To be the very Best

The last eight days had been very entertaining for Fang Shi as the negotiations between the humans and spiritual beast had caused two changes to occur: the first was a kilometer wide path between Tianbao fortress and his store that was designated as a 'safe' path for cultivators to use to travel, and the second was an agreement that customers could only enter in pairs. Anytime a cultivator or beast wished to shop, each side would pair them together so that there was no advantage. Also the strength of the guests were taken into consideration, and only pairs of relative power could enter together.

The day after Fang Shi had stopped the battle, all five of the protectors and the five Ancestral beasts arrived early in the morning. As a Qi Gathering realm cultivator, he had a reduced need for sleep but he was still in bed when they arrived. After receiving a message from the system, he quickly rose and went to the front gate to greet them.

"Good morning", he said as he slightly bowed to the ten people standing in front of the gate, "If I had known your arrival would be so early, I would've been to receive you."

Fang Shi watched as half his audience kept smiles on their faces, while the other half seemed upset. The three protectors who hadn't participated in the battle, the hawk named Feng Lei Yu, and the lynx named Jing Zhao were staring at him as if they could have burned a hole through him just by willing it. The two spirit beasts had no intention of attacking him, but he wasn't so sure about the human cultivators.

"Please follow me so I can introduce my wares to the honored seniors", Fang Shi said as he walked forward.

Much like the cultivators in Blue Moon city, the humans gravitated towards the commerce hall, the public bath, and the cultivation hall as they were attracted to the pills, artifacts, formations, and talismans sold, the spirit water used to bathe, and the strange pods used to cultivate. On the other hand, the spiritu beast were instantly attracted to the restaurant, tea house, and lounge where the fresh food and drink caught their attention. Protectors Jin and Lei made private inquiries about the artifacts used to capture them but Fang Shi only shook his head.

"After the battle was prevented, my master took back the artifacts", he told the group, "I'm afraid he doesn't wish to sell this particular item. That aside, can I interest the seniors in an artifact my master has created himself call the 'Tianmu'."

Fang Shi pulled out his jade communication artifact, and started demonstrating what it could do.

"If you live close to the store, you can use this item without needing anything else", Fang Shi informed the leaders, "Unfortunately for the fortress city, you're too far. To be able to fully use all the functions of this artifact, you will need to purchase and install additional artifacts. The good news is you would've needed to purchase these artifacts anyways if you had plans to buy the cultivation pod artifacts."

"Are these cultivation 'pods' dangerous?", Tie E asked.

"You don't need to worry, Senior", Fang Shi replied, "My master is grandmaster in arrays and formations. It is true that when you're in the pod it feels like you've entered a secret realm and all sensations can be felt, but it's specifically designed so that anyone using it will not suffer any form of backlash or deviation. There are several hundred of these artifacts in use at my store's other location, and three years later not one guests has had their cultivation affected."

Naturally, Fang Shi led the group to the cultivation hall where they had the opportunity to use the cultivation pods, and in returned he received positive feedback. The only complaint he overheard was that the spiritual beasts were disappointed that they could only be in their human form, and not their original form. Once all the leaders finished their tour, they gave their approval for their subordinates' entry, and the new store finally experienced its first busy day since he opened it.

The next seven days following the first were almost the same. All five of the leaders couldn't spend all day in the store, so one or two of them would go as the others would return to their territory to continue to manage it. There was an incident on the third day where an arrogant cultivator tried to harass several spiritual beasts, but Fang Shi quickly removed the nuisance and banned him for seven days. When Protector Mei heard of the event, she tried to get Fang Shi to escort the spiritual beast out of the store as well, 'To keep the numbers fair'.

"Senior Mei", he countered, "You don't establish rules in this shop, and as a merchant, I would never send anyone out who is following the rules of the store. I don't control the agreement that the two sides made outside my territory, but don't try coming in here thinking I care about how you want things ran. If you don't like it, you don't have to visit here anymore."

Protector Mei was upset to be admonished by such a low level cultivator that she forgot herself. Several minutes later, she had also been removed from the store, and she regretted her actions as her vision was full of fog when she looked at where the store was. What was worse was how embarrassed she was when she returned to fortress city, and reported the incident to the others. Unfortunately her seven day ban also caused the competition between the two sides to be delayed.

Seven days passed, and that morning all the leaders arrived early ready to fight. To make things easier, Fang Shi had reserved ten pods in one area to keep them isolated from the other guests. Soon, they were led to pods, where they all entered.

Fang Shi was sitting in a big, comfortable seat that had a great view of the arena. This arena was bigger than any stadium he had seen in his past life. The center arena was approximately fifty kilometers in diameter and was made up of several terrains. There were forests of pine trees, bamboo forest, rocky hills, and a large lake. Surrounding the arena was seats that had large light screens positioned to give the audience a good view of the contestants. Soon, massive amounts of cultivators entered through the outer doors of the stands, and the seats began to fill up. These were mostly customers from Blue Moon city where Fang Shi had the puppet dressed liked him advertise the battle in the store. Next, cultivators and spiritual beasts from Tianbao and the wilderness started to find seats. The beasts mostly grouped together feeling uncomfortable when they saw even more cultivators from a different city. The residents of the two cities became curious, and soon they were conversing with each other as they questioned each other about their cities, sects, and cultivation.

Before the audience could get too committed to learning about each other, an annoucer began to speak, "Cultivators, fairies, and spirit beast from across the continent. I welcome you to today's event in which the five protectors of Tianbao fortress city face the five ancestral spirit beasts of the Evernight wilds. The fight was proposed by Owner Fang Shi to demonstrate how humans and spirit beasts can settle their differences, without causing damage to the environment or large scale fatalities. All the participants are at the Nascent Soul realm or it's equivalent, so even if the audience doesn't understand what's happening, we hope you can still comprehend something. The battle is set to begin in an hour, so please enjoy a performance by the Hong sisters!"

The light screens activated showing a stage near Fang Shi's personal room, and the three Hong sisters appeared with their band. The musicians played their instruments as the three women danced and sang some of the crowd favorite songs, and sometimes sang a brand new song that hadn't been heard yet. By the end of the hour, the protectors of the city, and the masters of the forest were standing at door waiting for the match to begin.

"Everyone please show your appreciation for the Hong sisters", the announcer said as the three women bowed, "It is now time for what you came for, the battle that would never happen unless something disastrous happened. To the east, they are the Nascent Soul protectors of the fortress city of Tianbao. Please welcome Protector Jin Tianxuan of the Heaven Forge sect, Protector Mei Lihua of the Verdant Soul Pavilion, Protector Lei Huang of the Thunderheart Clan, Protector Xu Ling of the Shadow Veil sect, and Protector Shui Ya of the Crimson Tide sect."

As their names where called, the five powerful cultivators walked out and got their first look of the arena.

"Their opponent are Ancestral spiritual beasts who have occupied the Evernight forest in the wilderness of the north for several centuries", the voice announced, "For the purpose of this fight, the master of the pavilion has added a new function that will allow the spirit beasts to transform between their animal and human forms. Please welcome Jing Zhao, or better known as Whisperclaw of the Duskwind lynx clan, Gu Lin Wang or Elder Grove of the Timberhorn herd, Feng Lei Yu or Stormfeather of the Stormcloud Hawks, Tie E or Ironclaw of the Stonehide Den, and finally, Han Sha or the Winter Veil of the Sbowshade fox tribe."

The light screen displayed the entrance of all the combatants as they proudly walked through the hallway connecting the arena to the preparation rooms.

"Now that both sides are ready, we will start the show", the announcer told the crowd, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Start!"

The barrier that stood between the inner arena and the stand slightly shifted as formations activated to prevent outsiders from helping or disturbing the fight. The protectors split into two groups as Lei Huang and Jin Tianxuan headed towards a snowy plain, and the other three stayed together and left for the forest. On the other side to the amazement of the viewers, the five beasts changed from their human forms into beasts. Han Sha decided to head to the plains, Feng Lei Yu took to the air, Tie E and Jing Zhao chose the forest, and Gu Lin Wang went to the rocky mountainous area.

"Protectors Jin and Lei slowly make their way across the plains, cognizant that dangers could still lurk beneath the snow", the announcer narrated the action, "Oh! Han Sha, the white fox burst from behind them, but Jin Tianxuan was quick to counter with his sword. The sword cut through so easily…it's an illusion! Another fox strikes at the pair from the side! Even though she is at a disadvantage of two against one, the winter veil is living up to her name and keeping both cultivators on their toes."

The audience began to cheer now that the action had begun as they watched the light screens.

A flash of light was seen next to Lei Huang, "That was close as Feng Lei Yu came from the clouds, and almost landed a hit on Protector Lei", the broadcast articulated, "Feng Lei Yu is back in the clouds, and the protectors have pulled out their artifacts and talismans to respond to the added threat."

Another light screen appeared next to the first and the other three protectors were shown making their way through the woods. Each one had a weapon in their hands, when a tree 20 meters in height flew at them.

"In the forest area, despite being outnumbered, Tie E launches an attack at the protectors", the crowd heard, "How clever! Jing Zhao used the tree shadow to close in on the trio without them knowing, and Protector Shui is injured."

The spirit beasts in the stands cheered, but only for a moment.

"Instead of panicking, Protector Xu leaps into the shadows chasing after Jing Zhao", the announcer said, "Also Tie E is in trouble as Protector Mei cast a spell causing the tree roots to trap the bear. Protector Shui looks to retaliate as she conjures fire using both hands. Tie E is doing his best to avoid the fire spell of the protector as he uses his immense strength to rip the trees out of the ground."

Shui Yan launched the fire spell at Tie E since it was still somewhat entangled by Mei Lihua's spell when something happened.

"Jing Zhao just left a shadow near Tie E and using his claws, he shredded the roots holding the bear in place. Wait, Protector Xu is also there, but it's too late. They all are in danger from Protector Shui's spell", the crowd got excited from the captivating narration provided.

The image on the light screen burst in sudden brilliance as the fire spell exploded. After a few a moments the screen returned to its previous clarity, and the audience saw that Jing Zhao and Protector Xu laid covered in wounds unmoving.

"Tie E survived!", the viewers heard, "Even to he had been wounded, he used the force of the blast to land near Protector Mei. She hasn't realized what happened, and Tie E had landed a fatal blow on the opponent."

Shui Yan heard the spirit beast attack her acquaintance, and quickly fired two more spells at the giant brown bear.

"That's it", the announcer confirmed, "With that last attack the first combat had ended with both sides losing two of there members. As Protector Shui sits to recover we will now go back to the plains."

Everyone shifted their attention back to the first duel where not much progress had been made.

"Han Sha and Feng Lei Yu have used their speed and abilities to stay out of danger so far", everyone heard, "But how much longer can this go on for, and who will make the first mistake?"

Feng Lei Yu turned to make her next dive towards Lei Huang, and commence to fold her wing once her trajectory was set.

"Feng Lei Yu seem to be using the same strategy over and over again, and the only reason the protectors haven't stopped her is her speed", the announcer theorized, "That was strange, Feng Lei Yu unfolded her left side for just a moment and is now got Protector Jin in her sights. Han Sha has also jumped towards Protector Jin catching him in a pincer attack."

The audience watched as Jin Tianxuan used a profound movement technique, and afterwards landed farther away from Lei Huang. Just as Han Sha was about to leap back into the snow, a powerful bolt struck her.

"It's the real body!", the voice announcing sounded shock, "I can't believe it, Han Sha had three tails showing but Protector Lei was able to distinguish the true body. Protector Jin waste no time stabbing the fox to make sure she can no longer threaten them. Oh no, in her last moments, Han Sha used Yin fire on Protector Jin and the mighty artisan is down. Unlike Yang fire that burns the body, Yin fire burns the soul meaning he is done for the battle."

As Lei Huang watched Jin Tianxuan die, Feng Lei Yu used the opportunity to attack the former. Using her bloodline to command the wind, her flying speed tripled. Lei Huang pulled his spear, and cycled his Qi as he used lightning to attack.

"This is amazing", the crowd watched as the announcer spoke, "Everytime Protector Lei attacks, Feng Lei Yu dodges by the smallest margin. Protector Lei used two spells this time, and Feng Lei Yu wasn't ready. She's hit but the damage wasn't enough to finish the job as the hawk spears into Protector Lei head first. Both of them are on the ground now from the impact of the collision. But wait, Protector is standing up holding the body of Feng Lei Yu."

The crowd watched at Lei Huang dropped the hawk's corpse before looking down at his abdomen. Blood was pouring out from the spot Feng Lei Yu had targeted, and he felt weak as he realized his dantian was broken. After a few minutes, Lei Huang sat down in the snow as he bled out and could no longer stand.

"Mutual destruction as Feng Lei Yu risked it all to attack Protector Lei", the announcer informed the viewers, "With each losing two more members, the match can only be decided by Gu Lin Wang or Protector Shui. She is still in the forest trying heal, but where's the elder deer?"

The screens that we're tracking the battle in plains change back to Shui Yan as she healed with her eyes closed. At first, nothing seemed different but after a few minutes it became very apparent that plants were growing around her.

"In a reversal of situations, Protector Shui is now restricted by plants", the announcer said, "She seemed accepting of this ability when it was her team member using it, but I highly doubt she feels that way now."

Near Shui Yan's location was the crater from her earlier attack, but now when looked she saw the giant deer standing on the other side of the crater's ledge. Without a signal, Elder Grove charged towards the captured cultivator, lowering his horns in preparation to strike.

"No mercy from Elder Grove as he rushes towards victory", the crowds roared as they watched, "But Protector Shui doesn't have the look of someone who has given up. It appears as she is charging massive amounts of power in her hands"

When Shui Yan judged Elder Grove to be close enough, she had a small flame flare up and burn the vine holding her wrist. As soon as the vine broke, she felt a painful sensation in her torso and multiple points from the deer's horns pierced her. Fighting through the pain, she clapped her hands together and could feel nothing afterwards.

"WOW!", all the guests exclaimed.

A giant fireball didn't need to be viewed with the light screens as everyone in the stands could physically see the explosion themselves. Parts of the formations protecting the audience activated to block the attack, though the members of the crowd sitting there were still shocked seeing it close.

"As all the combatants for both sides can no longer battle", Fang Shi took over the announcements, "The battle is a draw."

He felt good with this result because it should encourage humans and beasts to continue to cooperate when it came to the store. Another thing put him in a good mood, and that was that he just received the notification that the task was considered completed.

With the battle over, Fang Shi spoke with all the leaders before heading back to his room. Once inside, he opened the system panel and looked at the tasks panel:

[War? What is it good for?

Stop the latest conflict between the humans and spiritual beasts (Completed)

Reward: Due to the owner's dedication, there were no fatalities for either side. The system deems a reward for this accomplishment and a bonus.

Spiritbound - a game will be added to the adventure category of the cultivation assistance artifact. It can be played by one player or two, but the two player mode must be a human and a spirit beast user.

Bonus - Spiritual beasts can use both forms in all modes from now on. In Monster Slayer, they can ever take the role of a hunted monster and battle against hunter teams.]