Chapter 095

Chapter 95: Facing the Beast Tide

The first thing Yun Xi did was refine the white magnolia hairpin, pinning it gently into her hair once the bond was complete. As for the Cloud Mist Flying Skiff—meant solely for emergencies—she merely left her spirit sense imprint before carefully placing it inside her storage ring.

Her fingers brushed against the ruby earring dangling from her ear, a Qi Induction gift from Uncle Feng. Ever since entering the sect, she’d never once removed it. Even the defensive bracelet had served her well, though with her current cultivation level, it now seemed insufficient.

“Spirit stones are truly precious,” Yun Xi sighed quietly to herself. “If I could have stayed in Treasure Blossom City just a few more days, I might’ve found even greater treasures.”

As she finished her lament, Daoist Master Feng’s voice resounded clearly within her mind:

“All disciples, assemble immediately in the courtyard.”

Yun Xi swiftly stood, and without prompting, Dian Dian scampered obediently back into the folds of her robes.

When all the Grand Righteous Sect disciples had gathered, they were neatly divided into two lines, one for Qi Refinement and the other for Foundation Establishment. Outpost Guardian, Daoist Master Feng, addressed them solemnly:

“A beast tide is attacking Treasure Blossom City, and the City Protecting Grand Formation has already been activated. The City Lord’s Mansion is currently holding back the first wave—primarily first and second-rank demon beasts, numerous but manageable. This is a rare opportunity for you to gain combat experience.”

He paused briefly, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing:

“The City Lord’s Mansion has issued missions to repel this beast tide. Junior Nephew Sheng has already accepted these tasks on behalf of our sect. You’ve each received a storage pouch provided by the City Lord’s Mansion; any demon beasts you kill should be stored inside. Later, you can exchange them at the City Lord’s Mansion for spirit stones and precious treasures.”

“The total number of demon beasts slain by our Grand Righteous Sect disciples will determine our group’s ranking. Your individual rankings will reflect the number of beasts you personally defeat. We must push back this initial wave until sect reinforcements arrive. Cultivation is like sailing against the current—use this opportunity wisely, for breakthroughs often happen amidst battle.”

As Daoist Master Feng spoke, small, palm-sized storage pouches had already been distributed to each disciple. Everyone quickly bound them with a drop of blood before attaching them securely to their belts.

Seeing the determination in everyone’s eyes, Daoist Master Feng waved his hand decisively:

“Move out!”

Together, they marched out of the sect’s outpost, the protective isolation formation automatically activating behind them. Without sect identification tokens, none could re-enter—another safeguard in these dangerous times.

Yun Xi stayed close beside Mu Ning Zhu, the only person she currently felt close to. Qin Tong Shuang and Long Dao Yu, both Qi Refinement disciples, followed closely behind them.

Inside Treasure Blossom City, cultivators hurried anxiously through the streets. Some wore robes of different sects, also here to support the city’s defense. Everyone shared a single destination—the North City Gate, facing the Treasure Blossom Range.

As they drew closer, the tense atmosphere thickened, and the air carried the increasingly potent scent of blood. Injured cultivators brushed past them in the opposite direction, reinforcing the grim reality Yun Xi was about to face.

For the first time, Yun Xi felt the full weight of the situation—the beast tide was real, and she was about to confront it directly.

“Junior Sister Wei, don’t be nervous,” Mu Ning Zhu whispered comfortingly, noticing Yun Xi’s unusually solemn expression. “During the battle, stay close behind me.”

Yun Xi quickly nodded, replying softly:

“Thank you, Senior Sister. I promise I’ll take good care of myself. Having just reached Foundation Establishment, this battle is exactly what I need to solidify my cultivation. Nothing tempers one’s skills better than true combat.”

Her words weren’t merely bravado. Her rapid advancement, resulting from absorbing another cultivator’s soul, had left her foundation somewhat unstable. Strengthening her physical body to match her newfound spiritual power was vital. Facing the beast tide provided precisely that opportunity.

Upon reaching the battlements atop the North City Gate, the chaotic scene of battle spread out before them.

Countless low-level demon beasts surged toward the cultivators, attacking wildly and instinctively. Cultivators responded fiercely, their diverse spells bursting brilliantly among the beasts, vibrant as fireworks against the dark battlefield. Each explosive attack took down groups of demon beasts, yet the beasts seemed endless.

Cultivators had limited spiritual energy; as their reserves dwindled, they covered each other’s retreat to the protection of the grand formation. Those who failed to retreat in time were soon overwhelmed, dying amidst a tide of claws and fangs. The scene was gruesome.

Yun Xi’s stomach churned at the thick stench of blood, and the violent chaos almost made her gag. Quickly circulating her spiritual energy, she steadied herself, forcing down the nausea.

Sheng Yu Hong called out commandingly:

“Qi Refinement disciples, prepare yourselves! The beasts attacking the formation are currently all first-rank. Form teams of nine and engage them outside the city walls!”

“Yes!” echoed loudly in reply as the Qi Refinement disciples quickly assembled into groups, choosing teammates they trusted most.

Yun Xi exchanged meaningful glances with Qin Tong Shuang and Long Dao Yu, silently urging them to be cautious and survive the ordeal. Both nodded solemnly in reply before descending onto the battlefield, guided by a guard from the City Lord’s Mansion.

Currently attacking the protective formation were weaker first-rank beasts—Flame Rabbits, Earth Dragon Chickens, Five-Inch Snakes, and Skylark Beasts. Though individually weak, their sheer numbers posed a significant threat. If human cultivators failed to cooperate effectively, they could easily find themselves encircled and overwhelmed by sheer numbers alone.

Within Treasure Blossom City sat a Nascent Soul True Lord. By unspoken agreement, unless high-ranked beasts joined the fray, the True Lord would not interfere.

Sheng Yu Hong quietly questioned Daoist Master Feng:

“Senior Uncle Feng, how long will this beast tide last?”

“Not long,” Feng replied softly. “Our senior cultivators have already entered deep into Treasure Blossom Mountain. Once they’ve confirmed the situation surrounding the newly appeared secret realm, they’ll negotiate with the powerful demons there. Afterward, these panicked beasts will naturally retreat.”

Hearing this, Sheng Yu Hong visibly relaxed. He had feared heavy losses might damage his reputation within the sect.

Unbeknownst to them, Yun Xi’s powerful divine sense allowed her to overhear their conversation clearly. She, too, breathed a quiet sigh of relief—prolonged combat would have pushed her limits.

Turning her attention back to the battlefield, she closely observed her fellow disciples, particularly Qin Tong Shuang and Long Dao Yu.

Qin Tong Shuang excelled in ice spells suited for crowd control, skillfully unleashing powerful attacks before retreating briefly to recover energy and gather spoils. Once refreshed, she’d re-enter the fray.

Long Dao Yu channeled spiritual energy through his sword, fighting cooperatively with teammates. His blade shimmered ominously, each strike decisive. Yet he soon showed fatigue, hastily swallowing pills to restore depleted spiritual energy.

Though the newly joined Qi Refinement cultivators fought fiercely, seasoned fighters shook their heads discreetly, skeptical of their reckless approach. Still, the reinforcements lessened the burden on those who’d battled longer.

Suddenly, a voice shouted urgently above the chaos:

“Second-rank demon beasts have appeared!”