C23 The Human and the Beast Race Are Going to War

Shea Gelan's father, Shi Tianze, tragically failed to survive the Tribulation Crossing Stage and passed away. Shea Zhongtian couldn't bear the thought of outliving his son. In defiance, he attacked the Heavenly Dao, only to be defeated. Yet, due to his near-immortal Rogue Immortal body, he didn't perish but instead entered a state of suspended animation. To revive him, it was necessary to obtain a pure-blooded Heaven Rending Tiger's Demonic Core and combine it with three Holy Medicines to create a Heaven Cheating Pill.

When Niu Yuvcai learned of this, he eagerly offered to search for the Heaven Rending Tiger. However, considering his mere Nascent Infant Stage abilities, Shea Gelan assigned him to the Wind City branch, essentially as a retirement post.

On his departure day, Niu Yuvcai cheerfully assured Shea Gelan that Mr. Yuvcai would surely find the Heaven Rending Tiger and heal her grandfather. Little did they know, it would be their final farewell.

"Zhulong! I implore you to surrender the Heaven Rending Tiger. The child cannot endure another loss of family," pleaded Dao Void Rogue Immortal.

Zhulong responded with scorn, "You must be dreaming! Are the lives of humans worth more than those of beasts?"

His words were followed by the tearing open of numerous Space Cracks in the sky, signaling the arrival of both factions.

The presence of so many Deification Stage Almighties made the very fabric of space seem delicate, occasionally tearing small cracks.

"Enough talk. If you're not willing to reason, then don't blame me for my discourtesy," declared Dao Void Rogue Immortal, his patience exhausted. He merged with the air, becoming one with the cosmos.

The Deification Stage Cultivators followed suit, moving as extensions of his will.

"Let's fight then, and spare me your prattle!" Zhulong also merged into the void.

Boom!

An indescribable battle ensued, shattering the space repeatedly. Ultimately, the remnants of both sides withdrew in silence.

The outcome of the battle went unspoken, but it was clear that both the Human and Beast factions had suffered, their powers significantly diminished.

Additionally, Shea Gelan, the proprietor of the Spirit Beast Workshop, had mysteriously disappeared. In her absence, the Spirit Beast Workshop was temporarily overseen by the Dao Void Rogue Immortal.

On this day, a full-scale war erupted between the Humans and the Beasts.

This day would later be chronicled as the "Day of the Deification's Fall."

Chen Bai, far off in Wind City, was oblivious to these momentous events as he was preoccupied with traveling back to Wind City with the Chen family's caravan.

Upon his return to Wind City, Chen Bai could no longer resist the urge to sleep. He climbed into bed and quickly succumbed to a deep slumber.

...

The night passed without incident.

"Thump thump thump! Young Lord! Young Lord! Great news!" Before Chen Bai could enjoy a proper rest, he was roused by a persistent knocking at his door.

Groggily rubbing his eyes, Chen Bai opened the door with a scowl and said, "Spit it out if you have something to say, and do it quickly. Don't interrupt my sleep."

Despite Chen Bai's brusque manner, Chen Jiang's face was alight with excitement as he announced, "Young Lord, I have fantastic news. Wind City is going to be renamed Chen City."

Chen Bai was taken aback by the statement.

"What are you talking about? Make yourself clear."

"Oh, Young Lord, you're unaware, but last night, the Spirit Beast your master sent reached the Void Discerning Stage. Its icy domain froze everything within hundreds of meters. By sheer coincidence, the City Lord Mansion's people were caught within the domain. City Lord Feng Xiaoyao was struck dead on the spot by a fierce wind, and most of the Feng family perished in the freeze. Just like that, the Feng family was wiped out."

Chen Jiang paused, swallowing nervously.

"Moreover, it's said that last night, the Huo family was entirely devoured by that colossal beast. Now, our Chen family stands unchallenged in Wind City. That's why I mentioned the city's impending name change."

A bewildered Chen Bai, still trying to clear the fog from his mind, couldn't help but ask, "Where did you get this information?"

"Young Lord, the news came from the employees at the Spirit Beast Workshop. Yesterday, after hearing the beast's roar, their manager, Niu Yuvcai, made a beeline for Wind City, and they all followed suit. They witnessed the Huo family being devoured whole. But I must say, Niu Yuvcai kept his cards close to his chest; turns out he's a Nascent Infant Stage expert," reported Chen Jiang.

After a pause, as if something had just occurred to him, Chen Jiang added, "Oh, and the Spirit Beast Workshop staff mentioned that the creature that attacked Wind City last night was a massive Heaven Rending Tiger. Now I understand why you paused when you saw the Sword Spirit Tiger last time, Young Lord. You had already encountered the Heaven Rending Tiger."

Chen Bai nodded, pleased that his Spirit Guiding Dew had worked. He silently praised the value of knowledge.

He had discovered the recipe and effects of the Spirit Guiding Dew in a miscellaneous volume in the library. Initially unsure of its efficacy, he now saw it had significant benefits.

In high spirits, Chen Bai washed his face and, with Chen Jiang, made his way to Chen Lieh's residence.

As they walked, Chen Bai basked in the adulation of his fellow clansmen, who greeted him warmly. Where once their respect might have been feigned due to his status as the Chen family's Young Lord, it was now genuine admiration for his "Master's" impressive feats.

Chen Bai's mood soared with the genuine goodwill he felt from everyone, and he skipped along, the picture of exuberance.

Chen Jiang watched him with a sense of relief, thinking how the Young Lord had been through so much lately. It was good to see him so full of life again.

Upon reaching Chen Lieh's residence, they found it empty. Chen Jiang reminded him that the Patriarch was in the council hall. Frustrated, Chen Bai playfully smacked him on the head in mock annoyance.

Upon arriving at the council hall after a circuitous journey, Chen Bai's gaze immediately found Chen Lieh at the center of the room, who was excitedly pacing about. Spotting Chen Bai, he quickly approached, grasping his hand and exclaimed, "You rascal, you didn't deceive your old man. The reinforcements you called in are truly formidable." He then sighed with a hint of regret, "Alas, it's just a shame I won't have the chance to meet your master. Otherwise, I would have certainly invited him to attend my succession ceremony as the Lord of Chen City."

"Dad, has anyone ever told you that you're grinning like the cat that got the cream?" Chen Bai remarked, looking at his father's triumphant expression and couldn't help but make a face.

"Bang!"

A lump swiftly rose on Chen Bai's forehead. Observing Chen Bai's now prominent feature, Chen Lieh nodded in approval, "Hmm, that's more like my son. See, a prominent brow. Right, Laosan?"

Chen Faang, standing nearby, struggled to suppress his laughter and managed to respond with a strained smile, "Mmm, Second Brother is right, it's quite the prominent brow indeed."

Chen Bai's face was the picture of misery, but seeing Chen Lieh poised to strike again, he quickly recoiled and said, "Dad, your wisdom and valor are unparalleled. The title of Chen City Lord is rightfully yours. It's truly regrettable that my master can't be here to congratulate you in person, but I'm sure he'll send a gift."

At the mention of receiving a gift from the Almighty, Chen Lieh's eyes sparkled. "Really?" he asked eagerly.

"How could I ever deceive you, Dad?" Chen Bai replied.

"Well then, I'll be looking forward to your master's gift," said Chen Lieh.

After leaving the council hall, Chen Bai still appeared to be in a daze.

"What kind of gift should I give? What would be appropriate?" he muttered to himself. Without realizing it, he had walked up to the Chen family's front gate. Catching sight of the stone inscribed with 'Foundation Stone of the City,' an idea suddenly struck him, and he dashed back to the council hall.

Upon returning, he found Chen Lieh still wandering around in high spirits. Chen Bai, feeling somewhat helpless, stopped him.

"Dad, I'm off to visit my master now. You have to promise to wait for my return before you start your succession ceremony!"

"Good boy, your dad will wait for you."

With that, Chen Bai took a seat cross-legged under the watchful eyes of everyone in the room.

Suddenly, a light gate materialized above his head and he vanished from sight.

Upon witnessing the light gate once more, Chen Faang scratched his head and remarked, "I've heard that Almighties capable of tearing open space usually create a Space Crack. Why is there a light gate instead?"

"Perhaps Bai's master is even more powerful than we've imagined," Chen Lieh chimed in.

Chen Faang nodded in agreement, then he and Chen Lieh began to stroll around the council hall.