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."
