Beastmaster of the Ages

”Understood,” Moran said.

”Your mission is to digest these gifts and help me in the moment of my need,” Tianming said.

”Alright!” Moran nodded. Though she wasn’t the most expressive person, her eyes shone brightly at this moment.

”There will be a meeting at Grand Jiang soon, so I have to go.”

”Go ahead.”

Tianming gave her one last look. ”Be good.”

”I will...”

***

It didn’t take Tianming an hour to reach Grand Jiang Universe City. The meeting would be held at the Jiang Royal Palace. He entered from the rear and met with Jiang Tianzhou.

”You’re finally here,” Jiang Tianzhou said, breathing a sigh of relief. He had been pacing around worriedly.

”Just in time.” Tianming brushed shoulders with him and asked, ”The Tian Jiu Cult clearly used some divine astralships this time around. They also came with an army of ninety million, seemingly abandoning their home territory. What does this mean?”

”That means that the environment around the astral hole has deteriorated to the point that it can no longer sustain them,” Jiang Tianzhou said.

”And you believe that their aims are more than merely coming after your ancient ancestor, right?”

”The fact that they left their lair like that makes their claim hard to believe. Our ancient ancestor’s rebirth is not new. If they really believed her to be Tian Jiu, why would they have to wait so long? They would’ve made a move long ago! Not to mention, Tian Jiu’s description doesn’t match our ancient ancestor’s at all. It’s a huge stretch.”

”So you’re saying that they acted knowing that all of you will protect the ancient ancestor. They’re trying to lure your forces out, crush you, and wait for an opportunity to attack your undefended worlds, right?” It was only a guess, but Tianming was mostly certain after studying the cult’s behavior.

”That’s right!” Jiang Tianzhou seemed really exasperated over the whole affair.

”This would be worse than if they really mistook the ancient ancestor for Tian Jiu. If they can’t force you out, they’ll attack the ancient ancestor directly,” Tianming said.

”That’s right! It would be far worse if they go that route.”

”How many cosmic gods does Grand Jiang have?”

”Around thirty million who are fit for battle. They’re only level one, so they won’t be of much use.”

”That’s not bad. The Ten Desolate Starforges each managed to send only ten million from their respective worlds to attack you as well.”

”Well, they didn’t leave their worlds completely undefended after sending out ten million,” Jiang Tianzhou said. When Tianming went to Ninefold Hellstar and the other worlds, they did have many level-one or two cosmic gods left. Using thirty million against a force of ninety million was tough without other advantages like formations.

”What about reinforcements?”

”Grand Chen and Grand Lin each sent five million. Grand Meng and Grand Feng sent three million each. Negotiations with Grand Yue fell through and didn’t send anybody.” Jiang Tianzhou sighed again.

”In total, you have less than fifty million, only half of the enemy’s forces.”

”That’s right. The enemy is looming.” He looked deeply into Tianming’s eyes and shook his head. ”There’s another thing I haven’t told you.”

”What is it?”

”Among our reinforcements, those that are willing to fight to the death number far too few. They’re mostly here to bolster our numbers and are unlikely to give it their all. Within Grand Jiang, the ten million from the Pu Clan are also unlikely to be fully obedient.”

”Don’t they know that the Tian Jiu Cult is acting against the ancient ancestor?”

”Of course they do! Granny Pu is more well informed than anyone else about this. She knew long ago that the cult would leave their nest and was the one who saw through the pretense of reclaiming Tian Jiu. However, the ancient ancestor’s surname is Jiang, not Pu. With the whole of Grand Jiang likely being the cult’s target, they might wipe us out completely if we attempt to defend the ancient ancestor. Ninety million is enough for them to wipe us all out.”

On the one hand, there were the direct descendants of the ancient ancestor, and on the other, the future of the whole world’s descendants. How could they possibly pick? Every cosmic god in Grand Jiang had their own answer.

”What about the other maniverse-class worlds? How do they view this?”

”They were the ones who suggested we hold a secret meeting. They’re probably going to lobby the Pu Clan to force us to give up on the ancient ancestor,” Jiang Tianzhou said helplessly.

”What in the... So they brought a few million in reinforcements just to ask you to give up?”

”It can’t be helped. Our clans are all worried about the desperate people from Grand Xia taking our territory. None of them want to be the one to betray the assembly of clans, so they have to send someone to keep up appearances.”

Under the very real pressure of war, who would spare a thought for the ancient ancestor? How many among the thirty million in Grand Jiang would be up for a real fight? Tianming wouldn’t be surprised even if not one of them showed up.

Pu Fengyun arrived outside as Jiang Tianzhou finished up. ”Starlord, the guests have been seated and are awaiting your presence.”

”I’m coming,” Jiang Tianzhou said and gave Tianming a look. He had wanted to ask what his decision was, but Pu Fengyun was within earshot.

”Let me come with you,” Tianming said as he headed towards the Jiang Royal Palace.