Beastmaster of the Ages

Tianming believed in Moran, while the five imperial-star elders and Wudi fully trusted Tianming. By now, Tianming had become the ultimate pillar of the Flameyellow side. They all believed he would surely find a way.

“It seems Tian Jiu has gone out of control. But Tianming, since we trusted you from the beginning, that won’t change.”

Mushan Hong looked at him solemnly. “You are the hope of Flameyellow, and the emperor of the entire universe!”

His stance clearly reflected that of the other four elders.

Tianming was moved. He said earnestly, “Thank you for your trust. I will live up to your expectations.”

“Tian Jiu’s reappearance and cooperation will push the wonderians to a new peak,” Dongfang Taisheng sighed.

“The biggest battle is coming,” Wudi said, eyes blazing with fervor.

The other elders’ expressions grew grave. The Flameyellow Imperial Star still had not caught up to the Eightpart Pantheons’ strength, especially at the highest tier.

They only had Tianming and Zi Zhen, while everyone else still had a long way to go before matching imperatores, let alone the Aeternal Beings.

The situation was dire, but everyone knew that this battle for survival could not be avoided. Lose, and the price would be their lives.

Just then, a silver cockroach leapt forward and delivered urgent news. “Six pantheons... are mobilizing! Wormhole expressways... are activating! Fleets assembling!”

“They’re starting the war!” Wudi exclaimed, shocked. “Six pantheons mean everyone but the umbrals and devas. Are Sundown and Starfall abandoning their consort and imperial son?”

“They can’t afford to care anymore,” Tianming said coldly. “If I were Imperator Shen, I’d force them to take a side. If they don’t now, they’ll never get another chance.”

“That makes sense,” Dongfang Taisheng nodded.

“But we still keep them,” Tianming said. “At a critical moment, even the smallest leverage could turn the tide.”

Flameyellow was at an absolute military disadvantage, so every possible advantage had to be used.

“They’ll likely head straight for the Primordial Sands. Do we hold the chokepoint?” Beitang Yan asked.

“We can’t withdraw,” Tianming said. “It’s a lose condition if the Primordial Sands fall.”

“Flameyellow Imperial Star is their prime target. They’ll likely strike here directly. We must prepare,” Nantian Huo added.

At that moment, Granny Yin, who had remained silent, spoke in a low voice. “Our imperator wasn’t part of their discussions and wasn’t notified. We may be their first target.”

The crowd’s expressions shifted. The Eightpart Pantheons considered the devas and Imperator Yin as traitors. Before looking outwards, internal threats had to be cleansed.

If so, the devas were in grave danger.

“Li Tianming!” Granny Yin grew agitated. “We don’t want to be next after the Perpetual Wonderqueen! Our imperator once risked everything to save Flameyellow. Now that we’re in danger, you can’t stand by!”

The devas couldn’t stand alone against six pantheons. Their only hope was Tianming and Flameyellow.

“But they might also attack Flameyellow Imperial Star,” Wudi said, frowning. “We don’t know their target.”

“Exactly,” Dongfang Taisheng added. “If their fleets enter wormholes simultaneously, we won’t know where they’ll emerge.”

Tianming felt a headache coming on. He had faced the same dilemma when rescuing Vermilion Bird. Where would the enemy strike?

Of course, there was a difference. Vermilion Bird had been an ally, while devas were defectors. Defectors could be abandoned or used as necessary, leading to Granny Yin’s anxiety.

What happened next would depend on what kind of person Tianming chose to be.

“This needs to be discussed with the Imperator Yin.”

Tianming chose to lay everything out and hear the other side’s stance before making a decision.

“Alright.” Granny Yin stepped back, tense.

Yin Chen connected him to Imperator Yin in Deva Imperius. Given the urgency, Yin Chen directly formed text for rapid exchange.

Tianming first explained the situation. “They may strike Deva Imperius or Flameyellow first. What do you think?”

Imperator Yin considered it briefly. “The Tian Jiu incident and the mobilization happened almost simultaneously. They’re likely the work of the same hand. Tian Jiu’s restraint on Wondrium Imperius suggests she’s also under that person’s control. Li Tianming, your true enemy is that person.”

Imperator Yin’s insights were striking despite not participating in the council.

Tianming knew it was time to reveal the true enemy behind the final war.