The Battle God Assembly: Colliding Destinies!

Du Chen rose and approached the map, pointing at the patterns inscribed upon it. "First, how do we withdraw without leaving any trace or loose ends? Second, how do we permanently deal with the Daobet people? By the rules of our trade, they cannot be left alive! Or rather, they are the biggest variable, the greatest source of instability!"

"That's precisely what I wished to discuss with all of you!" Susanna declared. "For the sake of secrecy, I had the Daobet people begin digging tunnels within my ranch. Furthermore, I arranged for Earth-element Battle Gods to create Magic Formations near the Daobet people, ensuring they remain unaware that they are excavating the Supreme Father God's tomb! However, this method carries a significant drawback—the traces of the tunnels could lead back to my ranch!"

She offered a slight smile. "Therefore, I've divided the Daobet people into fifteen groups. Only seventy percent are excavating the true tunnels, while the remaining thirty percent are digging numerous decoy tunnels, scattered far and wide, yet intricately interconnected! Once we've secured our prize, I will detonate all tunnels, triggering a massive earthquake across the Auerbach Grand Canyon region! Heh heh, this way, the entire underground structure will be in chaos, making it impossible for my Imperial Brother and his forces to trace anything!"

Du Chen was profoundly startled. How ruthless! Yet, he had to admit it was a brilliant idea! An earthquake! Damn it, even if the Battle Gods attending the assembly could fly and weren't bothered by a mere tremor, it would still significantly impact the common folk living near the canyon! What a vicious woman!

"As for the Daobet people, considering their strong subterranean survival skills, I will have them gathered and 'sent home' before the earthquake. Naturally, that won't be an issue!" Susanna simpered charmingly.

Laughter erupted among the group. They were all grave robbers; each had conducted countless such 'transactions,' and naturally, they felt no aversion to eliminating witnesses and burying all traces! Du Chen also smiled. "Everyone, I understand there might still be some lingering doubts about me, given I only joined yesterday! Therefore, by the rules of our profession, as the latecomer, I shall not enter the tomb. However, once you've secured your prize and emerged safely, I shall choose one item I require from the spoils. I trust no one will object then! Furthermore... how about I take responsibility for dealing with the Daobet people, and my Battle God attendant and I handle the 'lookout' and 'cleanup' duties!?"

Susanna was overjoyed. In the art of grave robbing, infiltration is just as crucial as handling unforeseen circumstances outside. In some ways, those on the outside are more prone to exposure and danger! "Even if Thirteenth Master hadn't spoken, I had intended to ask you to take on the 'lookout' and 'cleanup' tasks, especially given how formidable your Battle God attendant is... However, the original plan was for Uncle Babylon to lead that effort..." She glanced at the Black Bear Battle God!

Du Chen chuckled, "Very well, let Battle God Babylon bring as many men as he deems necessary. I will cooperate with Battle God Babylon and follow his every instruction!"

Susanna probed, "Then Battle God Babylon would lead three hundred elite Battle Gods and Battle-Warriors..."

"Three hundred? Excellent, three hundred it is!"

Susanna's face lit up with delight. With Uncle Babylon leading three hundred elite warriors by Thirteenth Master's side, even if he were to harbor any insidious schemes, he would have to think twice! Of course, if he were genuinely cooperative, that would be even better; with him handling external matters, those 'working' inside the tomb would have a secure retreat.

Du Chen chuckled inwardly. *Hmm, with three hundred Beastmen warriors, comprising Battle Gods and Battle-Warriors, by my side, if I only had Deboning, it would indeed be a bit troublesome. After all, Deboning is just one man; handling one or two hundred isn't a major issue for him, but three hundred would almost certainly incur some cost.* But Du Chen, ever protective of his 'cubs,' was unwilling to pay even the slightest price...

Susanna, of course, had no idea that Du Chen carried with him one hundred and two Grand Matriarchs! Grand Matriarchs whose numbers and strength were equally astonishing!

***

On November 13th, 1278 of the Fallen Gods Era, the triennial Auerbach Battle God Assembly convened above the Beastmen Holy Land, directly over the tomb of Auerbach, the Beastmen's Supreme Father God!

The venue for the Battle God Assembly was exceptionally unique. In the widest section of the expansive, east-to-west running grand canyon, one hundred and twenty-four iron chains hung from opposing walls, collectively supporting a circular, suspended platform. The platform, easily two hundred meters square and entirely cloud-white, was crafted from an unknown material, neither metal nor stone. From high above, the iron chains appeared incredibly slender, barely visible, making the alabaster platform seem as if it floated in the very air above the canyon's center—a bizarre and magnificent spectacle!

The combat, naturally, took place on this very platform!

Both sides of the grand canyon were already lined with seats and tables. Thousands of Battle Gods, who had journeyed from various nations and great clans, watched from afar.

Thanks to Senior Brother Sonora, Annie and her companions secured excellent seats. However, Annie's face was etched with anxiety. "Why hasn't Francis arrived yet? Didn't we agree to meet here?"

Jamis, nonchalantly munching on a fruit, declared, "No worries, he wouldn't dare miss it. Otherwise, he'll fail his course!"

His classmates rolled their eyes. Sem, stepping up for his friend, taunted, "Professor Jemison, your ultimate move, the Beast Emperor's Unyielding Wall—you surely comprehended it here, didn't you?"

Jamis seemed utterly oblivious to Sem's sarcasm, instead beaming proudly. "Precisely! Think about it: after Beast Emperor Auerbach carved out this grand canyon, he was left with only his last breath, yet faced a powerful foe atop the unyielding cliff! What could he do then? Why, he'd naturally yell 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry!' to beg for mercy..."

"Professor, are you mad? Lower your voice! This is Beastmen territory!" Jason nervously looked around, fearing that any Beastmen might overhear Jamis's blasphemy against Beast Emperor Auerbach.

Old Bovin also chimed in, "Gambler, shut your stinking mouth! The assembly has begun! It's a rare chance to witness a full day of Beastmen brawling, a sight we only get every three years! Heh, bears, tigers, lions, wolves... a whole pack of wild beasts fighting it out—absolutely marvelous!" This old coot's mouth was even more venomous and foul than Jamis's!

"Marvelous, you say!?" Jamis suddenly fixed Old Bovin with a sneering gaze. Already effeminate, he now appeared even more lewd. "I, for one, think it would be far more 'marvelous' to see a certain someone stripped naked by a group of slaves and hung outside the Imperial Capital of Lanning! Oh, and tell me, did those slaves happen to touch this 'someone's' body? I hear they say this 'someone' has quite a fine physique!"

Old Bovin was instantly speechless.

"Please, both of you, lower your voices!" Jason pleaded.

"Oh, by the way, you said the Battle God Assembly only lasts one day?" Sem asked, somewhat astonished. "With so many participants, how could it possibly conclude in a single day?"

"Sem, you weren't paying attention in class!" Jamis pursed his lips. "Beastmen are quite straightforward, you see. They're too lazy for excessive rules. They simply have all competitors stand on the arena, then the Beast Emperor and several Grand Masters of the Beastmen personally exert their pressure upon them simultaneously. After the intimidation, those who collapse are eliminated; those who can still stand proceed directly to the finals. Wouldn't you say that's rather quick!? And isn't it actually fairer?"

As Jamis explained, the assembly commenced. Just as he predicted, the Beastmen were indeed direct. Rebadon, the contemporary Beast Emperor, soared into the air, hovering above the platform. He was a golden-maned lion, though due to his unique Secret Art, his humanoid transformation was not highly refined. Yet, no one dared underestimate his power; the King of McAllen Great Plains, the land of valor, commanded respect!

"Greetings, everyone! Welcome to the Great Plains to witness the Battle God Assembly!" Rebadon's voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the grand canyon. "We Beastmen have no need for excessive formalities; the assembly begins now!" He cast his gaze down upon the contestants on the platform. "You are all elites of our Beastmen race. Through this assembly, the strong among you will receive imperial accolades, and the strongest of all shall be blessed by Auerbach, the Supreme Father God! Good! Prepare yourselves, let us begin!"

No sooner had his words faded than several figures soared behind Rebadon. They roared in unison, each radiating a golden glow. The golden light slowly swirled and converged above the platform, eventually transforming into a brilliant orb of light, rivalling the midday sun. Suddenly, the orb plummeted, hurtling towards the platform!

With a resounding *boom*, the combined pressure of several Beastmen Grand Masters crashed down!

Following this massive impact, several factions stirred simultaneously!

Silently, from the northern side of the grand canyon, within the Macallan Royal Court's encampment, a contingent of Beastmen donned in crimson priestly robes emerged. Most were from powerful Beastmen races like lions, tigers, snakes, and bears... with a few towering Mammoth tribe and Behemoth tribe members among them. Even the shortest of these Beastmen stood over two meters tall, while the tallest Behemoth reached an astonishing ten meters!

Rebadon cast a cold glance at the platform. "Those who can still stand shall all be granted an Imperial Baron noble title. Those already bearing a title shall receive an additional three thousand Gold Coins! After giving thanks, you shall immediately commence a free-for-all. The last one standing shall be the champion of this Battle God Assembly!"

With that, Rebadon flew back to the Royal Court's encampment, landing before an ape-man. The ape-man's hair and beard were white, but his physique was robust. He wore a wide-brimmed crimson priestly robe, giving him a somewhat comical appearance. Yet, Rebadon treated him with utmost reverence. "Elder, what do you think of the caliber of this year's warriors?"

The ape-man Elder squinted his eyes, intently watching the melee on the platform. "There are a few promising prospects. Look, that young lion-tribe warrior is quite good. Go investigate his character and background. If he proves worthy, he'll have a chance to join our Crimson Mausoleum Guards!" "I've taken a liking to that burly man from the Viper Claw tribe!" another red-robed figure interjected, pointing out his chosen target.

***

As most of the Crimson Mausoleum Guards ascended to the canyon rim to select fresh recruits, deep within the Auerbach Grand Canyon's depths!

From here, the expansive valley top appeared as merely a thin line of sunlight filtering down. Forget the Battle Gods above; even the hundreds-of-meters-square platform was nowhere in sight. In this environment, Auerbach's resting tomb, a colossal palace-like structure with golden light and jade-green tiles, exuded an auspicious and mystical aura. Inside the tomb, a Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard stood on a small corridor!

The Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard stood motionless, like a carved wooden statue or chiseled stone. Suddenly, he lowered his head, pressing an ear to the ground, and urgently whispered, "Someone's in—" He only managed three words; the final character for 'invasion' hadn't even left his lips when *thump, thump*, several muffled sounds of earth breaking erupted, accompanied by soil and stone fragments spraying from beneath him. In an instant, ten figures burst from underground, encircling the Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard and striking him with lightning speed.

Ten highly trained masters, working in seamless coordination, ambushing a single individual...

The Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard, truly worthy of being a follower of the Beastmen Supreme God, shook his shoulders. Thick metal scales suddenly grew over his massive paws, which he used to seize several sharp sacred artifacts launched at him. Simultaneously, the fur and skin on his back instantly hardened, retracting into an iron-like plate, allowing him to stoutly block the sneak attack from behind.

*Thump!* A wolf's fang hammer landed on the Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard's head, but he merely stiffened his neck and endured the blow! But just then, with a strange 'pop,' a flaming crossbow bolt shot from underground, piercing his abdomen. "Hmph, a metal-elemental mausoleum guard, you're just begging to be countered by me, Kerry, the fire-elementalist!" The slender Kerry emerged from the ground.

All of this transpired in the blink of an eye...

The Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard opened his mouth to speak, but a longsword was already plunged into it. Almost simultaneously, he faintly heard several thudding sounds of bodies falling. Without a doubt, in that very instant, his nineteen comrades had met the same fate.

Susanna emerged from underground. She surveyed the tomb's interior, adorned with milky-white brickwork. "So, this is the inside of Auerbach's resting tomb?" She then glanced at the dozen dark, cavernous openings at her feet, a cold smile playing on her lips. "The Daobet people truly live up to their reputation as the Beastmen's premier engineers. After dealing with this batch, we should ideally recruit another!"

Susanna raised her hand, gathering everyone. "Remember, we only have two hours! Begin!"

With that, she led the way towards the deepest part of the tomb... But just as they had taken a few steps, *thump, thump, thump*, a series of strange thudding sounds echoed from behind them, as if heavy bodies were pounding the ground.

*Impossible!* "There should be no living beings here besides us!" Susanna's blood ran cold. She spun around abruptly. "Supreme Father God protect us!"

Robbing Auerbach's tomb while simultaneously praying for Auerbach's protection—Susanna's actions were comical, yet no one could laugh! The scene before them defied all their understanding! The Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard, who had just been slain, stood up, slowly advancing towards Susanna. His fur progressively decayed, his pupils began to bleed, and the flesh on his limbs gradually sloughed off. In the blink of an eye, a half-bear, half-skeleton Undead Battle God appeared before Susanna and her group!

"Gaaah gaaah!" he cackled, uttering the words he couldn't finish before his 'death.' "Someone's invading... Master!"

"Master!?" The Crimson Mausoleum Guards have no master! Furthermore, the deceased Bear-tribe Mausoleum Guard was metal-elemental, which utterly contradicts the conditions for becoming Undead after death—every Battle God knows that only beings with strong plant-elemental properties can potentially become Undead after death! Susanna and her group had no time to ponder; another nineteen Mausoleum Guards had risen, slowly encircling them. These Mausoleum Guards appeared even more formidable than they had in life...

If Du Chen had followed, he would surely recognize it, for it was—

The peerless genius, Philip's, Undead Battle God Project!

***

Deepest within the tomb! A moment earlier in time.

Within the vast tomb chamber, Auerbach's circular ironwood coffin rested in the center. A group of individuals stood attending around the coffin; though few in number, each exuded an imposing aura. Behind them, five colossal iron cages were concealed by black drapery. Twenty additional experiment assistants, clad in white robes, were conducting the final pre-experiment checks on the five enormous iron cages!

Philip, his Undead appearance concealed by a white robe save for one gigantic arm dragging outside, stood atop the coffin and spoke gravely, "Sir Brockman, how I wish we could hasten this! I can barely wait to witness the birth of my magnificent masterpiece!"

Brockman, clad in the Macallan Empire's general armor, chuckled, "Master Philip, among all the 'lifelines' across the Three Continents, the one within Auerbach's tomb is the most unique. While its output of aura may not be the strongest, it is certainly the swiftest and most stable. You know better than I that once the experiment begins, the integration will be complete in just ten minutes. We have ample time; there's no need to be anxious, is there?"

Philip lifted his head, a hopeful glint shining in his bloodshot eyes that bulged from his prominent brow bone. "Throughout history, Aberrant Beasts have stood as equals to Battle Gods, some even surpassing them. But today, I shall create a miracle, proving that human Battle Gods can create Aberrant Beasts. We, humanity, are the true masters of all creation!" His gaze turned mournful as he looked at his Undead right arm, sighing, "For this miracle, what does it matter if I am no longer human?!"

Brockman inexplicably gave a couple of dry laughs, looking rather uncomfortable.

"What a pity!" Philip sighed again. "Originally, I intended to use *her* egg as Number One. Alas, our efforts at Mount Tianshan were thwarted at the last moment. That egg must have hatched by now, surely? The ultimate super Spiritual Power—that was the perfect choice for Number One! But I will never get to see what it became. Ah, that damned Francis, he burned my Laboratory to the ground, and even the 'child' I painstakingly incubated for years, on the verge of birth, went missing!"

Brockman offered solace. "Master, only after enduring bitterness can sweetness follow!"

"Never mind, never mind..." Philip sighed deeply, then added, "I hear you've had quite an unpleasant time with Sonora, yes? Don't pay him any mind. It's only natural for their 'native folk' to look down on us 'Outsiders' holding higher positions than them." He clapped Brockman's shoulder with his colossal palm. "With the divine skill of 'Art of Artifact Annihilation' within you, no one has the right to look down on you for that ability alone!"

Brockman's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously. "Master Philip speaks true! I must also thank you for bestowing the Art of Artifact Annihilation upon me all those years ago!"

"No need to thank me. We are both 'Outsiders.' You are the most suitable person in this world to cultivate the Art of Artifact Annihilation; your unparalleled talent has already destined everything, and naturally, I would assist you!" Philip said with a hint of regret. "It's just a pity, as you discovered during your cultivation, the Art of Artifact Annihilation is incomplete! It's merely a fragmented scroll I obtained from the Grand Pontiff's secret texts of the Yetha Church... But rest assured, one day, we shall obtain the complete Art of Artifact Annihilation!"

If Du Chen were here, he would surely find them utterly comical—for the Art of Artifact Annihilation was right here within Auerbach's tomb, and they, standing inside it, were completely unaware! Perhaps, one could only say that Phil's arrangements were too ingenious!

"Time's up!" Philip leaped from the coffin, approaching a wall in the deepest part of the tomb. On that wall, surprisingly, was a jade panel identical to the white jade wall on the nineteenth floor of Philip's Laboratory! However, this jade wall was much, much larger!

Philip commanded gravely, "Everyone, be fully alert! The 'lifeline' of Auerbach's tomb and the Battle God Assembly opening on the same day—such an opportunity is exceedingly rare! I do not wish to wait for the next one, understood!?"

"Rest assured, Master!" The experiment assistants tore off the black drapery from the iron cages. From largest to smallest, the five cages revealed, in order: a proudly seated Golden Behemoth, an Eight-Winged Flood Dragon Whale whose back trembled as if ready for flight, a Deep Abyss Armored Beetle staring with cold concentration, a Roaring Fanged Tiger King... and then there was... Snow Wolf Andy, panting like a small pug, wagging his tail begging for scraps!

"Hmph, I, Chris Andy, am a Snow Wolf with an appetite and dreams... alright, I admit it, I'm doomed, but my master Francis is a noble, which makes me a noble's pet. I demand a dignified death, at least with a full stomach!"

No one paid any heed to Andy's pleas...

"Master Philip, these Aberrant Beasts, having undergone the crucible's tempering, have all reached optimal condition for the experiment and are ready for formal integration at any moment!" An assistant respectfully approached Philip, then glanced at the goofy-grinning Andy, frowning. "Master, according to your tests, Andy should have fully integrated Number Five and Number Six. Will this cause any complications?"

Philip scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at the Snow Wolf. "This useless creature? Hmph, if he hadn't fully integrated two crystal shards, I wouldn't use him for the experiment at all! Ignore him. With Number One controlling the body, this waste's fate can only be soul annihilation! Begin the experiment!"

Just then, the alarm cries of the Undead Battle Gods from outside echoed in.

"Damn it!" Philip furiously pounded his fist. "Sir Brockman, it's fortunate we casually converted those twenty Mausoleum Guards into Undead Battle Gods upon entering! While their transformation can't compare to my transcendent one, they'll still be more formidable than in life. Take your men immediately and assist them in eliminating the intruders!"

Philip gestured for his assistants to hasten, then instructed, "Sir Brockman, ten minutes. Within ten minutes, I must focus entirely on the experiment... I'm counting on you!" Brockman nodded gravely and led his men out to fight.

"Damn it, are you all also here for a 'transaction'?" Susanna, leading her two hundred elite warriors, was already embroiled in battle with the Undead Battle Gods. Seeing living individuals emerge from the depths of the tomb, she smiled before speaking. "If you are also here for a 'deal' with us, we can consider cooperation! I am very sincere!"

Brockman completely ignored Susanna. He held such women in contempt; as a holder of a divinely bestowed noble title, all his partners were exclusively virgins—with one notable 'accident,' of course. He donned sacred artifact finger guards on both hands and charged headfirst towards Susanna!

A fierce melee erupted within the tomb of Auerbach, the Beastmen's Supreme Father God.

This battle should have been exceptionally fierce, yet both sides, by unspoken agreement, consciously suppressed the sounds of combat—for the Battle God Assembly was still ongoing above the canyon, and too much noise would spell trouble for everyone! Susanna had numerical superiority, while Brockman commanded more skilled fighters, supplemented by the relatively difficult-to-kill Undead Battle Gods. For a time, both sides were locked in an inextricable struggle!

***

"The Daobet people truly are the Beastmen's premier engineers!"

Du Chen was leisurely admiring the Daobet people's masterpiece. He looked up at the openings above—these openings led directly to the surface of Auerbach's tomb! Then he turned to survey the vast underground cavern he occupied, spacious enough for two hundred Beastmen, which served as a transit point connecting the ranch and the tomb, and the grave robbers' only escape route!

"Over two hundred people, completing such a massive engineering feat in less than three days—even with numerous Earth-element Battle Gods assisting, it's still awe-inspiring! No, it's nothing short of a miracle!" Du Chen clicked his tongue in admiration, yet secretly chuckled to himself. By now, Susanna must have directly 'collided' with Philip, who was conducting his experiments, right? Who, he wondered, would gain the upper hand?! His decision not to rush into the tomb himself, but to voluntarily take on the 'cleanup' duty, was precisely to use Philip to avenge the Daobet people, and simultaneously further thwart Philip's deathly project. Oh, and to provide himself with a bit of spectacle, of course!