Chapter 614: Chapter 308: The Tide of Beasts Comes_3
 

If he were using his true identity now, he would most likely choose to save the middle-aged cultivator instead of provoking the fox demon. After all, following his true path to enlightenment, the fewer karmic entanglements the better. But as a virtual identity, it didn’t matter.

The fox demon used its demonic power to resist the flying sword, but its complexion changed dramatically as the barrier of demonic power shattered instantly. Just as the flying sword, imbued with chilly flames, was about to strike it, a colossal presence rushed out of the forest, hitting the flying sword directly and repelling it.

That demonic power even flew towards the Golden Core Monk, attempting to pull him back.

Lin Yi’s face was expressionless; he had already discerned the forest’s secrets early on with the Eye of Emptiness. Watching a large number of monster beasts rush out of the forest, he refrained from making another move. His flying sword turned back, slicing through the demonic power and retrieving the Golden Core Monk.

“Why would you prevent others from saving me and instead try to kill me? You venomous woman, I will surely torture you to death…” The fox demon, transformed into a woman, looked at Lin Yi with a hateful glare, her originally beautiful face twisting into a sharp fox-like snout.

Lin Yi glanced at her indifferently. Just for that remark, he was determined to flatten the Fox Clan one day. He currently could not defeat the Demon Tribe, but in a few thousand years, the tables might turn. It all depended on who grew faster.

Meanwhile, he saw a man flying out from the Monster Forest, also dressed in white and appearing unblemished, a stark contrast to the frenzied rush of monster beasts.

The fox demon was full of allure and seemed to enjoy putting on airs.

Lin Yi brought the Golden Core Monk to the city gates and retracted his flying sword. By now, Qinglian Spirit City’s protective array was activated, trapping them outside.

Lin Yi looked at the array inside and took out his own Identity Jade. If the array didn’t open soon, he would have to leave quickly.

Just then, the array opened a gap, and a Cultivator of Huashen wearing purple armor came out, looked them over, and said expressionlessly, “So it’s the Eastern Daoist Friend who has just ascended. Next time the beast tide approaches, enter the city quickly without delay.”

Hearing the words of the Cultivator of Huashen, the many cultivators around cast glances of various shades.

Lin Yi nodded slightly, passing through the gap in the array into the city. The information in the Jade Slip also revealed the reason why Ascenders were valued: Ascenders were all able to cultivate to the Deification Realm under such harsh conditions in the Lower Realm.

In a place as rich in spiritual energy as the Spirit Profound Realm, they would enter the Refining Void Realm, and even the Fusion Realm, much faster than the native cultivators.

Of course, considering that the Flying Spirit Hall only offered a year of residency benefits, they merely held Ascenders in higher regard, and didn’t treat them like lords.

The Golden Core Monk who had set up the stall also went through inspection and entered Qinglian Spirit City. The Cultivator of Huashen was not as courteous, “The Demon Tribe can transform. Think a bit more next time. Why would a woman appear alone out of the Monster Forest?”

“Yes, thank you Elder. I’ve realized my mistake,” the Golden Core Monk quickly apologized with a bow.

“You should thank Elder Dong Fang. She is the one who saved you,” the Cultivator of Huashen wearing purple armor said indifferently, and after restoring the array, vanished in a flash.

“Elder Dong Fang, thank you for saving my life…” The Golden Core Monk, realizing how dangerous the situation had been, hastily bowed to Lin Yi.

“No need,” Lin Yi said with a wave of his hand. He could guess that there must be some story behind this Golden Core Monk, but there was no need to pry.

He walked away slowly, heading toward one of the guards wearing yellow armor, another Golden Core Monk. “I wish to go up on the city wall. May I?”

Considering the incoming tide of monster beasts, this seemed to be a minor tide rather than a full-scale assault on the wall, and he wanted to experience it firsthand.

In the Lower Realm, a Golden Core could be called a ‘Sage’ and be the master of a peak or even a sect. In Ascension Spirit City, they served as guards.

The Golden Core Guard, who had just witnessed Lin Yi’s act of rescue, bowed, “Elder, please wait a moment. I need to report to Lord Jin Wei.”

Lin Yi nodded; based on the armors’ colors, it seemed the ranks of the guards in the Spirit City were distinguished. The Cultivator of Huashen just now wore purple armor, so this so-called Lord Jin Wei must be of the Refining Void Realm.

Soon, the Golden Core Guard returned with an answer, bowing to Lin Yi, “Elder, when the beast tide comes, those who are not Spirit City guards are forbidden to step onto the city wall. We ask for your understanding.”

“No worries,” Lin Yi said, not insisting, as any event that might lead to accidents should be prevented during the beast tide.

The city gates were now closed, seemingly made of a special material that could block the probing of Divine Sense.

Lin Yi could sense the vibrations of the array barrier, while some lower-rank cultivators huddled earnestly behind the city gates, wearing nervous expressions.

Using the Eye of Emptiness, Lin Yi peered through the city gate and array, observing the situation outside. A flood of monster beasts surged towards the Spirit City, triggering traps in the moat as they crossed, resulting in bursts of fire and thunder.

Countless monster beasts perished within, yet even more trampled over the bodies of their cohorts, relentless in their advance.

At the forest’s edge in the distance, the two fox demons stood in place. The female fox demon at the Transformation Realm glared hatefully in this direction, while the male fox demon appeared nonchalant, exuding a strength on par with the Human race’s Refining Void Realm.

“Daoist Li, your formations also require energy to maintain, don’t they? How about we have a duel? If you win, we will retreat. If I win, send out that Golden Core Monk. My little sister fancies what she can’t snatch away,” the male fox demon proposed with a smile.

“Oh, why don’t you ask for that Huashen cultivator who saved him just now? Are you afraid?” At this moment, a calm voice came from the city wall.

A sickly smile spread across the fox demon’s face, “Ha ha ha, that female cultivator dared to attempt murder on my little sister. As thanks, I will personally capture her and let my sister torture her to her heart’s content before throwing her to the beast tide…”