279 - Elasia Saga

**Chapter 279: Beast Tide** The ominous buzzing grew steadily closer, making the entire ground tremble with foreboding intensity. The disciples of the Sect of the Corpse Ghosts, caught in the grip of panic, looked toward the distant dense forest where a mass of menacing shadowy beast figures emerged. Half of these mythical beasts were of the Transformation and Great Perfection stages. Their elongated snouts and razor-sharp fangs alone were enough to send shivers down one's spine. Faced with such a terrifying beast tide, any misstep would leave one crushed into fleshly pulp. Even those of ordinary celestial prowess could barely fend for themselves, let alone protect others. The intricate labyrinth previous set up by the Sect of the Corpse Ghosts would not withstand the might of such a rampant tide. It was likely to be trampled flat in mere moments, leaving nothing behind. "Master, it's truly a beast tide!" Wei Lang and the Eight Generals had held onto a sliver of hope until now, but the sight before them crushed it entirely. Yet, they were no strangers to dire circumstances. Quickly regaining composure, they forced themselves to remain calm. Regardless, there was still a formidable celestial amongst them. This mighty being was none other than Daoist Gu Shi of the Sect of the Corpse Ghosts. Having ascended to such a level, his capabilities were naturally extraordinary. Eyes fixed intently upon the scene, he furrowed his brows slightly. “What on earth caused this tide to emerge without any prior warning?” Daoist Gu Shi quickly discerned the unusual nature of this phenomenon with his extensive experience. The two Eight Generals standing nearby seemed to realize something, their eyes widening in surprise. “Master, are you suggesting...?” Daoist Gu Shi turned his head, casting a cold glance at the two, who instantly understood. Without delay, they vanished from the entrance of the cave, leaving behind a few Great Perfection cultivators who still appeared somewhat lost. The situation was simple. The beast tide had evidently been triggered, whether intentionally or otherwise. They could not afford to let the instigators escape; any potential threat needed to be eradicated. Aware of this, Daoist Gu Shi sent one of the remaining Great Perfection cultivators to follow the two Eight Generals and flush out the perpetrator behind all this. As the rumbling of the approaching tide intensified, Daoist Gu Shi showed no intent to retreat. The plan to unlock the Dragon's Rest was urgent and could not be compromised. The worst-case scenario would be if the forces controlling Uzuo and the tide-trigger were not linked. This would mean two separate instigators were targeting them. Under no circumstances could they vacate the cave, especially when Daoist Gu Shi was the only celestial present. His departure would invite another intrusion. “Everyone, into the cave!” Following Daoist Gu Shi's directive, Wei Lang quickly signaled to the other sect members to retreat into the cave. Once inside, Daoist Gu Shi established a formidable barrier at the entrance, making it impenetrable. Naturally, a single barrier could not hold back the tide, which was a fool's errand. Daoist Gu Shi leapt into the air, facing the mountain, ready to confront the tide head-on. The sound of cracking resonated as the illusionary formation began to crumble. With a swift hand gesture, Daoist Gu Shi unleashed a surge of immense power. Without hesitation, he sliced through the air before the mountain, creating a trench several yards deep with surprising ease. The tide surged forward, but as the beasts reached the trench, they fell like dominoes into the abyss. Typically, a tide would not alter its course easily, but after losing wave after wave to the trench, it veered rapidly within moments. The sight left Wei Lang, watching from the cave, utterly astounded. Meanwhile, inside the cave, Fu Yan let out a small laugh, remarking, “I didn't expect Daoist Gu Shi to be this clever.” Hearing this, Fu Juan glanced curiously at Fu Yan, cradling the small medicine bundle, and asked, “What happened outside?” Fu Yan held up a hand to stop Bai Yue Li from tearing a spatial rift. “Senior Sister, we don’t need to leave; it’s safe here.” Bai Yue Li paused, trusting Fu Yan’s assurance implicitly despite her confusion. Even after the cave entrance was sealed, both Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li felt uneasy, wary of the relentless beasts trampling everything in their path. Bai Yue Li had been about to tear open a spatial passage to move everyone to safety. Fu Yan quickly explained Daoist Gu Shi's actions, having observed everything she couldn't before when she failed to retrieve her puppet stones. “But...” Fu Juan remained puzzled. “Even a deep trench would eventually be filled. Why would the tide change course so easily?” “An illusion,” Bai Yue Li answered abruptly. Her quick deduction came as no surprise to Fu Yan, knowing the entire mountain was enveloped in a simple illusion spell by Daoist Gu Shi. Fu Yan surmised the beasts likely perceived the trench as a bottomless abyss, prompting them to change direction. Gratefully, Fu Yan's group no longer needed to relocate. Reflecting in silence, Fu Yan recalled the Eight Generals had been sent out by Daoist Gu Shi, confirming her suspicions: the tide was incited by someone else. “Someone in Central has noticed something, which is why they've intervened,” Fu Yan speculated. She expanded her mental perception to its full range, which now covered several hundred miles—ample in the chaos caused by the tide, without fear of Daoist Gu Shi detecting them. Her perception swiftly crossed the tide, finding signs of a clash not far ahead. Stubbornly cautious, Fu Yan carefully extended her mental tendrils, eager to discern the other party. On the other side, where the tide had thinned, clashing sword lights and unleashed primal energy marked a fierce battle between figures. Recognizing the combatants, Fu Yan was taken aback. The ones entangled with the Eight Generals were none other than the long-absent male protagonist, Fang Yu. In an instant, the entire scheme became clear: Fang Yu had deliberately instigated the beast tide and likely knew of the Dragon's Rest. Fang Yu intended to exploit the chaos, catching the Sect of the Corpse Ghosts off guard. Before her transmigration, Fu Yan had not finished the original book; the later plotlines were a mystery. Yet, by conventional narrative tropes, she deduced the plot here. It seemed Fang Yu aimed to thwart the sect's plans through the tide, equipped with other strategies, ultimately seizing both the dragon egg and horn. By the original storyline, it would be Fang Yu alone entering the Dragon's Rest. The Sect of the Corpse Ghosts, ultimately, existed as stepping stones for the male lead's ascent—a hallmark of the male protagonist trope. Reorienting her perspective, Fu Yan couldn’t help but let a small, knowing smile creep across her face. She wasted no time, withdrawing her perception and opening her eyes. “Senior Sister, it turns out Central's people have arrived,” Fu Yan reported to Bai Yue Li. While they had prepared for such a possibility, the revelation prompted serious reflection. Another cultivator faction joining could significantly alter the stakes. “Perhaps…” Fu Juan sighed, understanding the complexities. “Perhaps we should leave. I never intended to insist on entering the Dragon's Rest.” Fu Yan shook her head. Having come all this way, leaving with so little was not an option. Moreover, with only the male protagonist present, the situation wasn’t as dire as it could have been. Fu Yan initially planned to sit back and watch the drama unfold between factions. However, that strategy now seemed unwise. "The beast tide hasn’t ended yet," Bai Yue Li remarked suddenly, her eyes serious and clear. "Perhaps this is the best opportunity we have." Fu Yan paused, meeting Bai Yue Li’s gaze, and then smiled. "Agreed." The cave fell silent, leaving the small medicine bundle to tilt its head in confusion at the three. "...Chirp?" Outside the cave, Daoist Gu Shi withdrew his hand, satisfied as the beast tide veered off course. Yet, his smile froze upon seeing a shadowy figure veiled in demonic aura appear before him. His incredulity was palpable upon recognizing Bai Yue Li. "D-Demon Lord?" Just a single glance revealed her identity. Given the immense demonic power she wielded, none besides the Demon Lord fit the description. Daoist Gu Shi’s heart sank, realizing the implications. Could Uzuo, who he had just vanquished, have been from the Demon Realm? Despite his questions, there was no time for answers. Bai Yue Li unleashed a vast wave of demonic power upon him. Out of reflex, Daoist Gu Shi summoned all his true essence, mustering a forceful palm strike to counter the incoming attack. "What are your intentions, Demon Lord? Our Sect of the Corpse Ghosts requires no interference from the Demon Realm," he challenged, recovering from his initial shock, eyes narrowing icily. Disinclined to respond, Bai Yue Li moved once more. Her dense demonic aura twisted into two giant serpents aimed at him from both sides, forcing him to engage her. The air reverberated with the furious roars of the beast tide, intermingled with a faint dragon's roar. Daoist Gu Shi glanced to see a figure descending before the cave entrance, sporting genuine dragon horns upon their brow. In that instant, a realization struck Daoist Gu Shi: the Demon Lord was aware of the Dragon's Rest and had brought a true dragon kin. There was no time for speculation. He intended to intercept the dragon kin, but Bai Yue Li wouldn’t allow it. Her swift intervention blocked his path. With no choice left, the Sect of the Corpse Ghosts had to contend with Bai Yue Li while anxiously hoping for reinforcements. Though Bai Yue Li’s power surpassed his, the celestial battle was no simple task. She could suppress him but could not easily deliver a fatal blow. Thus, both celestial fighters found themselves unable to withdraw from their airborne clash. Inside the cave, Wei Lang and the others were stunned at the sight of Fu Juan’s entrance, for none had previously seen a living dragon kin. Quickly realizing the threat, they armed themselves and commanded, "Quick, capture her!" The disciples surged forward, only to be swiftly blown back by a powerful sword sweep. Not a single Transformation stage disciple withstood the attack, scattering defensively. The sword light dispersed, and Fu Yan stood before Fu Juan, their eyes meeting with an unspoken understanding. Without hesitation, they pushed deeper into the cave. Inside, only four Great Perfection stage cultivators remained. They charged mercilessly at Fu Yan and Fu Juan, intent on killing with no reservations. Despite the spacious cave, Fu Juan couldn’t transform fully to fight due to her weaker powers. She could only manage to hold off one opponent. Fu Yan faced the other three, aware that though she could fend them off, outright defeating them required time. Meanwhile, Fang Yu, the protagonist, was likely eliminating the two Eight Generals and the Sect’s reinforcements were en route. Time was against them. Determined to finish quickly, Fu Yan blocked the trio’s attacks and released her demonic spirit from her dimensional space. "Taking on three of us alone at Great Perfection? Foolhardy!" "Your constitution’s perfect for crafting a corpse puppet—might even let me ascend to immortality!" The trio sneered, certain of her impending defeat. They combined forces and launched a powerful strike. Fu Yan, having just unleashed her demonic spirit, couldn’t evade and had to rely on a full blast of true essence, countering with her sword. An explosive shockwave sent Fu Yan skidding back, breath unsteady from the sudden force of the combined attack. To withstand such a strike from the Great Perfection was already fortunate. "What’s going on here?" the demonic spirit, newly released, puzzled at the unfolding chaos. Fu Yan regained her footing, shooting a wry smile at the floating spirit. The demonic spirit hesitated, recalling how Fu Yan had once used its head like a ball to breach a spatial rift. Not wanting repeated humiliation, it rushed into the fray, siphoning one of the Great Perfection cultivators. Seizing the chance, Fu Yan showed no mercy, launching a potent attack with her astral sword that pierced through one’s forehead. The sight of their fallen comrade startled the others, but it was too late. Under the demonic spirit’s suppression, Fu Yan systematically took down the remaining foes, swiftly gathering their resources before pressing onward with Fu Juan through the cave. Reaching the center, they encountered disciples cradling dragon horns and eggs, caught mid-escape. In the wide cavern, a storm of sword light erupted. The Transformation stage disciples holding the treasures fell without resistance. Fu Yan quickly secured the dragon assets, addressing Fu Juan, "No time. How do we open the Dragon's Rest?" Fu Juan, eyes scanning the area, darted to the massive stone wall, her gaze fixed on its unique carvings. With limited knowledge of dragon lore, Fu Yan could only watch. She fetched the dragon horns and eggs, waiting for Fu Juan to act. “I’ve got it!” Fu Juan exclaimed, spotting the key. She cut her palm, blood dripping onto a spot on the wall. A resonant hum echoed as the stone responded. Fu Yan, recalling that both dragon blood and flame were needed, remained patient. Indeed, Fu Juan's eyes found another mark. She took a breath, exhaling dragon flame onto the wall. The flames triggered a reaction, and the stone wall shimmered, engulfed in light. As Fu Yan observed, the carvings seemed to spring to life, dragon blood and flame weaving a luminous pattern across the stone. Fu Juan withdrew her hand, her wound healing rapidly. With the flames dismissed, she turned to them, confirming their success. “It’s the Dragon's Rest!” the demonic spirit’s eyes widened, recognizing their destination. Fu Yan paid no heed to the demonic spirit, instead extending her hand to pass the dragon egg and dragon horn to Fu Juan. "Now that the Dragon's Rest has been opened, you should take them and enter." "But..." Fu Juan instinctively cradled the dragon egg, looking up at Fu Yan with concern. "The Dragon's Rest is for you and it to enter," Fu Yan replied, glancing momentarily at the dragon egg before continuing, "My senior sister and I will not be joining you." Although the Dragon's Rest promised significant opportunity, Fu Yan decided to leave it to the dragons, given their rarity on the continent. Neither she nor Bai Yue Li held any great expectations for it. Fu Juan opened her mouth as if to argue, but found no words. "Chirp chirp..." Swiftly, Fu Yan set down the small medicine bundle, saying to Fu Juan, "The medicine bundle won't be able to enter, so bid it farewell." Once inside the Dragon's Rest, no one knew when Fu Juan might return. Gazing at the snowy white figure of the medicine bundle, Fu Juan gathered herself. She shifted the dragon egg to one hand and reached out with the other, allowing the little creature to settle into her palm. "Chirp??" The medicine bundle tilted its head, sensing something was amiss. In the brief moments that followed, Fu Juan and the medicine bundle exchanged their farewells. Though reluctant, she returned the medicine bundle to Fu Yan. With a resounding boom, a narrow fissure, only an inch wide, appeared in the massive stone wall, exuding a dazzling light and waves of energy. Understanding she had to leave quickly, Fu Juan nodded to Fu Yan and the medicine bundle, smiling as she held the dragon egg and slung the dragon horn over her shoulder. In the next moment, Fu Juan transformed into a beam of light, slipping through the radiant fissure into the Dragon's Rest. The medicine bundle leapt after her, chirping, "Chirp chirp..."