The rumbling ground suddenly went quiet.
For a single heartbeat, there was only the sound of heavy breathing and the rustle of leaves under running feet.
Then...a low, savage growl echoed from the left side of the valley.
Another answered from the right. And then one more came from behind.
It was not one beast...there were many growls, each answering back to back.
Everyone stiffened at the same time.
The air grew heavy, filled with the stench of blood and madness. The evil ferocious beasts had already reached them.
A cold wave of fear ran through the entire line.
Shi Feng, who was running behind with Su Qinglan, suddenly stopped. His golden eyes sharpened. His body tensed like a drawn bow.
Then he lifted his head and let out a thunderous roar.
The sound was deep, powerful, and filled with killing intent. It rolled through the forest like a storm.
Every fox felt their skin prickle. Goosebumps rose all over their bodies.
They all knew that roar.
It was a warning. It meant the enemy was already here.
Everyone took a deep breath, their hearts sinking. The truth was clear now. They could not leave this valley without a fight.
At the front of the line, Su Mingxuan heard the roar. His ears twitched. His expression hardened.
He threw his head back and answered with a deep growl of his own.
It was an acknowledgment. He had understood Shi Feng’s warning.
Soon, more growls followed. One after another, the older warriors answered. The air filled with the low, rumbling sounds of beasts ready for battle.
The entire tribe realized the same thing at once. The beast tide had surrounded them.
In no time, the whole tribe would be caught.
They had no other choice. They had to fight. They had to buy time so the young ones, the females, and the cubs could escape.
This was the only way.
Su Mingxuan suddenly slowed down and turned around. His sharp eyes swept across his people. His gaze landed on a tall, gray-furred elder running beside the females.
Elder Bao.
A silent understanding passed between them.
The tribe leader’s eyes softened for a brief second. Then his expression turned firm again. He lifted his head and roared loudly, his voice echoing through the valley.
"Everyone, listen!"
The entire line slowed down.
"Follow Elder Bao out of this valley!" Su Mingxuan shouted. "He will lead you to the nearest Beast City. It is our only chance to survive!"
A wave of shocked murmurs spread through the tribe. But before anyone could speak, Su Mingxuan roared again.
"The females, the cubs, and the young generation go to the front! You will follow Elder Bao!"
"And the powerful beastmen who wish to fight for the tribe...come behind me!"
The words struck like thunder.
Several young beasts whimpered in sadness. Some of them had just come of age. They wanted to fight. They wanted to protect their home.
But they also understood what this meant. This was a farewell.
Su Qinglan was stunned when she heard her father’s command. Her lips pressed tightly together, and tears filled her eyes.
She looked at her father’s back. It suddenly felt so far away.
A single tear formed in her eye, shimmering in the moonlight, but before it could fall, her gaze hardened.
She saw her father’s face...he wasn’t just her father right now; he was a king protecting his kingdom.
"I will go!" one warrior shouted, stepping out of the line.
"I will stay too!" cried another.
Around her, almost every adult beastman was turning around, preparing to follow the tribe leader.
There was no hesitation in their eyes. Only determination.

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