"Tiger Seal."
The Chief of the Federation raised an eyebrow slightly.
Anyone in the underground caves with ambition and aspiration would focus on the Tiger Seal, and the Batu Free Federation was no exception.
Even they knew that compared to other forces, the Batu Free Federation's competitiveness was much weaker.
The Federation had not invested too much manpower in investigating matters concerning the Tiger Seal.
Suddenly, there was news of the Tiger Seal.
This caused several of the Batu Free Federation's leaders to be somewhat surprised.
"Our Federation's efficiency is not bad," the human male grinned. "We didn't even investigate much and already got news about the Tiger Seal. I heard that many kingdoms sent tens of times more personnel than us, and still got no news. What news? Tell us about it."
"Reporting to General Chen, the rightful owner of the Tiger Seal has suddenly appeared."
The one who arrived cupped his hands solemnly and then recounted everything Chen Yu had said after self-detonating, word for word.
The lords of the various states remained silent, each with a different expression. To them, Chen Yu's actions were quite difficult to understand.
"This holder is quite interesting," General Chen laughed heartily. "Others would hide it if they obtained the Tiger Seal, but he actually dared to reveal it after self-detonation. He seems so confident, it looks like he has powerful backing. Didn't outsiders obtain the Tiger Seal? Did he join forces with someone?"
"Why are you always so brainless?"
The beautiful woman with her arm linked through General Chen's frowned.
"If he had truly joined forces with a power, why would he reveal the Tiger Seal? Top forces would definitely absorb the Tiger Seal internally. Forces that are slightly weaker cannot withstand the pressure from top forces. By revealing himself now, is he tired of living?"
"Uh..."
General Chen scratched his head, his eyes blank. While he was adept at leading troops into battle, he had no great achievements in terms of political strategy.
"Then he couldn't have had a force of his own," the Rabbit Clan Lord pondered, furrowing her brows. "It hasn't even been a year since outsiders entered the caves. Even with the best circumstances, possessing a city-state would be the limit. Such strength is not worth mentioning. He has also possessed the Tiger Seal for a very short time, so he shouldn't have acquired many Divine Generals in large quantities."
"Perhaps, he wants to burn his bridges," the beautiful woman suddenly said with a light smile, her eyes flashing with sharp insight.
"He definitely couldn't hide it. All the top forces in the caves would dig three feet into the ground to find him. Instead of being found and killed in secret, it's better to reveal the news and focus everyone's attention on him. This way, he still has a sliver of hope to survive."
"To be able to make such a decision, this holder is not simple," the Rabbit Clan Lord mused, resting her chin on her hand and gazing intently.
During this time, General Chen and the Chief of the Federation exchanged glances. Listening to the two ladies analyze everything so logically, they could only shrug at each other. Their attributes were similar; they were both brave. If they were asked to go to battle, they would not hesitate. But if they were asked to ponder a person's thoughts, it would give them a headache.
Compared to General Chen, the Chief of the Federation was slightly better. He had some insight, but not much!
"Using the Tiger Seal as bait to protect his own life, he has great courage," the beautiful woman said with a slight smile, then turned her gaze to the Chief of the Federation. "Chief."
"Yes."
The Chief responded instinctively, his simple demeanor lacking any of the dominance expected of a Chief.
"I think our Federation can try to contact this holder," the beautiful woman whispered. "If it's about resource competition, we might not be opponents of other forces. But if it's about intellect, I believe our newly established nation can impress him more. If we can truly win him over to our Federation, it will be like adding wings to a tiger."
"We'll listen to the strategist," the Chief said with a simple smile. Even after becoming the Chief of the Federation, the simple nature of the Ox Clan could not be shed. The Chief chuckled and agreed, then looked at the beastman who had come to report.
"Where is that holder?"
"Not long ago, he was in our River Town," the beastman replied truthfully.
Almost the instant his words fell, everyone showed expressions of astonishment. The Chief was even more stunned, his mouth agape.
"What did you say?"
"Not long ago, he was in River Town?"
"Then..."
"Where is he now!"
The Chief was dumbfounded. The holder of the Tiger Seal, whom countless forces yearned for, was within their kingdom's territory. This was no different from a pie falling from the sky!
"He left."
The beastman also replied dazedly. The stunned Chief's eyes widened even further.
"Left?!"
After a brief stupor, the Chief licked his lips, placed his hands on his hips, and scanned his surroundings.
"Where is Su Zhan? Where is Su Zhan? Get Su Zhan to come see me immediately!!!"
Half an hour later—
In the front hall of the City Lord's mansion, all the lords of the Federation were gathered. At this moment, their discussion was entirely about the Tiger Seal, with no mention of the equipment merchant. Although other lords had not accompanied the Chief, they all had their own intelligence networks.
The Tiger Seal was revealed. As long as their intelligence networks were not deaf, they would have received the news.
"Chief, don't you owe us an explanation?" the Lion Clan Lord narrowed his eyes, his expression displeased. "The holder of the Tiger Seal appeared in River Town. You know how many forces are eager for the Tiger Seal, but the people under your command just let him go. What is your intention?"
"Yes."
The Snake Woman, swaying her hips, also sneered sarcastically.
"The Tiger Seal, who doesn't want it? The holder came to our Federation willingly, and River Town didn't stop him but instead sent him away. Could it be that someone wants to pocket the Tiger Seal privately and not share it with us lords? If that's the case, then don't blame us for sending our own troops. If we clash and draw swords, we will not be responsible."
"Rabbit Sister, watch your words!" the Snake Woman reprimanded.
"Hmph! What should I watch my words for?" The Snake Woman was unfazed by the threat. "If some people dare to do dirty deeds, are they afraid of being talked about?"
"Who is dirty? If anyone is dirty, it's you!"
"What are we dirty for?"
"Do I have to say it?" The Rabbit Clan, who had always disliked the Snake Woman, snorted angrily. "What illicit dealings have you been up to since entering the Federation? Don't think the Chief knows nothing. Considering the stability of the Federation, he's been too lazy to deal with you, but you've become even more egregious. Now you're even slandering the Chief. Have you no shame?"
"Sister Rabbit, you speak so amusingly. What have I done?" The Snake Woman smiled disdainfully. " Isn't it the Chief's intention for us to interact more within the Federation? Our interactions are normal. As for certain lords, their mouths are full of morality, but in private, they are always sticking close to the Chief. The Chief hasn't said anything, but some people are already anxious. It's hilarious."
"You..."
"Sister Rabbit, stop acting like a pure white lotus. It's truly nauseating."
"Snake Woman, you'd better watch your words." The Rabbit Clan's pupils suddenly turned red, and the delicate expression on her face was gradually replaced by anger. "Careless words lead to disaster."
"Oh, what is it? Are you going to declare war on me?"
"Do you think I dare not?!"
The Rabbit Clan Lord's aura instantly surged, and her eyes turned scarlet.
"Don't push me!"