Chapter 32: Marshal Tianpeng
An hour later, Bai Wei returned.
It was already deep into the night. Bai Wei recounted what he had overheard, believing the two would not continue their conversation. With his rich social experience from his previous life, Bai Wei was confident in his judgment, though Yang Dai felt that no one's ability to discern people could ever be absolutely accurate.
Yang Dai’s fate determined whether the shadow followers would be utterly destroyed. Instinctively, the shadow followers would consider Yang Dai’s safety. The fact that these two had evaded Bai Wei’s murderous intent suggested they were indeed not very cunning.
Bai Wei paused and said, “Their identities in the real world are not simple. If you spare them, you might benefit from it in the future. Without us, they would’ve been attacked by the pig monster at the riverside, as they discussed while fleeing.”
Yang Dai nodded with a smile, then stepped aside and released the black-haired pig monster.
A green light shot from his brow, quickly expanding into the black-haired pig monster, landing on the grass and appearing as a dark, hulking mass, almost like a small hill in the night.
The shadow followers gathered around. The black-haired pig monster remained docile, and in its small eyes, there was a hint of human-like confusion.
Liang Zixiao remarked, “This spirit beast has cultivated for at least a hundred years, not far from becoming a true demon—just a step away.”
Demons were divided into realms: spirit beasts, demons, great demons, and demon kings, corresponding to Gathering Qi, Heart Whirl, Spirit Illumination, and Void.
This meant the pig monster possessed the strength of the ninth level of Gathering Qi!
Yang Dai sized up the black-haired pig monster, which lowered its head and nudged him gently.
From this day forth, the black-haired pig monster would follow him.
Spirit beasts were so named because they differed from wild animals—having intelligence, but not yet able to speak.
Yang Dai said with a smile, “From now on, you will be Marshal Tianpeng.”
Marshal Tianpeng?
The black-haired pig monster seemed pleased, letting out a genuine grunt.
Yang Dai asked Liang Zixiao to spar with Marshal Tianpeng again. Marshal Tianpeng was eager, his wild nature unable to forget grudges.
Liang Zixiao sensed his battle intent and immediately drew his sword.
A fierce fight erupted!
The outcome was unexpected: Liang Zixiao lost.
After becoming a soul entity, Marshal Tianpeng’s strength soared—he feared neither death nor destruction, and Liang Zixiao’s spiritual power was insufficient to shatter such a massive spirit beast.
The resilience of shadow followers indeed boosted their power.
Thus, Yang Dai’s strongest shadow follower had changed.
Liang Zixiao was extremely frustrated, now harboring only one thought.
To break through to Heart Whirl as soon as possible!
He had actually been beaten by a pig!
After the excitement died down, Yang Dai gathered all his shadow followers into his soul space.
He withdrew from the deep realm.
Back in reality, Yang Dai lay down to rest.
He picked up the tablet by his bed and began browsing.
Soon, he sat upright.
The top trending topic on SkyNet: Beast Tide in Hanxi Province!
Yang Dai frowned. Though he was mentally prepared, he still felt nervous.
Since his rebirth, he had never faced such a disaster. From past news, beast tides posed grave threats to humanity. For an event to be labeled a beast tide, the number of monsters must be enormous—at the very least, villages and towns would be destroyed, at worst, entire nations would fall.
Small countries near the sea were at particular risk; beast tides on land could be detected, but those from the depths of the ocean often struck suddenly. A small Southeast Asian country had been eradicated by such a tide.
Yang Dai called his parents first, confirming their safety, then tried to contact Hu Li, who sounded busy on the call.
He picked up his tablet and walked to the window, gazing down. The base was ablaze with lights; soldiers were gathering in squads, helicopters were loading personnel, and he could see figures flying on swords—some entering, some leaving the base.
The tension of impending battle was palpable.
Yang Dai felt uneasy and began packing, though in truth, he had little to pack.
He stepped out of his room, intending to find Hu Li.
As soon as he exited the building, two soldiers hurried over.
“Yang Dai, where are you going?” one asked nervously.
There was surveillance at Yang Dai’s door, monitored constantly to ensure his safety, so as soon as he stepped out, they noticed.
Yang Dai replied, “I’m looking for Director Hu. I want to apply to return home. If my city faces the beast tide, I’ll help.”
The two soldiers exchanged glances. One said, “Alright, we’ll take you to Director Hu. Follow us.”
They dared not let Yang Dai go alone; if he got lost, they’d bear the blame.
Yang Dai nodded, not making things difficult.
They set off immediately.
After less than a hundred meters, Yang Dai saw Zhou Xingma, leaning on a cane, standing by the roadside, looking around.
Yang Dai nodded politely to him.
Zhou Xingma was startled, instinctively raising his hand, but Yang Dai had already walked on.
...
In front of the director’s office, a soldier knocked on the door. Hu Li’s voice came from inside: “Come in.”
The soldier opened the door, gesturing for Yang Dai to enter, while they waited outside.
Yang Dai took a deep breath. He had already prepared his words on the way, determined to persuade Hu Li.
If his family suffered in the beast tide while he hid away, he’d be haunted by guilt for life.
Hu Li sat behind his desk, working on his computer. Without looking up, he spoke: “This beast tide is the most severe in three years. There’s a high chance of great demons appearing—equivalent to the Spirit Illumination realm monsters—and not just one. The types include land and sky, and cities near the western border of Hanxi Province may all fall. Feng City isn’t right on the border, but it’s close; the beast tide may reach it. Even if the Intelligence Bureau asks the Combat Bureau to give you special protection, you’ll still face danger.”
Hu Li looked up at Yang Dai, his sharp gaze a stark contrast to his usual cheerful demeanor.
“So, are you sure you want to return?”
Yang Dai replied solemnly, “Yes, I must.”
Hu Li said, “Do your best to protect yourself. Don’t worry too much; residents in the border cities have already begun evacuating. The Intelligence Bureau will predict the defense situation. If it looks like the border cities can’t hold, people in the nearest cities will also evacuate. Your task should be to protect the evacuation of civilians.”
Yang Dai nodded.
Hu Li thought for a moment. “I’ll assemble a temporary combat squad for you. Let me make a call.”
Yang Dai replied, “I don’t need it, Director Hu—you understand.”
Hu Li frowned.
Yang Dai added helplessly, “Too many people would only get in the way.”
“Fine, I’ll arrange a car for you at dawn. Now go back and rest!” Hu Li waved him away impatiently.
Yang Dai chuckled and left.
That night, a base staff member visited Yang Dai, delivering a storage pouch containing three bottles of healing pills and a sword.
Yang Dai was quite satisfied with Hu Li’s efficiency.
He lay on his bed, continuing to check updates about the beast tide online. The live broadcast of the event continued into the night, with reporters changing shifts.
It was now three in the morning. The broadcast echoed with the roars of monstrous beasts, the camera focused on the dim forest, creating an eerie atmosphere. Yang Dai could clearly see the reporter’s hand trembling as he gripped the microphone.