The Master of Beasts-Chapter 689 - 201_2

"Incorporate those elites into the selection. I need a stronger task force. Besides, attention should also be paid to the governance of the city and some survival points. If you two have the time, train these cultivators," Chen Jiuge instructed.

"Seriously? We're so busy, and we still have to train others?" Xiao Hong complained.

Being the City Lord of Beauty Valley wasn't this tiring before. How come I'm busier without it now?

"Just endure it a little. Things will get better after a while," Chen Jiuge assured her.

"Alright, alright," Xiao Hong reluctantly nodded.

"But, City Lord, shouldn't you tell us what power is behind you by now?"

"For you to betray the Five Elements Sect without hesitation, it must be an incredibly formidable force. Is it the Holy Land? If it's the Holy Land, it ought to be the Reincarnation Sacred Land, given the grudges between them and the Five Elements Sect are somewhat known among cultivators in the True Realm," Xiao Hong murmured to herself.

Chen Jiuge glanced at Xiao Hong, uncertain if he should tell her. After pondering, he shook his head and said, "It's not the right time to say. After all, I don't know how things will unfold in the end."

"Knowing too much might make it hard to retreat later."

"Never mind, pretend I didn't ask. I'll head out first; the food at home is almost done," Xiao Hong said as she leaped off, causing waves to scatter, childishly skipping away.

Seeing this, Chen Jiuge could only shake his head helplessly. Since she stopped managing Beauty Valley, Xiao Hong had become more carefree and lively, living almost like a child.

Mentioning children, Chen Jiuge felt a headache. Previously, he left the Sorrowful Girl at Star Moon Pond, and when Dabai sneaked away to Nine Dragon Mountain without her, Ci Yao reported that Star Moon Pond was nearly paralyzed upon their return.

"Let's leave it at that for now. You should keep an eye on the city's situation," Chen Jiuge said to Mo Yu.

"I understand," Mo Yu nodded clearly.

........

Ming Sea

The expansive blue ocean stretched into the horizon. The dazzling sunlight reflected a faint brilliance off the sea, making it appear magnificent.

If it weren't for the constant cacophony that ruined the beautiful scene, Ming Sea would undeniably be a fine tourist spot.

Yi Qi listened to the sounds in his ear with a slight frown, "Something's off about this sound!"

Tian Yue said seriously, "Of course, it's off. This is one of the forbidden zones in the Heavenly Realm, and the sounds that persist here contain a hint of Sound Dao that disturbs the mind."

"If a True Immortal stays here for too long, their Dao could become corrupted, leading to madness."

"To move freely in Ming Sea, one must have at least a Heavenly Immortal Cultivation, and preferably some protective measures as well."

"What a wondrous place; such a location is indeed suitable for concealing oneself," Yi Qi nodded in agreement.

"Come, I've been here before. If we keep moving forward, we can reach a small island where we can temporarily settle."

"By the way, try not to engage with the Spiritual Beasts in Ming Sea. These beasts have chaotic minds but are extremely territorial. Attacking one of them could lead to trouble," Tian Yue warned.

"Alright, I understand!"

"Roar!"

A massive whale leapt out of the sea, its blue skin covered with small black holes, which constantly spouted seawater accompanied by a strange noise.

The magical sound echoed in Tai Yue's ears, causing him to sway slightly. Seeing this, Yi Qi waved his hand to disperse it and frowned, "A Golden Immortal Spiritual Beast right at the edge?"

Shaking his head, Tian Yue was puzzled, "It shouldn't be; this must be a rare occurrence. Let's not waste time. Once I break through to Golden Immortal, these will be minor issues!"

"Alright!" Yi Qi agreed.

A short while after the two rose into the air, Song Bei descended from above.

With a slap, he sent the magic-sounding whale back into the depths of the sea, muttering in dissatisfaction, "So annoying!"

"Roar" "Roar"

After knocking away one whale, a large number of other Spiritual Beasts emerged from the sea. Despite their varying sizes, all these beasts had a few black holes, emitting strange, discordant sounds.

Song Bei was surrounded by a blood-red aura. With the transmission of his immortal power, a heavy sound reverberated through most of Ming Sea.

"Wu Tian, aren't you coming out yet?"

Still on the way, Yi Qi sensed Song Bei's presence, showing a hint of gravity, "Such a powerful aura, such a heavy killing intent, not even those Great Emperors of the Underworld possess such momentum!"

"What is it?" Tian Yue asked, noticing Yi Qi's expression.

"A very powerful cultivator has arrived, but it has nothing to do with us. Let's ignore it."

"Alright."

On the shore, Song Bei watched as a massive Ba Xia charged straight ahead, knocking away the fierce beasts of Ming Sea blocking its path. Strangely, these beasts dove directly into the sea afterward, disappearing from sight.

"Splash."

Ba Xia halted, raising a massive wave that fell directly on Song Bei.

"Hmph."

Without any visible action, Song Bei's cold snort made the wave vanish instantly.

"Song Bei, why are you here?" Wu Tian asked coldly.

Though they had some encounters, they weren't friends. At most, they had cooperated during less powerful times and could be considered acquaintances.

Song Bei exerted a bit of force with his feet, landing on Ba Xia's back. He sat at a nearby table, pouring himself a cup of Immortal Tea.

"Gulp."

Drinking it down in one go, Song Bei complained, "After all these years, you still don't indulge in Immortal Brew."

Wu Tian smirked, inwardly retorting, "Do you even know what this Immortal Tea is? How can mere Immortal Brew compare to its value!"

Realizing the man was a ruthless and simpleminded brute, Wu Tian lost the mood to retort further. He sat opposite Song Bei, earnestly asking, "What are you really here for?"

"Wu Tian, do you remember when we joined the Heavenly Gate together and followed the leader?"

Wu Tian was taken aback, recalling a spirited young man. His eyes became slightly dazed.

Shaking his head and sitting down, Wu Tian took a sip of tea, speaking with a complex tone, "So what? We are no longer those young men, and the Heavenly Gate isn't what it used to be."

"Le Tian is the same leader as before, isn't he?"

Song Bei counted on his fingers, continuing, "Optimistic, sentimental, worried about the world's beings, isn't that just how the leader was?"

"No," Wu Tian shook his head, "Le Tian is indeed decent, but he lacks the leader's domineering spirit and magnanimity. Even if he becomes the new leader, he can't possibly control the entire Heavenly Gate."

"You're not wrong, but at least it wouldn't be worse than now, would it?" Song Bei nodded slightly.

"So, what's your real purpose in coming here? Don't tell me you've been convinced by Le Tian to be a persuader. I remember we have no special relationship," Wu Tian sneered.

"No, no one convinced me. I've allied with Jiuyin and Jiuying, and you might not be aware of the current situation in the Heavenly Gate from within Ming Sea," Song Bei explained.

"Today, the leader hasn't shown up for a long time. Le Tian, whether in qualifications or cultivation, is too low to control the situation, and those ambitious elders have begun to take action. It's not good."

"So, you're planning to take action too?"

"For self-preservation and to retain the original aspect of the Heavenly Gate!" Song Bei affirmed resolutely.

Wu Tian, initially thinking to mock, ended up saying differently, "Song Bei, I trust you, but as for the two sisters Jiuyin and Jiuying, I've never really understood them."

"I can agree, but if I feel anything's off, I want the option to withdraw at any time!"

"No problem," Song Bei nodded in agreement.

"But the leader previously tasked you with guarding the Holy King of the Evil Ghost Clan. Can you leave Ming Sea now?" Song Bei asked with some hesitation.

Wu Tian smiled wryly, "It escaped. Other Evil Ghosts came over; I wasn't its match. If it weren't for the rapport I built with Lucifer over my years of watch, I'm not sure you'd even be able to see me now!"

Song Bei's expression changed, "Is it really that exaggerated?"

Although Wu Tian's strength wasn't top-notch, due to the Sound Dao, he could always preserve himself against any cultivator.

"Exactly so. That Evil Ghost exudes an aura akin to yours, or perhaps even stronger!" Wu Tian stated solemnly.

"Interesting. I'll have to meet it someday."