Apotheosis

As Zen and the others approached, the expressions of disgust and greed of the members of the Wooden Leaf race slowly faded.

They were replaced with flattering, welcoming smiles.

One of the members, who was wrinkly and older, walked up towards the group and bowed down. "Welcome, my friends. You have traveled far."

"This is our patriarch, Graham," Decker introduced.

Zen, the Snake Goddess, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, and the others nodded politely towards Graham.

Graham and Decker then toured the group around the territory of the Wooden Leaf race.

Their territory was made of densely packed caves that were in rows around the mountain.

However, the caves were only half a person high, which was enough for a member of the Wooden Leaf race to merely enter and exit.

For Zen, Fuxi and the other regular human beings, the caves resembled kennels. They had to get on their knees and squeeze themselves through the caves.

"These caves are way too small for us," Eastern Emperor Taiyi complained.

"Even I can't get in easily!" King Ieuan squealed.

Graham smiled and said, "These caves are for the short people like us to live in. Not to worry, there are larger caves above. Follow me."

Zen and the rest did not want to stay here, but they were overwhelmed by the hospitality of Graham, so they followed him.

After they climbed up about a thousand feet from one side of the mountain road, a large cave appeared at the mountainside.

The sun shone brightly against the entrance, revealing the cozy, dry interior of the cave. It was well maintained. A faint fragrance lingered within the cave, making it an above average temporary residence.

Fuxi looked around the cave and turned towards Graham. "Can this cave really resist hatred-level Treacherous Beings?"

"The hatred-level Treacherous Beings?" Graham chuckled. "Though there is no place on the Night View Island that can absolutely resist hatred-level Treacherous Beings, our territory can guarantee your safety."

Decker echoed, "Don't worry! The Wooden Leaf race has lived peacefully on the Night View Island for countless years."

Zen shot a look at Decker and said, "Well then, I assume this place will suffice."

"Of course," Decker added with a nod.

"Is th

think we should stay put and figure out how to survive within the confines of this cave."

Meanwhile, in a circular cave tucked away in the far right of their territory, Graham grunted in anger, "Why did you bring these people here? We have more than enough sacrifices! And besides, have you forgotten the miserable endings of the Thunder race and the White Bone race? Are you trying to get us all killed?"

As the leader of the Wooden Leaf race, Graham was well-aware of that man's strength and capabilities.

"These humans have nothing to do with that man. They are not strong enough and know nothing. If anything, they are the best sacrifices we can offer." A trace of malice washed over Decker's face.

"If that man figures it out, our race will be wiped out," Graham said monotonously. He could already tell that this was going to be a mess they couldn't clean up.

Decker was unmoved and replied with all confidence, "They don't know enough about the island, so they won't be able to live through one night. They will die tonight, and that man will never know."

"But..." Graham trailed off, hesitant.

"Don't forget about the Evil Tiger race from the north mountain. They will never let us go! We do this for the sake of our race's continuity," Decker said calmly.

Graham was finally convinced. His face relaxed as he let out a heavy sigh.

If the sacrifice went smoothly, it would be a great harvest for the Wooden Leaf race. It was worth the risk, and there was no going back.