"This… as expected of a late Foundation Establishment–level ferocious beast. Its bones are far tougher than we imagined."
Uncle Tian cleared his throat dryly to lighten the tense atmosphere.
Beside him, Baiwen looked troubled.
"Uncle Tian, do we… still have any better tools?"
"This is already the best we have. Even the hardest ores we've mined were cut using this Dingxi Blade. But…"
He glanced wistfully at the colossal beast before them. The incision carved out by the machine still oozed blood, pouring down into the giant wooden basin below.
In moments, the blood inside boiled like lava, radiating waves of heat.
The Millelith soldiers nearby were drenched in sweat from the scorching air, yet their eyes burned with desire as they gazed at the basin.
Their instincts screamed at them to drink. Just a single mouthful, and their strength would soar.
This was the blood of a late Foundation Establishment beast—comparable to that of a Grandmaster-level powerhouse.
Most of the Millelith here were only postnatal cultivators; only a few had reached innate. How could they possibly resist such temptation?
And yet, bound by the strict discipline of the Millelith, not one dared move. They could only watch helplessly as the basin filled to the brim, blood spilling over the edges.
Uncle Tian, who was still in discussion with Baiwen about dismembering the beast, suddenly furrowed his brows. He turned back—and his heart ached as he saw the priceless blood streaming onto the ground.
"Quick! Change the basin—it's overflowing!"
The Millelith scrambled in a panic, rushing to find replacements, but the blood continued to gush out.
Uncle Tian nearly wept.
"Don't waste it! Some of you go fetch basins, the rest—drink!"
The soldiers froze for half a heartbeat, then surged forward, one after another gulping down mouthfuls of beast blood.
The onlookers from Liyue Harbor gaped in shock. The usually strict and dignified Millelith were… crowding around to drink blood?
What kind of bizarre, frightening sight was this?
But soon, a soldier drenched in blood suddenly roared. His aura erupted, eyes blazing with joy.
"I broke through! I've stepped into the Innate realm!"
Immediately after, more soldiers who had drunk cried out in amazement.
Though most only made progress within their postnatal stages, the sight was enough to make the crowd understand why the Millelith had set aside their dignity to fight for a taste.
This blood could grant breakthroughs—it could make them stronger.
Excitement swept through the citizens. Adventurers and even Vision holders grew restless, ready to rush forward for their share.
But the Millelith formed an iron wall, blocking them firmly.
No one dared to press further.
Before long, more basins were found, and the blood was gathered once again. Those who hadn't managed a sip retreated reluctantly, resuming their guard posts.
Uncle Tian chuckled and waved his hand.
"Don't fret. This was meant for you all in the first place. Once the beast is fully dismantled, it will be portioned out properly."
The soldiers' disappointment melted into smiles.
Uncle Tian turned back to Baiwen with a sigh.
"Secretary Baiwen, this is the strongest tool we have. If it won't do, perhaps we should cut the flesh first and leave the bones untouched?"
Baiwen frowned.
"It seems we have no choice. What a shame. Lady Ganyu said the beast's bones would be the most valuable material for weapons. With something this hard, Liyue's military power would rise another tier. Still, once the dissection is done, we'll store the bones first. I'll consult Lady Ningguang when she's available."
Uncle Tian nodded.
"That's the best we can do."
"Hold on—let me try."
Beidou stepped forward, unable to resist any longer, and hefted her weapon.
"But…" Baiwen hesitated. "Captain Beidou, you've already tried once. If you force it, your blade won't survive."
"That's simple. Just give me a sturdier sword, and I'll coat it with my elemental power. Might work."
Uncle Tian produced a few choice weapons from his Vision storage.
"These should suffice."
"Even Uncle Tian's hidden treasures are out, huh?"
Beidou laughed, picked up a greatsword, weighed it in her hands, and grinned.
"Good enough. But it'll break once I'm done. Uncle Tian, that alright?"
He waved dismissively.
"A trifle compared to those tusks. If they can be forged into weapons, they'll be priceless."
"Then watch closely."
Beidou rolled her shoulders, elemental power surging as she leapt skyward. A phantom thunderblade materialized, crashing down on the tusks.
For a moment, it was deadlocked—then the tusks snapped free, slamming into the ground with a thunderous boom.
Beidou landed lightly, exhaling in relief, tossing the sword aside.
The moment it struck the ground, the blade shattered into dust.
Uncle Tian sighed—three million mora gone in an instant.
But the tusks were worth far more.
"Store the tusks. Summon Liyue's finest craftsmen at once."
Baiwen gave the order. Beidou smirked.
"Why not let my new crewman, Kazuha, take a look? Isn't he the heir of Inazuma's Five Thunder Sword Art?"
Baiwen blinked, then nodded and dispatched someone to fetch him.
Meanwhile, the backup tools managed to cut away part of the beast's flesh. Given its size, though, the entire process would take all night.
Baiwen, burdened by state affairs, couldn't linger. She turned to Uncle Tian.
"Uncle Tian, I'll leave the night watch to you. I must return to the Jade Chamber."
"Go, go. This old man will handle things."
She nodded and was about to leave when a voice rang out from the crowd.
"Secretary Baiwen—is this… a demon god we've slain?"
She paused, startled.
"A demon god? No, just an evolved ferocious beast."
The square erupted.
"A ferocious beast! Like in those cultivation tales?"
"No wonder drinking its blood grants breakthroughs! They say beasts are treasures from head to toe—just a bite can strengthen the body!"
"This one's huge—it might even grant longevity!"
"Wait—why is there a ferocious beast in Liyue? Isn't it dangerous?"
"Dangerous? Who cares, if eating it makes us stronger! I'm hunting one tomorrow!"
The noise swelled until Baiwen raised her voice sharply.
"Silence!"
The chatter ebbed. She sighed inwardly. She had known word would spread eventually, but not this fast.
Still, since the truth was out, she had to seize the moment to warn the people.
Otherwise, rash adventurers would throw their lives away. Even a Foundation Establishment–stage beast was far beyond ordinary folk; it would take several Innate cultivators to bring one down.
Gathering her thoughts, Baiwen declared:
"This boar is indeed a ferocious beast—one at late Foundation Establishment. Lady Ganyu slew it and entrusted it to Liyue. Since Mount Shu descended, the qi around Liyue has grown denser. It is natural that we are the first to see such beasts. In the future, more will surely appear.
"And yes—just as the official cultivation novels describe, beasts can strengthen those who consume them.
"But hear me well: we forbid any citizen from hunting them recklessly. Each beast is extraordinary. Even one at early Foundation Establishment requires several Innate fighters to subdue. Do not throw your lives away!
"And beware—the surge of qi has also strengthened hilichurls and other monsters. With the Grand Ceremony of Opening the Mountain approaching, do not trade your lives for reckless glory.
"Rest assured—Liyue has both the resolve and the power to protect its people.
"So I warn you again: do not venture into the wilds lightly. The lands are perilous. Cherish your lives."
The crowd fell into uneasy silence, staring at the massive boar. Even Vision wielders hesitated—after all, Beidou herself had just destroyed a weapon simply to break off its tusks.
What chance did they have?
Seeing the fervor cool, Baiwen finally relaxed. She added:
"After the Opening Ceremony, Liyue will distribute martial cultivation methods to all its citizens. We will not abandon our wilderness. But only once you have grown stronger should you consider exploring. Remember, ferocious beasts are powerful and merciless. Do not seek them out recklessly."
With that, she departed.
Uncle Tian watched her go, smiling faintly.
"So… little Ningguang has already chosen her successor. Meanwhile, this old bag of bones still hasn't."
"No need to rush, Uncle Tian," Beidou teased. "You're in good health now, and once you step onto the path of cultivation, you'll have even longer ahead of you. Retirement is a long way off."
He chuckled.
"Ah, but I'd rather retire early and devote myself wholly to cultivation."
His gaze drifted back to the beast, eyes shining with satisfaction.
"A late Foundation Establishment beast… just imagine how many martial experts it can create."
Already, he could see Liyue's brighter, stronger future.
Yes, beasts were dangerous—but compared to the wealth of strength they could bring, such danger was negligible.
Around the square, the people lingered, watching the dissection with wide eyes.
They couldn't eat it, but at least they could breathe the scent.
Perhaps, just perhaps, a single whiff could cure a hundred ills.
Only at the edges of the crowd did a few inconspicuous figures slip away quietly, scattering in all directions.
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