bursting with life. Exotic flowers and rare herbs bloomed in profusion, their rich fragrance carried on the breeze. Blossoms of every color swayed gently, rippling like a captivating tide. With waterfalls and flowing springs, it was a scene of breathtaking beauty. Only such a blessed land could nurture ancient trees a millennium old and give birth to Tree-Men.

It was a pity that such a place would be burned to ashes. But Xiao Chen saw no better option.

Just then, he noticed cultivators moving near the valley. It seemed he was not the only one watching Treefolk Valley. He had come to settle his grudge with Zhao Lin'er; the others had come to get close to her, drawn by her peerless beauty and the formidable combat power of the Tree-Men. This complicated matters.

A single Tree-Man stood guard at the valley entrance, while two more moved inside. Their azure-green giant forms shimmered with a faint green light, radiating an aura of otherworldly power. The lurking cultivators dared not force their way in; they waited silently outside.

As Xiao Chen was thinking, a commotion arose at the valley entrance. The incomparably graceful Zhao Lin'er appeared, standing on the shoulder of a Tree-Man. She hung a large banner made of stitched animal hides at the entrance.

The banner was striking, inscribed in beast blood with large characters: "To form an alliance with Treefolk Valley, kill this man as proof of intent."

Below the blood characters was a lifelike portrait of Xiao Chen, drawn by Zhao Lin'er's own hand.

Instantly, seven or eight cultivators emerged from hiding and gathered at the valley entrance. Xiao Chen, not far away, saw everything clearly. His heart could not remain calm. Zhao Lin'er's move was ruthless indeed.

The Royal Celestial Maiden's peerless beauty, combined with the Tree-Men's formidable strength, was a powerful lure! Those who coveted her beauty or sought to tame the Tree-Men would surely flock to her side. For Xiao Chen, this could be a catastrophic blow, a grave threat to his life.

It was easy to guess that Zhao Lin'er would gather a powerful force—the first alliance formed on Dragon Island. Xiao Chen had not expected her to devise such a scheme. No wonder she seemed so confident, not bothering to lead the Tree-Men in pursuit of him.

Xiao Chen sensed immense danger. He lay still on the cliff wall, motionless, quietly watching events unfold.

All cultivators in the nearby area were alarmed. Since the Tree-Men had first appeared before them yesterday, this valley had become a focus of attention. Now, with the blood banner raised, it drew even more notice. Many cultivators came at the news.

In just over half a day, thirteen people had joined Treefolk Valley: Spellmasters, Spiritists, and martial artists. These had been in groups of two or three, each capable on their own. Now united, they formed an overwhelmingly powerful force.

Treefolk Valley had become the first alliance on Dragon Island. Their primary mission was not to search for the Ancestral Dragon or the Companion Dragon King, but to kill Xiao Chen.

The alliance of experts was a major event. Its cause and development spread quickly. Xiao Chen's name became known to many cultivators for the first time, spreading across the outer reaches of Dragon Island in half a day. He was now something of a "celebrity."

By afternoon, no one else had joined Treefolk Valley. Most of the hidden cultivators adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Then, at dusk, two more joined: the Forest Clan strongman Yalode and the Barbarian youth Kai'ao.

The strength of Treefolk Valley had undoubtedly grown further. Xiao Chen felt the pressure and danger intensify.

On a distant peak, the peerlessly beautiful Yan Qingcheng watched Yalode and Kai'ao enter the valley. "Yalode wants to tame the Tree-Men," she remarked.

The golden-haired handsome man Land nodded. "He's finally made his move. I wonder if his natural spiritual power is enough; otherwise, it might be an exercise in futility."

"This Xiao Chen is in serious trouble..."

"Shall we do them a favor?"

...

Xiao Chen had been hidden on the cliff wall for an entire day, watching everything unfold in silence. The three skeletons remained motionless, seemingly cultivating their soul-light. As for the little snow-white beast, at first it blinked its big, curious eyes, taking in everything. Eventually, bored by their stillness, it curled up beside Xiao Chen and fell fast asleep.

When the sunset glow tinted the sky, the little beast woke up. It patted its growling belly and made insistent sounds at Xiao Chen. When he did not respond, it huffed in displeasure, then—with the Sacred Tree on its head now dim—shot into Treefolk Valley like a streak of white light.

The three skeletons stirred from their deathly stillness, flexing their joints with renewed energy.

Xiao Chen waited. He waited for the deep of night.

The moon rose, stars appeared, and night birds called. Faint campfires flickered in the valley. Zhao Lin'er sat with several Tree-Men, while the dozen or so cultivators split into smaller groups around the fires, discussing matters.

Well past midnight, the fires dimmed. With so many cultivators gathered, no one feared a sneak attack.

Xiao Chen waited another half an hour before preparing to act. He knew that even if the valley turned to flames, it would likely be ineffective against those cultivators—perhaps even against the Tree-Men. He decided to strike and then retreat far away to find a place to cultivate in seclusion. This attack was a statement of intent, at least to make them suffer some embarrassment.

Just as he was about to move, the little beast returned. It had eaten something, its belly round and distended, barely able to walk. It even let out a tiny burp. On its lips hung a glistening, radiant liquid that sparkled with a faint rainbow light.

Xiao Chen was astonished. This little white beast was truly extraordinary. Had it found a sacred spring or immortal nectar? The droplets on its mouth were no ordinary substance!

"What did you eat?" he asked, staring at it in amazement. The three skeletons gathered around as well.

The little beast looked utterly content, patting its round belly and making satisfied sounds.

"Hey, where is your Sacred Tree?" Xiao Chen exclaimed, noticing the tree was gone.

The little beast lay comfortably among the flowers and grass, pointing a tiny paw toward the valley to indicate that it had left the tree there.

Xiao Chen was speechless. This little one was far too carefree, utterly unconcerned about such a divine treasure. To leave a sacred sapling lying around like that—if the tree had any awareness, it would surely lament having met such an unworthy beast.