Smith had never spoken much about the Burning Fire Clan to others.
However, Yan Yue had experienced one of their attacks alongside him. She knew their target hadn't changed—it still included her.
That's why Smith chose this moment to talk to Yan Yue.
Her reaction was calm. She nodded and said, "I know. I was attacked by the Burning Fire Clan not long ago, but I didn't let them succeed."
Her response didn't surprise Smith.
The Burning Fire Clan targeted all S-level potential psychics. Apart from himself, Yan Yue was clearly one of their top priorities. It was inevitable that they'd come after her.
But based on her reaction, it seemed they hadn't been much of a threat.
"The real leader of the Burning Fire Clan is someone named You Li," Smith said slowly. "I've seen him once. He's powerful and… strange. He has no physical body. He appears as a flame-like figure, though I wouldn't be surprised if he had other forms."
He paused, then continued, "The reason they're hunting us is because we're potential S-level psychics. Their goal is to eliminate all S-level psychics to prevent the revival of the Holy Empire."
Smith still found that reasoning ridiculous.
The so-called Holy Empire was already half-collapsed. With the devastation the upcoming beast tide was expected to bring, the Empire's total fall was just a matter of time—even without interference.
To him, the Holy Empire had long lost its meaning. Every city was barely surviving on its own. What point was there in clinging to a name or title that no longer offered protection or order?
"I understand," Yan Yue replied, her tone unwavering. "But the more they try to stop us, the more determined we should be. The greater the resistance, the more we must persevere."
She was clear in her stance.
If the enemy was hellbent on blocking their path, then they had no choice but to fight even harder to achieve their goal.
"This beast tide will be an unprecedented disaster," Yan Yue continued. "If we can make it through, the major cities will likely start moving toward the Holy King City. Smith, will you come with me when that time comes?"
She looked directly into his eyes.
Even in the darkness, her gaze was bright, determined, and pure. She was waiting for his answer.
Smith met her gaze and gave a one-word reply:
"Okay."
---
For over a month, all of Huaihai City was caught in a tense atmosphere of preparation.
The entire city was bracing for the great beast tide.
The Execution Department's officers had set countless traps around the city's perimeter, hoping to eliminate as many beasts as possible before they breached the inner defenses.
Ordinary citizens played their part too, stockpiling essential supplies in case of prolonged siege.
Everyone was united by a single goal—survival.
Smith had been involved in many tasks during this time. Amid the flurry of activity, he felt the city's spirit of solidarity. It was contagious.
---
Meanwhile, movement stirred in the southeastern regions.
Many of the weaker cities—those ruled by no more than fourth-level psychics—made a difficult choice after long discussions: they merged with one another.
Only by uniting could they hope to increase their chances of surviving the incoming beast tide.
Several of those cities even chose to merge into Jinghai City, placing themselves under the protection of Jinghai College.
Right now, there was no safer place than Jinghai City.
With seven fifth-order psychics—well, six now, after a recent loss—it remained the most formidable stronghold. Its chances of surviving the beast tide were the highest.
Naturally, everyone wanted in.
Some cities, unable to become part of Jinghai directly, still sought assistance from Jinghai College—though such help came with a price.
What price? Only those involved knew for sure.
Still, for the sake of survival, any cost was worth it.
---
Aside from Huaihai City, most other cities in the two southeastern districts had united in some form or another. Combined, their strength could rival—or even surpass—Huaihai City's defenses.
By comparison, Huaihai stood alone.
Its isolation was largely due to its strained relationship with Jinghai College.
But the people of Huaihai City didn't care.
They believed in one principle: true strength comes from relying on yourself.
---
Inside the city's executive command room, final preparations were being reviewed.
Wang Daochuan, Xi Yan, and Jiang Lei stood over a detailed sand table, verifying their entire layout.
"We've used every strategy we could think of," Jiang Lei said. "Lao Wang, take one last look. See if we've missed anything."
Before them, the model of Huaihai City was surrounded by a dense arrangement of defense points, covering what used to be forested terrain.
A dozen traps had been set outside the three-kilometer line of defense.
Between the three-kilometer and one-kilometer lines, there were even more traps—supernatural mines, spike pits, snares—many times more than those placed further out.
This was the full extent of Huaihai City's defensive capability.
Wang Daochuan meticulously reviewed each section. After a long pause, he finally nodded.
"Yes. With the two of you holding the fort, I feel reassured."
---
"But," Xi Yan spoke up, "you said this beast tide would be unlike anything we've seen. Can these defenses really hold?"
Wang Daochuan scratched his nearly bald head and chuckled. "We've done everything humanly possible. The rest is up to fate. I believe we can do it. We have to."
"No matter how many monsters come," Jiang Lei added, "we'll face them head-on."
That had always been his attitude—simple and unwavering.
If the enemy attacks, they defend. If a flood comes, they build a dam. If the world ends, they'll go down fighting.
No matter how vicious the beast tide might be, they were determined to stand their ground with everything they had.
"Everything is ready," Wang Daochuan muttered. "Now we just need the east wind."
---
On the city wall, the Execution Department had suspended all field missions. Every officer was stationed at the walls, awaiting the first wave of beasts.
Smith was among them.
It was early winter. The cold wind blew harshly along the wall's edge, slicing through layers of clothing like knives. But Smith liked it.
At moments like these, he would take off his mask, letting the icy wind slap against his face. It hurt—but it also kept him alert and clear-headed.
"Do you like the cold wind that much?"
A soft voice came from beside him.
Xi Congqing had appeared without him noticing. She stood next to him, blinking curiously.
Smith grinned. "It keeps me awake."
"It's already winter," she said, gazing up at the gloomy sky. "When the beast tide is over, it'll be spring again."
As if in response to her words, snow began to fall.
Small flakes drifted silently from the sky, melting gently on the city's cold stone.
"It's snowing!" Xi Congqing said, eyes lighting up.
Even such a light snowfall could bring a moment of joy amid heavy days.
"Yes," Smith murmured, holding out his hand.
A snowflake landed on his palm, chilled and fleeting. It melted quickly, leaving only a cool sensation that spread through his fingertips.
Then—
BOOM—!
A massive explosion echoed from beyond Huaihai's defenses.
In an instant, the entire city's nerves went taut.
"The beast tide is here——!"
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