Chapter 57

After accepting the jade pendant and more than ten boxes of spiritual items, Xiao Minghuang stood up, took Ye Ruoshui’s hand, and walked out of the palace door.

She wanted to give Lin Wanqiu some time to say goodbye to her father.

Outside the door, Xiao Minghuang glanced at the azure sky, still feeling a sense of unreality.

Initially, she came to Beiyang City just to kill a few evil cultivators, but unexpectedly met Lin Wanqiu, which can be said to be a great fate.

Not long after.

Lin Wanqiu walked out of the palace door alone, her eyes slightly red, clearly moved by the farewell and emotional.

Xiao Minghuang took her small hand, gently squeezed it, and softly comforted her:

“Wanqiu, don’t be sad. You can come back to Beiyang City anytime you miss it in the future.”

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Lin Wanqiu’s bewildered face as she softly replied:

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Ye Ruoshui also stepped forward and took her arm, saying:

“Big Sister Lin, don’t be sad. From now on, both Her Highness and I will be your family!”

Lin Wanqiu’s tears turned into a smile as she wiped her eyes, her despondent mood completely gone, and the sparkle returned to her gaze.

“Thank you, Your Highness and Ruoshui. I’m fine now, let’s go!”

Hearing this, Xiao Minghuang’s anxious heart eased slightly. She knew that Lin Wanqiu was perceptive and mature for her age, far beyond her peers.

But.

After all, she was just a fourteen-year-old girl. No matter how mature she might be, it was only natural for her to feel apprehensive about leaving home and venturing alone to an unfamiliar place.

Therefore, she needed to care for her even more, to ensure she didn’t feel lonely or neglected.

After Xiao Minghuang returned to the Imperial City, she had to focus on seclusion to cultivate and enhance her strength to prepare for the upcoming competition. This left her with little time to accompany Lin Wanqiu.

Thus, she sent a message to Ye Ruoshui:

“Ruoshui, after we return to the capital, please accompany Wanqiu for me and take good care of her.”

Ye Ruoshui immediately responded:

“Your Highness, rest assured, leave it to me!”

Xiao Minghuang nodded in satisfaction, then led Ye and Lin out of the City Lord’s Mansion.

Outside the mansion, three thousand armored soldiers stood in formation, ready to depart.

Without much ado, Xiao Minghuang boarded the carriage and headed towards the city gate.

…

As the procession reached the city gate, Xiao Minghuang lifted the carriage curtain, and the scenery at the gate came into view.

She turned her gaze towards Lin Wanqiu and said gently:

“Wanqiu, we’ve arrived at the North Yang Gate. Take one last look.”

“Alright.”

Lin Wanqiu responded softly, just as she was about to stand up…

Suddenly.

BOOM!!!

A thunderous roar erupted, shaking the earth for hundreds of miles. The entire North Yang City, and even the vast wilderness forest, were engulfed in a deafening, earth-shattering uproar.

Everyone felt the sky shaking and the ground trembling, as if the very void was quaking.

Shouts of surprise filled the air, and the streets were in chaos—people and horses tumbled, and many houses collapsed outright.

The three in the carriage were not spared.

Ye Ruoshui, sitting to Xiao Minghuang’s left, let out a cry as the violent shaking caused her to crash into Xiao Minghuang’s shoulder.

Fortunately, Xiao Minghuang reacted quickly and caught her, or else both might have been thrown out of the carriage.

As for Lin Wanqiu, who had just stood up when the tremor hit, she was caught off guard and fell backward, landing directly in Xiao Minghuang’s arms.

With two girls crashing into her one after the other, it was anything but a soft impact—it felt like two cannonballs had struck her.

The suddenness of it all left Xiao Minghuang no time to summon her spiritual energy to defend herself.

Moreover, even if she had foreseen it, she wouldn’t have done so.

Using spiritual energy to shield herself might have harmed Ye and Lin, so she had no choice but to rely on her physical body to endure the impact.

Thankfully, her body was at the peak of physical refinement, so despite being hit twice, she only felt a slight pain.

An ordinary Qi Refining martial artist would likely have suffered broken bones from such an impact.

After the initial shock, both Ye and Lin looked embarrassed as they found themselves in Xiao Minghuang’s arms.

Ye Ruoshui climbed out of Xiao Minghuang’s embrace, her eyes darting around as she glanced at the chaos outside the carriage. She asked in astonishment:

“Such a huge commotion—is it an earthquake?”

The sudden tremor had affected an area spanning hundreds of miles, and she couldn’t think of any other explanation besides an earthquake.

Lin Wanqiu also straightened up and stepped out of the carriage to look around.

As she raised her head, she saw dark clouds covering the sky in the direction of the wilderness forest, as if the apocalypse was imminent.

At the same time.

From deep within the mountain range, the roars of countless beasts echoed through the forest.

In an instant.

Lin Wanqiu’s beautiful eyes widened, her pupils filled with shock, and she exclaimed urgently:

“This is bad! It’s a beast tide!”

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Minghuang faintly felt that she had heard these two words somewhere before, but she couldn’t recall where at the moment.

As she pondered, Ye Ruoshui was the first to ask:

“Big Sister Lin, what is a beast tide?”

Lin Wanqiu’s expression turned grave as she explained:

“Deep within the wild forests, many ferocious beasts live. From time to time, these beasts may gather and launch an assault on human settlements, devouring anyone they see and destroying everything in their path. Wherever they go, not a blade of grass remains!”

Hearing this, Ye Ruoshui’s face paled, and she exclaimed in shock:

“How terrifying!”

Listening to Lin Wanqiu’s explanation, Xiao Minghuang also recalled that Lin Zhengquan had once mentioned this to her.

In a beast tide ten years ago, the old Beiyang City Lord had been severely injured and died, while Lin Zhengquan had suffered hidden injuries that prevented him from breaking through to the Divine Sea Realm. Beiyang City had suffered heavy losses and had yet to recover fully.

It could be said that the beast tide was Beiyang City’s greatest enemy, far surpassing the threat posed by the Golden Elephant Kingdom!

At that moment.

The sound of bells rang out, echoing through every corner of Beiyang City.

Accompanied by the tolling of the bells, troops of soldiers marched out from the City Lord’s Mansion, ascending the city walls and setting up giant crossbows and arrow towers. Each soldier held their weapons tightly, standing ready to defend the city and resist the beast tide.

A streak of light shot across the sky, arriving before the three of them. It was Lin Zhengquan, his expression complex as he spoke:

“Your Highness was just about to return to the capital. The timing of this beast tide couldn’t be worse.”

Xiao Minghuang’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she gazed into the distance. The ground trembled, the mountains shook, and the forest surged like waves. A strong scent of blood filled the air, and a monstrous aura rose from all directions.

“City Lord Lin, what are you saying? As a princess of the Royal Family, since I am here, it is only natural that I assist Beiyang City and stand together with its people to overcome this crisis!”

“Your Highness, your safety is of utmost importance. Please stay within the City Lord’s Mansion, where it is safer and more secure.”

Xiao Minghuang did not speak, merely giving him a faint glance, but her meaning was already clear.

Lin Zhengquan understood and did not try to persuade her further. After spending this time together, he knew that the Ninth Princess was a wise and resolute person. Though young, she was remarkably mature and would not act without certainty.

“Then, Your Highness, please be careful. I will go and arrange the city’s defenses.”

“City Lord Lin, do as you must.”

With those words.

Lin Zhengquan’s figure vanished once more.

Within a short quarter of an hour, the entire city of Beiyang was mobilized, united in heart and mind, preparing to face the impending beast tide.

Xiao Minghuang and the other two stood atop the nearly hundred-zhang-high city wall, watching from afar as dark clouds pressed down upon the city, sand and stones flew through the air, and countless ferocious beasts of various shapes surged forward like a tidal wave.

Seeing this terrifying sight, even Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but clench her fists, while Ye Ruoshui clung tightly to her slender waist, clearly terrified.

Xiao Minghuang gently stroked Ye Ruoshui’s back, softly comforting her:

“Ruoshui, don’t be afraid. Sister is here and will protect you.”

Under her soothing words, Ye Ruoshui’s trembling body gradually calmed.

Xiao Minghuang looked at the beast tide rolling toward them like a black river, a hint of confusion appearing in her eyes as she asked:

“Such a terrifying beast tide—has Beiyang City never reported it to the Imperial Court, requesting the Royal Family’s support to eliminate it?”

Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu shook her head slightly and began to explain:

“Your Highness, you may not be aware, but the beast tide originates from the depths of the Savage Forest. The ancient beings there are likely ones that even the royal offerings dare not disturb.”

“Moreover, the beast tide comes swiftly and departs just as quickly. Unless a Divine Sea Realm expert is stationed here in advance, it would be impossible to respond in time. However…”

At this point, Lin Wanqiu paused, a look of confusion crossing her face.

“According to historical records, previous beast tides would show signs three to five days before their arrival, giving us time to call for aid. But this time, the signs appeared simultaneously with the beast tide, making it extremely sudden…”

As they spoke, some beasts known for their speed had already reached the vicinity of the city walls.

It was a gray wolf, over ten feet tall, its fur standing on end like steel needles. Moving as fast as lightning, it leaped over ten feet high, directly grabbing onto the smooth city wall and climbing towards the battlements.

Among the city guards, many were inexperienced recruits who had never faced the horrors of war. Seeing the dark mass of the beast tide and the countless terrifying forms of the beasts, they felt fear creeping into their hearts.

Some of the younger soldiers even struggled to hold onto their spears.

“It’s a Body Tempering Realm beast, the Gray Wolf!”

An older soldier shouted, “Everyone, stay calm! Remember the techniques we practiced during drills. We can definitely defend the city!”

Encouraged by the veteran’s words, the recruits’ hearts settled slightly. They knew the speaker was a seasoned soldier who had survived the last beast tide, with peak Body Tempering Realm cultivation and rich combat experience. Listening to him was the right thing to do.

But.

In the next moment.

A ferocious gray wolf lunged forward, charging onto the battlements. Its body radiated light, with strange patterns faintly swirling around it. Its gaping maw let out a terrifying roar, its sharp fangs glinting as it instantly devoured the veteran’s head.

“Howl!”

The gray wolf swallowed the veteran’s head and let out a chilling howl. Its cold, predatory eyes scanned the surroundings, and the young soldiers looked like helpless prey, ready to be devoured.

“Beast, die!”

Suddenly.

An angry shout rang out.

Lin Wanqiu’s dark blue longsword appeared in her hand, and a blade shadow over ten feet long instantly formed. She leaped into the air, bringing the sword down with a fierce slash.

Clang!

The sword strike felt as if it had hit solid rock. The gray wolf twisted its head, its green eyes filled with bloodlust, and opened its massive jaws, biting down on the blade shadow.

With a powerful crunch, the cold, dark blue blade shadow was snapped in two, its light dissipating completely.

The luster of the dark blue longsword dimmed instantly, rendering it unusable for the time being.

Lin Wanqiu’s face paled, her eyes filled with disbelief.

“It’s a Qi Refining Realm beast! This gray wolf is a Qi Refining Realm demon beast!”

This scene shocked everyone present.

Beasts are naturally strong in body and have long lifespans. Some ancient races even possess bloodline inheritances, allowing them to grow incredibly powerful simply by living long enough, without the need for rigorous cultivation.

Compared to beasts, human warriors of the same major realm stand no chance unless they rely on powerful artifacts or outnumber their opponents.

Of course, this applies to the more average human warriors.

If a True Disciple from one of the three great sects were here, even in the same major realm, they might still be able to hold their own.

Facing the Qi Refining Realm gray wolf, the soldiers on the scene were filled with fear, and some even began to quietly retreat.

This scene was witnessed by Lin Wanqiu.

She, too, was afraid, but she would not retreat.

Beiyang City was her home.

She would not allow her home to be trampled by ferocious beasts.

Lin Wanqiu’s gaze sharpened as she looked at the soldiers and coldly declared:

“Defending Beiyang City is everyone’s duty. Anyone who dares to retreat will die!”

Hearing this, the two soldiers who were about to flee immediately stopped in their tracks, caught in a dilemma.

Then, Lin Wanqiu shouted loudly:

“Everyone, don’t forget the drills we practiced daily. Form the battle formation!”

This shout awakened the soldiers.

They had indeed practiced military formations daily, but due to the panic of their first battle, they had nearly forgotten.

Next, the soldiers quickly formed their battle formation, with dozens of three-zhang-long spears linked together, charging in unison toward the gray wolf.

The soldiers were all at the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. Although they were not as strong as the big gray wolf, their numbers gave them the advantage. It didn’t take long before they managed to push the big gray wolf off the city wall, causing it to fall heavily into the moat and drown.

Low-level ferocious beasts, lacking intelligence, rely solely on instinct and brute force. They are formidable in one-on-one combat, but rarely prevail against humans in group battles.

Moreover, the big gray wolf’s greatest weakness is its fear of water. Once submerged, it is certain to die.

The soldiers, having collectively slain a Qi Refining Realm ferocious beast, were all visibly excited. They bowed in unison to Lin Wanqiu and said:

“Thank you for your guidance, Miss. We are deeply grateful!”

Lin Wanqiu, being the young lady of Beiyang City, naturally raised her hand in a gesture of modesty and replied:

“There’s no need for formalities. We must unite to defend the city against the beast tide. As long as Beiyang City does not fall under the claws of these beasts, I will be more than grateful.”

Hearing this, the soldiers’ expressions turned serious, and their fear of battle vanished.

After completing these tasks, Lin Wanqiu returned to Xiao Minghuang’s side.

Her demeanor was dignified yet respectful, leaving a favorable impression.

Xiao Minghuang, who had witnessed everything, was also moved. She hadn’t realized that Lin Wanqiu had such a side to her.

“Wanqiu, your performance just now was truly beyond my expectations!” Xiao Minghuang said with a smile.

Lin Wanqiu, who had been composed and elegant moments ago, immediately softened and chided:

“Your Highness, you’re teasing me!”

Ye Ruoshui peeked out from beside Xiao Minghuang, her eyes curved in a smile, and said:

“Big Sister Lin, you were so cool just now!”

Being praised by both Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui, Lin Wanqiu felt extremely embarrassed. Her cheeks flushed, and she pursed her lips, lowering her head.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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