However, with so many people converging on East Desolation City at once, their approach was understandable. After all, if the entire city fell, many more would die.

At this moment, on a hill about five miles from East Desolation City, several figures were standing. Among them were two people Ling Chen recognized: a man and a woman. The man was burly as a bull and resembled a ferocious tiger, while the woman was uniquely enchanting and extraordinarily charming, capable of captivating souls and unsettling minds with a single glance. These two were none other than "Tiger King" Xu Chao and "Soul Hooker" Mei Ji.

Standing in front of them was a handsome young man in a green robe, looking at the massive city in the distance with a faint smile on his face.

Nearby, Mei Ji turned to the handsome young man, her enchanting voice resonating, "Demon Young Master, this operation has been proceeding smoothly. If we can seize East Desolation City as a foothold for our Demonic Sect's development in Aqua Country, we can then bring the entire Five Thousand Mile Eastern Wasteland under our Demonic Sect's control."

"Yes, if we accomplish this task, your status in the Holy Church will surely rise, and you will become its most important disciple," "Tiger King" Xu Chao chimed in, smiling deferentially.

The handsome young man standing before them was Chu Tiange, a standout among the younger generation of the Saint Witch Religion. Chu Tiange was one of the Ten Outstanding Talents of the Demon Sect and also the direct disciple of Sect Master Sikong Yi of the Saint Witch Religion, ranking among the top in terms of power. Otherwise, Xu Chao would not have needed to be so respectful.

"Don't rush to celebrate. I fought hard for this opportunity, so we must be cautious. We *must* take East Desolation City," Chu Tiange said, a harsh glint in his eyes. In the past, the Saint Witch Religion had usually assigned such important tasks to Xia Yunxin. Many elders in the Demonic Sect admired her wisdom and cunning, regarding her as the most outstanding talent among the younger generation. The name Xia Ji was well-known throughout the Martial World, familiar to followers of both the Righteous Path and the Demon Way. His own title, Demon Young Master, was constantly overshadowed by hers. Few people, especially those on the Righteous Path, even knew his name. This time, Chu Tiange had managed to seize this opportunity from her and was determined to execute it spectacularly. Only then could he surpass Xia Yunxin in fame, replace her, become the Head of the Ten Outstanding Talents of the Demonic Sect, and make his name renowned throughout the Martial World.

"How long until the Beast Tide arrives?" Chu Tiange asked, turning his head after a glance at East Desolation City.

Xu Chao glanced at the sky. "About one or two hours," he responded.

"Excellent. Have everyone prepare. Once the Beast Tide breaches East Desolation City, we will attack immediately," Chu Tiange said with a nod. This Beast Tide was a carefully calculated part of his plan, designed for taking East Desolation City.

"Are you sure all those exotic beasts will come here? If their numbers are insufficient, we might struggle to take the city."

"Don't worry, Demon Young Master," Xu Chao replied. "This time, I've used my master, the Elder of Myriad Beasts', exclusive secret medicine—the Mad Beast Powder—and dispatched many disciples to drive the herds from various locations. We've invested considerable effort. The Beast Tide converging here will be immense, certainly enough to conquer East Desolation City."

"Excellent, Xu Chao. Though you are from the Myriad Beasts Sect, you have been fiercely loyal to me. Rest assured, when I become the Sect Leader of the Saint Witch Religion, I will ensure you become the Sect Leader of the Myriad Beasts Sect," Chu Tiange said, nodding in satisfaction.

"With your status and talent, Demon Young Master, becoming the Sect Leader is merely a matter of time." Xu Chao smiled, though it was somewhat unnatural. If he didn't have his own ambitions, he wouldn't be submitting to Chu Tiange.

「East Desolation City, atop the city wall.」

Ling Chen, Tian Dan, and the other warriors had already entered the city, but the villagers who were traveling with them were still queuing outside, waiting for permission to enter. Meanwhile, East Desolation City was already overcrowded. Houses and streets alike teemed with people, resulting in complete congestion.

"There are too many people. East Desolation City may be big, but accommodating this many people still presents a challenge." Tian Dan sighed as he observed the crowded scene.

Ling Chen nodded in agreement. With so many people, maintaining order would be a significant problem. As ferocious as the Beast Tide can be, devious human minds are even more terrifying. If order cannot be maintained, it will lead to riots. By then, the city would descend into chaos even before the exotic beasts arrive.

A low hum began to resonate. Ling Chen's hearing was acute, and he quickly detected it—the very ground beneath them was starting to tremble. "They're here," Ling Chen said, his gaze fixed on the distance, his expression turning solemn.

"What's here?" Tian Dan asked, puzzled. He followed Ling Chen's gaze and saw countless black dots appearing on the distant horizon.

"It's the Beast Tide!" Tian Dan exclaimed, swallowing hard, his expression instantly tensing.

In his line of sight, all kinds of exotic beasts were gathered—wolves, tigers, rodents, and more. The horde seemed endless, leaving ruins in its wake. It was as if an earthquake had struck, kicking up clouds of dust that filled the sky.

"The Beast Tide is here! Everyone, hurry into the city! Prepare to close the gates!" the commander of the city gate guard shouted, his face paling as he raced back towards the city.

Outside the city gates, chaos erupted instantly. Upon hearing that the Beast Tide was approaching, the once orderly refugees surged forward, trampling one another as they frantically rushed into the city. Failure to enter the city meant certain death; they would become food for the beast horde. Desperate to survive, everyone went mad.

"If we weren't warriors, we might have ended up just like them," Tian Dan remarked, looking at the chaotic crowd with mixed emotions, a sense of fortune washing over him. This is the difference between ordinary people and warriors.

"Get ready to fight." Ling Chen had no time for such sentiments. Though he pursued the path of chivalry, he wasn't an overly compassionate man. You can't save everyone, nor can you meddle in all affairs. Doing what you can is enough.

The ten-li distance vanished in an instant. Vast numbers of exotic beasts appeared before them, among which were undoubtedly Third Grade Demonic Beasts.

ROAR! To the east of the city, a heaven-shaking roar resounded as a colossal, golden lion appeared not far from the gate. This giant lion had two long tusks, was more than triple the size of an ordinary lion, and possessed an extraordinarily robust aura.

A Third Grade Beginner Level Demonic Beast: the Golden Sword Lion!

BANG! The Golden Sword Lion swiped its paw, instantly crushing a dozen fleeing figures into a bloody pulp.

SCREECH! To the west, a piercing cry suddenly echoed. A massive, pitch-black bird appeared, exuding a gloomy aura. Its cry, like that of a Fierce Ghost, was chilling to the soul.

A Third Grade Beginner Level Demonic Beast: the Gu Huo Bird!

With another sinister cry, the Gu Huo Bird flew above the city wall and spewed a blast of black wind. Wherever the wind passed, screams echoed continuously. Whether ordinary people or warriors, their bodies were corroded into ash, leaving no remains.