Chapter 32: Gold Tier 2 Elders Make a Move
Due to the constant escaping with little to no rest, most of the surviving sect disciples and rogue cultivators had long since reached areas far from the basin. Many either entered different territories within the Stone Forest or had gotten closer to the outer edge near the entrance/exit. However, the Demonic Beasts refused to relent, continuing their pursuit with ferocity. This persistent threat dragged more powerful parties and terrifying monsters into the fray, spreading the destruction even further.
Another two days passed. Now, five full days of survival, fleeing, and battle had scarred the land. In that time, numerous Gold Tier 1 demons, rogue cultivators, and even other Gold Tier 1 Demonic Beasts had emerged, clashing with the wild, chaotic army of beasts. Some succeeded in fending off the threat, while others were crushed—especially when the Gold Tier 2 Demonic Beast entered the battlefield.
The original nine Gold Tier Demonic Beasts that erupted from the underground cave had been reduced to six, with two confirmed dead and one fatally wounded. But their numbers mysteriously climbed back to ten. It was revealed that the Gold Tier 2 Demonic Beast had subdued four other Gold Tier 1 Demonic Beasts into submission, rapidly swelling the demonic army. These ten now commanded legions of Silver Tier 5 and lower-ranked beasts that followed like loyal soldiers.
As the beast army threatened to spill into the outer territories, the sects could no longer sit back.
One Gold Tier 2 Elder from each of the Four Great Sects—Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, Night's Light Devouring Church, Iron Fang Sect, and Fighting Brawlman Sect—was dispatched. Alongside them, one Gold Tier 1 Elder from each sect joined the assault, except for Night's Light Devouring Church, whose manpower had been reduced too drastically to spare more than one Elder.
All of the remaining and able Gold Tier 1 disciples who had survived in the Stone Forest regrouped with their respective sect elders. The joint force now stood as follows: 4 Gold Tier 2 Elders, 3 Gold Tier 1 Elders, 5 Combat ready surviving Gold Tier 1 disciples, and Later, 3 powerful rogue cultivators—each Gold Tier 1—also joined the alliance, though they bore injuries of their own.
All the surviving sect members, including Elton, Christy, Zoro, and Cedric, stood behind their Elders, forming defensive and offensive formations in preparation for the battle to come. Weapons were drawn, spells were conjured, and formations activated.
Before them loomed a monstrous sight: a legion of nearly a thousand Demonic Beasts approaching, all under the leadership of the ten terrifying Gold Tier Demonic Beasts.
Rogue cultivators and demons who had been fleeing now stood near the sects, forced into an uneasy alliance. As the thunder of beastly footsteps shook the ground, both sides prepared for the greatest confrontation yet.
The war for survival was far from over.
The tension in the atmosphere was suffocating. Dust, blood, and the stench of monsters tainted the wind. The legion of demonic beasts in the distance moved subtly but steadily, their coordinated march echoing like a drum of dread across the battlefield.
Each of the four sects formed tight ranks behind their respective commanding Gold Tier 2 Elders. Commands were being relayed rapidly to disciples by trusted Gold Tier 1 sub-commanders, each voice strained from fatigue, some hoarse from shouting over the past chaotic days.
Disciples gathered, injuries fresh or barely healed, eyes sunken with exhaustion but blazing with willpower. The tension spread like wildfire.
Zoro tightened the black scarf around his neck as Cedric glanced toward Elton and Christy. Christy stood calm, her forehead glowing faintly with the embedded gem. Elton's new blade twinkled ominously on his back like a star awaiting descent.
Suddenly—
A massive roar split the air.
One of the Gold Tier 1 Demonic Beasts had locked eyes on Elton and Christy. Its pupils burned with unrestrained rage as it roared once again, drawing attention from the other beasts and momentarily halting the march.
But the cultivators had no clue what triggered the outburst. Murmurs spread:
"Why's that one so pissed?"
"Is it just a feint?"
"Stay focused! Stay on formation!"
The Elders, however, did not flinch. Especially the one from the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect. With deliberate calm, he unsheathed a radiant long sword from his back, the blade humming with immense magical energy. He stepped forward.
The air trembled as his magical aura surged. The formations began to light up as arcane scripts activated.
The beasts crossed the threshold.
The Bright Brilliant Blade Sect Elder's voice boomed like thunder:
"Everyone Prepare for the attack!!"