CHAPTER 58: CHAPTER 10: BEAST TIDE

To the east of Flow Moon City lies one of the perilous places on Xuantian Continent, Youyue Forest, which is home to numerous demon beasts. Like the Ten Thousand Miles Mountains, people often venture here for training, which is one reason for Flow Moon City’s prosperity.

In the central area of Youyue Forest dwell several six-tier peak demon beasts, each with its own territory and typically not interfering with one another, maintaining a relative peace within the forest.

After nightfall, a blood-red circle suddenly appeared in the center of Youyue Forest. A powerful presence enveloped the entire central zone, startling the resting beasts. Under this pressure, they were rendered helpless, gazing fearfully at the sky.

As time passed, a figure gradually emerged within the circle of light, starting with one head, then two heads...

When the figure fully appeared, the core area of Youyue Forest was entirely locked by this terrifying presence, causing the outer area beasts to become restless and uneasy.

...

Liuyue City, in the Yun Family’s villa.

The five of them, including Si Lin, opened their eyes simultaneously while meditating, stepped out of their rooms, and gathered in the courtyard, gazing towards the east of Liuyue City.

"A large number of demon beasts are approaching Liuyue City," Nan Hua said solemnly, abandoning his usual nonchalant demeanor.

"I’ve never heard of Liuyue City experiencing a beast tide," Rong Ye said, puzzled.

"I sensed a very powerful aura within Youyue Forest. This presence likely triggered the beast tide," Yue Zhao explained, his expression serious.

Upon hearing this, the five of them all adopted a grave expression.

At that moment, a tremor was felt from the ground; clearly, the beast tide was drawing nearer.

The three who had been resting, Gu Qingqing, Zhuo Tingqiu, and Yun Ran, also emerged from their rooms. Seeing the somber expressions of the five, they realized the situation was far from simple.

[What’s happening, Senior Brother?] Gu Qingqing approached Si Lin and asked in sign language once Si Lin looked over.

"A large number of demon beasts are nearing Flow Moon City. It will soon face a beast siege." Si Lin explained expressionlessly.

Gu Qingqing, Zhuo Tingqiu, and Yun Ran were all taken aback.

"Flow Moon City has never experienced a demon beast siege. Why is this happening so suddenly?" Yun Ran, whose family has a foothold in Liuyue City and thus knows the city well, couldn’t help but exclaim.

"There have been some changes within Youyue Forest. The demon beasts must have been provoked to attack Liuyue City," Yue Zhao explained.

"What should we do, then?" Zhuo Tingqiu couldn’t help but ask.

"First, we need to assess the situation," Nan Hua said, standing next to Gu Qingqing. "Don’t worry, Geng Geng, your Senior Brothers will protect you."

Gu Qingqing knew of her senior brothers’ capabilities, but this was a demon beast siege. Though she hadn’t experienced it personally, she had heard stories of cities near forests facing such sieges regularly.

Such cities prepare in advance, but Flow Moon City is different. This siege came without warning, and the city may not be ready.

"Let’s head to the city wall to assess the situation," Si Lin said as the tremors intensified.

The others naturally didn’t object, following Si Lin as they left the villa, heading towards the eastern city wall.

...

In the courtyard next to the Yun Family villa, a young man was awakened by the tremors and stepped into the courtyard. A middle-aged man hurried over, his face full of concern.

"What’s happening?" the young man quickly asked upon seeing the middle-aged man.

"Your Highness, I’m not sure yet, but given Flow Moon City’s proximity to Youyue Forest, it’s likely that demon beasts are approaching," the middle-aged man responded, deeply worried.

This journey had been fraught with challenges, and just when they’d reached Flow Moon City safely, trouble arose again. The middle-aged man wasn’t worried about his own safety but feared he couldn’t protect the young man.

Upon hearing that demon beasts were approaching, the young man was startled but soon calmed himself. "General Zhou, accompany me outside to see what’s going on," he said.

No matter what, Flow Moon City was a city of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and as a prince of the dynasty, the young man couldn’t stand by as something happened to the city.

"Your Highness, it’s unsafe outside. You should..." the middle-aged man started to advise him but, seeing the young man’s determined gaze, stopped and said, "Please follow me, Your Highness."

The middle-aged man led the way, followed by the young man, and behind them was a team of guards, all leaving the courtyard.

...

At the same time, many cultivators in Flow Moon City filled the streets, trying to understand what was happening. The City Lord Mansion also dispatched scouts.

Upon learning of the demon beast assault on the city, chaos erupted in Flow Moon City.

Most residents were either ordinary people or cultivators at the first or second tier, powerless against the demon beasts. The news of the assault naturally led to widespread fear, filling the city with cries, screams, and pandemonium.

The City Lord had already arrived at the eastern city wall. Under the moonlight, seeing the dense pack of demon beasts outside the city left him dumbfounded, causing him to sit down on the ground, murmuring, "We’re doomed, we’re doomed..."

Despite many of the beasts being first or second-tier, their sheer number was overwhelming. Demon beasts inherently outmatched humans in strength, with tough hides. Flow Moon City’s defenses stood no chance of slaughtering so many.

The City Lord’s adviser, however, managed to stay more composed, helping the City Lord up and offering suggestions.

"My Lord, now is not the time for panic. Flow Moon City’s defenses alone can’t handle these beasts. You must pull yourself together, command messengers to spread word throughout the city, rallying cultivators to help defend against the beasts, and request aid from nearby cities. Otherwise, Flow Moon City is truly finished!" the adviser said, his hands trembling from fear, but he knew what must be done.

"Yes, yes, you’re right. I can’t fall now!" the City Lord, initially stunned, quickly realized the adviser’s words were right, stood up, and straightened his attire.

He first instructed his guards, as the adviser suggested, to find cultivators throughout the city and ask for their support, then reminded the wall’s guards to stay alert and monitor the beasts’ movements carefully, all while maintaining the defense. The City Lord then descended the wall, heading to the City Lord Mansion to muster troops.

At this point, Gu Qingqing and the others also arrived at the city wall’s base.

Important city locations like the wall are typically off-limits without the City Lord’s orders, but Gu Qingqing and her companions were no ordinary individuals. They happened to encounter the City Lord as he was leaving. Yun Ran and Zhuo Tingqiu revealed their identities and offered their assistance, prompting the City Lord to have someone escort them up the wall immediately.