Unlike before, when the Peacock King spoke these words, his voice was deep and grave.
A solemn expression settled over his face, showing how much importance he placed on what he was about to say. Never before had he displayed such a serious demeanor.
The Spirit Monkey and the Nine-Tailed Fox King seemed to realize what he wanted to say and set aside their teasing expressions as well.
"Speak freely," Lu Yuan said with a nod, looking at him.
For something that prompted such gravity from the Peacock King, he naturally gave it his full attention.
"The grand era has arrived, and the global landscape will undergo an unprecedented upheaval. When that time comes, figures from extraterrestrial races will arrive in this world. I hope that no matter how the situation turns out in the future, King Lu will not forget the alliance between Earth's mutated beasts and humanity."
The Peacock King looked directly at Lu Yuan, his unspoken meaning crystal clear.
Fierce battles were inevitable. People from all races would descend here, and widespread clashes would certainly erupt during that time.
Although the mutated beasts possessed many kings, they were ultimately no match for the extraterrestrial beings. Under such circumstances, survival would be far more difficult than ever before. A major conflict could even lead extraterrestrial beings to target Earth's mutated beasts directly.
What the Peacock King hoped for was quite simple: that Lu Yuan would step in to protect them when the time came. He hoped humanity and mutated beasts would always stand together, setting aside all past grievances.
The beings of this world—whether human or mutated beast—formed an indivisible whole. At the very least, they could not allow the native life of this world to lose their foothold entirely amid the chaos of the grand era.
In truth, the Peacock King was seeking a way forward for all mutated beasts. He understood well that Lu Yuan was bound to become a powerhouse of unmatched standing, so he essentially viewed him as their pillar of support.
"I understand your meaning."
Naturally, Lu Yuan would not refuse. He had already settled on cooperation with the mutated beast kings earlier; what the Peacock King brought up now was merely a reinforcement of that bond. Lu Yuan was well aware of the stakes.
Lu Yuan smiled and continued, "Many mutated beast kings have already joined the Heavenly Court. The two sides have long merged into one—sharing glory and ruin alike. Therefore, Peacock King, there is no need to worry on this count."
"Thank you, King Lu." Hearing this, the Peacock King gave a slight bow in the manner of humans.
Knowing he had this promise meant that at the very least, Lu Yuan would not stand idly by if the mutated beasts faced a dire crisis in the future. Now that this most crucial matter had been agreed upon, it proved their earlier decision to cooperate was correct. The three beast kings had basically come to follow Lu Yuan's lead, fully acknowledging him as their sovereign.
"We will set out for Kunlun in three days," Lu Yuan said without further ado, turning his gaze toward the three beast kings.
The three beast kings were also very interested.
He immediately instructed the three kings to prepare, warning them that the trip to Kunlun three days later would certainly not be easy. Even if they could not offer much help when the time came, they at least could not hold things back.
The Peacock King and the others had no objections. Apart from them, the Golden-Winged Garuda would also be joining them this time. He was still out hunting mutated beasts that possessed dragon blood to purify his lineage, requiring a certain amount of time to prepare, and three days happened to be just right. With his extreme speed, the distance was nothing and would never delay him. Lu Yuan had already contacted the Garuda through the Blood Contract, instructing him to arrive as quickly as possible.
The Peacock King and the others began their preparations, issuing orders to mobilize their respective clansmen.
Meanwhile, the Nine-Tailed Fox King wore a puzzled expression and could not help asking, "Tell me, does King Lu really not appreciate my transformed look? He barely even glanced at me. Should I figure out a way to change into something else?"
Hearing this, the Spirit Monkey grew interested at once and offered her advice. "If you ask me, you should just follow our monkey clan's example! We monkey folk are hardly different from humans, so our aesthetics are naturally the same." He even showed off the golden fur covering his body.
The Peacock King was left somewhat speechless at the spectacle. Besides, Lu Yuan was resolute of mind; how could he possibly be beguiled by outward appearances?
After chatting a bit more, Lu Yuan turned and left Jade Emperor Peak, heading straight back to his quarters.
Just as he was about to return to his room, however, he noticed Jiang Ningxian. Without anyone realizing when she had arrived, she sat waiting in the courtyard.
After spending time together, they had established mutual trust, and she had never caused trouble. Upon seeing Lu Yuan, she rose directly to her feet without any polite nonsense. "I plan to accompany you to Kunlun, King Lu. I wonder if you would agree?"
Lu Yuan was startled. He remembered that she was usually indifferent to almost everything. For example, neither the East Sea Dragon Palace nor Guangchengzi's mythological secret realm on Mount Kongtong had drawn a word from her, even though both places had attracted the attention of numerous extraterrestrial beings. Yet now, she had proactively approached him regarding Mount Kunlun.
The anomaly at Mount Kunlun naturally could not be hidden from Jiang Ningxian. In truth, there was no need to hide such things either; their cooperation had lasted for some time, and she was trustworthy.
Lu Yuan was indeed curious, but he had no intention of interrogating her to the bottom of it. He merely nodded. "If Miss Jiang wishes to go, there will naturally be no problem."
Perhaps there would be even more opportunities for cooperation once they reached Kunlun.
"Great! Then thank you, King Lu." With business concluded, Jiang Ningxian offered a sweet smile, tucked her hands behind her back, and strolled out of the courtyard, an amused grin lingering on her face.
Lu Yuan shook his head. As he stepped into his room, he pondered her true purpose in heading to Mount Kunlun. Still, he had no plan to dwell on it; he would find out when the time came. It certainly would not be simple.
......
Out in the world, Awakened everywhere were shaken. Attention converged on the matter, and many declared they would go have a look, sending scouts ahead to investigate. News that Mount Kunlun had produced an anomaly had spread far and wide.
Not only that, but extraterrestrial circles also caught wind of Kunlun's opening.
The extraterrestrial beings could sit still no longer.
Kunlun was far more enticing than somewhere like Mount Kongtong. After all, that was the very place where a Yinglong had emerged!
The Home of the Myriad Gods was the cradle of countless Huaxia myths and legends; an anomaly arising there promised monumental fortunes. Moreover, everyone knew of the Milky Way Star Sector's ancient glory. Minor inheritances might not mean much, but this was Kunlun. Before descending, they had made extensive preparations and understood how momentous Kunlun was in this world.
Furthermore, there was that terrifying existence capable of slaughtering Saints while still in the Sovereign King Realm. Even though they harbored apprehension toward Lu Yuan and knew he was not someone to provoke, they ultimately decided to go and see. If they discovered something, they might defy the heavens and change their destinies; was that not the very reason they had crossed the deep cosmos?
Besides, even if they ran into that human Lu Yuan, as long as they did not cause trouble, there should be no danger.
And so, time slipped away bit by bit.
Scouts also detected that near the border of the Milky Way Galaxy, several colossal forces were steadily approaching. Just as Lu Yuan had anticipated, the anomaly at Mount Kunlun was destined to become the dividing line between two eras.
Chapter 170