Meanwhile, deeper into the Southern Continent, the leaders of the Fox and Snake Clans stood waiting in a secluded valley.
They had received word from their clan heads that humans were coming, bringing resources and the possibility of cooperation. But not everyone trusted the visitors.
Mei Lan, an elder of the Fox Clan, kept her gaze on the distant path, flicking her fox tails in anticipation. Beside her stood Lin Yue, the fierce elder of the Snake Clan.
Both had received orders from their clan heads to welcome these humans, but their opinions differed.
Lin Yue spat out her frustration, muttering, "Why are we even meeting with them? Humans have only brought us trouble in the past. Poachers, slavers—this could be another trick."
Mei Lan sighed but remained calm. "Our leaders have spoken. The Xu family is not like the others. If they wanted to harm us, they would have done so already.
This meeting is a chance to find out what they really want."
Lin Yue narrowed her eyes. "And what if it's all a lie? They could be here to trap us, just like the poachers did."
"I understand your concerns, but we must follow our leaders' guidance," Mei Lan replied. "We can't assume all humans are the same. Rejecting their offer outright might make us a powerful enemy."
Before Lin Yue could argue further, one of the Fox Clan scouts appeared from the trees. "They're coming," the scout reported, her voice steady. "A small group, just as expected."
Mei Lan nodded, taking in the information. "Thank you. We'll meet them soon."
The scout vanished as quickly as she arrived, leaving Mei Lan and Lin Yue to prepare. Lin Yue stayed silent, but her tail twitched with unease.
She didn't trust the humans but knew she had no choice but to go along with the plan.
Soon, the figures of the Xu family's Ethereal Diplomatic Corps appeared in the distance, emerging through the fog. They walked calmly and confidently, but inside, they were just as nervous. They kept their emotions in check as they carried the Xu family banner, signaling the power behind them.
Mei Lan stepped forward, maintaining her dignity but keeping a watchful eye. "Welcome to the lands of the Monster Race. What brings you here?"
Everything had gone smoothly, but their job wasn't over yet.
Unaware of the Shadows' protection, the diplomats began their journey back to their ship. The Monster Race warriors moved in to collect the gifts as they did.
Mei Lan and Lin Yue stood silently, observing the diplomats' retreat, their expressions guarded.
"This is just the beginning," Mei Lan said softly, her voice barely audible. "Let's hope they keep their word."
Lin Yue, still skeptical, gave a slight nod. "We'll see."
As the Xu family's Ethereal Diplomatic Corps prepared to leave, the Shadows continued their silent vigil. They would ensure the diplomats' safe passage until the very end.
But they did not have to worry too much, as the two monster clans had already cleared the path they were on.
They did this to prevent the leakage of news about their meeting, which they planned to keep a secret.
However, after hearing about what the Xu family did, they would most likely not be so hostile to them.
Soon, the diplomats returned to the Spirit Boat and began to leave as quickly as possible, as this was still an active war zone.
With humans and the Monster Race fighting, their arrival could lead to some unforeseen situations, which they were keen to avoid.
Soon, the Spirit boat took off and left the Southern Continent, and along with them, the Shadow personnel also started to leave.
And Yan Yuehua, who was in the Shadow HQ, received a detailed report about this, which caused her to smile as she knew the mission was complete.
"Good," she whispered, her eyes flashing with triumph. "Let's hope things turn out the way the husband wanted it to go."
She then called Xu Qianghua, who was in the subspace waiting for Yan Yuehua's call.
"Any updates?" he asked.Yan Yuehua nodded. "The Diplomatic Corps reached the Southern Continent with no complications and could give the resource gift that you approved."