Reborn as a lotus, she initially refuses to hand it over to the state.

However, Chu Zhou soon discovered a problem: after the core of the restricted area was established, the concentration of spiritual energy in Black Dragon Mountain did indeed increase.

However, at the same time, the core of the entire forbidden zone is also constantly consuming spiritual energy.

After the spiritual veins of Black Dragon Lake, Spirit Spring Valley, Underground River, and Southwest Ape Valley were connected, they seemed to form a complete cycle.

However, for this cycle to continue operating, it must constantly absorb external spiritual energy.

In other words, if Black Dragon Mountain wants to continue to grow, it cannot rely solely on the few spiritual veins it currently possesses; it must continue to expand.

Otherwise, over time, while the core of the restricted area will not collapse, its growth rate will inevitably slow down.

Thinking of this, Chu Zhou's eyes narrowed slightly: "It seems that the establishment of the restricted area does not mean we can rest easy."

"If you want to become stronger, you still need to seize resources."

The reason why those powerful forbidden zones in the past were able to rise so quickly was essentially because they continuously devoured the surrounding spiritual lands, springs, and veins, eventually forming massive forbidden zones.

The Qinling White Ape King was like this, and the Changbai Mountain Tiger King was even more so. The forbidden zone was powerful, and the second spiritual energy tide was coming.

This also meant that the restricted area they were in was more powerful, and Chu Zhou was well aware of the significance of this.

Currently, Heilong Mountain is only a preliminary restricted area. Although it has taken shape, it is still far from being as large as those truly massive restricted areas.

Chu Zhou did not become arrogant after entering the mid-stage of the fifth rank. On the contrary, the stronger he became, the more he realized how terrifying this world was. In particular, the strange rock in the underground ancient city and the unknown existence in the depths reminded him that the fifth rank was far from enough.

Thinking of this, Chu Zhou had a sudden thought.

A mental fluctuation entered Xiao Jinbao's mind.

Little Jinbao, who had just broken through to the fourth rank, was standing on the treetop, giving instructions to the dozen or so mutated sparrows.

"From now on, you will be the first batch of air force under Bird Master's command. Remember, don't embarrass Bird Master when you go out. See those running on the ground? From now on, they will all be under our command in the sky."

The dozen or so little sparrows nodded repeatedly, admiring Little Jinbao greatly. Just as Little Jinbao was about to continue bragging, Chu Zhou's voice suddenly rang out.

"Little Jinbao".

Little Jinbao trembled, immediately straightened his back, and replied, "Master, your subordinate is here."

Chu Zhou said, "You have broken through to the fourth level. From today onwards, you will be responsible for exploring the area around Lingnan. Focus on finding areas with abnormal spiritual energy."

"If you discover any life forms of the fourth rank or higher, do not approach them. Report back immediately."

Little Jinbao's eyes lit up as he investigated, thinking, "Isn't this just a way to show off?"

It immediately perked up: "Master, rest assured, I will fly all over Lingnan. I guarantee I'll find out exactly which mountain has how many nests of birds' eggs."

Chu Zhou's tone turned serious: "Remember, don't cause trouble."

Little Jinbao immediately felt a little guilty: "Master, what are you saying? Do you think I'm that kind of bird?"

Chu Zhou ignored its antics and warned, "Be careful. The outside world is changing rapidly these days, and there may be powerful beasts around Lingnan."

Little Jinbao then stopped its playful grin. Although it was usually unreliable, it never dared to disobey Chu Zhou's orders.

"clear."

The next second, it suddenly spread its wings, and a golden afterimage streaked across the night sky before disappearing instantly above Black Dragon Mountain.

After breaking through to the fourth rank, Little Golden Treasure's speed was indeed astonishing. Even Chu Zhou could only sense its general direction through the Azure Lotus Mark, which made Chu Zhou even more satisfied.

Black Dragon Mountain needs more than just a combat-type demon king.

It also needs dependents in different areas such as reconnaissance, defense, training, and resource management.

Simply being powerful can only suppress things temporarily; a complete system is needed to support the restricted area to go further.

Meanwhile, in Lingquan Valley.

The Black Tiger King lay prone on the boulder, watching the beasts training below with indifferent eyes.

After a few days of adjustment, the originally chaotic beast pack finally began to take shape. Under its arrangement, the black wolf pack was responsible for patrolling, the giant leopard for ambushes, the armored boar for charging, and the red-eyed lynxes were assigned to serve as sentries in the mountains and forests.

Although they can't be called a legion yet, at least they're no longer just a bunch of wild beasts that charge around recklessly.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the valley, and several black wolves rushed in.

"Your Majesty, several members of the old clans have arrived outside."

The Black Tiger King opened its eyes, its gaze gleaming: "An old clan?"

The black wolf whispered, "It's a few old wolves that escaped from the southeastern mountains, along with a leopard. They say they want to see you."

A cold glint flashed in the Black Tiger King's eyes as he said, "Let them in."

Soon, several powerful beasts entered the valley, led by a gray old wolf with the strength of the early third rank.

It was once a local tyrant in the mountains and forests of southeastern China.

However, after the Black Tiger King submitted to Chu Zhou, it led a portion of its clan away and fled.

Returning now, his eyes held little reverence, but rather a complex mix of emotions.

The old wolf looked at the Black Tiger King and transmitted his voice in a deep voice: "Black Tiger King, are you truly willing to submit to that Green Lotus?"

The valley fell silent instantly upon hearing this, and the surrounding beasts all looked up. The Black Tiger King narrowed its eyes: "What are you trying to say?"

The old wolf stepped forward, his voice deep: "You were originally the king of the southeastern mountains and forests, and all the strange beasts here should submit to you."

"But now? You're working as a servant for a plant."

"You even train its herd? Don't you feel humiliated?"

The Black Tiger King remained silent. Seeing this, the old wolf assumed it was wavering and continued, "Now that Black Dragon Mountain is rich in spiritual energy and Spirit Spring Valley is in your hands."

"As long as you are willing to become independent again, we can secretly join forces. When the second spiritual energy tide erupts, you may be able to break through to the fourth or even the fifth rank."

"The southeastern mountains and forests will still be yours then, why risk your life for that blue lotus?"

The surrounding beasts immediately stirred, many of them their eyes gleaming. After all, the Black Tiger King had only recently submitted to Chu Zhou, and its foundation was not yet stable.

These words were indeed enough to sway a beast's heart. The Black Tiger King remained silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. It rose from the ground, its massive tiger body radiating an oppressive aura: "Finished?"

The old wolf was taken aback. The Black Tiger King stepped down from the boulder: "Do you think I submit to my master because I'm afraid of death?"

The old wolf did not answer. The Black Tiger King's eyes were icy: "Fool, you have no idea what kind of being the master is."

"You have no idea what it means to submit to a master."

Old Wolf's expression changed slightly: "What do you mean?"

The Black Tiger King raised its paw, and a wisp of blue mark appeared between its brows. The next moment, its demonic power suddenly erupted, becoming even more condensed and profound than before.

"My master bestowed upon me the Azure Lotus Mark, which helped me recover from my injuries and refine my demonic power. By following my master, I will have the opportunity to reach even higher levels in the future."

"But if I hang out with idiots like you, what good will it do to occupy a mountain? I'll just be destined to be devoured by even stronger beasts."

Old Wolf's expression finally changed: "Black Tiger King, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Black Tiger King had already vanished from the spot.

With a soft thud, a tiger's paw pressed down on the old wolf's head, slamming it into the ground.

The earth cracked open, and the old wolf let out a mournful howl. The Black Tiger King's cold voice echoed throughout the entire Spirit Spring Valley: "From this day forward..."

"In Spirit Spring Valley, only one voice is heard: the Lord of Black Dragon Mountain. Anyone who dares to incite rebellion will be killed without mercy."

After saying this, the Black Tiger King suddenly exerted his strength, and the old wolf's head exploded on the spot. The other strange beasts that had followed were so frightened that they turned around and fled.

Before they could run more than a few steps, the pack of black wolves and giant leopards pounced on them, and screams rang out.

Before long, the valley fell silent again, and all the strange beasts lay prostrate on the ground, no longer daring to harbor any disloyal thoughts.

The Black Tiger King looked up towards Black Dragon Lake, then lowered his head: "Master, I will prove my worth."

This scene naturally did not escape Chu Zhou's notice.

In the center of Black Dragon Lake, Chu Zhou looked towards Spirit Spring Valley, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Black Tiger King did not disappoint him; loyalty is not something that is said, but something that is proven through choice.

Now that the Black Tiger King has made its choice, Chu Zhou will naturally not treat it unfairly afterward.

However, now is not the time for it to break through. The Black Tiger King needs a real battle. Only by breaking through in battle can it truly become the core demon king of Black Dragon Mountain.

Just as Chu Zhou was pondering.

In the distance, a golden streak of light flew rapidly towards them from the horizon.

Little Jinbao is back.