The Beast Palace Lord and the elders stood frozen as they stared at the blocked escape route.

It wasn’t just the fact that their path had been cut off—it was the sheer horror of seeing the elephants melt away before their eyes that had left them in shock.

To witness a creature as mighty as an elephant—one that even tigers feared—screaming in desperation for help… And then, to see it dissolve into the ground like melting snow…

It was something they had never seen before.

Something they had never even imagined.

So it was only natural that the elders and the Beast Palace Lord, who had gathered near the entrance, could only stare blankly at the horde of demon ants blocking the way.

In that paralyzing moment, they caught sight of Ji-ju climbing the cliff, and the young hero alongside the Tang Clan’s daughter, both looking utterly distressed.

For a brief instant, hope flickered in their eyes at the sight of Ji-ju.

But even if Ji-ju could help them escape, they would have to leave behind all their beasts.

And to the members of the Beast Palace, their animals were like their own children and siblings.

There wouldn’t be many among them willing to abandon their lifelong companions.

Moreover, the young hero and the Tang Clan’s daughter had come here as strangers, risking their own safety just to warn them. How could they ask for more from them?

If more people tried to flee at once, it would slow down the escape, putting even their benefactors in danger.

They had been about to harden their resolve—to accept their fate and let the young hero leave in peace.

But then, the young hero spoke.

And what he said was completely unexpected.

"There’s a way for everyone to survive. Would you like to hear it?"@@novelbin@@

"Everyone… can survive?"

"Of course."

At those words, the Beast Palace Lord immediately summoned all the elders back to the Beast Palace Lord’s Hall.

"…That is what he says. What do you all think?"

-Tok. Tok. Tok.

The sound of fingers tapping against the armrest of the chair echoed through the silent hall.

The Beast Palace Lord, Meng Hu, was tapping his chair absentmindedly—a sign of his unease.

"The young hero is indeed righteous… but he is still young. Can we truly entrust our survival to his judgment? If this were any other matter, I would not hesitate, but if this fails, it could mean the complete annihilation of our palace…"

The Great Elder, Cheong Ung, trailed off.

The memory of the demon ants under the moonlight was still fresh in their minds.

The Beast Palace was standing at the brink of destruction.

To follow the plan of a mere youth in such a dire situation—was that not too much of a gamble?

The young hero’s age made it difficult to trust him completely.

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