Chapter 286 - Total Collapse

Chapter 286: Chapter 41 Total Collapse"The Sea People’s invasion came without warning, and within a single day, half of the Empire’s territories were submerged under the merciless sea. The endless waters continued to rise ruthlessly, swallowing the lands of the Human Race.

By the next morning, the Empire’s two grand legions, hidden from the world for ten thousand years, arrived at the Continent of God’s Grace via the Unfallen Throne.

They were the Empire’s most powerful forces, the immortal legions forged by the complete commitment of the Prolo and Xaher families. Each soldier in these legions possessed the strength of the Third Transition Early Stage, a true Third Transition legion. Although the two Commanders of the legions were not quite at the level of the Tower Master, they were not far behind.

What’s more, the most critical issue was their identity—they were all citizens of God’s Grace. It was known that even if warriors were summoned from other planes to aid God’s Grace, no matter what, they would suffer from the natural suppression of the higher planes and experience a decrease in strength by one or two tiers, severely diminishing their combat effectiveness. However, these two legions were completely unrestricted.

The Sea People’s originally overwhelming attack was cut in half upon the arrival of these two legions. The previously unbridled Sea People finally tasted the power of humanity as three million of their vanguard troops perished on the mainland, burned to ashes by a great fire.

Nathias and many other powerful beings fought fiercely against a group of Human Race warriors for seven days and seven nights, ending with both sides severely damaged. The Sea People temporarily halted their advance, while the Empire gained a moment to breathe.

But Konstantin knew that there wasn’t much time left. The sea was boundless, and there were too many hidden Sea People. Moreover, with the release of the Extreme Demon Abyss, all creatures with Demon Beast attributes would have their strength enhanced by the Demonic Qi in the coming days, including the Sea People, making the war even more difficult.

Every surge of the waves brought millions of Sea People warriors, constantly sent to the frontlines. Caesar’s expression was grave, standing with Nightingale and Kuang Shi on either side, both looking extremely weak.

"Konstantin has made a foolish decision," Caesar said gravely, "The Demon-Slaying and Demon-Hunting legions should not have been released from the Extreme Demon Abyss!"

"Master, why have I never heard of these two legions before?" asked Kuang Shi curiously.

Now that these two legions had appeared, Caesar saw no need for secrecy anymore: "These are the final trump cards of the Xaher and Prolo families, initially created to protect the Human Race from the threat of Demon Beasts."

"At the dawn of the Human Race’s nation-building, Demon Beasts were far more powerful than their human counterparts at the same level. Through continual investigation, our human ancestors discovered that they were receiving empowerment from a place called the Extreme Demon Abyss. This rift abyss could emanate Demonic Qi that enhanced the strength of Demon Beasts. In order to suppress it, the Human Race spared no expense, gathering powerful beings to contain it. The Extreme Demon Abyss also produced a constant stream of beast tides from within, so fresh blood had to be continuously fed into it to prevent the abyss’s influence over the Demon Beasts within the Star Sea. Such suppression has lasted until today."

"Isn’t the return of these people from the Extreme Demon Abyss to God’s Grace a good thing? The two great legions are powerful, and with the cooperation of the Empire, counterattacking the Sea People is not impossible," Nightingale said. "Had they not returned, the Empire would likely have been annihilated within three months."

"Let’s hope so," Caesar knew that these two legions had always been self-governing; the Empire’s control over them was in name only. They had long wanted to return to God’s Grace, but the transportation formation was always in the hands of the Empire. This time, their willingness to help fend off the Sea People must have involved some agreement. These lunatics released from the Extreme Demon Abyss, once unrestrained, would ultimately become a new threat.

Five days later, the Sea People’s second wave of troops reached the mainland. Having gauged the strength of the Human Race, the Sea People sent out their powerful warriors, dealing devastating strikes to the Empire’s hastily constructed defense lines. With aid from various planes, the two grand legions fought as they retreated, with two-thirds of the Empire’s territory falling into the hands of the Sea People. The Northern Border completely perished, sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

The Sea People’s momentum was unstoppable, and their confidence skyrocketed. At the critical moment of destroying the Empire, they directed the seas to surge against the Snowy Region, and the battlefront shifted northward. In their eyes, if the Human Empire was nothing much to speak of, then the Snowy Region would not be much stronger; taking down the Snow Clan would equally be a piece of cake.

As the Empire moved towards its end within a week, how could Bu Sheng not be prepared? The Snow Clan struck back fiercely the moment the Sea People invaded. With ice magic as their forte, the Snow Clan had a certain advantage against the Sea People. Moreover, unlike the Human Race, which saw their Tower Master tricked, the Snow Clan had no such occurrence. With a strong foundation and all their powerful beings dispatched, they routed the Sea People’s army. Bu Sheng ordered to press the victory and ventured once more into Hanguguan Pass, fulfilling the millennium-long wish of the Snow Clan Great Emperor by reclaiming the ancestral lands.

Huh?

The beaten Sea People were enraged. As the Sea People’s council convened, attacking the Snow Clan became their top priority. They mustered all their military might and waged a monumental battle against the Snowy Region. The war continued for over two months, culminating in a resounding defeat for the Snowy Region. Bu Sheng dragged back the body of his ancestor as they fled to the Imperial City.

Although the Snowy Region was defeated, the Sea People did not have it easy either; they lost tens of millions of troops, with innumerable powerful fighters perishing.

"Father King."

In the grand hall of the Beastman Empire, the Golden Lion knelt on one knee.

"My son, rise and speak," Tai’e’s tone was gentle, "I have summoned you to discuss the matter of dispatching troops."

The Golden Lion looked around at the assembly of Clan Leaders and ministers from various factions, understanding Tai’e’s intentions. He then said, "In my opinion, this is not the best time to send out our troops."

"Prince Zhen Luo, the Sea People are allies of our Beastman Empire. They have begun a full-scale assault, and if we do not deploy our troops for a punitive expedition, wouldn’t it damage the reputation of our Beastman Empire?"

Looking at the Clan Leader who was the first to speak out of turn, the Golden Lion said indifferently, "During the battle in the Endless Forest back then, did the Sea Tribe provide us any support when they didn’t dispatch troops to the Continent of God’s Grace?"

At this time, another Beastman Clan Leader stood up and said, "But Your Highness, times have changed. This is a war on the continent of God’s Grace itself. The Sea Tribe has instantly taken half the territory of the Human Empire. If we do not send troops to conquer again, wouldn’t these territories fall into the hands of the Sea Tribe? The Human Empire’s morale is low now – once we send troops we can surely destroy the Human Empire. If we don’t send troops now, we might miss out on any benefits!"

"Benefits?" The Golden Lion scoffed coldly, "The Sea Tribe is foolish and dares to attack both the Snowy Region and the Sacred Empire at the same time. They are courting death. Do you not have a brain either?"

"This..." The Beastman Clan Leader, having been scolded by the Golden Lion, replied somewhat unfriendly, "What do you mean by this, Your Highness? Are you suggesting we should wait until the Sea Tribe conquers both the Snowy Region and the Sacred Empire before we make a move? By then, won’t it be too late?"

"Not too late. At that time, it would be just right," the Golden Lion said gravely. "The Sea Tribe is arrogant. Can’t you see the big picture? They have now offended two major powers. Next, they will have to face almost half of the Star Sea. Even if they are strong, they will ultimately be defeated."

Seeing a group of Clan Leaders wanting to rebut, the Golden Lion continued, "I know what you mean. If we cooperate with the Sea Tribe now, the Snowy Region and the Human Empire are destined to fall. But have you thought about what comes after that?"

"What comes after that?" The Clan Leaders were all taken aback.

"Heh." The Golden Lion sneered, "Once those two powers are gone, the Beastman Empire and the Sea Tribe will share a border. By then, there will only be two major powers left on the Continent of God’s Grace, the Sea Tribe and us. Do you really think this land can sustain two tigers?"

After listening to the Golden Lion’s explanation, Tai’e also nodded in satisfaction and straightened up his lazy posture to say, "King Zhen Luo is right. Once the two powers are gone, the alliance between the Sea Tribe and our Beastman Empire will dissolve. Inevitably, we will face a battle with them. Gentlemen, do you think our Beastman Empire is stronger, or is it the Sea Tribe who flattened the two forces in less than a month more formidable?"

"This..."

The question from Tai’e left them unable to respond. They had to admit the prowess of an enemy who could defeat both the Snowy Region and the Sacred Empire all at once. If the Beastman Empire were to face the Sea Tribe alone, the probability of defeat would be too great.

Seeing the silence fall over the court, Tai’e nodded in satisfaction, "Very good. I’m pleased that there are no fools in my empire. I know you are looking out for the empire’s interests, but do not be hasty. We should wait until the Sea Tribe is worn down. That will be our time to move, and then we can defeat the Sea Tribe, seize control of the entire Continent of God’s Grace, and restore the Beastman Empire to its Ancient Era glory!"

Tai’e’s words deeply excited all his subjects, who knelt down and worshiped, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!"

Feeling the Golden Lion’s gaze, Tai’e nodded slightly, and the two left the grand hall, entering the study in the side hall one after the other.

"Father." The Golden Lion bowed slightly; this wasn’t the grand hall, and Tai’e wasn’t particular about formalities here.

"Eferot, the Sacred Empire was defeated very quickly this time. What are your thoughts?"

The Golden Lion paused, knowing this was a test from his father; he considered his words before speaking, "It seems the empire was deliberately arranged by someone."

"Oh?" Tai’e was very pleased with the Golden Lion’s answer. "Continue."

"The Human Empire’s defeat is due to the simultaneous disappearance of the seven Tower Masters, causing the loss of their top fighters."

"Correct. Seven Tower Masters, six severely injured and in hiding, and the strongest Tower Master has vanished without a trace. The secrets behind this must be guarded against," Tai’e said with a heavy tone. "Up to now, we have still not been able to determine who did it."

"Could it have been the Sea Tribe?" the Golden Lion guessed. "Otherwise, how could the Sea Tribe launch a full-scale attack at the very moment the Tower Masters were defeated?"

"At first, I thought so too, but on closer consideration, it seems unlikely," Tai’e said. "If the Sea Tribe could cultivate a strong presence in the Star Sea, they wouldn’t have been intimidated by your brother and postponed their landing."

"Then..."

Seeing the Golden Lion at a loss for words, Tai’e continued, "This is what worries me the most. The Sea Tribe’s attack was completely manipulated by a mysterious force. If this power can plot against the Human Empire, the Snowy Region, and the Sea Tribe, they will surely have plans for our Beastman Empire too."

Saying this, Tai’e patted the Golden Lion on the shoulder, "You must investigate more on my behalf, check inside the empire to see if anyone is being controlled, and send more people to investigate the secrecy behind the empire’s Tower Masters being ambushed. Only by knowing who our opponent is, can we be prepared."

"Yes, Father!"