The mood wasn't great, but their mental fortitude was strong. Even in this political crisis, they managed to engage in casual banter, even if just superficially.

Zheng Zhong approached, greeting them as equals, and said, "Mayor Hu, the Hall Master is currently meditating and adjusting his qi. If you're not in a hurry, please wait a moment. However, considering the urgency of your situation, perhaps you should follow me ahead?"

His diplomatic abilities were remarkable, and he spoke gently. Noticing the spiritual qi swirling around the Martial Arts Hall, Hu Rui Nian nodded in agreement, "Alright."

The Hall Master of the Immortal Martial Combat Hall, Wang Xuan, at least possessed a cultivation level at the Peak of Divinity Transformation as an Earth Immortal, which earned Hu Rui Nian's respect. If Wang Xuan only had Aerial Cultivation, it would be a different matter.

The vice mayors exchanged glances, feeling a bit annoyed. In their view, Wang Xuan was being pretentious, not even taking the time to greet the government officials and Earth Immortals.

Soon, five or six individuals followed Zheng Guang into the garden district, enjoying the scenic and comfortable environment. They found Wang Xuan seated in a stone pavilion of several dozen square meters, ready with tea to welcome them.

"Mayor Hu, I've heard much about you, but seeing you surpasses mere hearsay." Wang Xuan exited the pavilion to greet them, making Hu Rui Nian and the others' smiles more genuine.

Given the urgency of the matter, Hu Rui Nian only exchanged brief pleasantries before discussing the beast tide, stating, "Though this is an regional issue, it concerns the daily lives of millions. While lives aren't at great risk, it's mass panic that disrupts social and economic order.

If prolonged, the resulting losses are minor compared to the major impact. We cannot stand by idly and must resolve this through peaceful means."

The Human Race and Demon Race united against external threats; internal discord is unacceptable, merely minor frictions. Even in matters like the beast tide. However, if the impact is severe and many perish, the Federation will be ruthless to maintain human dignity.

"Can't this be suppressed with force?" Wang Xuan sipped his tea, with his disciple Hongze standing behind him.

Hu Rui Nian shook his head, "Minimize large conflicts and casualties, and try to resolve it peacefully."

"What do the Earth Immortals of Changming City say?" Wang Xuan inquired.

"Several have agreed, but some have yet to be approached." Hu Rui Nian responded.

The emergence of the beast tide was a form of intimidation, but the Demon Race's goal wasn't casualties. It served as leverage to dominate negotiations.

"Matters concerning me, I, Wang Xuan, will not stand by." Wang Xuan decided to join, delighting Hu Rui Nian and the others.

Considering Wang Xuan's realm, at least at the Peak of Divinity Transformation, he had once astonishingly deterred all Earth Immortals of Changming City, showcasing his prowess. Rumor had it he once bested a Dharma Body cultivator in combat, magnifying their reverence. With such a powerhouse on their side, confidence soared.

"Zheng Zhong, you and others guard the Martial Arts Hall to prevent any turmoil." Wang Xuan instructed, signaling Lin Fan to remain.

Half an hour later, Wang Xuan met half of Changming City's Earth Immortals at the city gate—Jia Yu from Changming Entertainment City, real estate magnate Liu Yue, arms dealer Ma Teng, pharmaceutical merchant Xi Buping, and Colonel Wang Haisheng from the military.

The group's expressions were uneasy upon seeing Wang Xuan, yet they courteously greeted him with respect, "With Hall Master Wang present, we can rest easy."

With a grandmaster leading, their confidence grew, and a towering figure hedging the top reduced their risk.

"Stepping out for the people and ensuring safety is a great merit, deserving of ample celebration." Wang Xuan smiled.

Despite minor frictions, they formed a unified front on the towering city wall, overlooking the thousands of Fierce Beasts and Demon Beasts below.

Towering elephants at ten meters high charged, potentially toppling city walls; brown bears sprawled like large trucks, crushing anything in their path with reckless abandon. Giant pythons stretched thirty to forty meters long, flanked by hundreds of venomous snakes.

One Demon Beast after another, their physiques overwhelming ordinary Fierce Beasts a hundredfold, their presence near commanding powerful steel-boned Fierce Beasts, ruling over beast-level creatures.

Currently, they lazed on the ground, resting idly, but upon seeing the Earth Immortals of Changming City approach, were apprehensive, until a dozen massive figures floated in from the rear.

Leading was a twenty-meter tall silver ape, with an extraordinarily robust physique and blood energy surging skyward, at least with cultivation at the Earth Level peak.

Behind it stood a Profound Turtle with a ten-meter wide shell, watching Changming City, accompanied by a black demonic tiger, a golden python, a brown crocodile...

If not for Wang Xuan's presence, these Demon Immortals could potentially crush the Earth Immortals of Changming City.

Mayor Hu Rui Nian stepped forward, shouting, "So you've come to negotiate. Speak your minds, but can the beast tide be dispersed now?"

"Not rushed, once negotiations succeed, the beast tide will retreat, and we will personally apologize." The silver elder ape replied gruffly.

Seeing the elder ape's silver fur, Wang Xuan raised his eyebrows subtly, confirming a suspicion; it seemed the Little Silver Ape was indeed the cause.

He glanced at the Earth Immortals, noticing no presence from Fist Emperor Valley or Siam Mansion, wondering if they refrained out of guilt.

"Then speak." Hu Rui Nian's heart seethed with anger; the superior government suffered interference from the Demon Race, placing the burden on Changming City for resolution.

A light projection suspended mid-air revealed a photo of a silver-furred little ape. The elder silver ape spoke coldly, "Humans have stolen our Silver Ape Race's Saint Heir, who is now in Changming City.

Discussing right or wrong is pointless. You must return our race's Saint Heir, otherwise, this matter cannot be resolved; this is our sole demand.

If our Saint Heir emerges, all can be negotiated. If you don't return our Saint Heir, the Silver Ape Race will attack with all its might, celestial immortals fighting to the death, not hesitating to destroy Changming City!"

The Earth Immortals exchanged glances, puzzled by the Demon Immortal's actions, yet now understood, realizing the cause.

"Which faction abducted the Silver Ape Race's Saint Heir? It's likely a miscapture. Return him, allowing the government to mediate and prevent retaliation against the involved faction.

An anonymous manner works too, as long as you return the Silver Ape Race's Saint Heir." Mayor Hu Rui Nian urged.

He promised security; otherwise, fearing danger, the faction that captured the Silver Ape Saint Heir might drag Changming City down, unwilling to reveal themselves.

A likely scenario, considering the stakes of personal safety.

Wang Xuan observed silently, while the Earth Immortals shook their heads, saying, "We haven't done such a thing. Special bloodlines within the Demon Race are easy to distinguish. We're well aware of the Southeast Asian Demon Race's power, we wouldn't act recklessly."

Indeed, they hadn't acted thus nor knew clues, leaving Hu Rui Nian's face troubled. This was his greatest fear—lack of information leading to mutual denial.