Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 230: Beast Tide
Translator: Lynn
Although these vines are no thicker than a wrist, once they enter a group of wild beasts, they exhibit audacious and daring behavior, akin to a dragon swimming in the sea. Wherever they pass, a sea of blood erupts, stringing countless wild beasts together and swiftly ending their lives. The copious blood within their bodies overwhelms the vines, dripping down the stems with a tick-tock sound, creating a sticky texture and evoking a strange yet magnificent sensation.
The golden sword, even more majestic, effortlessly turns several wild beasts into pulp with each strike. Its slashes traverse all directions, carving numerous sword marks in the air, accompanied by a continuous “chi chi” sound. The sword’s sharp edge pierces through several bodies in succession, leaving a trail of destruction!
The senior-junior pair simultaneously unleashes their supernatural powers, utilizing the wind control technique to hover in mid-air. The demon vines and golden swords showcase their extraordinary abilities. In a short span, hundreds of beasts met their demise at the hands of the duo. However, safety remains elusive.
Perhaps due to misfortune, though the two flanking groups of beasts only consist of one or two-horned creatures, there are a considerable number of red-horned and golden-horned beasts among them. Additionally, some possess peculiar supernatural powers, allowing them to detect cultivators hidden in the air.
Suddenly, a burst of light emerges from the dark mass of wild beasts. It’s a blood mass erupting from the red horn, transforming into a beam of light heading directly towards Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie!
Yun Lie points his sword, raises his hand, and releases a sword intent that collides with the beam of light, obliterating it.
Simultaneously, another golden light emanates from a beast’s golden horn, forming another beam of light with an exceptionally malevolent force. As it pierces the air, black energy is discernible within—a type of poison!
In the past, fleeing cultivators were often struck by these beams of light, succumbing either to the fire poison in the red light or the poisonous gas in the golden light, directly affecting their internal organs.
While Xu Ziqing’s escape technique is swift, he has been hit by several beams of light before, forcing him to halt. Now, he can only engage in an endless battle with the beasts!
The golden beam of light rushes toward Xu Ziqing, but he remains composed, pointing the Qingyun needle between his eyebrows and uttering, “Guh!”
Having practiced the Qingyun Needle extensively, it is now much more potent. It maneuvers several times in the air, colliding with the beam of light.
In an instant, a burst of blue light envelops the golden beam, saturating the surrounding area with a vivid green hue. Stimulated by some force, the nearby weeds grow rapidly, tripping numerous wild beasts.
Witnessing the ineffectiveness of the two beams of light, the wild beasts stir restlessly. Shortly after, they raise their heads again, releasing hundreds of red and golden lights, converging to encircle the duo in the air.
With a mental command from Xu Ziqing, the Qingyun needle multiplies into dozens of green needles, swiftly scattering around him. Emitting blue light, each needle possesses power not inferior to the original, resisting the light beams.
Yun Lie, facing numerous beams of light, releases a mysterious and invisible field with a furrowed brow, covering all directions.
In an instant, the invading rays of light flicker, are crushed into crumbs, and dissipate like the wind!
The two brothers collaborate, executing their moves time and again.
In less than one stick of incense, the two groups of beasts are vanquished!
Observing the encroaching beast tide in the distance drawing nearer, Xu Ziqing signaled Rongjin to retreat, while Yun Lie deftly dispatched the golden sword. Subsequently, both of them transformed into golden-green light once more, soaring into the bright sky.
On their journey, wild beasts gathered along the way, adding to the chaotic scene. Amidst this reckless turmoil, many warrior cultivators succumbed, torn apart and consumed in a tragic fate.
The siblings wielded extraordinary powers, making their passage less challenging than their peers. When encountering those on the verge of peril, Yun Lie swiftly intervened, slashing through the air with his sword to create an opportunity for escape, then vanished without lingering. Despite their efforts, numerous lives were not spared, as many cultivators were trapped not by inability but by the sheer number of wild beasts. A helping hand in such instances meant the difference between life and death.
Unaware of the ripples they had caused, Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing proceeded without concern. After approximately two hours of fleeing, they finally reached the end of the plain, just outside the town.
News of the beast horde had reached the generals in the barracks, and during this time, a towering city wall had been erected on the flat ground. The wall emitted a radiant glow, adorned with banners strategically placed as evident precautions. Countless soldiers armed with longbows stood atop the wall, ready for action, while high-ranking cultivators patrolled with formidable auras, calculating strategies against the impending beast tide. Everyone was in a state of frenzied activity.
The city gate below swung open wide to welcome the returning warriors and cultivators from the plain. Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie approached from a distance, witnessing the grandeur of the city wall, before bowing and entering.
Many returnees were bloodied and disheveled; their once-pristine attire is now a testament to their harrowing experiences. Despite their hardships, they shared stories with wry smiles.
“This beast horde caught us off guard; I almost lost my life on the plain. Sacrificed a valuable magic weapon just to escape—it pains my heart!”
“My companion gave their life so I could survive…”
“The beast tide is supposed to occur once every three years, following a pattern. This time is different; something’s amiss. Better replace my losses quickly, or all those years of cultivation will go to waste if I perish here!”
“I share your concern, but with the general overseeing the town, I believe there won’t be any serious issues…”
Listening to various discussions, Xu Ziqing found a few useful insights amidst the worries and complaints. However, he gleaned that this beast horde was indeed more formidable than previous ones. The wild beasts moved with an agility that suggested a level of training, instilling fear in the onlookers.
Pondering the situation, Xu Ziqing transmitted a question to Yun Lie: “Shixiong, is what they said true?”
Aware of his cautious nature, Yun Lie responded via a private message, “Indeed, it is more powerful than before.” He added, “Once inside the city, there’s no need to issue orders; just stay by my side.”
Xu Ziqing nodded in agreement upon hearing the clear directive.
During a beast tide, the army had to assemble, but cultivators who issued orders outside couldn’t act alongside the soldiers at the original deployment site. This precaution aimed to prevent espionage, minimize the risk of slowing down the soldiers, and maintain military discipline. Yun Lie’s advice ensured Xu Ziqing’s safety.
Chaos erupted in the city, but the disciplined soldiers in the barracks were already organized. Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie spent the day inseparably.
The following morning, they received a spiritual consciousness message from the military, instructing them to assemble with the other order holders in a square. With the city under martial law and the beast tide unabated, those who issued orders had a responsibility they couldn’t shirk.
Without delay, the two streaked through the light, heading straight to the square.
Dozens of cultivators had already gathered in the square, each adorned with a magic weapon. Despite concealing their spiritual light within their bodies, the collective power emanating from the group was extraordinary.
Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie touched down, choosing a corner to stand quietly.
Subsequently, the sky lit up with numerous lights as cultivators, riding spirit beasts and seated on magic weapons, descended and gradually filled the square with people.
Upon a closer count, the cultivators assembled here might number in the tens of thousands!
Shortly afterward, a high-level cultivator took to the sky to explain the rules, ensuring newcomers were informed to avoid careless mistakes that could cost them their lives.
Understanding the instructions, Xu Ziqing realized that, during the battle against the beast horde, those who issued orders, like them, could invite friends and companions to join forces against the beasts. However, a crucial rule was emphasized: no using excuses to engage in unnecessary combat with companions, and harbored grudges shouldn’t be exploited for opportunistic killings. Violators risked imprisonment for at least ten years and up to a maximum of a hundred years, with no chance of release.
The announcement stirred an uproar among the assembled crowd, which then dispersed, seeking out individuals with high power and familiar faces to form teams for the impending battle.
Xu Ziqing, possessing unique abilities, chose not to actively seek cooperation with others. Meanwhile, Yun Lie, with a distant and cold demeanor, deterred many from approaching.
After about half an hour, everyone found their respective companions and regrouped.
The high-ranking cultivator in the sky declared, “Proceed to the city wall. Once the formation is activated, you may leave the city to hunt and demonstrate your magical prowess! This time, three princes will be fighting alongside us under Emperor Yan’s orders. Great contributions could lead to recognition by the dynasty or even acceptance as a guest by the prince, resulting in various rewards. Put in the effort, and you shall reap numerous benefits!” The announcement lifted the spirits of many cultivators.
While others rejoiced, Xu Ziqing remained contemplative but chose not to voice his thoughts.
The high-ranking cultivator then unleashed a thunderous blast, prompting many cultivators to transform into light, heading towards the city wall.
Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie followed suit closely.
Outside the towering city wall, a horde of wild beasts, akin to a sea of black clouds, gathered, densely spreading out for miles. They remained within five miles of the city wall, poised and ready to advance as if awaiting orders that could be given at any moment.
On the city wall, several cultivators raised their hands, casting spells that sent out colorful radiance, impacting various formations. A massive barrier descended, firmly occupying the space in front of the city wall. Following this, several city gates creaked open, revealing a cacophony within. Countless soldiers formed a square formation and stepped out!
Translator’s Notes:
Hi! Sorry for the late update; I was busy last week. I’ll catch up on my due chapters soon!
Although the progress may be slow because it’s my final exam weeks
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
Support me on ko-fi if you like what I do^^