LRAB Chapter 98 The Crisis of Yelin City (1) - The Beast Tide
Chapter 98 The Crisis of Yelin City (1) - The Beast Tide
Qian Yuhan, Ouyang Luoxue, and the others strolled along the pedestrian street of the Yelin Lantern Festival. Mu Chen and Qian Yuhan suggested finding a place to grab a late-night snack before continuing their walk, and everyone agreed. Just then, the air raid siren of Yelin City sounded…
In an instant, the surrounding tourists visibly panicked. Han Xue, who was catching up with Baili Qian at the City Lord's Mansion, heard the city-wide alarm and hurriedly asked Baili Qian what was going on and what had happened. Baili Qian's wine glass clattered to the ground as he thought to himself, "Oh no! It's a beast tide alarm. We don't have time to catch up anymore. Junior, hurry to the lantern festival to find your students and protect them. I'm going to the city defense department now. We'll talk again later..." With that, Baili Qian vanished from the spot.
Han Xue and Baili Qian both graduated from the Spirit Hall Academy. Baili Qian is two years older than Han Xue and is her senior. When Han Xue studied at the Spirit Hall Academy, Baili Qian took great care of her. However, after graduation, Baili Qian returned to the Heaven Dou Empire to become a soldier, leading the army to defend his country. He achieved remarkable military exploits and a few years ago was transferred from the central government to his hometown, becoming the city lord of Yelin City. This was also due to consideration for the Spirit Hall's influence; he was sent back to guard the city. Therefore, Baili Qian is a legend in Yelin City. After decades of experience in battles large and small, and with his already exceptional talent, Baili Qian broke through to the Title Douluo level a few years ago, acquiring the title: Qiankun. He is highly valued by the Empire, wielding the Qiankun Twin Guns with unparalleled prowess.
Urged on by Baili Qian's urgent reminder, Han Xue dared not delay and sped towards the Yelin Lantern Festival at top speed. When she arrived at the iconic archway, the scene before her astonished her. The once bustling and lively crowd was now fleeing in all directions like a tidal wave, everyone's face filled with terror, constantly shouting, "The soul beasts are charging in!"
Despite the surging crowds, Han Xue was undeterred and resolutely pushed her way through the throng to the lantern festival. Upon entering, she saw many Soul Masters engaged in fierce battles with Soul Beasts. Han Xue quickly focused her gaze on these Soul Beasts, a sense of astonishment welling up within her.
Among the numerous soul beasts, a Thousand-Pound Ant, appearing to be only about 8000 years old, stood out remarkably. This ant was shrouded in a strange, blackish-red mist, its eyes a chilling blood-red, radiating a ferocious and savage aura. Even more astonishing was its attack power, which was comparable to that of a 3-year-old soul beast! The other soul beasts were similar to this Thousand-Pound Ant, possessing terrifying power far beyond their stage of development…
Gazing at the powerful spirit beasts, Han Xue clenched her right hand, and a long, deep red staff appeared in her grasp, densely engraved with dragon patterns. This was Han Xue's martial spirit: the Dragon Pattern Staff. As a Soul Douluo-level expert, she quickly helped those around her deal with the strange spirit beasts. She left immediately after the battle, her top priority being to find the children. Han Xue's heart clenched instantly. She silently prayed, "Yu Han, you absolutely cannot be hurt! You must be safe!" Muttering this, Han Xue ran anxiously, her steps never faltering, while simultaneously scanning her surroundings intently, leaving no corner unchecked, desperately searching for Qian Yu Han and the others. As time ticked by, Han Xue drew ever closer to the heart of the lantern festival…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Baili Qian arrived at the city defense command headquarters of Yelin City. The moment he stepped through the gates, all the relevant officials in the command headquarters straightened up and respectfully saluted him. However, Baili Qian merely waved his hand casually, his face serious and grave, and urgently asked, "No need for formalities, tell me quickly, what exactly happened to Yuxing? What is the current situation?"
Baili Qian's gaze quickly swept across the room, finally settling on a man sitting anxiously in front of a soul guidance screen. This man was Gu Yuxing. Hearing Baili Qian's question, he quickly stood up, walked briskly to Baili Qian, and answered nervously:
"My lord, the current situation is far from optimistic!"
Tell me more!
Baili Qian crossed his arms, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, staring intently at Gu Yuxing.
Gu Yuxing dared not delay for the slightest, and after taking a deep breath, he said:
"Sir, please come this way."
As he spoke, he stepped aside to make room for Baili Qian and gestured for him to come forward so that he could see the image displayed on the soul guidance screen more clearly.
Baili Qian strode forward and stared intently at the screen. On the screen, a series of breathtaking scenes were unfolding atop the towering, sturdy walls of Yelin City. Countless enormous, ferocious soul beasts were frantically attacking the walls, baring their fangs and claws, spewing forth raging flames or sharp frost, engaging in a desperate struggle with the defending soldiers. Under the beasts' fierce onslaught, the walls had already developed numerous cracks and were on the verge of collapse.
Baili Qian's face grew increasingly grim as he looked, his brows furrowed so tightly they seemed to trap a fly. He muttered to himself:
"If things continue like this, in at most half an hour, this city of Yelin will probably be breached by this bastard beast."
"My lord, ever since the beast tide alarm suddenly sounded, I immediately sent an emergency distress signal to the nearest First Border Defense Force. However, even if they rush to our aid, it's estimated that it will take them at least half an hour to arrive! My lord, what should we do next—"
Gu Yuxing said anxiously, his forehead already covered with fine beads of sweat.
Before he could finish speaking, Baili Qian, with a solemn expression, raised his right hand without hesitation and swung it sharply, interrupting Gu Yuxing.
"Hmm, you did very well. Tell me, how many Soul Masters are still remaining in our city defense forces?" Baili Qian's deep and authoritative voice echoed in the air.
Gu Yuxing was slightly taken aback, but quickly composed himself and replied, "Reporting to you, sir, according to preliminary statistics, we currently have approximately 8000 Soul Kings, 100 Soul Emperors, and about 10 Soul Saints. In addition, there are the city defense captains responsible for guarding the four city gates, as well as five Soul Douluos including myself, and of course, you, a powerful Title Douluo, are also here."
After listening to Gu Yuxing's report, Baili Qian frowned, his eyes becoming increasingly sharp. He knew that the situation was dire and time was of the essence, allowing no room for hesitation.
"Waiting here idly is not a solution. Immediately order the mobilization of all available Soul Masters to rush to the city wall, strengthen the defenses, and hold the line until reinforcements arrive! Remember, even if it's just to the last man, we must not let those ferocious monsters break through the city!" Baili Qian issued the order sternly.
"As ordered!"
Gu Yuxing dared not delay in the slightest and turned to relay the order. Just then, Baili Qian shouted again:
"Wait! Immediately activate the citywide broadcast system to inform the citizens of the current crisis, so that everyone can make appropriate protective preparations. At the same time, call on all citizens with soul power to spontaneously join the city defense operation!"
Upon receiving the order, Gu Yuxing moved swiftly to the control panel like a ghost. His hands danced like phantoms, executing a series of complex and precise operations with fluid grace and without hesitation.
Just then, Baili Qian took a deep breath and cleared his slightly hoarse throat. Then, he straightened his body and stared firmly at the huge soul-guided microphone in front of him.
"All soldiers defending the city! All brave and fearless Soul Masters! Listen to me!" His voice, transmitted through the Soul Guidance Microphone, resounded throughout the entire city of Yelin, clearly reaching the ears of everyone.
"Right now, our city of Yelin is facing an unprecedented beast tide crisis! The soul beasts are coming with overwhelming force, but please do not be afraid, for we are not fighting alone!" He paused briefly, then continued, "However, reinforcements will not arrive for another half hour. This half hour is crucial for us; it determines the life and death of this city and its millions of innocent inhabitants!"
At this point, Baili Qian's tone became increasingly impassioned. "Soul Masters within the city, look at your unarmed, defenseless loved ones! They tremble in fear and helplessness, hoping you will protect them from the soul beasts! And soldiers of Yelin City, think of the millions of civilians behind you. They are our brothers and sisters, our parents, our wives and children; they have entrusted their lives to us. How can we betray their trust?"
Finally, Baili Qian swung his arm and roared, "I, Baili Qian, implore everyone to fight alongside us against these damned beasts! Let us hold this line of defense and defend our homeland with our blood and courage! Even if we fight to the last man, we will fight those damned soul beasts to the death!!"
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I took some time to write this, friends. Happy New Year!!