The Monster Beast Mountain Range stretched endlessly, spanning over 500,000 square kilometers.
At first, it was merely a vast habitat of countless beasts. Rather than affecting the balance of the continent, it actually served as a treasure trove for local hunters to make a living.
However, after tens of thousands of years, the beasts within gradually developed intelligence, learning to absorb the essence of heaven and earth, sun and moon, to strengthen themselves.
Their innate beastly nature, combined with the refinement of Spiritual Qi, eventually gave rise to powerful spirit beasts. Over time, they became a serious threat to the entire continent’s survival.
As a result, the various sects and aristocratic families of the Primordial Continent began organizing regular expeditions to the Monster Beast Mountain Range.
Firstly, to curb the reproduction of the beasts. Secondly, to train their disciples through real battle. Thirdly, because every part of a monster beast is a treasure, bringing unimaginable profits.
Yet, as time passed, the monster beasts became stronger through constant conflict with cultivators. Numerous powerful tribes emerged deep within the range, lying dormant to cultivate—some even began launching coordinated attacks on sect territories.
This phenomenon came to be known by the people of the Primordial Continent as the “Beast Tide.”
Where the Beast Tide passed, nothing survived.
The most severe outbreak occurred 70,000 years ago, when over a million 9th-rank monster beasts—led by three 12th-rank beasts—caused catastrophic destruction across the continent, nearly wiping out all of humanity.
At that moment of crisis, all sects joined forces for the first time. They activated the Primordial Grand Array and, at the cost of over ten thousand Tribulation Crossing Realm disciples, sealed the Beast Tide deep within the Monster Beast Mountain Range, narrowly averting annihilation.
Since then, the Primordial Continent entered a rare period of growth. Although the Seal would loosen every now and then, elite disciples sent by various sects would always repair it in time.
The last time the Seal was reinforced was a hundred years ago—led by Shen Lian, who nearly destroyed his cultivation foundation to complete the task.
Now, the hundred-year mark had passed once again. The Seal showed signs of weakening. None of the sects dared to hesitate, dispatching 100,000 disciples to venture deep into the Monster Beast Mountain Range to restore it.
…
At the heights of Yunlan Mountain, a woman stood alone. She wielded a jade-green sword, her face icy and breathtaking. She wore a robe of azure silk, watching coldly as a massive stone statue of a monster beast loomed in the distance.
That was the site of the sealed Beast Tide.
Her name was Shen Yunchu, Sect Master of the Heavenly Feather Sect. She had reached the 2nd stage of the Immortal Realm, an undisputed powerhouse of her time.
Her beauty was unrivaled on the Primordial Continent, hailed as one of the Ten Beauties.
However, despite being the Sect Master, Shen Yunchu had always been indifferent. If something didn’t interest her, she rarely spared it a glance.
Her presence here to repair the Seal wasn’t her own decision—it was due to the sect’s Ancestral Master pressuring her into coming.
Because of her stunning appearance, the moment she arrived, numerous geniuses from other sects tried to approach her with flattering words.
But Shen Yunchu’s icy personality kept them all at bay. Her demeanor remained distant, as if nothing in the world could stir her heart.
Except for one person—Shen Lian.
“Shen Lian, during the time I’m not around, you must take care of yourself. I hope you remember my words. Stay away from Ye Fan, and don’t get involved with those seven Junior Sisters again. Hang in there. I’ll return in a few days.”
Yet hidden within that softness was a deep, unspoken sorrow.
…
“Sect Master, the Sect Master of the Azure Mist Sect is requesting your presence to discuss the Seal.”
Just as Shen Yunchu was silently worrying about Shen Lian, a voice came from behind—Chi Chao, the Peak Master of Xumi Peak.
“Not going.”
Her reply was blunt and emotionless.
Chi Chao looked troubled, “Sect Master, wouldn’t that be inappropriate? Sect Master Zhuang is our ally. His request—”
“Do you want me to repeat myself?”
Her voice turned cold, laced with unmistakable authority.
Chi Chao froze and could only bow, “Understood, Sect Master. I will inform Sect Master Zhuang.”
Shen Yunchu didn’t respond. With a flick of her wrist, her sword drew a radiant arc through the air. Then she leapt into the sky.
In an instant, two three-winged monster beasts soaring in the air were struck down by her sword energy and crashed to the ground.
…
Elsewhere, in the allied sects’ encampment, Zhuang Jinghao—the Sect Master of Azure Mist Sect—frowned deeply after learning that Shen Yunchu refused to join the discussion.
Beside him, Xu Tianchuan, Sect Master of Moonshadow Sect, scoffed, “That Shen Sect Master is really difficult. We’ve tried so many times to get on her good side, and she hasn’t even given us a proper look.”
Fu Hanqing, Sect Master of Sky Azure Sect, merely smiled, “Powerful beauties have always been aloof. It’s something we’ll have to get used to—especially with someone like Sect Master Shen.”
“Hmph, look at you—you can’t think straight when you see a pretty face,” Xu Tianchuan said, slapping the table in frustration.
“Enough, let’s drop it,” Zhuang Jinghao finally interjected, silencing them.
“My friends, let’s focus on sealing the Beast Cave. We’ve been here for two months. It wasn’t easy to push through the outer formations and reach the depths of the Monster Beast Mountain Range. It’s time to end this mission.”
He paused, then added, “But the Seal’s conditions are extremely demanding. Without Sect Master Shen’s Spirit Phoenix Immortal Physique, we can’t complete the process. And with her current attitude… it’s difficult.”
Fu Hanqing chuckled, “Zhuang, legend has it that the Spirit Phoenix Immortal Physique is an ideal dual cultivation body. With proper cultivation, it can greatly enhance one’s power… Surely it’s not just useful for sealing, is it?”
“Fu Hanqing! Is this really the time for jokes?” Zhuang Jinghao snapped. “This is about the lives of everyone on the continent. If the Seal fails, how many people will die?”
Fu Hanqing didn’t flinch, “Zhuang, drop the act. Everyone can tell you’ve got feelings for Sect Master Shen. And let’s be honest—she’s so beautiful, what man wouldn’t be moved? If you’re not going to make a move… don’t blame me for getting ahead of you.”
“Fu Hanqing!” Zhuang Jinghao was furious. “What are you implying?”
“This isn’t a joke,” Fu Hanqing suddenly turned serious.
“To be frank, someone wants us to take advantage of this opportunity—while we repair the Beast Tide Seal—to seize Shen Yunchu’s Spirit Phoenix Immortal Physique. The three of us would benefit greatly from its nourishing effect. And we’d also get to enjoy the famed cold beauty of this era. It’s a win-win.”
Zhuang Jinghao was stunned, “Who dares to plot against Sect Master Shen?!”
Fu Hanqing sneered, “Her own disciple—now Sect Master of the Flower Language Sect—Lu Qinghuan.”
At those words, both Xu Tianchuan and Zhuang Jinghao were shocked.
Lu Qinghuan? Plotting against her own master?
What was she thinking?
Fu Hanqing extended his hand, revealing the command token of the Flower Language Sect.
“Everything I’ve said is true. If you don’t believe me, examine this and see if it’s hers.”
He pushed the token into their hands.
After verifying its authenticity, Zhuang Jinghao frowned deeply, “She was once Shen Sect Master’s disciple… How could she be so heartless?”
Fu Hanqing replied, “That’s not our concern. You know what the Flower Language Sect is capable of. Refusing them brings consequences.”
Xu Tianchuan asked, “But the three of us are only at the 2nd stage of the Primordial Unity Realm. Even if we agree, how could we stand against Shen Yunchu?”
Fu Hanqing smiled, “You don’t need to worry. Sect Master Lu has already prepared everything. She procured Soft Fragrance Ten-Sinew Powder from the Medicine King Glass Valley. Once the Beast Cave is sealed and Shen Yunchu is exhausted, we drug her. After that, she’s ours. Besides, the three Peak Masters around her are also on our side. There’s nothing to fear.”
Xu Tianchuan was shocked, “What? Even Valley Master Mu is in on it? Hahaha, that icy woman really raised a bunch of traitors!”
“This…” Zhuang Jinghao still hesitated, “Isn’t this too much?”
Fu Hanqing’s expression darkened, “Zhuang, do we have any way out now? If we offend both the Medicine King Glass Valley and the Flower Language Sect, do you think we’ll survive? And with such a beauty—possessing the Spirit Phoenix Immortal Physique—right before you… can you truly give up?”
“Fine. I’ll let you take her first night. Is that acceptable?”
Zhuang Jinghao’s resistance vanished at those words.
“It’s come to this. We have no other choice. Pity for Sect Master Shen… sigh.”
Xu Tianchuan, however, was excited, “To be honest, I’ve long wanted to conquer that cold woman. Her high-and-mighty look disgusts me. I’m definitely not letting this chance slip!”
The three immediately huddled together and began planning the specifics.
Meanwhile, Shen Yunchu remained unaware of any of this.
After slaughtering over thirty 5th- and 6th-rank monster beasts in one go and confirming no threats near the encampment, she finally turned and headed back toward the camp.
At the same time, from the outer perimeter of the Monster Beast Mountain Range, the sound of heavy hoofbeats echoed from afar—galloping swiftly toward the heart of the mountains.