Chapter 548: Kneel and Lick the Golden Dragon

“Who are you lot? How dare you invade our territory!”

Since the four-legged beast had been transformed by Shengzai’s evolutionary power, when “Claw” and his kin arrived at the ape folk’s territory, Harishanakala—one of the Ten Great Subhumans—failed to recognize “Claw.”

Harishanakala was a variant among the ape folk—the Stone-Eating Ape.

He appeared as a white giant ape wearing a crown and golden arm armor, hence also called “Bai Lao.”

“Bai Lao, I am ‘Claw.’ I’ve come here on behalf of a noble lord.”

Prince Shengzai of the Kingdom of Ye Sitijie seeks to bring all subhumans of the Abelien Hills under his dominion.”

My tribe now swears fealty to Prince Shengzai, and under his grace, we have undergone transformation.”

This is Lord Jin Long, emissary of Prince Shengzai. If you are willing to lead your tribe in allegiance to him, all may remain at peace.”

But if you persist in your folly, then you shall die here…”

Upon hearing “Claw’s” words, “Bai Lao” was utterly astonished—he simply could not believe that the human-faced, beast-bodied creature before him was once “Claw.”

“The kingdom’s third prince? That’s just a human!”

“Claw, I never thought you’d sink so low—to submit to such a weak species as humans.”

“Shut up! Prince Shengzai is a deity to us—how dare you slander him!”

Lord Jin Long, permit this humble servant to teach this fool a lesson, so he understands the gulf between his strength and ours.”

That “Bai Lao” would refuse to surrender was precisely what “Claw” had anticipated.

Worried that “Bai Lao” might be instantly obliterated by Jin Long, “Claw” had volunteered himself.

After all, this was his first task for Prince Shengzai—he couldn’t afford to mess it up.

Moreover, now that he’d gained such immense power, if he didn’t show it off properly, what was the difference between him and a salted fish?

Seeing “Claw” grovel before a human girl, “Bai Lao” grew even more contemptuous of him.

As one of the Ten Great Subhumans, “Bai Lao” knew “Claw” well—he didn’t believe “Claw” could defeat him easily.

Yet less than ten minutes passed, and the once-equal “Bai Lao” now lay beaten and bleeding at “Claw’s” feet.

His tone had changed completely from before.

“Claw, were your words true? If we submit to that human… uh, Prince Shengzai, he’ll grant us power and guarantee our survival?”

Lost in his own newfound strength, “Claw” snapped back to reality and replied: “Of course. My tribe and I are living proof.”

And do you think Prince Shengzai is any ordinary being? If he wished to exterminate us, it would take him no more effort than blowing away dust.”

Why would such a lord deceive us over such trivial matters?”

To survive, “Bai Lao” had no choice but to compromise—and made the same decision as “Claw.”

After subduing the ape folk, “Claw” turned to “Bai Lao” and said: “One more thing—your tribe must have plenty of human food, right?”

Go fetch it all immediately, and present it to Lord Jin Long.”

When you’re under someone else’s eaves, you must bow your head.

Under subhuman law, they were the defeated side—now they had no right to refuse.

After all, even they themselves were now part of the spoils of war.

When “Bai Lao” ordered his tribe to bring forth vast quantities of food and lay them before Jin Long, the glutton’s eyes lit up instantly.

And right before “Claw” and “Bai Lao,” he reverted to his true dragon form.

Seeing the hundreds-of-meters-long serpentine body, the radiant golden scales, and the suffocating dragon aura, “Bai Lao” and his tribe collapsed to the ground in terror.

In truth, not only was he stunned—even “Claw,” who had previously sensed Jin Long’s aura, was nearly as shocked upon seeing his true form.

Just this one Lord Jin Long could sweep clean the entire Abelien Hills… no, the entire continent.

And such a mighty dragon king was merely a subordinate of that lord—could it be that this lord was truly a deity?”

Watching Jin Long, in his true form, devour their entire food supply in mere bites, “Bai Lao”’s face turned pale with dread.

He finally understood why “Claw” had bowed so humbly to that “human girl.”

So that human girl was just a disguise—this was an invincible dragon king!”

If he’d revealed his true form earlier, he’d have licked his boots himself—why endure a beating from “Claw”?”

“The food was good, but a bit scarce.”

“Still, since you let me eat so much delicious food, I’ll speak well of you to my master.”

“Bai Lao,” who had been despondent over his food being devoured, now beamed with delight upon hearing Jin Long’s words.

He no longer doubted a single word “Claw” had said.

After all, who could command a dragon king of such power?

If he clung tightly to this leg, wouldn’t he and his tribe soar to greatness?”

“If Lord Jin Long enjoys fine cuisine, I can have my tribe raid human cities—or capture their chefs and force them to cook nonstop for you.”

Hearing “Bai Lao’s” groveling, “Claw” grew furious—the old bastard was licking even harder than him! He’d arrived first—how could he be outdone in favor?”

“That won’t do. My master forbade us from attacking human cities—he’d be furious.”

“Exactly. What a terrible idea! Prince Shengzai is a prince of a human kingdom.”

“Lord Jin Long, I know the fox folk and half-beasts hoard plenty of food—I can take you there.”

“I know the territories of the fox folk and half-beasts too.”

“Old monkey, do you even have shame? Don’t you know the rule of first come, first served?”

Soon, Jin Long’s party marched en masse toward other subhuman tribes.

The same script played out again—only now, the number of lickspittles had multiplied.

“Claw” had once believed that after growing stronger, he could finally shine.

Yet in the subsequent subhuman subjugations, he never got to lift a finger.

At every subhuman tribe, the Ten Great Subhumans would rush forward together—even skipping the initial parley.

In short: beat them first. After the beating, they’d obey.

If they still resisted? Then sorry—you’ve earned your death.

(End of Chapter)