This time, the sudden invasion of beasts along the coast came without any warning. However, there were unprecedented numbers of cultivators participating in the resistance, so the ending was equally unexpected. When all the sea beasts retreated back into the sea, with no signs of large-scale sea beasts coming ashore again, the Lord's Mansion and the Heavenly Sea Sect jointly announced that the sea beast tide had finally receded. The Heavenly Sea Sect expressed gratitude for the assistance of all parties and sent out many unique products from the sea area. Among them, Gu Yao and Chi Changye, who had made great contributions, received heavy thanks from the Heavenly Sea Sect.
After bidding farewell to the Heavenly Sea Sect, the group from Tianfu Academy also set off on their return journey, with the order to continue their mission upon returning to the academy.
The place defended by Tian Ru was relatively far away, with a long coastline, so they waited until the beast tide had receded before returning to the sect. Seeing Gu Yao and the others flying far away on their flying artifacts, Tian Ru turned around and sighed to her nephew, "I didn't expect him to come this far. I underestimated him. Without him, the beast tide wouldn't have receded so quickly, and the casualties of the Heavenly Sea Sect would have been much greater. He has done us a favor."
Although Tian Ru's mood was complicated, the person she used to look down upon had become a crucial figure who could turn the tide. But she, who successfully built the foundation among the group of cultivators, was not a person who couldn't admit her own mistakes.
Tian Feiyang smiled and said, "Aunt, it's normal to have little understanding of someone after only a few days of contact. I have known him for a much longer time, so I can see things differently."
Tian Ru understood that her nephew was trying to comfort her. She smiled and remembered something else, "Is Fei Rong's cultivation greatly improved now all because of Gu Yao? Do your parents know about this?" Seeing another nephew whose cultivation was not inferior to Tian Feiyang, whom she had always favored, made her doubt her own judgment once again.
Tian Feiyang hesitated for a moment and said, "They probably don't know. I'll tell them when I send a letter back next time."
Tian Feiyang had some suspicions in his heart. When he mentioned Fei Rong's cultivation to his second brother, he noticed a complex expression flash across his usually carefree face. He only said that Gu Yao had helped him, deliberately avoiding any further details. He didn't know what his second brother was keeping from him, and during their battles together, he sensed a faint pale blue flame power in his second brother's spiritual power, which had extraordinary power. Even he might not be able to withstand it in a direct confrontation. He didn't know what had happened to his second brother.
Tian Ru didn't think too much about it and said, "Well, you should let them know. It's a good thing. Your father will be happy to know that Fei Rong is doing so well. With you two brothers working together, maintaining the Tian family for another one or two hundred years won't be a problem."
She only knew that a nephew who used to have no ambition suddenly made progress, which was undoubtedly a good thing for the Tian family.
The beast tide has receded, but the top leadership of Tianhaimen has not been able to completely relax. The sudden beast tide, for unknown reasons, is like a sword hanging over their heads. If they don't figure it out, they won't know when it will fall again.
In the past, most of the beast tides had traces that could be found. However, this time, when people were sent to venture into the deep sea to investigate, they couldn't find the ultimate source.
Even the beast tide on land appeared inexplicably and retreated without any known reason.
"Could it be that someone or some demon is manipulating all of this?" a senior elder ventured to speculate.
"What is the purpose? What is the intention behind creating such a large-scale beast tide artificially?" someone questioned, not to refute the speculation, but to understand the situation better.
The sect master coughed lightly and said, "Stop arguing. Regardless of the reason, we must rely on evidence to speak. Until we find sufficient evidence, we will continue to investigate while strengthening patrols to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. The resources of the sect are relatively abundant this time. I have decided to reward the disciples who have performed outstandingly and let them grow as quickly as possible."
"Yes, we will follow the sect master's instructions."
"This time, many local people have been severely affected by the disaster. In my opinion, it would be better to send some disciples to investigate and absorb those children and youths with spiritual root qualifications into the sect. This can replenish the casualties among the disciples and they will also be more devoted to protecting this area in the future." someone suggested.
"I think it's feasible."
"I think so too. Let's do it this way." The sect master also agreed. They, like the local people, rely on the sea for food. Although it is dangerous here, the resources in the sea are abundant. Moreover, the places on land with abundant spiritual energy have long been divided up by various forces. If they forcefully want to get a share, they will only face a united front of various forces that will exclude and suppress them.
On the way back, everyone was very happy. They had gained a lot this time. Aside from the harvest of hunting sea beasts, the greatest fortune was that they obtained the Qingchen Pill, even though they were not the first to get it amongst other cultivators. When the news of the Qingchen Pill spread back, those students who did not participate in the resistance against the beast tide all tried to contact them, wanting to get the pill from them through back channels. No one paid attention to those guys and they just waited in line.
"I heard that Tianhaimen still hasn't found out the cause of the beast tide. They are the most familiar force in this sea area. If they can't find out, we have no way either." Jiang Yan said as he inquired about the situation. Gu Yao was refining pills, while others were more focused on battles. He, on the other hand, dealt with various people and had constant contact with Tianhaimen, so he knew some information.
"Perhaps we will be able to find out in a while. Whatever the reason, there will always be some traces left behind."
"Follow the vine and you will find the truth," Gu Yao optimistically said.
"Yes, Xiao Yao is right," Chi Changye mindlessly agreed, leaving Tian Feirong and Xiao Pangzi speechless.
Jiang Yan and Chi Changye exchanged a glance in mid-air, both believing that even if it was artificially created, all traces could not be completely erased. And even if they were erased, there would be another incident that would expose their tracks.
Two years ago, the disaster in Shijia, and now the beast tide two years later, both followed this pattern.
If it was truly artificial, the only thing they need to worry about now is Gu Yao's safety.
Originally, the beast tide wouldn't have ended so quickly, and the consequences wouldn't have been this severe. If they traced it back, it was Gu Yao's accidental release of the Qingchen Pill that caused the interruption of the plan. Would the mastermind spare Gu Yao?
Chi Changye didn't explain these speculations to Gu Yao, in order to keep her focused on alchemy and not be disturbed by external factors.
But at this moment, Chi Changye sensed something strange. He suddenly flew to the front of the artifact and observed for a while before waving his hand to stop.
"Brother Chi, what's wrong? Is someone daring enough to attack us on the way?" Lu Qiusheng swiftly approached Chi Changye, while Jiang Yan remained alert, looking ahead.
"Whether it is or not, I'll know with one sword." Chi Changye coldly drew out his own sword. The flying artifact came to a halt, and Jiang Yan commanded his men to open the shield. Chi Changye flew into the sky, overlooking the scene below. Immediately, he swung his sword down, with unstoppable momentum.
The people on the artifact couldn't see the exact sword movement, but at that moment, they only saw a flash of lightning crossing the sky. Chi Changye was enveloped in the lightning, and a tremendous sound of "boom" and "crack" followed. The scenery ahead shattered like transparent glass, scattering in all directions. Hidden within were cultivators who fell to the ground, coughing up blood. One emaciated elder looked at the cold-hearted Chi Changye in the sky, unable to believe that someone could break their formation with just one sword.
"What are you waiting for? Attack! Leave none of them alive!" The emaciated elder's voice was hoarse. He could not believe that even after Chi Changye unleashed such a powerful sword, there was still enough strength to withstand their attacks.
Many cultivators then emerged from the shadows, rushing towards the flying artifact suspended in mid-air. Lu Qiusheng cursed in anger, not believing that these audacious people would dare to talk big and claim they could capture them all. He threatened to kill them all.
However, before the people from the academy could fly out their magical weapons, several small jars flew out from the magical weapons, accompanied by a voice saying, "Brother Ye, break them and find a way to blow the wind down."
As soon as the voice ended, the jars burst open in mid-air, and the liquid inside them vaporized into gas upon contact with the air. A gust of wind swept up these strangely colored gases and flew towards the approaching unsightly figures.
"Not good, quickly hide! Hold your breath!"
Just by looking at the color of those gases, one could tell that they were poisonous, most likely highly toxic. Therefore, the skinny old man immediately issued a warning, but the gust of wind was extremely fast, and those who reacted slowly had already inhaled it. They immediately felt dizzy and fell straight down from the magical weapon, losing control of their spiritual power. They plummeted from high above, their bodies smashing into a pulp.
"Oh my god!" Lu Qiusheng witnessed this scene with his own eyes and uncontrollably swallowed his saliva. "What did Junior Brother Gu bring out? It's really scary, but is there any left? Leave some for Senior Brother as self-defense."
Although they were standing in front, they could still hear that the voice was indeed coming from Gu Yao, and besides him, who else could cooperate so seamlessly with Chi Changye?
"The detoxification pill is here, what are you waiting for?" Gu Yao took out a handful of pills excitedly, wanting to fly out from the magical weapon and cut down these obstructing thieves like slicing watermelons.
Everyone immediately snapped out of their stunned state and returned to normal. They hurriedly grabbed a pill each and flew out, leaving only the person controlling the magical weapon. As expected, following Gu Yao's description, it was just as easy as cutting watermelons to kill these obstructing thieves who couldn't escape in time. Only the withered old man and those who didn't rush out in time saw the unfavorable situation and ran away.
Chi Changye seized the opportunity and didn't chase after them, afraid that they had left a trap behind. He turned to look at Jiang Yan, realizing that they had guessed correctly. The beast tide that Tianhai Sect experienced was completely man-made, and it was very likely related to the mass murder case at the Shi Family.