Xiao Yan’s gaze fell upon a man in black, who was smiling and chatting with several strong figures of unknown origin. The man’s long, black hair flowed freely behind him, giving an air of easy confidence. His fair, jade-like face exuded a gentle and refined aura. This kind of person usually left a very good first impression, but when such a first impression appeared on a member of the Soul Sect, Xiao Yan felt a deep sense of danger. This man in black had not spoken or acted in any way when the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan had attacked him earlier. Therefore, Xiao Yan had not paid much attention to him. But now, after Xun’er pointed out his identity, Xiao Yan’s vigilance surged. He had already had many dealings with the Soul Clan and knew that this race was unpredictable and each member was far from simple. This man, despite his friendly appearance, was even more dangerous because of it. There is a saying: “A dog that bites does not bark.” This man in black was clearly in that category. Moreover, based on what Xun’er had said about this man being the most likely to become the next clan leader of the Soul Clan, it was evident that he was not someone to be trifled with. Even strong young members of the Soul Clan, like Hun Ya, had not received such an evaluation. As Xiao Yan observed the man in black, the latter seemed to sense something and turned his head, his gaze meeting Xiao Yan’s. A smile appeared on his face. Seeing that seemingly friendly smile, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He then turned to Xun’er, nodding slightly and whispered, “A very dangerous individual.”
“His name is Hun Yu, and though it sounds feminine, he is indeed a man. From the information we have, the competition within the Soul Clan is extremely fierce, and the losers often face a bleak fate. It is said that Hun Yu has never known defeat since his birth. All his competitors have fallen before him. Additionally, he possesses the highest tiered bloodline of the Soul Clan.”
Xun’er’s voice carried a rare gravity, indicating that this man named Hun Yu was indeed formidable.
“Top-tier bloodline, huh…” Xiao Yan’s eyelids twitched slightly. It made sense that he had never known defeat. Possessing such a bloodline meant incredible potential. As long as he remained rational and didn’t do anything foolish, his future was boundless.
“Hun Yu is different from other members of the Soul Clan; he doesn’t just talk about fighting and snatching souls. He may seem friendly, but he is actually quite ruthless,” interjected Gu Qingyang, his words revealing a deep wariness.
Xiao Yan slowly nodded, mentally marking Hun Yu as a dangerous figure. If given the chance, Xiao Yan would eliminate him first. Their opposing positions made them inevitable enemies, and holding a bit of killing intent was necessary. The principle of striking first and dealing with the consequences later was something Xiao Yan understood well.
“Are we going to start another large-scale charge into the beast tide?” Xiao Yan glanced around. At least a thousand people, all with considerable strength, had gathered here, forming a truly formidable array.
“Yes, once everyone is assembled, we will charge into the beast tide again. No single force here can successfully enter otherwise. The number of beasts is too daunting,” Xun’er nodded. “We should gather our people together. More numbers mean better safety.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded slightly. Just as he was about to speak, a clear voice suddenly rang out across the square. He followed the sound to find it was none other than Hun Yu.
“Fellow cultivators, we are all aware of the situation. Our target is the ancient Bodhi Tree deep in the Wild Ancient Realm. Whether we will have disagreements upon reaching there is beside the point. Right now, no single force can pass through the beast tide.”
On the stone platform, Hun Yu’s voice was clear and resonant, exuding an air of conviction. Regardless of this man’s identity and cunning, his demeanor was indeed very appealing.
“Our only chance is to unite, forming a coalition. Like a spear, we must pierce the heart of the beast tide. Only with all our combined strength can we tear through their defenses. Otherwise, the ancient Bodhi Tree is out of reach. In our alliance, there will be no distinctions of rank. Rest assured, this is not a scheme; it is mutual support. Of course, if anyone doubts, they can stay, but they will return empty-handed.”
Hun Yu’s words were met with a moment of silence. After a while, many began to nod in agreement. Regardless of everything else, Hun Yu was correct in stating that no one force could survive the beast tide. If they wanted to reach the depths, unity was the only way.
“You are right, Brother Hun Yu. The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan will join you in this venture,” the man with colorful pupils from the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan added.
“Thank you, Brother Nine Phoenix,” Hun Yu smiled, bowing respectfully to the man.
“True, staying here means nothing. We might as well venture out together,” the man with colorful pupils’ words spurred agreement from many. As the consensus spread, more and more people began to nod in agreement.
“That one seems formidable as well,” Xiao Yan discreetly glanced at the man with colorful pupils.
“Haha, his name is Nine Phoenix. He is quite famous in the Magical Beast Realm and is confirmed to be the next leader of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. His colorful eyes are a result of his cultivation method, which is rare and difficult to deal with,” Gu Qingyang explained.
Xiao Yan nodded. No wonder he held a high status in the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. Being the confirmed next leader certainly made him formidable.
“Since there are no objections, let’s set out. It’s nearly noon, the time when the beasts are most sluggish,” Hun Yu smiled, his fair face showing a subtle curve.
“We should prepare to move as well,” Xun’er said softly. “Be careful when we charge the beast tide. Even together, only a fraction of us will make it through. Both Hun Yu and Nine Phoenix know this. They simply want to use the rest to penetrate deeply and then break through on their own. Many will end up as beast food. These people underestimate the Wild Ancient Realm.”
“If even this large group can’t get through?” Xiao Yan’s heart trembled. There were at least a hundred Dou Zuns and numerous Battle Sects. How could such a powerful force still not break through the beast tide? Just how terrifying was the beast tide?
As Xiao Yan was contemplating, the people on the square began to move. Figures ascended into the sky, forming a dense cloud hovering above.
“Let’s go,” seeing the main force moving, Xiao Yan didn’t delay, nodding to his companions and ascending. The others quickly followed, forming a tight group.
“Everyone, let’s move out,” in the sky, Hun Yu’s gaze flickered over Xiao Yan and his group. Dismissing the few remaining figures below, he laughed and flew northward. The large, dark mass of cultivators followed with a roaring sound.
Xiao Yan’s group mingled with the crowd, not leading the charge. At the beginning, the faster they spent their strength, the sooner they would die.
The dark mass of people, like a cloud, flew swiftly across the sky, covering a hundred miles in less than ten minutes. As the main force flew over a lush mountain, a vast, endless black plain came into view.
Xiao Yan’s gaze penetrated the crowd, fixing on the black plain. He sucked in a deep, cold breath…
In the endless plain, black clouds roiled, and massive, ferocious beasts filled the ground, like a sea of blood, stretching to the horizon. Roars and howls, like thunder, reverberated through the land.
“So this is the beast tide of the Wild Ancient Realm. It is truly terrifying,” Xiao Yan murmured, exhaling. No wonder Xun’er said even the strongest could not pass. Compared to the beast tide, they were but a drop in the ocean.
Xiao Yan’s gaze traversed the endless beast tide, then gazed at the distant darkness.
“Beyond the beast tide lies the ancient Bodhi Tree…”
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