Rebirth of the Heavenly Beast Tamer

Chapter 29: Defending the Sanctuary

The tranquility of the night shattered as Lin Tian stood at the outer boundary of the sanctuary. The glowing barrier that surrounded the sect flickered like a warning light, rippling under the strain of external forces. Beside him, his Golden Flame Phoenix perched on his shoulder, its radiant glow illuminating the darkness.

Yue Ling and Lin Rou stood nearby, their expressions grave. Behind them, the newly recruited disciples gathered in ranks, their faces a mix of fear and determination.

"They're trying to breach the barrier," Lin Rou said, her voice sharp.

Lin Tian nodded, his spiritual sense extending outward. He felt the unmistakable presence of hostile cultivators lurking beyond the sanctuary. Their malicious energy pressed against the barrier like a battering ram.

"Disciples, listen carefully!" Lin Tian's voice echoed with authority. "Our sanctuary is under attack. This is your first test as members of the Heavenly Beast Sect. Stand firm, protect your home, and show no mercy to those who threaten it!"

The disciples erupted into cheers, their nervousness replaced by resolve.

Ding! System Notification:

Defend the Sanctuary Quest Updated:

Enemies Detected: 15 Cultivators (Mid to High Core Formation Realm).

Bonus Objective: Defeat the enemy leader and capture at least one intruder alive for interrogation.

Rewards: Sect Resources +5%, Hidden Realm Expansion, Rare Beast Egg (Bonus).

Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. "Mid to High Core Formation? They're not amateurs. Everyone, stay on high alert."

Yue Ling stepped forward, her aura surging. "Tian'er, let us handle the weaker ones. Focus on their leader. If you cut the head off the snake, the rest will scatter."

Lin Tian nodded. "Very well. Stay safe."

The Breach

A loud crack echoed through the air as the barrier trembled under another assault. Suddenly, it shattered like glass, fragments of golden energy raining down like shards of light.

Through the broken barrier stepped a group of cultivators clad in dark robes. Their leader, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, exuded a menacing aura.

"So, this is the so-called Heavenly Beast Sect," the man sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Just a gathering of women and one overconfident boy."

Lin Tian stepped forward, his expression calm but his eyes cold. "You've made a mistake coming here. Leave now, and I might let you live."

The scarred man laughed. "Let us live? You've got guts, kid. I'm going to enjoy breaking that arrogance of yours."

Lin Tian's Golden Flame Phoenix let out a piercing cry, its body igniting with golden flames. The intruders flinched at the sight of the Divine Beast, their confidence faltering for a moment.

"Attack!" the scarred man roared, masking his fear with aggression.

The battle erupted in an instant.

The First Clash

Lin Tian's family and disciples surged forward to meet the intruders. Yue Ling led the charge, her elegant movements hiding lethal precision. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a wave of icy energy that froze two attackers in their tracks.

Lin Rou followed closely, her formation skills creating barriers that protected the disciples as they engaged the enemy. The disciples, though inexperienced, fought valiantly, their beast companions amplifying their strength.

Lin Tian, however, kept his focus on the scarred man.

"You talk a big game," Lin Tian said, his voice cold. "Let's see if you can back it up."

The scarred man smirked. "You'll regret this, boy."

He charged, his blade glowing with dark energy. Lin Tian met him head-on, summoning his Divine Beast Sword. The clash of their weapons sent shockwaves through the battlefield, forcing everyone to momentarily pause and watch.

The Duel

Lin Tian moved with calculated precision, each swing of his sword imbued with spiritual energy. The scarred man was strong, but his movements were predictable.

"You're fast," the man admitted, gritting his teeth. "But speed alone won't save you."

He unleashed a burst of dark energy, creating a wave of destruction aimed at Lin Tian.

The Golden Flame Phoenix intervened, its flames countering the dark energy. The two forces collided, creating a dazzling explosion of light and shadow.

Lin Tian used the opening to close the distance. With a swift strike, he disarmed the scarred man, his blade pressing against the man's throat.

"Yield," Lin Tian commanded, his voice unwavering.

The scarred man glared at him, but before he could respond, a shadowy figure emerged from the trees.

A Hidden Threat

The figure was cloaked in black, their face obscured. Unlike the other intruders, their aura was far more sinister, radiating the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Lin Tian's grip on his sword tightened. "So, this was your backup plan?"

The cloaked figure chuckled. "You've done well, boy. But this ends here."

The figure raised their hand, summoning a massive beast with crimson eyes and jagged scales. The creature let out an ear-splitting roar, its presence shaking the ground.

The disciples faltered, fear creeping into their hearts.

Lin Tian stepped forward, his aura surging. "Phoenix, let's end this."

The Golden Flame Phoenix flared with golden light, its body growing larger as it unleashed its full power.

The cloaked figure sneered. "A Divine Beast? Impressive, but it won't save you."

The Final Stand

The battle between the beasts was fierce, their clashes creating shockwaves that rocked the sanctuary. Lin Tian focused on the cloaked figure, who moved with terrifying speed.

The figure unleashed a barrage of shadowy attacks, but Lin Tian's training and instincts allowed him to dodge and counter. He channeled his energy into the Divine Beast Sword, its blade glowing with golden flames.

"Take this!" Lin Tian roared, slashing at the figure.

The cloaked figure barely managed to dodge, their cloak singed by the flames.

Realizing he couldn't win, the figure attempted to retreat.

"Not so fast," Lin Tian said, activating a formation he had prepared earlier. Golden chains erupted from the ground, binding the figure in place.

The Golden Flame Phoenix delivered the final blow to the crimson-eyed beast, incinerating it with a torrent of flames.

With the battle over, Lin Tian approached the captured intruders.

Aftermath

The disciples cheered as the remaining enemies surrendered. Lin Tian turned to Yue Ling and Lin Rou.

"Interrogate the survivors. I want to know who sent them," he said.

Yue Ling nodded. "Leave it to me."

Lin Tian looked at the cloaked figure, who struggled against the chains. "You'll tell me everything. And if you lie, I'll let my phoenix decide your fate."

The figure glared at him but remained silent.

Ding! Quest Completed: Defend the Sanctuary.

Rewards: Sect Resources +5%, Hidden Realm Expansion, Rare Beast Egg.

Ding! Bonus Objective Completed: Captured Enemy Leader.

Reward: Advanced Interrogation Array Unlocked.

Lin Tian sighed, his body relaxing slightly. The sanctuary was safe for now, but the threat wasn't over.

As he gazed at the moonlit sanctuary, he whispered, "This is just the beginning."