Chapter 118: Bestowing a Treasure

With the Snake King by his side aiding him, Zhou Tian eventually met with the Beast Lords. After some negotiation, both parties reached several agreements. However, since only the Snake King supported Zhou Tian while numerous Beast Lords opposed him, the resulting terms were decidedly unfavorable to Zhou Tian despite the Snake King’s best efforts to secure some benefits.

To begin with, six demon beasts had their territories seized by Zhou Tian this time. Under the orders of their respective Beast Lords, these six demon beasts were all prepared to challenge Zhou Tian. Due to the strict enforcement by the six Beast Lords, even though the Snake King fought hard on Zhou Tian’s behalf, Zhou Tian ultimately had to face the daunting prospect of confronting all six lords on his own.

Moreover, the disadvantages did not end there. Since this was a territorial war among beasts, the resolute attitude of the Beast Lords meant Zhou Tian not only had to face the six lord-level demon beasts but also the myriad subordinates under their command.

What made things even worse for Zhou Tian was that, because this conflict was among beasts, he could not leverage his human-world influence. Unless those beasts dared attack the capital, Vivian and the others were strictly forbidden from intervening. Zhou Tian, with the strength of a single snake, would have to face tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of demon beasts alone—many of which were formidable in their own right. In such circumstances, Zhou Tian’s situation was naturally bleak.

When the final terms were announced, the Snake King was the most furious. Although the Snake King was no weakling among the Beast Lords and had never expected to fully resolve Zhou Tian’s predicament, she believed she could at least secure some favorable conditions for him. Yet, to her shock, the other Beast Lords appeared to have secretly colluded beforehand, utterly dismissing the Snake King’s warnings and imposing numerous harsh conditions on Zhou Tian in unison.

Realizing that her presence had done nothing to improve Zhou Tian’s standing and had instead seemingly placed him in an even worse position, the Snake King was filled with guilt and anger. She could hold back in front of the other Beast Lords, but upon returning to her own domain, she vented her fury uncontrollably, devastating a small forest in the process.

Only after this destruction did she, still resentful, advise Zhou Tian, “I never expected those bastards to band together against us like this. The terms are extremely unfavorable to you. If you accept the challenge as it stands, I fear you won’t have any chance of victory. In my opinion, we should find a way to avoid this confrontation altogether.”

Seeing the Snake King’s regretful expression, Zhou Tian remained unfazed and replied, “It’s alright. I didn’t expect them to resort to such tactics, but if they think this alone will be enough to defeat me, they are gravely mistaken.”

“Why are you still being stubborn? I can pay the compensation for you. Come with me to meet those Beast Lords—that should settle things, right?” The Snake King said, mistaking Zhou Tian’s confident demeanor for the desperation of a cornered duck trying to save face. Believing he had no valuable treasures to offer, she had already made arrangements on his behalf.

Yet after hearing the Snake King’s words, Zhou Tian, though moved, had to refuse with a solemn face: “It’s not stubbornness. I genuinely believe I can handle the situation.” Then, as if worried the Snake King wouldn’t believe him, Zhou Tian opened his mouth and revealed the Ten-Thousand Snake Basin.

“What is this?”

“This is a treasured artifact I possess.” Zhou Tian confidently displayed the basin and explained its powers.

Upon hearing his explanation and witnessing a demonstration of its might, the Snake King’s eyes brightened. When had she ever seen such a divine tool? While the Ten-Thousand Snake Basin might not mean much to some, for a Snake King like her, its value far surpassed that of many legendary artifacts.

Surprised by the basin’s formidable power but reassured, the Snake King realized that although facing tens of thousands of demon beasts alone was perilous, with the Ten-Thousand Snake Basin, Zhou Tian truly had a fighting chance.

Just as the Snake King let out a breath of relief, Zhou Tian suddenly tossed the basin in her direction and said, “It’s yours now.”

Caught off guard, the Snake King hurriedly caught the basin and stared at Zhou Tian in astonishment. “You’re giving this to me?”

“Yes. I’ve decided to give it to you.”

“No, I can’t accept it.” Without hesitation, she refused the gift. Reluctantly glancing at the basin, she pushed it back toward Zhou Tian.

“Why not?”

“Do you know how precious this is? I can’t just take such a treasure. Besides…” She stole a glance at Zhou Tian and feigned indifference before continuing, “You’re facing enemies from multiple territories. Even with this artifact, victory isn’t guaranteed. But having it certainly makes your chances better.”

Smiling, Zhou Tian replied casually, “This isn’t my only ace. Don’t worry, even without the Ten-Thousand Snake Basin, my strength won’t be greatly diminished. Believe it or not, this treasure barely helps me anymore. I kept it only because it was my first tool for self-preservation. I always wanted to find it a worthy owner, and after meeting you, I realized there’s no one more suitable. Besides, you’ve helped me a lot, and I haven’t properly thanked you. Consider this basin a token of my gratitude for your care.”

“You’re such a liar! You claim to have many treasures like this? Do you think I’d believe that?” The Snake King gave him a knowing look and bluntly refused again. “Even if you want to give it to me, wait until after this battle. Listen to me now—keep the Ten-Thousand Snake Basin. It will help you win your fights against those territories.”