Beast Taming: My spirit beast bloodline is overloaded

Chapter 431 The calm before the storm

Shortly after the meeting in the highest council hall of Tiandu ended, representatives of the various forces hurriedly left to return to their respective families or sects to make emergency arrangements.

The following morning, Tian Shu Pavilion issued a solemnly worded announcement to the entire Beastmaster guild system nationwide via the guild machine:

[Imperial Edict of the Capital - Proclamation to the World]

The universe has its constants, yet evil and monstrous things arise one after another.

Humanity is in peril, and divine calamity strikes once more.

There are ancient gods who defy the laws of heaven, bully the weak, repeatedly invade our territory, slaughter our people, and even attempt to seize the dragon vein that forms the foundation of our human race, thus severing our destiny for ten thousand generations!

Their intentions are despicable, and their actions deserve to be condemned!
How can we, the descendants of humankind, sit idly by and await our doom, offering our necks for slaughter?

Therefore, effective immediately, Tiandu, together with all sects, families, and beast tamers within its borders, forms the [National Protection Alliance] to resist divine humiliation!

The imperial edict is as follows:

Beast tamers throughout the land, regardless of whether they are independent cultivators or members of sects, can all enlist at the local Beast Tamer Guilds if they have a passion for martial arts, and work together as one.

Wartime decrees take effect immediately, and all resources are prioritized for war preparedness!
May all the sons and daughters of our people set aside past grievances, unite as one, and safeguard our land and our lineage!

This is truly a critical moment of life and death. May we rise up, turn the tide, and save the collapsing edifice!
Signed: Tian Shu Ge
The entire country was shaken by this edict!

Teahouses, taverns, markets, and sects—everyone was discussing this sudden war decree.

"As expected... a fight is inevitable!"

"Even the heavens have officially announced it!"

"The gods... So the legendary gods really exist, and they want to destroy us?"

"If the dragon vein is lost, the fate of humanity will be severed! We must not let them succeed!"

"Sign up! I have to sign up! Even though my spirit beast level isn't high, I can still take down a god-race scum!"

Panic, anger, passion, worry... all sorts of emotions spread across the country.

Some people panicked and took their families to seek refuge in the deep mountains and forests to escape the disaster.

Even worse, some secretly plotted whether they should surrender to the gods.

But the vast majority of people, after the initial shock, chose to fight back.

However, they disagreed on which faction to join.

"Tiandu is the strongest, has the most resources, and is full of experts, so it's definitely the safest place. If we're going to go, we should go to the National Protection Alliance!"

"Bah! When have those old men in Tiandu ever truly cared about our lives? Where were they during the beast rampage? Where were they when the Spirit Academy was besieged? Now they know to shout 'Protect the Nation'? I think they just want us to be cannon fodder!"

"That's right! The Spirit Alliance is the one that truly cares about the human race! The Grand Elders of the Spirit Academy have all fought to the death against the gods! They value loyalty and will never abandon their comrades!"

"The Western Alliance is not bad either. I heard they fought very tenaciously in the Western Regions!"

Beastmasters across the land made their choices based on their own judgment, geographical proximity, and emotional inclinations.

Some traveled thousands of miles to Tiandu, some resolutely headed east to Lingyuan, and others went west to provide support.

The entire country was like a pot of water about to boil, with undercurrents surging and people filled with anxiety, yet also with a tragic sense of shared hatred for the enemy.

……

Spirit Alliance Headquarters
The council chamber of the Spirit Hall.

The atmosphere was equally solemn.

The Grand Elder, Lin Chen, Xu Pingzhi, Chen Ming, and other key figures gathered together.

"Everyone has seen Tiandu's announcement," the Grand Elder said in a steady voice. "It seems Tiandu has woken up, albeit under duress."

"Their name is quite fitting, 'National Protection Alliance,'" Chen Ming said unhappily. "With a name like that, a lot of people will go to them."

Lin Chen nodded in agreement. He wondered whose idea it was this time, but the name Tiandu was indeed very good.

The group hadn't come here to discuss this, and Lin Chen soon spoke up, saying, "Since we're going to fight, we must appoint a commander."

At this point, someone immediately raised a question, saying:
"Didn't we say before that the three major forces would make the decisions together? We wouldn't let it be a one-man show?"

“Most things must be discussed,” Lin Chen said. “But what if everyone disagrees?”

"I think it's better to focus on listening to one person."

"The course of war is often the result of a game of strategy."

After hearing this, everyone looked at each other and finally reached a consensus, but then they ran into trouble about who to choose.

“In terms of seniority, the Grand Elder is naturally the highest, but I would recommend President Chen Ming more,” Lin Chen said again.

Everyone was taken aback.

Because Lin Chen had a better relationship with the Grand Elder, everyone thought Lin Chen would recommend the Grand Elder, but unexpectedly it was Chen Ming.

"President Chen Ming's decisions regarding Nancheng during the chaos of the past are evident to all."

Lin Chen had discussed this matter with the Grand Elder, and the Grand Elder approved of Lin Chen's decision.

Most of the Monster Hunter Guild members are independent practitioners, making management inherently complex. The current situation is more suitable for Chen Ming.

Finally, the vote was unanimously passed.

Chen Ming did not delay, but felt a heavy pressure.

He stood up and pointed to the huge map of the Cangling Ancient Kingdom hanging on the wall.

"If the gods come, they will not attack only one place."

Chen Ming pointed to the map and analyzed.

"The three major dragon veins are located in Tiandu, Lingyuan, and the Western Regions, one of each."

"The gods have a powerful army and are very likely to... launch a three-pronged attack simultaneously in order to achieve a swift victory, crush all resistance from our human race, and completely control the Dragon Vein."

Someone asked, "The Cangling Ancient Kingdom has nine dragon veins; if we only guard three of them..."

“Even if they obtain the dragon vein, they won’t be able to utilize it immediately,” Chen Ming explained. “This battle is indeed essentially a battle to defend the dragon vein, but the fundamental tactic is to save face.”

"What the gods want is not just the dragon vein, but also face."

"If we hadn't defeated the gods in the previous battle, they could have seized the other six dragon veins first, and then fought us again."

"But things are different now, and that's the significance of our last war."

"In that case, our Spirit Alliance must also make preparations as soon as possible." The Grand Elder looked around at everyone. "I propose that our Spirit Alliance also divide into three armies to guard the area around the Spirit Academy, support each other, and keep the enemy out!"

Everyone nodded, and Chen Ming began his detailed deduction and discussion, ultimately reaching a decision:
The Eastern Route Army, led by Elder Yu Xiu, Lin Chen, and Little Insect King, will guard the eastern direction of the Spirit Academy. This is the main road leading to the core area of ​​the Spirit Academy and is expected to bear the most direct pressure.

The Little Insect King has an army of Insect Kings, giving it an advantage in information and a huge number of them.

Southern Route Army: Composed of Chen Ming and his elite hunters, it guards the southern mountainous and forested areas and uses the complex terrain to block the enemy.

Monster hunters are better suited for jungle warfare and guerrilla warfare, so this suggestion is the best.

The Northern Route Army, led by Xu Pingzhi and including the people of Leicheng, was stationed at the border of the northern plains.

Finally, Chen Ming spoke up: "Everyone, I'll say one last thing."

"This war is not a war for personal honor, but a war of life and death."

"If there are any disagreements, please raise them promptly." "Whether they are adopted or not is irrelevant; at least it allows us to focus solely on the enemy and confidently entrust our backs to reliable teammates."

"at last."

“Wish us good luck!”

As soon as Chen Ming said that, everyone felt a heavy weight on their bodies.

The war has begun!

The gods they were about to face were an opponent they had never imagined.

Can the human race really win?

……

God Realm
On the vast plaza outside the spatial rift.

The massive, dark army of the gods had already assembled, their murderous aura soaring into the sky. Banners of various colors fluttered, representing different tribes of the gods.

The leaders of the four divine races stood at the front of the battle.

Xuanyuan Zhou's gaze swept over Gu Zhong, Jiang Dong, Ji Ding, and the others, and he slowly spoke: "The human race has consolidated its strength and is guarding the three dragon veins. In this battle, we should strike with thunderous force, breaking through all three of their cores simultaneously, leaving them unable to defend themselves from both ends, and deciding the fate of the world in one battle!"

Gu Zhong immediately stepped forward, his voice filled with barely suppressed hatred and murderous intent:
"The Spirit Academy! Our ancient clan will personally crush it! We will use their blood to appease the spirits of Elders Gu Feng and Gu Zheng in heaven!"

Xuanyuan Zhou glanced at him and said calmly, "With the Heavenly Spirit Body and the newly established Spirit Alliance, the Spirit Academy's strength should not be underestimated. Elder Gu Zhong, are you confident?"

"If we don't avenge this grudge, how can my ancient clan stand among the gods?!" Gu Zhong roared.

Xuanyuan Zhou nodded: "Alright. The Spirit Academy will be handled by your ancient clan's main force, and I will send a contingent of elite divine warriors to assist you."

He then assigned tasks: "Elder Jiang, the Qilin Clan excels in attacking and defending strongholds. The Western Regions and the Western Alliance are now in your hands."

Jiang Dong cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Elder Ji," Xuanyuan Zhou looked at Ji Ding of the Divine Tiger Clan, "Tiandu is the central hub of the human race, with the strongest strength and the most solid defenses. I will trouble your Divine Tiger Clan to be the main force, and my Dragon Clan's elite troops will join you to break through its defenses head-on!"

A sharp glint flashed in Ji Ding's eyes: "Just what I wanted!"

The strategy has been decided, and the three armies have been deployed.

The Xuanyuan Ship soared into the air, hovering above the vast army of gods, its roar like rolling thunder, echoing in all directions:

"Humans are despicable. They have seized the dragon veins, harmed my own kind, and now they have formed an alliance to rebel. They show no remorse!"

"This battle is a sacred battle! A battle for the glory of the gods!"

"Fight to take what is rightfully ours!"

"We should be the ones to redefine the world order!"

He suddenly waved his hand, pointing towards the vast human landscape beyond the spatial rift, and let out a roar that shook the heavens and earth:

"Let's go!"

boom!
The spatial rift suddenly expanded, and countless divine warriors surged out like a tidal wave, carrying an aura of destruction, splitting into three groups!

……

At this moment, the Cangling Ancient Kingdom seemed to continue operating as usual on the surface, like the last vestige of false tranquility before a storm.

In the fields, the farmers were still bending over to work, but their movements were more hurried and absent-minded. They would occasionally look up at the gloomy sky, their eyes filled with undisguised worry.

On the official roads leading to major cities, caravans continued to come and go, their camel bells jingling. However, the number of guards protecting the caravans had increased significantly, and each guard looked vigilant. The goods being transported were mostly wartime supplies such as grain, medicine, and ore.

In the town, the streets seem bustling with activity, and the sounds of bargaining are incessant. But if you look closely, you can see that people's faces have lost their usual leisure and have become more hurried and uneasy. It's as if an invisible string is taut in the air, making it hard to breathe.

An indescribable sense of oppression and tension, like a silent plague, permeated every corner.

In the flow of people going against the flow, the two figures, one old and one young, stood out conspicuously.

The old man had white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and wore a faded gray cloth robe. Yet his steps were unusually steady, and his eyes were gentle and profound.

Beside him was a woman dressed in a plain white dress, with a beautiful face.
This is Bai Ling.

They were heading in the opposite direction from most people who were fleeing, towards the central region where the Bagua City was once located.

A kind-hearted middle-aged beast tamer, seeing the direction they were heading, couldn't help but stop and offer advice:
"Grandpa, we're approaching the Dragon Vein area. The situation is tense right now. I've heard that the Divine Clan army could attack at any moment. It's very dangerous! You and your granddaughter should stop here and find somewhere to take shelter."

The old doctor stopped and gave the beast tamer a kind smile, a smile carrying a detached tranquility:

"Thank you for your kindness, young man. It's nothing. I'm just going to that ruined area to find a few special herbs, and I'll be right back after I gather them."

Seeing that his persuasion was useless, the beast tamer sighed, shook his head, and hurriedly left.

Bai Ling followed silently behind the old doctor, and the further she walked, the heavier her heart became.

She knew this road perfectly well.

The Devouring Beast once fell right here.

"Teacher," Bai Ling asked softly, looking at the scattered figures fleeing in panic around her.
"What's going on? Is...is another powerful demon beast causing trouble?"

She had been away from the world for a long time and was completely unaware of the recent upheavals.

“This time,” the old doctor said without turning around, his voice calm but tinged with seriousness, “it’s far more serious than the monsters causing trouble.”

He didn't hide anything and told Bai Ling the whole story clearly and concisely: the appearance of the gods, the breakdown of negotiations, the issuance of the imperial edict by the Heavenly Capital, and the impending outbreak of a full-scale war between the human and god races.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling's beautiful eyes instantly filled with urgency and worry.

"So... Lin Chen, Teacher Liu Gu, and the Spirit Academy... they... they might be in grave danger?"

“It’s not a possibility,” the old doctor said calmly, “but a great calamity is definitely coming.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Ling became even more anxious and instinctively headed towards the direction of the Spirit Academy.

"What good would it do you even if you went?" The old doctor's voice was as still as a deep well.
"With your current strength, even if you go, you probably won't change anything. At most, you'll just add another soul to the list."

Bai Ling hesitated, but the words stuck in her throat.

She's a useless person now, what good would it do to go back?
"Everyone has their own destiny. Lin Chen and the others have their tribulations, and so do you."

The old doctor stopped and turned to look at her, his gaze kind yet profound:

"You also have your own mission to complete, and your own unique path to walk."

Bai Ling was taken aback upon hearing this. She was not a dull person and immediately recalled the old doctor who had taken her on a trip and said some meaningful words to her.

"Teacher, you mean..." She seemed to have grasped something, and her heart began to beat faster involuntarily.

“That’s right.” The old doctor looked at her with certainty and slowly said, “The time has come!”

He paused, his voice carrying a strange magic that pierced Bai Ling's heart:

"Your cultivation is complete. Do you wish to see your spirit beast again?"

Before the words were even finished, the already gloomy sky suddenly darkened completely at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if ink had been spilled, instantly plunging from daylight into night!
Immediately following, instead of the rumbling thunder before the rain, came an extremely suppressed roar from the very high sky. Streaks of pale white lightning, like ferocious giant pythons, darted wildly through the thick, impenetrable dark clouds!

However, not a single drop of rain fell from the sky.

In the lightning-stirred and distorted void, a group of figures exuding a terrifying aura suddenly appeared like ghosts, and a murderous aura swept down from the sky!

It was the vanguard army of the Protoss!

(End of this chapter)