In the Xu family subspace, Xu Qianghua sat in his study, the soft glow of a spiritualmp casting long shadows across the room.


    He leaned back in his chair, looking at the (mother) family sign token in his hand as it flickered to life. Yan Yuehua''s familiar voice came through.


    "It''s done," she reported calmly. "The Fox and Snake ns epted the resources without much hesitation. The negotiations went smoother than expected."


    Xu Qianghua raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but curious. "Is that so? I expected it to take days, maybe even weeks.


    I figured there would be many people in the tribes who would not ept our offer. This is why I sent the best diplomats to deal with it, but from the looks of it, all of this was a bit over the top."


    Yan Yuehua chuckled softly on the other end. "I thought the same, but our worst fears never came true.


    The ns were cautious, of course, but they rxed once they saw the quality of the resources we offered, and they most likely understood we weren''t there to exploit them.


    There was some initial suspicion, especially from Lin Yue, but Mei Lan was more open to hearing us out."


    Xu Qianghua nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose when they realized we had no ulterior motives, they had little reason to refuse.


    The Monster Race has had bad experiences with humans before, but they''re smart enough to recognize when someone genuinely offers help."


    "That''s what made it easier," Yan Yuehua continued. "Once they understood the Xu family wasn''t like the poachers, they were more willing to ept the alliance.


    And with us not sending any armed forces along with the diplomats, it made them think that we are not afraid of them killing the diplomats.


    Along with the resources we gave them, they were more than generous, and it was clear to them that it wasn''t just a gesture—we actually want them to grow stronger."


    As for the Shadow members? From the perspective of the two monster ns and the diplomats, they were never there, but the diplomats knew that Xu Qianghua would not send them alone.


    This is why they were so fearless when facing all the armed members of the monster race, who were ready to kill them immediately.


    Xu Qianghua smiled. "Good. That''s exactly what I wanted. A strong Monster Race means a more bnced world.


    And with this, we can have an easier time dealing with any outside threat, as the Monster Race will have to join the defense; otherwise, their houses and will be lost.


    I didn''t want them to feel indebted, but they need to understand we''re building a future where we all stand together."


    "There was no sign of interference, either," Yan Yuehua added. "The Shadows kept a close watch, and everything went as nned. No ambushes, no hidden threats. It was almost too easy."


    "That''s a relief," Xu Qianghua said, his tone softening. "I expected more resistance, especially from outside forces, but it seems the poachers got the message and backed off—for now."


    Yan Yuehua paused for a moment before speaking again. "What''s next, then? The Southern Continent seems to be returning to how it was before the incident, but we both know peace doesn''tst long."


    Xu Qianghua sighed. "True. There''s always someone looking for a way in. But for now, we don''t need to think much as we solved all the immediate problems that the Monster Race might face.


    The adventurer mission has already been posted, and from what I hear, the response has been strong.


    After that, it is up to them, as we cannot keep taking care of them, or they will lose the will to stand up for themselves, which is what I need from them."


    "So to make sure that they do not lose the will to fight, we should let the small threats go, as this will be the sharpening stone for them.


    And even after this, if they cannot save themselves, I cannot do much other than bury them when the timees," Xu Qianghua said without much emotion.


    "Yes, I agree, but I think we should keep an eye on them so that we can deal with any major threats simr to this one ahead of time," Yan Yuehua said.


    Xu Qianghua nodded, even though she couldn''t see him. "I know you will. Keep me updated."


    With that, the family sign token dimmed, and Xu Qianghua leaned back in his chair, his thoughts drifting to the poachers.


    They have been a persistent problem, as they do not care who they are after; as long as they get paid, they are willing to sell their own family.


    But now, the adventurers were involved, and he was confident they would take care of the situation.


    It wouldn''t be long before the poachers rted to the Southern Continent and all the other famous poachers would be hunted down.


    Meanwhile, on the Western Continent.


    Han and his poacher group had no idea their time was running out. The sky above was clear as their Spirit Boat sailed over the Southern Continent, cutting through the air like an arrow.


    Han, who had been so confident in his n, sat at the front of the boat, his eyes scanning the horizon.


    His crew moved about the deck, preparing for what they believed would be a sessful hunt.


    They looked through many ces where the animals in the old world used to make their home.


    Although the Monster Race can transform into human forms with the help of the world''s will, they are still animals.


    This is why poachers use the way the animals live to see if they can spot a Monster Race that is alone and easy to deal with.


    Han and his crew knew this, and along with the Monster Race mainly living in or near the tribe''s territory, it was hard to find the type they were searching for.


    But they did not give up trying, as they knew they would find some traces as long as they searched.