Chapter 304: The Beast Tide Strikes
Nearly one hundred kilometers from the Star Dou Forest, Ning Bei's figure suddenly appeared. According to the map given by the little angel, this area should be part of the Megra Province in the Xing Luo Empire, situated in the heart of Xing Luo. It was also one of the few granaries of the empire.
This region bordered the vast Megra Plain and was one of the most suitable agricultural areas in Xing Luo. Launching the beast tide here would effectively target its most vital area.
After confirming the location, Ning Bei waved his left hand, and his soul beast companions—Daming, Erming, Ah Bao, A Zhu, and the others—appeared in front of him one by one.
"What's going on, Brother Ning Bei?"
"We're currently in Xing Luo territory. I've already set off a beast tide formed by tens of thousands of soul beasts. What you need to do now is avoid letting the beast tide head toward areas with many civilians. Try to direct them toward the military garrisons."
"Huh?"
Daming and the others were stunned. They had expected some major threat to deal with. After all, Ning Bei rarely summoned them all at once. Why did it now feel like they were playing the role of shepherd dogs?
"This might be a bit tricky, big brother."
Ah Bao scratched his head. He had no experience herding beasts. Sure, he could deal with them by pawing one soul beast after another, but guiding them toward the military? Wasn't that asking too much of him?
The others didn't speak, but their expressions made it clear that they agreed with Ah Bao's opinion. The task of rounding up tens of thousands of soul beasts and directing them somewhere seemed nearly impossible to them.
Ning Bei smiled and raised the Soul Tower in his hand.
"I'll spread the fragrance of the pill along the road to Xing Luo City. Your job is to guide any straggling soul beasts back to the path."
Upon hearing this, the soul beasts understood Ning Bei's plan and exchanged glances. If it was just about guiding the beasts back, then that made things much easier.
"Don't worry, Brother Ning Bei. This is simple, leave it to us."
Daming immediately patted his chest and took the responsibility. As usual, nothing was more important to him than being well-fed, well-housed, and invincible in the face of Heavenly Tribulation.
The other soul beasts also agreed to the plan, nodding their approval.
"By the way, if you run into the army along the way, decapitate them. Leave the rest to the soul beast army."
"Got it, Brother Ning Bei!"
A Zhu immediately took charge of the task. Compared to herding, assassination was more her area of expertise.
Ning Bei didn't mind who did what. He tossed a map to all the soul beasts.
"In three days, gather at Nodding City in the Fasno Province of the Tiandou Empire. If possible, after everything is finished, try to guide the beast tide back to the Star Dou Forest."
"Ah Bao and Erming, if you two can't find your way, just stick with the group. Don't go off on your own."
With everything said, Ning Bei turned and flew toward Xing Luo City, leaving behind a trail of dense pill fragrance along the way, being careful to release it only in areas with no people.
The soul beasts watched Ning Bei leave. After exchanging glances, they all saw the helplessness in each other's eyes. There was no choice but to treat this as a physical workout. Then, they scattered in all directions, preparing for the beast tide to begin.
"Roar, roar, roar! Over there, over there, charge with me!"
Qiu´er, riding on the back of an 80,000-year-old Red Gold Tiger King, led the beast tide toward Xing Luo City. The soul beasts had no resistance. After all, the scent was coming from that direction, so they simply followed.
After running for hundreds of kilometers, they could already see bustling villages along the way. Some villagers, hearing the sound of the approaching beast tide, looked up in horror, nearly collapsing in fear.
"W-what is that?"
"My heavens, has the Emperor angered the gods? Is this divine punishment?"
Most of the villagers in the area were farmers and had never seen anything like this. They scattered in all directions, fleeing for their lives. The elderly and infirm, who couldn't escape, stayed behind and began praying, hoping the Beast God would spare their lives.
However, with tens of thousands of soul beasts charging, a few of the less intelligent ones strayed off course. Three thousand-year-old Earth Bison charged directly into a village, heading straight for the elderly and children. As a few villagers closed their eyes in terror, preparing for death, Daming swooped down from the sky. With one powerful movement, he lifted the three bison and threw them toward the direction of the beast tide as they roared in terror.
"Mooh!!!!"
The three Earth Bison experienced flight for the first time, so frightened they curled their tails in fear.
Daming rubbed his wrist, casting a disdainful glance at the sky.
"Mooh, what's that about? You're all bison, so why are you so stupid?"
Such incidents happened countless times along the way. Most were resolved by the Beast King's small team dispatched by Ning Bei. As for those innocent bystanders who were caught in the chaos, Ning Bei could only offer an apology.
Meanwhile, in Xing Luo Empire, Xing Luo City was filled with decorations for the sixtieth birthday celebration of the Xing Luo Emperor, Dai Tianyu. Dai Tianyu, who had expanded the empire's territory, was now joyously hosting a banquet in the palace, entertaining the royal nobles, completely unaware that the empire was on the brink of disaster and that he was about to become a forgotten relic.
"Your Majesty, under your wise leadership, we have expanded into four cities, adding nearly 100,000 square kilometers to our territory. This is an unprecedented achievement since the rise of the Spirit Hall. I raise my cup to you, wishing you as much fortune as the Immortal Tiger and a life as long as the Spirit Turtle."
"Hahaha, Minister, you flatter me. Let us work together for the future."
No matter where they were, court officials always tried to flatter the emperor. Even the Dai family, which founded the empire with martial power, couldn't escape this flaw. It was a common imperial weakness.
Thus, one minister's flattery made Dai Tianyu beam with pride, almost equating him to the ancestral founder of Xing Luo.
"Ministers, the young Xue Qinghe is still inexperienced. Once the four frontier cities have been pacified, we can continue our momentum and seize more from Tiandou. We will all witness the glory of a prosperous Xing Luo."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Long live Your Majesty!"
As expected, those who flattered the emperor were met with praise, while the more practical and rational officials observed with disdain, unwilling to support Dai Tianyu in such a situation. They could only grunt in frustration and drink quietly in small groups.
"Ah, who knows if going to war with Tiandou is the right choice. If Spirit Hall suddenly rises, with the gap between us and Tiandou now, we may no longer be able to work together."
"Indeed, but His Majesty is in high spirits now, and it wouldn't be wise to dampen his mood."
A few of the Dai family elders were gathered together, clearly unsatisfied with Dai Tianyu's actions. However, given his current achievements, they didn't dare voice their opposition.
Just as the group in the side hall pondered their thoughts, a terrified scream echoed from outside the hall.
"Report!!! Your Majesty, urgent news from 800 miles away!"
"Hm? What's so urgent? Could it be that Xue Qinghe is taking advantage of my birthday to make a move?"
"Bring it in."
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen10