Deep within the Frozen Plains, far beyond the reach of Northwatch Stronghold's patrols, the world was darker, colder, and unnervingly silent. Snow did not fall gently here; it swept across the land in thick sheets, muffling sound and erasing footprints. Wind carved the terrain into jagged ridges and frozen trenches. Beneath the endless white, ancient caverns stretched like veins through the earth. This was no place for humans. This was where the beasts gathered when the tides shifted, where the sky itself felt closer to the ground.
A massive cave opened beneath a cliff of black ice, its entrance flanked by twisted stone pillars and frost-covered bones. Within, heat from beast cores glowed faintly, casting a dim red light across the chamber. Dozens of high-tier beasts stood in semicircles, their auras heavy, sharp, and restless. The air was metallic, thick with suppressed killing intent. At the centre, lower than the others, the Titan Ape knelt with its head bowed. Nearby, the Heaven-Shattering Frostwyrm lay coiled, blood still seeping from torn scales, its breathing uneven. Despite their immense power, neither dared lift their eyes fully.
Above them, seated on a throne carved from a single piece of ancient ice jade, was a figure that commanded absolute attention. He appeared human, yet his presence set him apart.
Tall and broad-shouldered, his form radiated strength and authority, forcing even the proudest beasts to lower their gaze instinctively. Pale skin glimmered faintly under the cavern's crimson light. Dark hair framed sharp, handsome features that seemed sculpted rather than born.
But the most striking detail was the horn. A single, crystal-like dragon horn curved upward from his temple, faintly shimmering as if starlight had been frozen into solid form. A declaration of lineage, proof that his blood carried not mere beastly strength, but something far nobler.
Áo Shuāng tapped the armrest of his throne slowly, each contact sounding soft yet heavy in the cavern's oppressive silence.
The Titan Ape recounted the events in a low, strained voice. He described how the humans had responded, how the commander had stepped forward, how the Tier Seven Frostwyrm had spoken before being dragged away and returned bloodied and humiliated. The Frostwyrm added details through clenched rage, explaining the sudden distortion of space and the absolute dominance of that human domain.
As the story unfolded, the other beasts shifted restlessly. Claws scraped against stone, eyes burned with fury, and a thick resentment filled the air.
Áo Shuāng remained seated, expression unchanged, absorbing every word without a sign of emotion.
When the recount ended, Áo Shuāng leaned back slightly and released a long breath that sounded almost bored.
"It seems we cannot fool the humans," he said calmly. His voice was deep and measured, as if he were commenting on the weather rather than the failure of a major manoeuvre. His fingers tapped the armrest once. "They are likely already aware of our scheme."
A low growl rumbled from the gathered beasts. One of them stepped forward, unable to restrain itself. It was enormous, built like a living siege weapon, its body covered in ridged armour plates. Brutal yellow light burned in its eyes, and its cosmic soul pulsed with savage dominance. Each step sent a dull shock through the cavern, shaking frost loose from the ceiling.
"These two are useless," it snarled, glaring at the Titan Ape and the bloodied Frostwyrm. "Send me instead. I will tear down the human stronghold, crush their walls, and swallow their commanders whole."
The cave shivered slightly under the weight of the beast's fury.
Áo Shuāng turned his gaze toward it, slow and deliberate. The crystalline horn on his temple caught the dim red light, gleaming cold and sharp. He did not appear angry, nor impressed. He looked only tired.
"From what Hán Chè described," Áo Shuāng said, his voice calm and even, "it is likely that the madman is in the human camp."
The effect was immediate.
Gou Xian's confidence shattered like thin ice underfoot. The boastful beast's throat worked as it swallowed, eyes widening. Its claws, which had flexed moments before, froze in place. For a brief instant, the cavern's tense killing intent seemed to dim as the name pressed into every mind like a sharpened edge.
"How… how can he be here?" Gou Xian muttered, voice low, almost trembling.
Áo Shuāng's lips curved slightly, not a smile but a trace of resigned irritation.
"That is why I said they should have discovered our plan by now," Áo Shuāng replied, voice steady. "For him to be here means he is aware of everything and was just waiting."
A beast rumbled from the side, its tone thick with indignation. "But that place…" it said, struggling to contain its fury. "That place is sacred to our kind. We cannot allow humans to enter. If they step in, it becomes stained."
Several beasts growled in agreement, their auras flaring. Even the wounded Frostwyrm lifted its head, eyes blazing with hatred. The Titan Ape's fists clenched until the knuckles cracked.
Áo Shuāng listened to the murmurs and disputes for a moment, then a slow, suffocating pressure radiated from him, filling the space like a rising tide. The beasts shivered as if struck by frost lightning. Some lowered their heads involuntarily. Others trembled, pride crushed beneath the force, reminded sharply of exactly who sat above them.
The cave fell silent.
Áo Shuāng spoke calmly through the silence.
"Why can't we allow them?"
No one answered.
His gaze swept the cave, cold and sharp.
"We will allow them," he continued, "but only on quota. Their fates will be determined by the heavens."
The words sounded neutral, yet every beast understood the meaning instantly. Their killing intent surged again, thicker now, focused, like blades being sharpened.
A quota meant limited entry.
A trial ground.
A slaughter ground.
Áo Shuāng leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the throne armrest. His voice remained steady, almost casual.
"That place is for those from Tier Four downwards," he said, "equivalent to their Soul King realm."
He let the silence linger, letting the weight of his words settle completely.
"Pick your elites," he continued. "Aside from gathering resources for training…" His eyes narrowed slightly. "Give them one word."
The air in the cave thickened, stretched tight with tension.
Áo Shuāng's voice dropped, calm and absolute.
"Kill."