Chapter 0117: The Hyenawolves

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The alarm bell hanging on the wooden wall rang out instantly, its sound echoing throughout the entire village.

It was already dawn, and many villagers had begun to stir. Some early risers were already preparing firewood, stoking the flames, boiling water in anticipation of the others waking.

As the alarm bell rang, countless villagers jolted awake.

The village still lacked sufficient housing, so multiple people shared each building—of course, with the same gender. Men with men, women with women. This arrangement had been accepted by everyone, understanding the circumstances. Rather than complaining, people appreciated the companionship—chatting before bed, and even helping each other solve cultivation problems.

This mutual support had become one of the main reasons for the harmonious atmosphere in the village.

Now, hearing the alarm, they sprang from their beds with swift movements, dressed quickly, grabbed their weapons—wooden clubs, sticks—and dashed outside, eyes filled with alertness and ferocity.

"It's the alarm. Something's up again. Either wild beasts attacking the village or some monster is approaching."

"Let's go, Old Zhao. Let's get to the wall. We're not helpless anymore. I could beat ten of the old me now."

"Yeah! We've got strength now. Time to kill some beasts. Any monster bold enough to come at us today—I'm having it for breakfast. Beast meat boosts strength and cultivation. It's full of essence!"

One man bared yellowed teeth, his eyes gleaming with battle-hardened excitement.

There was no longer much fear of beasts. Instead, a sense of savagery—if a beast dared approach, they'd kill it and eat it. That spirit, that will, was something ordinary civilians simply didn't have.

It had been forged in battle after battle against wild beasts and monsters.

People raised in comfort couldn't compare to those who had fought for survival in blood and fire. Their temperament, aura, and courage were completely different.

Even the newcomers from the Yang family village were infected by this spirit. Seeing the confidence of those around them, their own hearts surged with courage, ready to fight.

"Let's go! We can't rely solely on the soldiers to protect our lives. The Village Chief said it before: If you're not afraid of death, there's nothing to fear from beasts. Just wild beasts—I've killed some before."

A growing number of villagers, fierce expressions on their faces, headed toward the wall.

Their aura of savagery was palpable.

This scene, when seen by newer villagers—especially the women—sparked curiosity and admiration.

"Nothing strange here, little sister. Our Xuánhuáng Village isn't easy to bully. Every man here's got guts. If you're looking for someone to marry, look for a man like this—you won't regret it."

"Yeah! That Zhao girl and Brother Qi seem to be hitting it off. He saved her life during a beast attack. Now they're inseparable. Looks like we'll have a wedding soon!"

The women and children were also up, though they stayed back to cook and prepare meals. Some headed to the river to catch man-eating fish. Though their numbers had dwindled, there were still enough for daily meals.

The fish could be hunted to extinction if necessary, but no one had the heart for that—everyone wanted to drink fish soup every day.

"The alarm ringing at this time… something serious must be happening."

Yi Tianxing, who had just completed another night of secluded cultivation, opened his eyes. Light flickered in his gaze, then settled. The Yang Linking Vessel (阳维脉) within him had been nearly fully nourished the previous night. To improve efficiency, he had used not only his blood and energy but also his condensed True Dragon Qi (真龙之气) to accelerate the process.

Now, the Yang Linking Vessel had become the same size as his other meridians, its channels shimmering like white jade, engraved with mysterious dragon-shaped patterns.

Part of the Twelve Principal Meridians had been connected and integrated.

With this, he was ready to begin opening the second of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

This level of cultivation speed was astonishing even among cultivators.

Ordinary villagers were still at the first level of the Divine Sea Realm (神海境第一重), slowly nourishing their True Qi. That was with the benefit of beast meat—without it, progress would be even slower.

The military soldiers had mostly reached the second level, thanks to cultivation techniques tailored for them. As long as they kept fighting, the fiendish energy they accumulated could be refined into True Qi.

However, from this point onward, differences in talent and battle strength would become increasingly evident.

"Master."

Cao Zhengchun was already waiting respectfully outside.

"Let's go take a look."

Yi Tianxing nodded. He had to admit—Cao Zhengchun's considerate and efficient service made things very comfortable.

Without further words, Cao Zhengchun followed closely behind.

The village response was fast.

Almost the moment the alarm rang, Xuánhuáng Village awakened like a lion from slumber. Troops flooded to the wall. Yang Ye and his son were already in place. Archers stood ready, bows drawn, aiming outward with cold, focused gazes. Drawing the bow had become second nature after advancing in cultivation. Speed, strength—everything had transformed.

Many villagers had also come to the wall.

Their gazes were fierce.

"Dahu, you were on watch. What's going on?"

Yi Tianxing stepped up to the wall and asked.

"My lord, look outside."

Wang Dahu pointed beyond the village.

"Someone's found this place. Judging from their condition, they've been through hell."

Yi Tianxing looked out.

At the valley entrance, hundreds of men and women—more like refugees—were rushing toward Xuánhuáng Village in panic. Each bore wounds, bleeding heavily.

"They likely suffered a terrible ordeal. Still, we must remain cautious. This could be a trap. But we can't just ignore them either. I suggest opening the gates and sending General Wang with troops for protection—both to defend and to handle any emergencies," suggested Huang Chengyan calmly.

"Dahu, go open the gates and bring them in."

Yi Tianxing agreed with a nod.

"Yes, my lord."

Wang Dahu gave a quick salute and led a team down the wall.

"It really is a village!"

"Help us! Please! Beasts—monsters—are chasing us!"

"We're Han! We're from the Central Plains—descendants of Yan and Huang!"

As the refugees neared the towering wooden walls and saw the soldiers above, their eyes filled with hope. They cried out loudly.

They could tell—this wasn't Xiongnu or foreign barbarians. These were their people, true descendants of the Yellow Emperor.

Click!

The gates opened swiftly. Wang Dahu and his men rushed out.

"Everyone, come inside! You're safe now! Here in Xuánhuáng Village, there's no need to live in fear. Hot soup and water await. Come—quickly!"

"Thank the heavens—we're safe…"

"Poor Miss Zhong… you didn't make it…"

"Be careful, generals! Beasts are chasing us—we stirred them when we fled. They'll be right behind us!"

"There were Xiongnu too—we don't know if they followed!"

Tears streamed down many faces. Some collapsed, having pushed beyond their limits. Their bodies and minds could endure no more.

Wang Dahu wasted no time. With his soldiers, he helped everyone inside.

Then the gate slammed shut once more.

The words "Xuanhuang Village" exuded an indomitable aura, like a fortress of unyielding resolve.

RUMBLE!

From the valley entrance came a thunderous roar. The sound of chaotic footsteps rapidly approached.

A horde of terrifying creatures burst into view.

They looked feral—like twisted fusions of hyenas and wolves, with snarling muzzles, razor fangs, and savage eyes.

These were no ordinary beasts—they were monsters, warped and vicious.

Not just a handful—over a thousand, charging at terrifying speed.