Chapter 1073: Sword Test Mr. Bai

However, years of experience had already matured his mind, and he quickly calmed down. He methodically commanded his subordinate beasts to suppress and subdue the out-of-control Beast Taming Sect disciples.

"Hahaha, I've had enough of them for a long time. Now we finally have a legitimate chance for revenge!"

"It's time to stretch our muscles. Cooped up in this small mountain for so many years, I've almost gone mad from boredom."

"Brothers, put some effort into it! Don't let anyone look down on us!"

In an instant, the tens of thousands of beasts that had been dormant within the Beast Taming Sect surged forth like dragons emerging from the sea, covering the entire territory like a dark cloud. The terrifying demonic winds and murderous aura even temporarily suppressed the threat of the Great Tribulation.

"Oh no, the beasts have rebelled!"

"I said it long ago: those not of our kind will always harbor different intentions. Not subduing them with the Beast Taming True Art has indeed led to endless trouble! It's deplorable that the sect leader wouldn't listen to me!"

"My life is over!"

Under the calamity where different cultivation methods became incompatible, the Beast Taming Sect, already struggling to protect itself, was naturally no match for the beasts that had been recuperating and building strength for many years. In just three days, they were completely suppressed. Although their actions might have been a bit heavy-handed during the process, with Xu Ke present, the beasts did not take the lives of any human cultivators.

"Boss, what should we do next?" Chi Jiutou asked, his expression somewhat serious.

The Great Tribulation, where different cultivation methods became incompatible, naturally also had a certain impact on the beast community. Within each tribe, there was often only one inherited cultivation method. However, beast tribes maintained strict hierarchies and could temporarily stabilize the situation.

"I didn't expect Lord Di Yi's prophecy to be true," You Xuanhuang sighed. "If I had known this, I should have left with them back then."

"At this moment, there are only two strategies," Xu Ke responded calmly and unhurriedly. "First, defy the principle that different cultivation methods cannot coexist. Second, if that proves impossible, then we can only adapt to the changes in the world."

"Since different cultivation methods cannot coexist, then everyone should cultivate different methods! Our Beast Taming Sect doesn't have enough..."

"Then go borrow some from the surrounding sects," Xu Ke said with a stern expression.

The surrounding beasts were initially stunned by his words, not understanding what he meant. But soon, they realized and were overjoyed. After all, plundering was the true nature of beasts.

"Lord Xuan Niao, must it truly be this way?" Xu Ke's heart wasn't as resolute as he appeared. He was still conflicted and found it hard to let go.

"Don't be soft-hearted. With the Great Tribulation descending, perhaps only one in ten cultivators in Xuanhuang will survive. Since you are now the nominal leader of the Beast Taming Sect, you naturally must be responsible for their survival."

"It's always better for others to die than for us to die." Li Fan's tone was icy.

A deathly silence followed.

After a long time, Xu Ke finally made up his mind. "I understand." He raised his head, his eyes filled with determination.

Half a day later, under Xu Ke's command, the beast army swept across the surrounding areas with overwhelming force. They destroyed sects and collected resources and cultivation methods. They bypassed powerful sects, only targeting the weaker ones, striving for quick and decisive victories. The tens of thousands of beasts were unified in purpose. At the moment when the calamity of incompatible cultivation methods erupted, they were an unstoppable force.

In just half a month, they had already destroyed hundreds of sects, both large and small. In the past, such a beast calamity would have long attracted the attention of the Ten Immortal Sects and triggered a joint encirclement by countless human cultivators. But now, the Ten Immortal Sects were all preoccupied with their own issues. How could they have time to concern themselves with other sects' affairs?

All the cultivation methods plundered by the beasts were uniformly handed over to Xu Ke. Seeing that a sufficient quantity had been collected, Xu Ke immediately ordered them to stop. After decisively slaying dozens of beasts that had gone berserk and disobeyed orders, Xu Ke immediately issued the retreat command.

"Are we running away too?"

"Retreat? Retreat to where?"

The Beast Taming Sect cultivators, including all the beasts, were somewhat confused. After Xu Ke's explanation, everyone finally understood. It turned out Xu Ke had prepared for a rainy day; as early as after returning from the Sacred Beast Mountain of the Southern Nether, he had already sent people to scout for hidden pocket dimensions where they could settle down.

"The calamity of the Xuanhuang Realm will likely endure for thousands of years without end," Xu Ke sighed. "If we wish to preserve ourselves, we can only temporarily retreat into a pocket dimension and slowly plot our resurgence."

During these past days, everyone had witnessed the tragic reality of external sects slaughtering one another. In comparison, the Beast Taming Sect's death rate was pitiably low. And this was all thanks to Xu Ke's foresight.

"I originally thought that after Lord Di Sanmo mysteriously disappeared, our future would be unpredictable," one said. "But unexpectedly, Boss is a divine strategist, not at all inferior to Lord Di Sanmo."

"Nonsense," another interjected. "If that weren't the case, why would Di Sanmo and Di Yi have easily handed over the Beast Cycle to the Boss?"

"I said it long ago," a third added, "follow the Boss, and there'll always be benefits."

This series of actions by Xu Ke finally convinced everyone, from top to bottom, leaving no room for dissent. Then, under Xu Ke's command, they soon migrated en masse toward the unknown pocket dimension.

Just before leaving the Xuanhuang Realm, Xu Ke and Li Fan took one last look at the world. "One day," they vowed, "we will return." Their figures then slowly vanished from the world.

At the same time, the scene in the Immortalfall Realm began to freeze. The bright surroundings suddenly plunged into complete darkness.

"I wonder if this counts as passing the Xuanhuang Great Celestial Venerable's test?" Li Fan was actually unsure. However, coordinating humans and beast tribes to coexist harmoniously, and using every means possible to ensure the group's survival when calamity strikes—these were already the most perfect methods Li Fan could currently conceive. Had he not already gained several prior experiences, Li Fan, no matter how hard he thought, probably wouldn't have been able to devise such methods in a short time.

The test illusion seemed to be evaluating Li Fan's actions. The waiting time was much longer compared to the first act. Fortunately...

Streaks of white light suddenly appeared from the darkness. After a dizzying sensation, a new scene was generated again!

Li Fan successfully passed the test and arrived at the third act: Heaven Sword Sect, Sword Forging!

"What will be tested this time?"

Li Fan had not experienced the Heaven Sword Sect's sword forging scene many times, so he wasn't entirely confident. However, during his years in the Beast Taming Sect, Li Fan had already made ample preparations. He had always silently followed the predetermined plot, reasonably playing the role he had possessed.

Until the cultivator disguised as Mr. Bai arrived to challenge them!

Not a single Heaven Sword Sect disciple was a match for Mr. Bai. As everyone felt shocked and fearful, Li Fan stepped forward with his head held high.

"I wish to experience your esteemed moves!" Li Fan said, cupping his hands. "Sir, please take a look at my swordsmanship."

Li Fan said loudly, casually breaking off a branch from a nearby tree. It was exactly what Mr. Bai had done earlier! This action caused an uproar among the Heaven Sword Sect disciples. And for the first time, Mr. Bai showed a look of interest in his eyes.