Chapter 97. Identity Shrouded in Mystery, Boiling Frenzy, Human Sovereign! (1)

Though the video feed only displayed the grainy silhouette of a figure, it was so strikingly similar to the one etched deep in her memories—especially that overbearing posture, that unstoppable momentum, and

that

arrow.

Zhu Qingyu couldn't help but believe that she hadn't seen wrong.

Yes, that man was strong. But could he truly possess the strength to slay beast kings?

Standing next to her, Dean Zheng turned and asked, "Qingyu, what are you saying?"

"Ah... Dean, I just thought that mysterious figure looked somewhat familiar," Zhu Qingyu replied, snapping back to reality as she voiced her thoughts aloud.

Her words instantly drew the attention of everyone nearby. Heads swiveled in unison, eyes brimming with surprise as they hurriedly gathered around her.

"Familiar? So you know him? Who is it? Do you know his name?"

"Qingyu, what's going on? Where did you encounter someone like that?"

"An Unfettered Realm expert... Qingyu, are you sure you didn't see wrong?"

Voices overlapped one another as a rush of questions flew at her from all directions. Everyone was desperate to uncover the identity of the mysterious figure.

And for good reason. Someone who had, in mere moments, slain eight beast kings in succession was undeniably worthy of attention. He was a true powerhouse in every sense of the word. More than that, his actions today had quite literally saved the entire city of Chang'an.

"He...looks like Lu Yuan. But I'm not sure," Zhu Qingyu finally offered her tentative guess.

She also recounted the incident back in Qingyang City when a thunder-infused arrow had been let loose in a similar fashion.

Of course, that was just mere speculation on her part. She couldn't say for sure. After all, there were differences from what she remembered.

Lu Yuan?

Everyone froze, the name hanging in the air as they exchanged glances. Indeed, that name had been growing louder and louder in recent days.

The moment he appeared, he had offended two major powers, Wuzhou Group and Longevity Genetics, in swift succession. He had slain key figures, including the Southern Sovereign, and as a result, was now mentioned in the same breath as renowned figures like Winged Celestial God. Especially after the Sword Stele Legacy at ancient Mount Shu, whispers had already begun that he might soon surpass them all.

The problem was that, in everyone's eyes, Lu Yuan's cultivation should still be at the Awakened Realm.

Unless... he had been hiding his true strength all along? But wasn't that too absurd?

The Unfettered Realm allowed a mutated beast to reign as king among the beasts. Among humanity, such a person could claim the same title without contest.

Commander Xu turned his head toward Dean Zheng, his eyes filled with doubt. After all, Dean Zheng had interacted with Lu Yuan far more than most here. If anyone had insights, it would be him.

"I..." Dean Zheng opened his mouth to speak, but before he could continue—

"Look, he's moving again!" The soldier in charge of the video feed interrupted, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

The question of identity could wait. For now, the priority was still the beast tide. Though the eight beast kings had fallen, that didn't mean the crisis was over. Everyone was dying to know how that mysterious figure would handle the rest?

And after the dust settled, would he come to Chang'an? If he did, his identity would naturally be revealed.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield...

Lu Yuan slowly restrained his outpouring aura.

The Heavenquake Bow was returned to the Meridian Heavenmend Furnace.

He cast one last glance at the corpses of the eight Unfettered Realm beast kings before he turned around and locked his gaze onto the tide of beasts still spreading across the land.

A radiant gold brilliance surged within Lu Yuan's eyes. Compared to the towering forms of the beasts before him, he was but a speck of dust, insignificant in size. Yet, the pressure he exuded was heavier than mountains.

That invincible, crushing, and absolute might from moments before still lingered in the air like a storm cloud that refused to dissipate. Even though he stood alone, the countless beasts ahead began to stir restlessly. Some instinctively shuffled back, their eyes filled with uncertainty and dread.

Their kings had fallen, one after another, slain without resistance. And the massacre was delivered by a single human.

Now, just the sharp glint in Lu Yuan's gaze was enough to suppress an entire tide of beasts.

However, he did nothing. He stood on the bloodstained earth and merely raised a hand in a calm gesture.

At once, the Golden-Winged Great Peng descended from the skies. No longer did it circle high in majestic flight. Instead, it dipped its noble head low, a show of reverence and submission.

It had always known its master was powerful. But

this

was something beyond comprehension. It was too terrifying. For a moment, it wondered if its master was an immortal who descended to the mortal realm.

"Tell them," Lu Yuan's voice broke the silence. "From this day forth, if they never again invade human cities or slaughter innocents, they will be permitted to return safely."

He had no intention of wiping them all out. There was no need. The war between man and beast did not require one side's total annihilation to end. Those lower-ranked beasts, after all, were merely pawns pushed forward by the will of stronger, more cunning monsters behind the scenes.

Slaughter was not a solution. Nor did he have the interest or time for it. Whether man or beast, both were born of this world. There was no true justice in mutual destruction.

Someday, a far greater enemy would emerge, one that neither side could face alone. Perhaps, one day, they might even need to fight side by side.

"I understand," the Golden-Winged Great Peng replied. It spread its wings and soared forth to the forefront of the beast tide.

SKREEEEE—!

A piercing cry rang out, shaking the very air with its power.

It seemed the beasts understood.

At the forefront of the tide, several powerful ones lowered their heads, not to their own kind, but to the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Lu Yuan. Their movements were awkward, stiff, mimicking human gestures as they bowed with subdued humility. A silent act of gratitude.

Then, without resistance, they turned and began their retreat. Step by step, they withdrew from the blood-soaked battlefield, vanishing into the depths of the Qinling.

Lu Yuan watched the scene unfold, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly as he folded his arms across his chest.

So, the beast tide retreated not in panic or chaos, but in order and bearing respect in silence.

Were they giving thanks for his mercy?

Perhaps. But the truest reason was far simpler—they recognized overwhelming power.

Within the realm of men, one might deliberate pros and cons, weigh gains and losses. Even among the beast kings, such as the slain White King, there existed logic and strategy.

But the ordinary beasts were still just beasts. Only absolute strength could command their obedience without question, without rebellion.

"That's enough," Lu Yuan said at last. "Let's head back."

"Master," The Golden-Winged Great Peng stepped forward. "The blood of those Unfettered Realm beasts is no ordinary substance—especially the White King's. If refined properly, it can grant great benefits. Shouldn't you at least take some with you?"

Beast blood in general was of little value. But beast king blood, especially that of one who had evolved through multiple phases, held a vast reservoir of energy, akin to spiritual fruits or herbs. To many cultivators, it could be the catalyst for evolution.

But Lu Yuan merely shook his head. "The so-called king's blood holds no use for me."

His foundation was deep as he had fused with many divine artifacts. In terms of bloodline strength, he had long surpassed the limits of ordinary creatures. To him, beast blood, no matter how noble, was still tainted with feral nature. Reckless consumption could even backfire, disrupting the harmony within his body.

Of course, for other Awakened, such blood could indeed be refined into essence and serve as a precious elixir, as the Golden-Winged Great Peng had pointed out.

But unfortunately, for Lu Yuan, it was worth less than the flesh. At least, meat could quell hunger.

Golden-Winged Great Peng understood and said no more. After all, it was much the same for it. With a mythical bloodline, what use did it have for the blood of lesser creatures?

"By the way, the White King mentioned something about a grand plan among the beasts before it died. Do you know anything about it?" Lu Yuan asked as he suddenly recalled the White King's cryptic words.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng shook its massive head, "I don't know. I am an outsider. I'm different from the other beasts of this world." Truthfully, if not for this, it would have joined the beast tide.

Outsider?

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

That single word made Lu Yuan's eyes narrow. "You mean...you're not native to this world?"

That detail was no small matter. It touched upon something far greater, something that weighed upon the very fate of this world, for he knew that in the not-too-distant future, those from beyond the stars would infiltrate, intent on conquest and corruption. But he hadn't expected to come across such an existence so soon.

He suddenly recalled the strange woman Chen Song had mentioned, and now, the pieces began to click together.