Note: I have slightly edited the last part of the previous chapter with the description of the location as it was badly written in an exhausted condition. My apologies for that.

—

The group of ten people clad in white robes of the Yin Yang Unity Palace moved through the snowy labyrinth of giant rocky formations partially covered in ice and snow, navigating the various passageways which all looked similar.

They were moving into one of the areas which served as a chokepoint for the canyon, one of the great many which would be manned by the disciples of the various sects.

The terrain truly embodied the word “winter” as the always falling snow was pulled into different directions by the strong cold wind currents coming down from the canyon, which were redirected by the irregular shapes and positions of the rocks.

This created low vision in the area as it was in the very basic terms a permanent blizzard.

The rocks from up close looked even bigger as some of them stretched far into the skies, their tops disappearing into white.

The reason the event was held here and not in a location with better weather conditions was that beyond this canyon the wave of Demonic Beasts would spread out, making it hard to contain, whereas it was relatively confined in the canyon that the hordes of Demonic Beasts would have to pass through.

As they moved to the point they were assigned to according to the arrangement, Wu Long soon saw their position, much like others, a good spot to take up a defensive position. But theirs was a relatively narrower singular passage in between two larger rocks.

The points leading up to it and behind it were split into multiple interconnected paths, one of which they were moving through.

There were several other groups which moved with them who moved forward past their position as they stopped, since they were assigned to spots ahead of them.

Since the Yin Yang Unity Palace was a small sect, and also had the bare minimum of participants it was positioned in the very back of the whole formation, mainly responsible for picking out the remnants spilled by the other groups.

However, since the other groups were responsible only for trimming down the wave, as attempting to completely stop it in a similar passage would be incredibly dangerous and nearly impossible for one small group, most of their spots had multiple ways the tide of Demonic Beasts could circle around them, while the spot Wu Long and his group were at was one of the points where one singular passage would become a funnel for a vast area ahead.

There were of course Sect Protectors of various Sects stationed further behind them in layers, and thus they were allowed to fall back.

“Hmm, so this is how they count participation”

Wu Long chuckled as he felt a Spiritual Formation cover the area they were guarding, which would count the number of beasts slain. It also had a one-way communication function so it would be easier to alert all event participants of any changes, emergencies or progress.

“Do you think the groups ahead will kill most of the beasts?”

Hua Ziyan asked as he chuckled.

“Hehe, what, are you eager to test out your strength? Keep in mind that most of the Demonic Beasts are expected to be of the 3rd tier or less, with a lesser part of 4th tier, and some 5th tier mixed in

With your Core Formation Realm and strength, even if you don’t reveal more than Foundation Building Realm prowess it is not much of a test, though their numbers will be impressive”

“Huh? How do you know?”

“Hahaha, oh my, weren’t you listening, Prime Disciple Hua? It was discussed in the general meeting”

“Ah… hahaha, I guess I was preoccupied by more important matters…

But it is a shame, I thought I was going to check my progress and possibly train more in real combat situation”

“Well, to be honest, I believe they were too optimistic.

Considering they used past records for their estimations, even if they factored in the recent improvements in the Spiritual Qi I doubt they truly had any experience with such dramatic changes before”

“You mean that even the increased number of the event participants would not be enough?”

“Sure, the number of Sects participating is almost three times than in the past, and the number of disciples each Sect sent out is far greater, but if I am right in my estimations the tide will be at least ten times larger and the tier composition would be more robust.

So don’t get discouraged yet, I just warned you before so that you don’t get your hopes too much up and then get completely disappointed”

Wu Long chuckled, causing her to widen her eyes.

“But… doesn’t that mean other disciples are in trouble?”

“Well, some overconfident ones are, but those who are worth something will quickly take a more defensive stance and change their position, or outright ask for help.

As for the Five Great Sects, they actually do have the necessary qualifications to stand in their spots at the forefront… though some of them will be in trouble for other reasons”

“Ah, that’s right, I guess even if the Demonic Beast Tide does not have enough, there is other action to look forward to”

“Mm, you all too, as we discussed prior to moving out, don’t relax too early as there’s a lot on the menu for us. Not to mention that you would be on your own when me and Ziyan will move independently from you. Xia Jung, you will be in charge then”

“Understood!”

The eight disciples he turned to simultaneously said, straightening their postures.

“I believe that with the techniques I passed to you all, there should be no problem in dealing with the Demonic Beast wave or any other mess we will be in.

However, remember that in the event of something unexpected, you are allowed to retreat and prioritize your safety”

He then added, receiving another confirmation from the group.

“You have proven you have potential as a fighter when you dealt with your problem at the Sect, let’s see how you fare as a leader now.

If anyone under you dies it would be hard for me to ever trust you with leading people again”

Wu Long then turned to Xia Jung who nodded with a determined expression.

“I will not fail you, Bene-… um… Chief”

“Chief? I told you to find an alternative to ‘benefactor’ but…”

“Y-you don’t like it?” 𝘳𝑎.𝒸ℴ

“No, I don’t really care much unless it is something like ‘benefactor’ which is just plain tacky, just find it an interesting choice…”

“Well… you are the leader of the Wu Household… meaning you are the Clan Chief…”

“Hmm, interesting”

Wu Long touched his chin with a smile as he heard Xia Jung’s thinking, as it was indeed not a stretch calling him a Clan Chief if his Dao Family were to be taken as the Main Clan with all his subordinates and the subordinate organizations of his women as clan retainers.

Though he never thought of it like that.

“Well, in any case, it seems it is starting”

Wu Long chuckled as they all felt a tremor under their feet.

“Another earthquake?”

One of the disciples asked with surprise as all of them looked at the surroundings which started slightly shaking. 𝘪𝘳.𝒸𝑜𝑚

“Haha, no, this is simply echoing vibrations, it would be still awhile till they reach the positions of the first line”

Wu Long chuckled looking ahead as they slowly understood that the whole giant canyon was beginning to shake because a massive horde of Demonic Beasts started its movement in the far distance.

And just like on cue, the formation beneath their feet lip up, the voice of Grand Elder Qu resounding through the canyon with the words “Attention! the Demonic Beast Tide commenced movement!”

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