This was a gnoll tribe, and the most noble among them were the Frost Gnolls. Standing at the highest position was clearly the chieftain of this tribe—their king. A stronger frost aura emanated from his body, and his snow-white mane fluttered in the wind. His ice-blue eyes glinted with a piercing, chilling light.
"Humans have slain members of our Frost Tribe—it was Xuanhuang Town. They slaughtered thousands of our frostborn kin. This blood debt cannot go unavenged. We've received confirmed news: the ruler of Xuanhuang Town, Yi Tianxing, has acquired a rare treasure from a sacred site. It's time for our tribe to move. We won't just destroy Xuanhuang Town—we'll also seize that treasure and turn those humans into our blood offerings."
A cold glint flashed in the Frost Gnoll King's eyes as he sneered viciously.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!!"
The surrounding gnolls stared at their king with feverish devotion, eyes glowing with a fanatical light—they were ready to die at his command.
"March. Head to Xuanhuang Town."
With a wave of his hand, the Frost Gnoll King barked the order.
As soon as the words fell, the entire gnoll army began to move, sweeping directly toward Xuanhuang Town.
The location of Xuanhuang Town was no secret to the gnoll tribe. Survivors from the previous battle had given them directions. The army surged forward without hesitation.
Wherever they passed, countless ferocious beasts sensed the oppressive aura of the gnolls and scattered in all directions to avoid them.
A few isolated gnolls were not fearsome—but thousands, tens of thousands moving as a unified army? That was terrifying. Their sheer momentum exuded overwhelming intimidation.
Even beasts that had lost their minds to bloodlust would think twice before standing in their path—unless they were powerful enough to not fear an entire army.
Beneath Lushan City, there existed an underground chamber.
One would expect such a space to be pitch-black and devoid of light—but not here. Suspended in the darkness was a luminous pearl the size of a fist, casting soft light in all directions and revealing a vast serpent nest.
A giant azure python coiled within the space. Its body extended several hundred meters, even longer than the yellow python seen previously, and it radiated a frightening pressure. Surrounding the serpent were clusters of huge eggs, each as large as a human head, packed densely across the cavern.
A faint spiritual glow shimmered on the surface of each egg. Vital energy from heaven and earth slowly flowed into them, nurturing the vibrant life within.
Suddenly—swish—a smaller python slithered into the den. Compared to the azure python, it was insignificant—only about 30 to 40 meters long. It respectfully bowed and hissed several times.
The giant azure python responded with a furious roar.
A wave of sonic power rippled outward.
In response, from deep within the surrounding mountains and forests, countless venomous snakes and pythons began surging toward Lushan City.
The scene was horrifying—an endless tide of snakes darting through the underbrush. Anyone with a fear of snakes would likely have died on the spot from terror.
No one could imagine just how many venomous serpents lurked in those forests. But now, they gathered with terrifying speed, swarming into the now abandoned city.
Lushan City had long since been ruined—its inhabitants either devoured or fled. Had anyone remained, they would have been scared to death just witnessing this ocean of snakes.
The azure python, sensing the swelling tide of serpents, turned and cast one last gentle gaze at its clutch of eggs—its eyes momentarily soft. But that look was soon replaced by savage resolve.
With a high-pitched shriek, it soared from the cavern and emerged into the ruins of Lushan.
Its massive form coiled atop a towering tavern, scanning the massive snake horde below. The streets were teeming with brightly colored serpents—it was impossible to estimate their number.
ROAR!!
With another hiss, the azure python led the swarm, surging in a singular direction—toward Xuanhuang Town.
As the serpents slithered away, in an unremarkable corner of Lushan City, an old beggar slowly opened his eyes. Watching the serpents depart like a tidal wave, he muttered:
"Didn't think the yellow python would die out there... But this azure one won't let it slide. I wonder who killed the yellow one."
He glanced at the desolate city and shook his head.
"Lushan City's done for. Might as well follow the snakes—see what excitement's coming. Maybe I'll even find some promising seedlings."
The beggar muttered a few more words, took a swig from his wine gourd—the aroma was rich and potent—then staggered drunkenly out of the city, following the serpent tide.
Strangely, none of the snakes noticed the man walking behind them.
And not just them—many monsters and beasts across the wilderness were beginning to stir.
Numerous remote villages and settlements had already come under assault from these creatures. Some were even completely overrun, with countless corpses left in their wake.
A rising killing intent now spread across the land, casting a shadow over thousands of miles.
An invisible pressure filled the sky.
It was the feeling of an approaching storm.
Back in Xuanhuang Town.
In a private courtyard, Yi Tianxing was hosting Ye Zhiqiu and Lu Zhishen for a meal personally prepared by Lai He. Also present was Cai Yan, seated beside Yi Tianxing, politely conversing with the guests over drinks.
After several rounds of wine, Yi Tianxing set his chopsticks down and looked seriously at the two.
"Fellow Daoists Ye and Monk Lu, I won't hide the truth from you. My Xuanhuang Town is about to face the greatest war we've ever known. One of our enemies is surely the Scorpion Tribe we encountered before. But they won't be alone. The threat is so great that, honestly, I cannot guarantee victory. There's a real chance Xuanhuang Town could be destroyed."
"This coming war doesn't involve you. We survived the Immortal Tomb together and shared many trials. If you wish to leave now, within the next day or two, I will understand. It's still safe to do so."
His tone was calm, but heavy.
Even if the enemy army arrived soon, they would need at least a day or two to prepare before striking. No one would be foolish enough to charge in recklessly and become the sacrificial vanguard.
SLAM!
Before Yi Tianxing even finished, Lu Zhishen slammed the table and stood, face filled with anger.
"Yi Tianxing! Do you take me for a coward?! Knowing a friend is in trouble and just walking away—do you think I'd abandon you?! I've fought many alien beasts. If need be, I'll die here in Xuanhuang Town! If I ran now, how could I face anyone again?"
His eyes burned with righteous fury.
"I agree completely," said Ye Zhiqiu, face solemn. "Fleeing and abandoning friends? That's not who I am. I knew this place would see a major battle—that's why I came. If I feared death, I wouldn't have followed you here. Say something like that again, and we're no longer friends."
"Please don't misunderstand," Cai Yan interjected gently. "Big Brother Yi didn't mean to insult you. It's just that this is a matter of life and death—he wanted you to make your own decision freely. If you choose to stay, we'll be honored. Xuanhuang Town welcomes all humanity. Anyone willing to join is family."
Her words eased the tension, and the anger on their faces faded.
"Then I welcome you both with open arms," said Yi Tianxing, smiling. "So, what do you think of Xuanhuang Town so far?"
"A rare haven for humanity," Ye Zhiqiu said without hesitation. "Strong defenses. A self-sufficient population. Every citizen is a cultivator. The spirit is fierce and unyielding. Compared to other settlements, the difference is night and day. If this place endures, it will become a sanctuary of the human race."
"Indeed. From nothing to this? I've never seen the like," the monk nodded in agreement.