Chapter 56

On the Tongxuan Continent, beast tides were a very common natural phenomenon. The Northern Region was vast and expansive to begin with, with mountains and forests of all sizes spread everywhere. Because of this, beast tides more or less occurred every year.

The scale of beast tides could be large or small, but the beast tide Fu Yan and the others faced this time was a large-scale one. After all, Shadow Forest could be considered the largest and deepest forest in the Northern Region. The number and variety of demon beasts of every level inside were simply countless.

So once a beast tide occurred in Shadow Forest, the villages and towns within several thousand li would probably all suffer disaster. After all, every time a beast tide arrived, there would always be villages directly trampled flat.

In truth, this large-scale beast tide had not arrived too suddenly. After all, it had already been five or six years since the last beast tide in Shadow Forest, and in the past few months, Shadow Forest had already shown very obvious signs.

Now, facing this beast tide, the major sects and cultivation families had also made preparations early, so they were not caught completely off guard.

On this Tongxuan Continent, although cultivators could be seen everywhere, the number of mortals still far exceeded that of cultivators. So when facing this kind of destructive calamity, every cultivator had the responsibility to contribute.

Moreover, to cultivators, this kind of large-scale beast tide was naturally also the best method of training. As long as one underwent the tempering of this kind of battle, one would gain something to some extent.

So after Fu Yan and Bai Yueli discovered the beast tide, they did not hesitate at all and prepared to join the support efforts.

The current three of them could all be considered upper-level experts in the Northern Region. So to maximize their support, they could only split up and head in different directions. Thus, after hearing Bai Yueli’s instruction, Fu Yan and Shui Liuqing both nodded in agreement.

“All right, Senior Sister. I’ll go toward the east side of Shadow Forest!” Fu Yan casually glanced toward the east and directly voiced her decision.

Bai Yueli naturally had no objection and also said, “I’ll go toward the north.”

Shui Liuqing hurriedly nodded as well. “Then I’ll go south. Senior Sister Bai, [unauthorized copy]Junior Sister Fu, let’s meet again in the inner sect!”

After speaking, Shui Liuqing first cupped her hands toward Fu Yan and Bai Yueli. Only then did she swiftly turn into a streak of light and fly toward the south.

Because this time, they were supporting efforts against a beast tide, Fu Yan definitely would not have Shui Liuqing continue staying by her side. So she directly transmitted to Shui Liuqing and told her to go support others as much as she could.

After seeing Shui Liuqing leave, Fu Yan raised her eyes to look at Bai Yueli beside her. She also smiled and continued, “Senior Sister, then I’ll go first too.”

Bai Yueli nodded. Seeing that Fu Yan was about to turn and leave after speaking, she could not help calling out to her again. “Fu Yan.”

As the words fell, Fu Yan, who had just been about to fly out, paused slightly. She turned back again to look at Bai Yueli at the side, her expression somewhat puzzled.

Bai Yueli looked at the spirited figure before her. A light breeze blew past, lifting the black hair behind that person with the wind. In those clear eyes, Bai Yueli’s own figure was reflected. Bai Yueli could not help revealing a faint smile as well.

“Be careful,” she said.

This seemed to be the second time Fu Yan had seen Bai Yueli smile. It was still as beautiful as ever, only this time, it seemed a little different too. Fu Yan could not help pausing. Very quickly, she also smiled brightly and answered, “Senior Sister, you too.”

After speaking, neither of them said anything more this time. As if by tacit agreement, they turned away from each other at the same time, swiftly turning into two streaks of light at the edge of the sky. Very soon, they completely vanished into the clouds.

After parting from Bai Yueli and Shui Liuqing, Fu Yan directly flew alone toward the east. In order to observe the battle situation below better, she could not help flying very, very low.

Precisely because of this, before Fu Yan had time to encounter any villages or towns surrounded by the beast tide, she first ran into a group of second-level flying demon beasts.

After seeing their figures, Fu Yan originally wanted to take a detour [read the original at bailiantales.com]around them. However, that group of demon beasts flew straight toward her. With no time to think too much, Fu Yan could only raise the broken Linglong Sword and swiftly charge over.

“Second form of Illusionless Sword!”

With one extreme sword sweep, miserable shrieks instantly rang out from within the demon beast group. Then, demon beast corpses fell one after another like dumplings dropping into a pot.

This group of demon beasts was not particularly powerful, so Fu Yan dealt with them completely after a few very easy sword strikes. Afterward, she once again flew forward.

Before long, Fu Yan finally saw a large ancient city. The surroundings of the ancient city were already covered in dense black masses. Everywhere was surrounded by the figures of powerful demon beasts, and battles in every direction were especially intense.

The roars of demon beasts and the sounds of fighting instantly surged into the clouds.

However, because this was a large city, there were already many cultivators on the city walls helping resist the beast tide. When Fu Yan casually swept past from above, she saw three experts at great perfection of Illumination stage. As for late Illumination-stage cultivators, they were practically one after another.

Precisely because of this, the damage suffered by this ancient city was not too serious. These cultivators clearly could successfully resist this beast tide.

“Looks like they shouldn’t need my help here.” Fu Yan simply glanced downward and muttered to herself.

After speaking, Fu Yan swiftly withdrew her gaze. Then she increased her speed again and continued flying forward.

Along the way, Fu Yan encountered several villages and towns. However, they all had fairly sufficient manpower and did not seem to need further support, so Fu Yan had no choice but to fly toward more remote areas.

Before long, Fu Yan discovered a relatively small town. Perhaps because the town was too remote, when facing the incoming beast tide at this moment, the scene already looked somewhat chaotic. Only a few scattered cultivators were helping resist the beast tide everywhere, and one could see that several of them were already somewhat unable to continue.

Looking at the situation below in the small town, Fu Yan Read on BaiLianTalesdid not hesitate at all. She swiftly turned and flew toward the town. In the next moment, she landed steadily on the protective fence on the town’s right side.

“Pff.”

At this moment, a cultivator nearby could no longer hold on and actually spat out a mouthful of blood. Bead-sized drops of sweat also quickly rolled down from his forehead.

His cultivation seemed to be only middle Illumination stage. After continuously enduring the attacks of this beast tide, he naturally was already somewhat unable to persist.

Seeing this, Fu Yan hurriedly ran over and pulled this cultivator down from the protective fence with one hand. Then she swiftly took his place.

“Hurry and recover!” After casually leaving behind this sentence, Fu Yan no longer looked at the person behind her. Instead, she stared tightly at the rounds of beast tide attacks below.

Without the slightest hesitation, in the next moment, Fu Yan quickly raised the broken Linglong Sword. The true essence throughout her body immediately began surging violently. Then, with sword strike after sword strike, she killed the demon beasts swarming upward.

Fortunately, although these demon beasts were numerous, they were all ordinary first- and second-level demon beasts. Dealing with them could still be considered relatively effortless.

Chu Heze was pulled by Fu Yan and staggered, nearly falling directly from the protective fence. Fortunately, his reactions could also be considered quick. He swiftly steadied his somewhat swaying body.

When he came back to himself, he saw that a figure had already appeared in the defensive position he had occupied just now. The person who had pulled him down earlier was also this person. However, after seeing that Fu Yan was at late Illumination stage, he could not help letting out a slight breath of relief.

Because this small town was relatively remote, counting Fu Yan, there seemed to be only two late Illumination-stage experts here in total. The other one was helping resist the beast tide attack at the town entrance.

And Chu Heze’s location was also an extremely important breakthrough point. If those demon beasts were allowed to rush in, the small town behind them would probably be unable to hold. So even though he had been injured earlier, he had not dared give up easily and had continued holding on.

“Many thanks, Fellow Daoist!” Looking at Fu Yan’s back, Chu Heze quickly wiped away the remaining blood from the corner of his mouth and thanked her aloud.

Hearing this, Fu Yan did not turn back to look at him. She merely offered another suggestion. “It’s nothing. I’ll hold this place. You’re already injured, so if you don’t want to damage your foundation, you’d better hurry and recover.”

Hearing this, Chu Heze also knew the condition of his own body. Moreover, this position was already difficult to guard. Although Fu Yan was a late Illumination-stage expert, she could not hold on forever either. So he had to hurry and recover his strength, then continue joining in to help.

Thinking of this, Chu Heze did not delay any further. He swiftly sat down on the spot, then took out a few true qi pills and swallowed them before beginning to regulate his breath and recover.

“Third form of Illusionless Sword!”

Looking at the dense masses of demon beasts below, Fu Yan instantly used another killing sword move, directly forcing back the steps of quite a few demon beasts. But very soon, another wave of demon beasts swiftly rushed forward again.

Because she did not know how long this beast tide would last, Fu Yan fought while taking out a few true qi pills to replenish her true essence. She did not want to fight until her true essence was completely exhausted.

As wave after wave of demon beasts pounced toward her, Fu Yan could not help feeling emotional. Why did this scene look like Plants vs. Zombies, which she had played before? It really was one wave after another, impossible to finish beating no matter what.

However, under this extreme pressure, Fu Yan could also feel her sword moves becoming more and more smooth. Moreover, she had gained even more understanding of combat experience. She believed that after this beast tide ended, her strength would inevitably become a little more formidable again.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan felt much more excited.

After who knew how long, the strength of Chu Heze behind her finally recovered seventy to eighty percent. He did not dare care about too much and quickly got up, walking behind Fu Yan. He said, “I’ve already recovered. Fellow Daoist, you should come down and rest for a while too.”

In Chu Heze’s eyes, although Fu Yan was a late Illumination-stage expert, it was impossible for her to hold on forever. So as he spoke, he had already picked up his weapon again, preparing to return to battle.

Unexpectedly, after hearing his words, the other party [read the original at bailiantales.com]actually said without turning her head, “I’m fine. Since that’s the case, go check the other places and see whether anyone needs help.”

Chu Heze: “…”

Fu Yan really was still fine. After all, she had achieved the record of twelve consecutive victories at the Martial Market Arena in Chaoyang City. So this kind of prolonged battle was fairly familiar to her. Moreover, during the gaps, she had eaten many true qi pills.

Chu Heze at the side actually still wanted to continue persuading her, but when he met Fu Yan’s insistent expression, he could only swallow his words again. In the end, he helplessly said, “Then Fellow Daoist must be careful. If you can’t hold on, remember to transmit to me at once.”

As the words fell, Fu Yan could only nod, indicating that she understood everything.

Seeing this, Chu Heze finally turned and went to the other breakthrough points on the protective fence, continuing to help resist the beast tide’s attacks.

“Roar!”

Various demon beast roars continued coming from below. Yet Fu Yan felt that the pressure she was facing still seemed somewhat insufficient. She did not have that urgent feeling of life and death. Only by facing an even greater challenge would she have the chance to improve or break through.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan’s gaze suddenly landed on the beast horde below the protective fence under her feet. She paused slightly, then made up her mind. In the next moment, she turned her hand and released another sword strike, swiftly carving out an empty space amid the dense beast horde.

Looking at the small empty patch beneath her feet, Fu Yan did not hesitate in the slightest. In an instant, under the astonished gazes of everyone around her, she actually held her sword in one hand and directly jumped down from the protective fence.

Fu Yan’s death-defying action successfully stunned every cultivator present. Their faces also revealed expressions of disbelief one after another.

“This… has this person gone mad?”

“She actually jumped straight down just like that? Even if she doesn’t want her life, [unauthorized copy]she can’t play around like this! If she jumps down there, can she still come back alive?”

“…”

At this moment, Fu Yan, who had jumped down, naturally did not have much thought to spare on what others were thinking. Because when she faced the dark mass of demon beasts before her, her scalp also went somewhat numb.

But naturally, Fu Yan had not jumped down because of a moment of impulse. In truth, before jumping, she had already carefully observed the surroundings. Precisely because this place was relatively remote, most of the demon beasts in the beast tide here were ordinary first- and second-level demon beasts. She had not seen any third-level demon beasts.

So under these circumstances, Fu Yan was also proficient in lightness skills. Once she felt she could not win, it would be very simple for her to break away from the battle and go back up. Regarding her own safety, she was still very confident.

The instant Fu Yan landed steadily, a dark mass of demon beasts instantly pounced toward her. Fu Yan also swiftly returned to herself. She directly condensed an icy sword tip again and skillfully used a set of Illusionless Sword’s second form.

With a boom, the demon beast group charging at the front immediately collapsed one after another and could not get up. In an instant, the scene below also became extremely chaotic.

But Fu Yan had no chance to keep catching her breath. One row of demon beasts fell, but countless rows behind them swiftly rushed forward one after another. She also turned and continued endlessly chaining her Illusionless Sword Art.

Watching row after row of demon beasts being directly sent flying, the ordinary cultivators on the protective fence could not help being dumbstruck.

“Who is this person? Her strength is too fierce. She can actually sustain this kind of continuous output. Are late Illumination-stage cultivators nowadays all this powerful?”

“Don’t even get me started. With her strength, if she went to challenge the Martial Market Arena in Chaoyang City, she could definitely achieve a record of nine consecutive victories. Maybe even higher.”

“Speaking of the Martial Market Arena, I heard a genius girl named Fu Yan appeared recently. She also relied on late Illumination-stage cultivation to directly seize the terrifying record of twelve consecutive victories in one go.”

“…”

As several people resisted the beast tide’s attacks while watching Fu Yan’s side, it seemed that no one noticed that at the front of the dark mass of beasts, a huge figure was walking toward the small town.

At that moment, Fu Yan below was fighting with great satisfaction. She felt that the three forms of Illusionless Sword had already been completely used by her to the point of thorough familiarity, and the sword art had also displayed its greatest power.

After confirming that Illusionless Sword had been thoroughly cultivated to its peak, Fu Yan finally let out a light breath. Immediately after, however, she once again tightly gripped the sword hilt. In the next moment, she used the sword move from the incomplete scroll. “Wind Sweeps Scattered Clouds!”

In an instant, everyone could sense a terrifying force emerge from Fu Yan’s sword. Facing the attacks of the demon beasts from every direction, Fu Yan’s feet suddenly gave rise to wind, and she directly leapt upward.

Her clean, neat skirt hem rose with the wind. From the corner of her eye, Fu Yan saw a strand of black hair by her temples sweep across the tip of her nose. The true essence inside her body swiftly surged toward the Linglong Sword.

In the next second, there was no longer even the smallest patch of empty ground beneath Fu Yan’s feet. Yet she fell directly down just like that. Lowering her eyes to look at the dense beast horde outside, Fu Yan descended straight with her sword.

With a tremendous boom, everyone saw a powerful storm force swiftly spread outward with Fu Yan as the center. Wherever the sword blade reached, there was nothing but demon beast corpses.

This scene caused some people to unconsciously burst out with a few curses. It was simply too shocking, and it made people yearn for such power.

Fu Yan also had not expected that now, with the addition of her frost aura, unleashing her strongest sword move, Wind Sweeps Scattered Clouds, would actually be this powerful. It seemed her strength had increased quite a lot compared to when she had been in the Martial Market Arena.

“Roar!”

Just then, an earth-shaking roar suddenly rang beside everyone’s ears. Fu Yan, who was still below, was also startled. When she swiftly raised her eyes to look, she saw a huge figure rapidly approaching in her direction.

Someone on the protective fence recognized that figure and immediately could not help crying out in alarm. “My heavens, it’s actually a third-level demon beast, an Explosive Long Ape! Its strength is equivalent to middle Dao Integration stage! It’s over. [bailiantales.com]This time, it’s really over. How can we possibly hold it off?”

“What? That’s a third-level demon beast? Damn, looks like this small town can’t be protected anymore. We should hurry and run for our lives!”

“…”

Hearing that the demon beast before her was an Explosive Long Ape, Fu Yan was also slightly shocked. If she had been at peak strength, she might have been able to exchange a few moves with a third-level demon beast. But now, after fighting for so long, more than half her strength had long since been exhausted. Right now, she probably would not be able to withstand even one move.

It seemed that no one had expected a third-level demon beast to appear here. For a time, everyone looked somewhat despairingly at the Explosive Long Ape that had already walked over.

Fu Yan had no time to think further. She had to hurry back up to the protective fence. If she ran into the Explosive Long Ape down here, she would probably truly have only one path left: death.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan did not hesitate. She swiftly raised her sword and used Wind Shadow Steps, immediately flying toward the protective fence. Yet at this moment, an enormous palm directly grabbed toward Fu Yan.

The Explosive Long Ape swung its hand so quickly that its speed was actually not inferior to Fu Yan’s Wind Shadow Steps in the slightest. Seeing that she was about to fall into its palm, Fu Yan could only quickly flip over and change the direction she was heading upward.

But this also meant that Fu Yan was getting farther and farther from the protective fence. Moreover, when she landed again, she would still have to face the dense masses of various demon beasts around her.

Fu Yan: “…”

“Wind Sweeps Scattered Clouds!” Fu Yan could only be forced to use this sword strike again. Only then did she land safely and steadily on the ground again.

However, how could the Explosive Long Ape let Fu Yan off so easily? It reached out with another palm again. This time, the speed of its hand was actually a few degrees faster than before, leaving Fu Yan, who had used Wind Shadow Steps, with almost no path of escape.

Seeing that she was about to fall into the Explosive Long Ape’s hand, Fu Yan instantly turned back and held the sword hilt in a reverse grip. Just as she was preparing to [stolen content]use the Heart-Comprehending Sword Strike, it was already too late.

Because she had already been caught.

In order not to be crushed directly, Fu Yan could only give up attacking. She swiftly mobilized all the true essence in her body and expanded her protective true essence at once.

But this was not a solution either. The strength of the Explosive Long Ape was extremely great. After Fu Yan was caught, she had no chance to struggle at all. She could only watch helplessly as it slowly withdrew its hand, looking as if it wanted to directly eat her.

She had not even had time to use her final killing move, the Heart-Comprehending Sword Strike. Fu Yan knew that she had completely lost her chance. Now, there was only one final path left for her to take, and that was to hide inside the Xuyou Jade Seal.

With a whoosh,

at this moment, a red wooden spear swiftly stabbed into the Explosive Long Ape’s arm. Fu Yan quickly turned back and saw that Chu Heze’s figure had somehow suddenly appeared before her.

For a moment, Fu Yan did not know what to say. Although she was grateful that the other party was willing to come save her, coming over at a time like this was clearly just delivering himself to death!

After Chu Heze withdrew his wooden spear again, he turned and, under the Explosive Long Ape’s fury, swiftly took out a pearl of some unknown kind from his robes. Then he directly threw it toward the Explosive Long Ape’s chest.

With a bang, it immediately exploded.

Fu Yan: “…” This seemed to be only an ordinary explosion pearl. At most, its power was equivalent to a strike from a cultivator at great perfection of Illumination stage. It probably was not even enough to scratch the Explosive Long Ape’s itch.

Perhaps because it had been provoked, the Explosive Long Ape’s strength immediately surged several degrees. Fu Yan instantly felt that her protective true essence was almost unable to hold on. If this continued, she really would be crushed directly.

Yet at this critical moment, Fu Yan suddenly felt the strand of black qi in her qi sea move.

In the next second, she sensed an endless stream of power coming from the Explosive Long Ape’s arm.

The black qi… it was actually devouring the Explosive Long Ape’s power!

This realization left Fu Yan somewhat unable to react. By the time she came back to herself, she heard the Explosive Long Ape’s painful screams ringing beside her ears.

Then, in less than two or three breaths, the enormous Explosive Long Ape before her actually collapsed directly just like that.

Chu Heze: “!!!”