Chapter 137. Where Humans Dwell, Beasts Shall Not Appear! (1)

The video spread like wildfire across the nation. Countless people paid attention, but upon witnessing the Celestial Archangel's response, fury swept through them.

└Twelve Apostles dead, King Lu alive and well—if you have the courage, c'mere instead of making empty threats!

A hot-tempered Awakened and an ardent admirer of Lu Yuan chimed in. He couldn't contain himself after witnessing the Celestial Archangel's arrogance.

└Exactly! What does posting a video prove?

Others chimed in, convinced that the so-called Celestial Archangel posed no threat whatsoever. In fact, they believed that even a true god couldn't defeat Lu Yuan.

After the recent series of events, Lu Yuan had become utterly invincible in their hearts. They believed that if the Celestial Archangel truly had the confidence to deal with Lu Yuan, he would have immediately visited him.

However, the Celestial Archangel fell silent upon posting the video. He had already expressed his stance—he would not agree to the founding of the Alliance of Humankind.

The officials also said nothing, merely reiterating their position—they had to respond in three months.

Several days later, the Holy Knight of Mount Olympus provided his response. He also recorded a video, showing his towering figure clad in armor before everyone. His entire being radiated formidable might, resembling a god of war. Beside him stood a warhorse wreathed in flames, appearing equally ferocious.

"We are all human beings. There's no need for threats and violence; there's also no need to stand in opposition. We must work together."

Unlike the Celestial Archangel, his response was rather gentle. He seemed to believe that everything could be discussed. In the New Era, humanity ought to stand harmoniously and explore the path of evolution together.

The Holy Knight further expressed his deep respect for King Lu, mentioning that he would pay his respects when the opportunity allowed it.

The attitude appeased many Awakened from Huaxia, who felt that there was room for negotiations. Compared to the Celestial Archangel, the Holy Knight appeared far more agreeable.

└The Holy Knight's word is law on Mount Olympus.

└He once led his subordinates in slaughtering those daring enough to oppose him—he's not someone to be trifled with. I think this is just a diplomatic tactic on his side.

Someone warned, telling everyone not to be deceived.

The Holy Knight would prove even more troublesome than the Celestial Archangel, as he wouldn't hesitate to act against humans. Moreover, he had never mentioned the Alliance of Humankind, which clearly showed his unwillingness to see it established.

Many were incredulous at the realization. Indeed, people from outside were masters of deception.

The officials remained characteristically calm, merely posting a three-month countdown online to make their position clear.

Every single media outlet around the world discussed the establishment of the Alliance of Humankind. Everyone knew that Lu Yuan, the King of Humanity, was a ruthless man and a man of his word.

If anyone were in doubt, the fate of Longevity Genetics and Skygod Technologies would surely convince them that Lu Yuan was the type to never compromise.

Some believed war was nigh, but the nation's Awakened felt no concern whatsoever, as they had absolute confidence in Lu Yuan's strength.

Of course, it would be a different story if thermonuclear weapons were deployed. Fortunately, Huaxia had thermonuclear weapons as well, creating a deterrent, so they deemed a nuclear war to be highly unlikely.

All eyes were transfixed on the news, while Lu Yuan remained cross-legged within his accommodations at the base of Mount Tai. Golden energy swept out of him like tidal waves. His control over his power had grown so fine that he could leave his surroundings unaffected. Had it not been for that, this building would have been annihilated by now.

Lu Yuan's chest rose and fell. With each breath, dragon-shaped vital qi would manifest and vanish around him. His aura grew stronger with each cycle. The skin on his arms had become translucent, emanating a faint fragrance. His physique had become more robust, reaching terrifying heights.

After an ambiguous amount of time, Lu Yuan opened his eyes, and a sharp gleam flashed through them.

"I've shattered fifty genetic shackles and reached the halfway point of the third stage of evolution. Not bad at all," he murmured with a smile. At this pace, he could soon begin advancing toward the Golden Body Realm.

Instead of continuing, Lu Yuan stood up and waited quietly, knowing someone was approaching.

Sure enough, a knock came at the door.

Ji Huaiyuan and Elder Yun walked in, accompanied by several armed Awakened.

"King Lu, the Spirit Monkey sent word—the beast kings have arrived," Ji Huaiyuan said, sounding solemn. This matter concerned the life and death of countless citizens and demanded serious attention.

He hadn't announced anything to the public, as he wanted to wait until everything was confirmed.

"Good." A smile touched Lu Yuan's face. During his seclusion, the Spirit Monkey had visited him with news. It had used a special way to contact most of the beast kings across the nation, and they would soon flock to Mount Tai.

By then, he could talk to them about stopping the beast tides.

The Spirit Monkey had stated that the beast kings were hot-tempered and violent, which meant a fight could happen. Lu Yuan knew that as well and had agreed to head to the summit once they were there.

Apparently, they were already at the summit; their timing was perfect.

After more than a month, they're finally here.

Lu Yuan turned to the people before him and said, "Only Elder Ji and Elder Yun will accompany me."

The two elders nodded in agreement. They would be meeting beast kings, all at least at the Unfettered Realm. If conflict arose, bringing more people would be useless.

Lu Yuan didn't hesitate and walked directly out of the room. Dusk fell as the great sun descended westward. Clouds dyed in the hue of sunset filled the sky, creating a magnificent scene.

Lu Yuan discovered that the temporary garrison had expanded considerably during his seclusion. Many people moved about busily amidst the construction sites, most of which were already complete.

Ji Huaiyuan explained that they would establish the so-called "Mount Tai Trials Academy" here, which was independent of the five Aurora Academies. It would be for students and others interested in visiting Mount Tai. They would need to undergo some training at the Trials Academy.

Upon completion, those with decent achievements would be allowed to ascend Mount Tai to seek their own boons.

Elder Yun added that establishing the Trials Academy was only possible because Lu Yuan had single-handedly suppressed the Spirit Monkey.

Upon hearing that, Lu Yuan fell into contemplation. In his previous life, the officials had managed to control part of Mount Tai in the later stages of the Global Awakening, and they subsequently established the Trials Academy.

After becoming an Awakened, Lu Yuan had tried everything to enter the Trials Academy and obtain a boon from Mount Tai. Unfortunately, he was too weak and was eliminated many times.

He had never imagined that in this life, he would become the reason why the Mount Tai Trials Academy was established so early into the Global Awakening.

"There's another issue," Elder Yun said, "We've announced the establishment of the Alliance of Humankind. However, we've received disagreements from those two forces. The Celestial Archangel's attitude remains resolute; he says he won't submit.

"There's still over a month until my stated deadline, correct?" Lu Yuan pondered, then continued. "It's fine. Regardless of whether the Celestial Archangel agrees or not, he is going to die."

The Celestial Archangel had designed the missiles intended to obliterate him. Combined with the Twelve Apostles incident, Lu Yuan had long harbored killing intent toward the former and hadn't had the time to act on it.

Once the deadline was over, he would settle the scores.