Chapter 573: Chapter 8: Princess of the Exiled Clan, Invasion of the Fierce Beast

The Bitter Sea Island, the small isolated island, has long been tainted by the turbid, filthy sea water mixed with blood, turning the color of this part of the sea to black.

Countless Spirit Beast corpses lay on the shore, as if a great battle had just passed.

The Dragon Tooth Guards’ black battle robes were stained with the blood of Spirit Beasts, yet they seemed unfazed by the grime, each squatting on the ground, carefully slicing the tastiest meat from the Spirit Beast bodies with Mu Qingge’s specially crafted military knife.

Even You He and Hua Yue, the two young women, were no exception, their focused demeanor surpassing that of the Dragon Tooth Guards.

"It’s almost done." Hua Yue stood up, holding a leaf filled with piled-up meat strips. A sweet smile adorned her lips, and her naturally charming eyes gleamed with delight.

You He sliced off the last piece of meat, placed it on the leaf in her hand, stood up, and said to Hua Yue, "I’m done too."

The two women exchanged a smile and walked over to the nearest rock by the beach to sit down.

Afterward, they carefully took out a bird’s nest made of Spirit Stones from their bosoms. The nest was small, only the size of a palm. Wrapped in Spiritual Energy at its center lay a fluffy chick, beside which were some uneaten fresh fruits.

"Let me see yours." Hua Yue stretched her neck over to take a look inside the bird’s nest in You He’s hands.

Then, retracting her gaze, Hua Yue said expectantly, "I wonder when these two little ones will grow up and take us soaring in the sky."

You He picked up a strip of meat with her hand and fed it to the chick’s beak with care. "That day will come."

The five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards were just like them.

After half a month on this island, they spent their days either slaying Spirit Beasts or nurturing their newly hatched Flying Spirit Beasts. Every day, they fed them Spirit Fruits and Spirit Beast meat and built nests with Spirit Stones. The care they showed was like tending to their own flesh and blood.

Perhaps influenced by Mu Qingge, these people never treated them as tools but as partners.

At night, they entered a cultivation state, continuously accumulating and compressing their Spiritual Power. They practiced the cultivation technique obtained from the Ancient Ruins and the Star Beginning Step.

In a forest far from the shore, on a sturdy tree, Bai Xi lay lazily on a branch, drowsy after a full meal, which was only natural.

Since the day Mu Qingge warned her, she had been picking high-level Spirit Beasts in this sea area to eat.

This is also why the Dragon Tooth Guards had been slaughtering on the island for so long without attracting more powerful Spirit Beasts. Because the more powerful Spirit Beasts had been devoured by Bai Xi.

The Spiritual Movement Stage Spirit Beasts farther away, even if they smelled the scent of blood, still couldn’t arrive here quickly.

The slaughter on the shore had no impact on the island’s interior.

At the entrance of the cave where Mu Qingge was in seclusion, many tents had been set up for the Dragon Tooth Guards to rest temporarily. The cave, large enough to accommodate a hundred people, was voluntarily vacated by them and left for Mu Qingge, Bai Xi, You He, and Hua Yue to reside.

Yin Chen was stationed at the cave entrance, serving as a protector for Mu Qingge.

By the shore, the Dragon Tooth Guards had all returned from the beach, each sitting nearby, resting, and feeding their Spirit Beasts.

Suddenly, Bai Xi, who had been sleeping on the tree, suddenly opened her eyes. A purple-gold light flashed deep in her eyes.

Instantly, her figure disappeared from the branch, transforming into a white light heading towards the shore.

The dazzling white light fell onto the beach and transformed into a humanoid form.

Her appearance immediately put the Dragon Tooth Guards on alert.

They put away their respective Spirit Beasts, stood up, and drew their weapons.

"What’s the matter?" Mo Yang walked to Bai Xi’s side and asked in a deep voice.

Bai Xi gazed into the distance, lifting her chin slightly, "Someone is coming."

Someone!

Mo Yang’s eyes slightly narrowed.

He noted the choice of words Bai Xi used. She said someone, not a Spirit Beast.

In the Bitter Sea, humans are rare. The sudden appearance of people, what could it signify?

"Everyone, on guard!" With Mo Yang’s order, the five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards promptly assumed battle stances. One Guard flipped into a hidden bush, covertly monitoring everything.

Should anything go amiss, he would be responsible for reporting everything back to Mu Qingge.

You He and Hua Yue also stood up, their small faces filled with vigilance and seriousness.

Bai Xi stood with her hands behind her back on the beach.

At her feet was the bloodstained sand, tainted with the blood of Spirit Beasts. Standing in a white dress on the blood-splattered sand, she appeared extraordinarily striking, visible to anyone from afar.

Screech——

A sharp, clear cry came from afar, drawing closer.

What entered everyone’s view was a vast "cloud" rapidly moving from the distant sky.

Leading this "cloud" was a point of blue light, as if those clouds were following the "blue light."

As the "cloud" approached, the people standing on the island could finally see clearly that it wasn’t a "cloud" at all but rather dozens of Flying Spirit Beasts.

And that "blue light" was a lithe, graceful blue bird.

However, what made the people on the shore narrow their eyes wasn’t these Flying Spirit Beasts, but the people standing atop the Flying Spirit Beasts!

They were humans! Truly human! With the same physical characteristics as them and not the grotesque features of the Sea Demons.

Especially the woman in plain clothes riding on the blue bird’s back, her inherent elegance and nobility resembled a goddess descending from the sky, pure and untouched like snow.

Even without seeing her features clearly, one could definitely tell in their hearts that this was an exceptionally rare beauty.

Bai Xi’s gaze also fell on the blue bird.

The plain-clothed woman on the blue bird made her faintly frown.

’Spiritual Movement Mid-Stage.’ Only one glance, and Bai Xi could see the depth of the plain-clothed woman’s cultivation.

The blue bird under the plain-clothed woman stopped when it reached the island. The hundred warriors behind her also halted, waiting in silence.

Drawing closer, the island’s inhabitants finally caught sight of her appearance.

Suddenly, those who caught sight of her beauty felt their hearts stutter, momentarily breathless.

She was so beautiful, beautiful enough to stir one’s soul.

Especially those bright eyes, as if they could see through all the world’s false pretenses. No one could lie or deceive the owner of such eyes.

Her beauty was different from Bai Xi’s, also unlike Mu Qingge’s.

Bai Xi was enchantingly cold, with an allure laden with an enduring charm. But she was elegant and noble, with an inviolable purity. As for Mu Qingge?

Mu Qingge’s beauty was intense, carrying an imperious momentum.

Her beauty was as dazzling as the sun and as bright as the moon, always effortlessly becoming the focus of anyone’s gaze. In her presence, all other beauties seemed mere embellishments.

The only one who could contend her was Si Mo.

When they were together, their sovereign aura entwined, never overshadowing one another.

The island’s people were amazed, and those in the sky were equally astounded.

Unlike the Dragon Tooth Guards on the island, their shock was over when such a formidable group of humans appeared in the Bitter Sea. Looking at the accumulated Spirit Beast corpses by the island’s edge, they estimated there to be thousands of them. And the lingering scent of blood reached even them, prompting wonder at how long this slaughter had continued.

Furthermore, it was their curiosity about how such a fierce group of people had arisen here that prompted them to come investigate.

The plain-clothed woman on the blue bird cast a calm glance over the corpses of the Spirit Beasts, then scanned the people on the island, finally coming to rest on Bai Xi.

Sensing her gaze, Bai Xi slightly raised the corners of her lips into a charming but sharp smile.

The smile carried a hint of lightness.

"My name is Talisa, from the Heritage Tribe."

Exiled Clan!

Dark light flickered in Bai Xi’s eyes.

She had heard this term before from Mu Qingge and knew it represented a heritage tribe.

Mo Yang’s eyes slightly narrowed upon hearing that name.

He noted the term used by Bai Xi. She said someone, not some Spirit Beast.

In the Bitter Sea, there are few humans. So who could this sudden appearance of people be?

"Everyone, remain on high alert!" At Mo Yang’s command, the five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards quickly entered battle mode. One Dragon Tooth Guard flipped into a hidden bush, observing everything from the shadows.

If anything goes wrong, he will be responsible for reporting everything back to Mu Qingge.

He didn’t use Spiritual Power, but employed the Star Beginning Step. Naturally, it disturbed no one.

"What are the people of the Exiled Clan doing here?" Bai Xi’s lips curved lightly, arms crossed over her chest, her entire demeanor lazy yet alluring.

This enchanting aura equally captivated the samurai on the back of the Flying Spirit Beast, drawing their attention.

"Following the scent of blood. Who are you, young lady, and why are you causing slaughter here?" Xie Ya responded blandly. Despite her words, Bai Xi couldn’t detect any sympathy for these Spirit Beasts in her eyes.

It seemed she was merely finding a topic to facilitate conversation.

Bai Xi laughed, "We are merely passing by, resting here for a few days. These Spirit Beasts lack vision and wanted to make us their meal. Lacking strength, they naturally became wandering ghosts."

"I see." Xie Ya nodded imperceptibly.

Her tone made it impossible to discern her true thoughts.

It was as if she wore a mask, blocking everyone’s insight.

Bai Xi detested this feeling the most.

It was as if she was speaking to a statue, not a person.

The first impression already cost her goodwill towards Xie Ya. Her expression turned slightly cold, and she spoke impatiently, "Since you know, leave if you can, and don’t get in the way here."

"Presumptuous—!"

Before Xie Ya could speak, a hundred warriors behind her shouted in unison.

This roar caused Bai Xi’s eyes to dim, with violet gold light swirling in their depths.

"Silence." Xie Ya intervened to stop her subordinates’ breach of conduct.

The hundred warriors behind her fell silent.

Only then did Bai Xi’s eyes show a slight relaxation.

Xie Ya continued, "Once I’ve met the person in charge, I’ll naturally leave. Please introduce me, young lady."

Her words made Bai Xi’s expression change, and Mo Yang’s gaze darkened.

"I am the person in charge," Bai Xi said solemnly.

Her words weren’t without credibility. As the strongest here, she naturally could assume the leadership position. Besides, Mo Yang didn’t refute, just standing slightly behind her.

Bai Xi’s words, however, made Xie Ya chuckle softly, "No need to deceive me, young lady. If you were in charge, why stand here as a protector? Why do they show no respect in their eyes?"

As her words fell, the Dragon Tooth Guards quietly gripped their weapons.

The atmosphere instantly froze in a standoff.

The messenger Dragon Tooth Guard finally arrived in front of Mu Qingge’s secluded cave. As he appeared, Yin Chen opened his blood-red eyes, seated cross-legged outside the cave.

"What happened?" Yin Chen asked.

The Dragon Tooth Guard said solemnly, "People from the Exiled Clan have arrived."

The Exiled Clan!

Yin Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

As he considered whether to alert Mu Qingge, a striking figure in a red battle robe, with unparalleled beauty and an enigmatic, carefree aura, stepped out of the cave.

Seeing her, the Dragon Tooth Guard’s eyes filled with boundless admiration, and he saluted with one knee, "Little Lord!"

"Rise." Mu Qingge said casually, yet an inherent commanding presence emanated naturally.

As Mu Qingge emerged, Yin Chen stood up as well, automatically positioning himself behind her.

"Who did you say arrived?" Mu Qingge asked.

Upon mentioning the matter, the Dragon Tooth Guard’s expression became serious, "People from the Exiled Clan, a hundred in total, led by a woman named Xie Ya."

"Xie Ya?" Mu Qingge murmured the name, her eyes slowly narrowing.

The name Xie Ya was not unfamiliar to her. She had heard it repeatedly from Talisa.

It seemed Talisa held some grudges against Xie Ya and had even once asked Mu Qingge to avenge her, though Mu Qingge hadn’t bothered with such trivial matters.

However, she was intensely curious about Xie Ya’s identity.

Princess of the Exiled Clan, and heir to their Southern General. She possessed both fame and power. In the Bitter Sea domain, she was someone richly endowed with privileges!

"Let’s go and take a look." Mu Qingge raised her chin and started walking.

The three headed toward the island’s shore.

At that moment, on the island shore, the confrontation between the two sides had reached a deadlock.

Xie Ya’s perceptive insight displeased Bai Xi greatly and put Mo Yang on high alert.

The Bitter Sea forces were unlike Linchuan forces.

He must be extremely cautious to avoid trouble.

"Xie Ya merely wishes to meet the person in charge; is that so difficult?" Xie Ya spoke slowly, her voice like clouds and mist seemingly dispelling a bit of the tension.

Bai Xi laughed coldly, disdainfully, "Feel free to say what you will, but how can our leader meet with anyone at whim?" Since her cover was blown, Bai Xi no longer bothered to pretend.

Xie Ya, however, smiled tenaciously, "This is considered Exiled Clan territory. With visitors, wouldn’t it be proper for the host to greet personally, and how could the guest be obstinate and refuse?"

The words were good, yet why did they sound so awkward?

The hidden sarcasm seemed to reveal that Xie Ya was far from friendly.

Bai Xi’s aura grew colder, and she shouted sternly, "Leave! Regardless of whether you’re from the Exiled Clan or another, if you continue entangling, I’ll kill you."

Swish, swish, swish—!

The sound of weapons being drawn echoed behind Xie Ya.

Clearly, Bai Xi’s threat angered the people of the Exiled Clan.

The Exiled Clan drew their weapons, and the Dragon Tooth Guards were not to be outdone, drawing their weapons as well, creating a tense confrontation with the Exiled Clan in the sky.

"Stop!" Xie Ya commanded, halting the potential clash once more.

"Sheathe all weapons," she instructed, as a cold voice issued from within the island.

At the sound, the Dragon Tooth Guards hesitated not for a moment, sheathing their weapons, even Bai Xi restrained her aura, turning towards the rear.

Xie Ya’s eyes flickered with a faint curiosity.

Though the person hadn’t yet appeared, the voice alone carried such authority that none dared defy.

’It seems these people hold genuine respect and faith in their leader.’ Xie Ya pondered, her eyes slightly narrowed in thought.

"Put down your weapons," Xie Ya whispered.

With her second command, the reluctant warriors behind her sheathed their weapons with reluctance.

The same command, two different camps, a clear distinction.

Suddenly, Xie Ya felt a spark of anticipation.

She looked toward the source of the voice, a striking figure in red entering her bright and clear eyes.

"Little Lord—!"

Mu Qingge’s appearance caused everyone on the beach, except Bai Xi, to kneel on one knee, bowing their heads.

Their unified and energetic shout was no less than that of the hundred Exiled Clan members earlier.

Judging by the Exiled Clan’s earlier momentum, compared to the current Dragon Tooth Guards, it was not worth mentioning.

They held an implicit determination to compete in their hearts!

"Rise," Mu Qingge said casually, walking toward Bai Xi.

"Qingge, you’ve come out of seclusion?" Bai Xi’s hostility dissipated, replaced by a smile as she greeted Mu Qingge, affectionately looping her arm.

Mu Qingge lightly responded with an ’Mm,’ looking up at Xie Ya, who sat on the green bird, accompanied by her hundred Exiled Clan warriors.

Xie Ya had been observing Mu Qingge, and her emotions began to stir the moment she appeared.

In front of Mu Qingge, she felt as if she became dim, her aura suppressed. This feeling seemed to be innate, blending with her bones and blood, irresistible.

’Is there really such an incredibly attractive and domineering man in this world?’ Xie Ya marveled in her heart.

The arrogance on Mu Qingge emanated was not pride, nor arrogance, but an indomitable spirit that submits to no one but herself.

This aura belonged to a natural king, capable of subduing others.

Xie Ya felt as if her soul was shaken deep within.

And the hundred warriors of the Lost Clan behind her also found their breath stagnant when Mu Qingge appeared.

In front of Mu Qingge, their sense of superiority seemed to vanish entirely, becoming insignificant. Her aura surpassed even her own beauty.

Once you submit to her aura, you suddenly realize not only is her aura astonishing, but her appearance is also remarkably beautiful.

Having grown accustomed to Xie Ya’s serene beauty, they were suddenly struck by Mu Qingge’s intense beauty, feeling as though their vision was fiercely impacted.

"Princess of the Lost Clan, Xie Ya." Mu Qingge looked at Xie Ya with a calm gaze, showing neither amazement nor anything else.

"You recognize me?" Mu Qingge’s words surprised Xie Ya.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, "I don’t know you, only heard about you from Talisa."

Mu Qingge’s candidness made Xie Ya smile slightly, "So it was her. It seems you’ve come from the realm of the Sea Demon Clan."

Similarly, Xie Ya judged some information from Mu Qingge’s words.

Mu Qingge didn’t hide it, nodding, "Yes, we just passed through the Sea Demon Clan’s realm. We plan to pass through the Lost Clan’s territory to the Middle Ancient Realm. I wonder if Princess Xie Ya could grant us passage."

Straightforwardly requesting passage.

Mu Qingge’s forthrightness made Xie Ya’s smile more apparent. "To have passed through the Sea Demon Clan’s territory, it seems you’re quite capable. But since you’ve heard of the Lost Clan, you should know we are very resistant to outsiders. Perhaps we won’t be as rude as the Sea Demon Clan, killing on sight. However, granting passage..."

She didn’t finish, just shook her head with a faint smile.

Mu Qingge didn’t become angry, just smiled and said, "It’s just passing through, it won’t trouble the Lost Clan at all, why make everyone unhappy?"

Her words made Xie Ya’s smile gradually fade, asking, "It seems, you intend to force passage if not granted?"

Mu Qingge smiled faintly, "Princess Xie Ya can interpret it that way."

Xie Ya was taken aback, then suddenly laughed softly.

It seemed she was laughing at Mu Qingge’s naivety, ignorance, and arrogance.

After laughing, she asked, "How many people do you have? Do you know how many people my Lost Clan has? Can you force your way through? Don’t think I look down on you, these are merely truths."

Her tone indeed didn’t carry sarcasm or mockery, just as she said, she was merely stating facts.

Mu Qingge’s lips twitched slightly, without responding.

Bai Xi whispered into Mu Qingge’s ear, "I don’t like this woman, can I eat her?"

Mu Qingge glanced at her, asking in a low voice, "Did you not eat your fill a few days ago?"

Bai Xi rolled her eyes and said no more.

"I advise you to either go back the way you came or take a detour. My Lost Clan doesn’t easily grant passage and we don’t interact with outsiders. I came today to find the source of blood scent, now I will return. If you don’t heed my advice and force your way in, then we can only meet in battle," Xie Ya said to Mu Qingge.

"Thank you for the warning, Princess Xie Ya." Mu Qingge held a faint smile.

Her expression was inscrutable to Xie Ya, her words puzzling. This was the first person she encountered whom she couldn’t see through, making her frown slightly.

"Let’s head back." Xie Ya instructed the warriors of the Lost Clan.

"Princess Xie Ya, are we leaving just like this?" A warrior near her asked unwillingly.

Xie Ya glanced at him, then turned to look at Mu Qingge.

Her faint smile seemed to say, ’Safe travels, no need to return.’

Retracting her gaze, Xie Ya murmured, "They’re not simple, we’re no match for them." According to the Lost Clan’s rules, encountering outsiders meant immediate expulsion.

However, they were clearly no match, so it was best to be courteous before resorting to arms.

The warrior speaking looked at the Dragon Tooth Guards on the small island, five hundred in number, their momentum in no way weaker than theirs.

Moreover, the numerical disparity was so evident, expulsion was indeed implausible.

Suppressing unwillingness within, they could only obey Xie Ya’s words and leave.

But just as they prepared to withdraw, the sea ahead suddenly surged with a gigantic wave, a hundred feet high, rushing rapidly towards the small island.

The blue bird Xie Ya rode let out a mournful cry, plummeting directly towards the sea.

The sudden turn of events made Xie Ya tilt from the bird’s back.

Not only her, the hundred warriors on the flying beasts also fell, their flying spirit beasts didn’t have such luck, exploding into a mass of blood and flesh mid-air.

Just as Xie Ya was about to fall into the water, Mu Qingge commanded deeply, "Save them."

At the command, she dashed out, leaping into the air, catching Xie Ya. The Dragon Tooth Guards also leaped out, catching the warriors of the Lost Clan before they fell into the water, tossing them onto the shore.

Xie Ya felt a sudden tightness around her waist, being pulled into a fragrant embrace.

She looked up to find herself in Mu Qingge’s arms.

Mu Qingge’s clear and calm gaze swept over her face, with no pause or self-praise after saving her.

Xie Ya was stunned, in front of this handsome man, she seemed to feel her appearance was plain for the first time.

But before she could fathom the thought, she was out of Mu Qingge’s arms, standing on the shore.

As soon as she stood, Bai Xi inserted herself between them, separating the two.

"Xiao Qing!" Xie Ya called out upon seeing the blue bird pulled from the sea by the Dragon Tooth Guards. Its feathers were drenched in seawater, looking wretched, losing its former ethereal elegance.

The other warriors of the Lost Clan were also rescued by the Dragon Tooth Guards, yet their mounts perished completely.

"There’s something wrong with that wave." Mu Qingge watched the approaching wave with a solemn voice.

Bai Xi also seriously said, "Its force is strong, beyond match."

"It’s certainly an old spirit beast monster from the depths, at the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage, drawn by the scent of blood!" Xie Ya quickly said.

A spirit beast monster at the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage!

This news was truly bad!

Mu Qingge’s eyes dimmed slightly, lips pressed tight without speaking.

If left unchecked, this terrifying aura would likely obliterate the entire island along with them into dust.

But how to stop it? How can one kill a spirit beast at the peak of the Spiritual Movement Stage?

None of them want to linger longer in this intense aura.

Mu Qingge’s eyes shifted slightly to look at Xie Ya.

Bai Xi grumbled discontentedly, "Previously, they were so adamant about drawing boundaries during the passage, and now that disaster looms, they want to talk about cooperation?"

Her words fell unerringly into Xie Ya’s ears.

Mu Qingge naturally heard it too, but she said nothing.

In her heart, she knew that collaboration was inevitable.

But she wouldn’t stop Bai Xi from venting her grievances.

"If we can get through this ordeal, for the sake of cooperation, I can vouch for you and request Father to allow you passage to leave," Xie Ya promised.

Her response took Bai Xi by surprise.

Mu Qingge also cast a few appreciative glances her way.

At the very least, the woman in front of her wasn’t just prideful but lacked intelligence. She clearly understood the current situation, and to ensure the highest synergy in cooperation, she could decisively offer an appropriate price.

Moreover, she didn’t give a definitive promise, merely offering an opportunity. If the Clan King of the Exiled Clan insisted on denying passage, she wouldn’t be breaking her word.

Smart people are always acknowledged.

Mu Qingge smiled enigmatically and extended her hand to Xie Ya, "Pleasure working together."

Xie Ya looked blankly at the hand extended towards her, not understanding what Mu Qingge meant.

Mu Qingge smiled subtly, directly grabbing Xie Ya’s hand and giving it a shake, then abruptly released it as Xie Ya was nervously about to withdraw her hand.

Xie Ya was stunned by her actions, but seeing no frivolity in her eyes, she temporarily put the matter aside.

With the agreement reached on cooperation, the real trouble begins!

Mu Qingge looked towards the massive wave and asked, "What kind of spiritual beast is so formidable?"

As soon as she spoke, everyone saw that at the crest of the towering wave, a vast expanse of dark clouds appeared overwhelmingly.

The dark clouds blotted out the sky, and upon appearing, they virtually covered half of the sky.

It traveled over the water along with the giant wave, continuously approaching the small island, gradually revealing its true form!

"It’s it!" Suddenly, a voice filled with terror reached Mu Qingge’s ear.

She turned her gaze and saw Xie Ya’s face dramatically change.

"You know it?" Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed, asking.

Xie Ya nodded. At this moment, not only she but also the other warriors of the Exiled Clan turned pale, their bodies trembling.

"It is the true overlord around here! We are doomed!" Despair rose in Xie Ya’s eyes, as if seeing the spiritual beast’s form had sapped her will to fight.

This remark made Mu Qingge furrow her brows.

At this time, Bai Xi also spoke from the side, "Now the trouble is really huge. This is no mere ancient monster in the Spiritual Movement Stage, but an Ancient Fierce Beast... Quyu."

"Quyu?" Mu Qingge’s brows knitted even tighter.

She had never heard of the name ’Quyu’, nor did she understand what an Ancient Fierce Beast stood for.

She only knew that Bai Xi, this Nine Extremes Sky-devouring Python, was a Holy Beast that had existed since ancient times, and Yin Chen’s bloodline seemed to be more than just that of a Divine Beast. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Quyu, a fierce beast said to be as old as heaven and earth itself. It loves to sleep, and every slumber lasts a thousand years. Each sleep is only interrupted by a brief three months. Yet, in these three months, it becomes a calamity for all races." Xie Ya murmured, her complexion paling with each word she spoke.

Bai Xi glanced at her before turning to Mu Qingge with a self-mocking smile, "Qingge, you think I can eat. However, my appetite is not even a tenth of Quyu’s. You could say, it wakes for one purpose only: to eat. Anything alive that it senses will be drawn into its stomach. Every time Quyu awakens, corpses scatter for thousands of miles, birds and beasts are extinct, cities destroyed, and people annihilated. So, it’s called the Slayer."

"Given this, why not kill it?" Mu Qingge asked in a low voice.

From Xie Ya’s and Bai Xi’s descriptions, she also sensed that Quyu was not to be trifled with.

"Kill?" Bai Xi sneered, "Easier said than done. Quyu can dive into the deep sea and travel on the wind. Both the ocean depths and the sky are its battlefield, and its skin can only be pierced by one thing in the world; all other attacks are ineffective."

"What is it?" Mu Qingge’s face also began to darken.

Bai Xi’s expression turned cold, and he said in a low voice, "A weapon crafted from a refining material called Star Sand Xuanwu Gold. Legend has it that this material is as black as iron and as charred as coal. Yet it is incomparably hard and capable of breaking through all physical defenses in the world."

"Star Sand Xuanwu Gold?" Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered a few times. Why did Bai Xi’s description seem so familiar to her?

"Every time Quyu awakens for only a short three months, its body is incredibly hard. Many have tried to kill it, but they all end up in Quyu’s stomach," Xie Ya pursed her lips and said.

"I’ve heard our ancestors say that the Quyu slumbers in the Bitter Sea. They’ve warned our clan that if it wakes, we must shut the island’s passageways, hide underground, and cultivate for three months. Only after the Quyu falls asleep again can we emerge. But this time, it’s three years short of a millennium and the Quyu has woken early. It’s probably those bloody scents that stimulated it to awaken ahead of time." Xie Ya’s words were not meant to blame anyone but to deduce the reason for the Quyu’s appearance.

Mu Qingge rapidly thought it over and furrowed her brows, "If we can’t kill it, then we’ll hide. The Exiled Clan can hide underground to avoid disaster; we can do the same."

"Too late." Xie Ya shook her head in denial. Her eyes were filled with despair, "The Quyu is clearly chasing our scent. Even if it can’t see us, it will destroy the entire island—we can’t escape."

"If we can’t hide, it seems we can only fight!" Mu Qingge’s eyes sharpened, her voice firm.

Xie Ya looked at her in astonishment, seemingly shocked that she would have the courage to fight after knowing the history of the Quyu.

Perhaps understanding the meaning in Xie Ya’s eyes, Mu Qingge coldly smirked, "If we don’t resist, should we wash ourselves clean and lie down, waiting for this beast to eat us?"

Her words left Xie Ya stunned, slowly waking her from fear and despair.

"Bai Xi, how do you fare against the Quyu now?" Mu Qingge had already started the battle deployment.

Bai Xi was silent and, after careful thought, said, "If I give it my all, with my current recovered abilities, I can entangle it for an hour."

The Quyu is nearly on par with Bai Xi in terms of level. Now that Bai Xi has just revived and her powers are not fully awakened, she can only barely hold off the Quyu.

"I’ll hold it off; you seize the time to escape," Bai Xi suddenly said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked up at her and teased with laughter, "You’re testing me? Do I seem like someone who abandons others in your eyes?"

Bai Xi smiled enchantingly and coyly retorted, "Testing you is one thing, but it’s also my sincere words. If you stay, there’s only a dead end. I don’t care about anyone else, but I don’t want you to die."

"Rest assured, none of us will die," Mu Qingge replied with a smile.

Her smile seemed infectious, making those who saw it subconsciously believe her words.

Xie Ya watched the two of them, curious about their relationship. Initially, Bai Xi’s intimacy with Mu Qingge made her think they were a couple. But now, it seems they aren’t quite like that.

"Yin Chen," Mu Qingge called out.

Yin Chen approached.

Only then did Xie Ya notice the demonic man who had been silently standing behind Mu Qingge, reducing his presence.

Silver hair and red eyes, with a mesmerizing beauty that was frightening.

"While Bai Xi fights, you flank and support—not to fight the Quyu, but to ensure Bai Xi isn’t in danger," Mu Qingge clearly commanded Yin Chen.

Yin Chen glanced at Bai Xi, and Bai Xi sneered disdainfully.

Yet neither of them defied Mu Qingge’s command.

"Dragon Tooth Guards, listen up," Mu Qingge continued.

Mo Yang and the Dragon Tooth Guards turned to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s orders were cold and sharp, "Take the grenade guns, occupy high grounds, and cover Bai Xi and Yin Chen, delaying as much as possible. But remember, no one risks recklessness."

"Yes!" The Dragon Tooth Guards responded in unison, seemingly driving away the fear and despair brought by the Quyu.

"What do we do?" After Mu Qingge’s series of deployments, Xie Ya proactively asked.

Mu Qingge glanced at her, "Command your people to likewise delay the Quyu. Don’t charge head-on. If we can’t face it directly, we’ll set traps. Bai Xi as the first layer, Dragon Tooth Guards as the second, your people as the third. The goal is solely to buy time."

"What will you do?" Xie Ya detected another layer of meaning in Mu Qingge’s words.

Mu Qingge squinted slightly, "I need enough time to prepare something to completely resolve this trouble."

"You’ve thought of a way!"

"Do you have a plan?"

Bai Xi and Xie Ya almost spoke simultaneously, their eyes bursting with excitement.

Bai Xi’s reaction was understandable, having known Mu Qingge for so long and witnessed her abilities. But Xie Ya, she herself didn’t understand why she felt such trust in Mu Qingge, believing her words.

Noticing the inadequacy in her speech, Xie Ya quickly corrected herself, "How much time do you need." After saying it, she realized it wasn’t much better.

Whether it was the previous sentence or this one, both implied infinite trust in Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge, however, didn’t think much of it. She looked at Bai Xi, "Bai Xi, try to hold on for an hour." Then she turned to Mo Yang and Xie Ya, "Both of your layers should also strive to hold out for an hour. If that fails, use the corpses of Spirit Beasts to feed it. If we can delay at all, we should; I’ll be quick."

Just as her voice fell, the massive body of the Quyu loomed over the small island, and giant waves crashed onto it, shattering rocks and ancient trees...