Chapter 2058: Desolate Forbidden Region

Not until the final trace of the Essence Yue World’s Will perished did Shang Xia’s figure slowly fade away under the watchful eyes of both beast emperors.

Yet even long after his departure, both beast emperors didn’t dare to relax. The 10 or so beast kings circled closed, unwilling to scatter lest danger struck.

Their caution, without a doubt, bought more time for those of the Essence Yue World to escape.

While the beast emperors and kings of the Beast Tide still harbored suspicion and dread, Shang Xia had already returned to the Spirit Ark.

Soon, Cai Zhuifeng and Cai Yingxue answered his summons and arrived before him.

It was the siblings’ first time being summoned by Shang Xia alone.

"The Essence Yue Heavenly Field of the Floating Star Region has been overrun by the tide." Shang Xia revealed. "But before and after its fall, whether their Essence Worlds, auxiliary Spirit Worlds, or sects of great power... They must have sent ships fleeing. Those who escaped are now homeless wanderers. Feel free to organize your men to take them in."

The news stunned the two, even though Cai Zhuifeng had already received hints from Yuan Qiuyuan.

They exchanged a glance, each seeing the excitement in each other’s eyes. That was their specialty, and more importantly, Shang Xia had personally given them a task. To them, it was proof of trust.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Naturally, Shang Xia wouldn’t care about their thoughts. He went on, confirming what they believed. "Among those who fled, pay particular attention to fleets with Arks. You may reveal that you are backed by my Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field. You have permission to promise them to allow them to maintain their martial heritage, and even the ability to establish their Elysiums and Holy Lands on my Heavenly Field. In fact... You can promise them we will rebuild a Spirit World for them in the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field!”

Again, they looked at each other. This time, their excitement had turned to shock and envy.

Not long after the siblings withdrew, the fleet, already reduced to 16 large and medium Star Ships, saw another group split off. A single large Star Ship and four medium ones, personally led by the Cai siblings, left to do what Shang Xia commanded.

In a sealed cabin in the Spirit Ark, Shang Xia returned to find Wanggui. Its raspy voice came again. "If you had truly wished to save them, even if the Essence Yue World’s fall could not be stopped, you could have rescued far more. With your Arks, had you acted, you might even have carried off a fragment of their Essence World."

Unmoved by the accusation of hypocrisy, Shang Xia countered with a raised eyebrow, "Were you a Sage of the Essence Yue World?"

Wanggui was startled for a second before mumbling, "Of course not. Why do you ask?"

"Since you’re not, what business is it of yours how I act?"

"You...” For a moment, Wanggui was at a loss. Shang Xia ignored it and asked, "Most of the seals on this cabin are gone. If you cover yourself properly, you can walk out, stand on deck, and see the Floating Star Region."

Wanggui looked at him, still rasping with laughter. "No need to test me. Until we arrive at the Desolate Forbidden Region, I’ll stay here. After that, it won’t be too late to go out again."

Shang Xia glanced at him from the corner of his eye. "So... There are ways to restrain your mutation in the Desolate Forbidden Region?”

"That is my problem. You need only bring me there. Then our pact is fulfilled, and I’ll tell you everything I know, especially of the one who created Beast Warriors. Surely that is something you wish to know.”

Shang Xia neither confirmed nor denied. Instead, he said coldly, "What you should worry about is your lifespan. Even if the Desolate Forbidden Region holds a method to suppress your mutation, can it truly prolong your years?"

Wanggui smiled faintly. "I trust you hold longevity arts. But I have been another’s puppet before, and I’ll never be again. Even if your honor is beyond doubt, it makes no difference."

"So the one who controlled you was the very creator of Beast Warriors?" Shang Xia pressed.

Wanggui only smiled silently.

Shang Xia rose and walked out without looking back. "Remember what you said. We are arriving soon."

After he left, Wanggui’s smile faded. His cheek twitched, sprouts of flesh rising, only to smooth under his hand.

Eventually, he sighed wearily. "How enviable..."

Outside, Shang Xia paused, then chose not to reseal the entrance.

Passing the Giant Ape King’s cabin, he sensed its aura steady and continued on.

On reaching the bridge, Tian Mengzi was already waiting.

"Senior Brother Tian..." Shang Xia asked with a smile, "How far left to the Desolate Forbidden Region?"

"Don’t call me that!" Tian Mengzi laughed, waving his hand before reporting, "Both Hall Masters have entered seclusion. The Cai siblings have taken some men away, and though we follow Little Yuan’s course, our pace has slowed. According to our Stargazers, in two to three days, we should see the outline of the floating continent that holds the forbidden region."

Shang Xia did not answer at once. He gazed toward the void where the forbidden region lay, then said softly, "Tell everyone, when we see it, the fleet must not draw too near. Find a hidden place to anchor for a time. I have matters to attend to."