After giving his subordinates brief instructions, Lang Yan did not dare waste a single moment. He immediately led Eli Winters and the others toward the inner city at full speed.
Although the inner city had been built by beastfolk, it was in no way inferior to the great cities of humanity. In fact, when it came to technology related to daily life, it surpassed most human cities by a wide margin. Just the sight of sleek rail trains gliding through the air along winding tracks like silver serpents was something none of them had ever seen before.
As they entered the inner city streets, beastfolk of all shapes and species filled their vision. Every face was tense and solemn. Voices were kept low as people whispered among themselves, their gazes occasionally drifting toward the direction outside the city.
News of the outer wall, that once-indestructible steel barrier sinking without warning, had already spread throughout the inner city.
Panic and unease weighed heavily on the residents. The younger beastfolk, hot-blooded and restless, gripped their weapons tightly, ready to throw themselves into battle at any moment to defend their home.
Under this oppressive atmosphere, Lang Yan led Eli and his group through the city gates.
The moment their tired yet resolute figures appeared, it was as if time itself paused. Countless eyes turned toward them at once. Those gazes carried fear, like souls peering out from the depths of darkness, yet within that fear flickered a fragile but stubborn hope, like the faint glow before dawn.
A beastfolk standing by the street suddenly recognized Lang Yan. His body trembled as he spoke, his voice unsteady.
"Commander Lang Yan, please tell us… how is the battle at the front? Did it go well?"
Lang Yan's tense expression relaxed instantly. A bright smile spread across his face as he lifted his head and took a deep breath.
"My people," he announced loudly, his voice filled with emotion, "the sea beasts' assault has ended in our victory!"
For a brief moment, the area near the city gates fell into dead silence.
Then, like a dam bursting, thunderous cheers erupted. The roar of celebration swept away all fear and unease, spreading rapidly from the gates to every corner of the inner city.
The beastfolk who had spoken earlier stared wide-eyed, murmuring to himself, "That's… that's wonderful," as if he still could not believe it was real.
Watching his people rejoice, Lang Yan felt a powerful sense of pride rise in his chest. This was why he had endured everything, why he had stood firm for so long.
Eli and his companions stood quietly to the side. Though they could not fully share in the beastfolk's emotions, they chose not to interrupt. The city was alive with joy, its people laughing, shouting, and celebrating with abandon.
After some time, Lang Yan finally calmed down. Turning back to Eli, he spoke apologetically.
"My apologies, Eli. I lost my composure earlier."
Eli smiled and waved it off. "It's only natural. Anyone would react the same way. That said, shouldn't we head to meet your Sage soon? If we linger, leaving later might become troublesome."
He gestured subtly at the surrounding crowd, whose curious gazes had not faded.
Lang Yan followed his line of sight and laughed confidently. "No need to worry. As long as I'm here, they won't swarm you. Still, reaching the Sage requires a special means of transport. Please wait here for a moment."
Since Lang Yan had said so, Eli did not press further.
All he hoped was that the beastfolk would not crowd around them. Once entangled, it would be difficult to break free. Still, the constant curious stares made his skin crawl, as if they were being studied like rare creatures.
Just then, a low engine hum approached from afar.
A sleek vehicle, gleaming silver and stylish in design, rolled to a smooth stop before them. Its elegant curves were matched by an interior far more spacious than expected. Even with all eleven of them inside, there was room to spare.
Once everyone was seated, the driver pressed the accelerator. The vehicle shot forward, leaving behind stunned beastfolk staring at its retreating silhouette.
As the car vanished from sight, the crowd erupted into chatter.
"Those people… were they humans from beyond the island?" a burly beastfolk asked.
"Of course they were. I saw pictures of humans in an ancient record," another replied smugly.
"Really? Tell us about it!" others urged, crowding closer.
Clearing his throat, the beastfolk began animatedly, "According to the records, humanity played a crucial role in the rise of our beastfolk civilization."
"That's nonsense," someone scoffed.
"Hmph. Believe it or not. You've all heard of the Saint, haven't you?"
"Of course. The Saint led our people to prosperity!"
"Well," the beastfolk said with a mysterious grin, "that Saint was actually human."
The silver vehicle streaked through the sky and descended into a quiet forest. There, deep among the trees, stood a solitary three-story pavilion. Ancient and elegant, it radiated a calm, solemn presence.
Stepping out, Eli and the others looked around in surprise. Apart from the pavilion, there were no other buildings. It was as if the structure alone defined this place.
Lang Yan led them forward. Just as they reached the door, it opened on its own.
An elderly beastfolk emerged, his body bent with age. He had the head of a rat and the body of a man. Though frail in appearance, his sharp, profound eyes gleamed like stars in the night sky.
"Sage, we have arrived," Lang Yan said respectfully, bowing deeply.
The ratfolk elder nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group. When his eyes lingered on Eli, a hint of interest appeared.
"Guests from afar," he said in a low, raspy voice, "welcome."
Eli narrowed his eyes slightly. He was surprised. Not only was the Sage a ratfolk, but the aura within his frail body was even stronger than that of the Demon Bone-Sea.
"Greetings, Sage," Eli replied with a smile.
"Please, come inside. A feast has been prepared. We will talk over food," the Sage said, gesturing invitingly.
"You know human customs well," Eli said cheerfully as he stepped in.
Big Pan and the others grinned. Food was always welcome.
"I have dealt with many humans," the Sage replied with a chuckle, stroking his beard.
Inside the dining hall, foxfolk maidservants had already laid out an array of food and wine.
"Please, sit," the Sage said gently.
Once everyone was seated, he raised his cup.
"Thank you for saving Starfall Island. Without you, we might have fallen. You are the benefactors of the beastfolk, and we will remember this kindness forever."
He drained his cup and bowed deeply.
Eli and the others quickly stood to help him up. "You're too kind. It was nothing," Eli said.
The Sage looked at them earnestly. "Perhaps it was easy for you, but to us, it was salvation. If you desire anything, speak freely. We will do our utmost to fulfill it."
Eli studied him for a moment, then smiled knowingly. "Sage, how did you know we came with a purpose?"
The Sage sighed softly. "In seven hundred years, sixteen humans have found their way here. Only one ever left, one hundred and twenty years ago. His name was Taku, an experienced navigator. You must have used his map."
"You're right," Eli admitted.
The Sage continued, "From the moment you appeared beyond the wall, I knew you did not arrive through normal means. You possess a special method. And you came for that object, didn't you?"
"Yes," Eli replied frankly. "May we have it?"
After a pause, the Sage smiled. "You may. We have guarded it for seven centuries, yet it has never hatched. It was never meant for us."
Eli was genuinely surprised by the swift agreement.
"Thank you, Sage."
The Sage smiled, his reasons clear. Eli had saved the beastfolk, the object had yielded nothing for centuries, and most importantly, Eli's strength was undeniable.
After the feast, the Sage led them into a hidden chamber beneath the pavilion.