Qingqiu (Qīngqiū，青丘，中国神话中九尾狐的故乡), located in the eastern coastal region of the Suoluo Continent (Suóluó Dàlù，桫罗大陆), at the border between two super metropolises, was once the domain of the ancient divine race, the Nine-Tailed Foxes (Jiǔwěihú，九尾狐).

  To modern people, this is nothing more than an ancient myth. Yet, people still hold it in awe. Because of this reverence, it has become a world-class nature reserve — Qingqiu County (Qīngqiū Xiàn，青丘县) — an independent, top-tier protected area under no institutional jurisdiction. On this continent, a Level One protected zone is already considered extremely high-grade, while a Special Grade is a privilege enjoyed by only a handful of scattered areas.

  At the center of the Qingqiu Reserve stands a great mountain called Tushan (Túshān，涂山，九尾狐族的圣山), said to be the place where the Nine-Tailed Fox clan once lived, and revered as the Guardian Sacred Mountain. Tushan is called sacred not only because of that myth, but also because over the past several thousand years, it has protected the two cities and surrounding regions, shielding countless living beings from the reach of supernatural disasters, and soothing fragile hearts — becoming a sacred presence in everyone’s mind.

  And just moments ago, a terrible disaster struck once again.

  The tornado clusters, laden with toxic exhaust, howled like mad, while massive tsunamis, churning with countless pieces of debris, pounded relentlessly as if deranged. From the highest reaches of the sky, lightning and thunder roared down like a torrential storm… each force of nature striking terror into hearts and leaving people utterly at a loss.

  Yet, even in such a moment of crisis, there remained a group of people who, as always, rushed about, striving to protect the city. They were respectfully known as the “City Heroes” (Chéngshì Yīngxióng，城市英雄).

  The disaster raged for an entire day, and only by dusk did this war without smoke begin to subside. In the short span of time, a super metropolis had been left in ruins. Yet, in the heart of Zhebei City (Zhèběi Shì，哲北市), amid the wreckage, stood a peculiar building shaped like a tree, along with several upscale urban structures, all untouched under the protection of some mysterious power. This was the headquarters of the City Heroes Guild (Chéngshì Yīngxióng Bānghuì，城市英雄帮会) and the municipal center.

  Inside a high-floor office of the tree-shaped building, a man stood by the window. His back was straight, his hair disheveled yet his clothes neat, and on his tanned, square face were a pair of large, bloodshot “panda eyes” (Xióngmāo Yǎn，熊猫眼), straining wide to observe the scene outside.

  Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

  “Ahem… come in!” the man called out loudly, his hoarse voice tinged with urgency. “How’s the situation outside?”

  “Guild Master—”

  This man was the one in charge here — Zhuge Yi (Zhūgě Yì，诸葛毅), the Guild Master of the Zhebei City Heroes Guild. Entering the room was his assistant, a young and beautiful woman in an elegant dress, carrying a strong scent of perfume, her golden hair flowing — the kind of sight that would draw a second glance from anyone.

  “The supernatural phenomena have ceased. According to preliminary statistics, over ninety percent of Zhebei City has suffered varying degrees of damage. In addition, the members have been notified to return one after another…”

  Most members of the City Heroes Guild were local residents — people of chivalrous spirit who had practiced martial arts since childhood and passed the most rigorous tests. Though ordinary in origin, they were highly skilled in combat, each possessing unique techniques.

  Other members were even more extraordinary. These individuals not only excelled in martial arts but also wielded mysterious powers. They hailed from an ancient people — the “Guardian Clan” (Shǒuhù Yīzú，守护一族) — a clan so little known that it survived only in folklore, and whose existence was known only to the highest leaders of each nation. They were regarded by every country as a top-level military secret.

  Some had been assigned here because of this catastrophe, while others had settled in the area, living hidden yet free lives.

  “Yes… yes… yes…”

  Wan’er (Wǎn’ér，婉儿) glanced at Yi (Yì，毅), slumped in his chair yet still thinking about others, and, feeling a pang of concern, quickly handed him a cup of tea. Blinking her large, watery eyes, she smiled and said, “Would you like to take a rest? The situation outside has basically stabilized now… or perhaps the cafeteria has specially prepared your favorite dishes today. If you’re hungry, maybe…”

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  “—Right now… right now, is it 8 o’clock… yet?” Yi suddenly sprang up from his chair with a loud thunk, like a startled lamb, drenched in sweat and looking flustered.

  “Ah—there’s… one…” Startled herself, Wan’er froze for a moment, then narrowed her eyes and, somewhat reluctantly, glanced at her watch before answering.

  “What… one hour? Ah—no! I won’t make it… this is bad, this is bad, I’m going to have to kneel on durians (guì liúlián，跪榴莲) again—”

  Yi’s composure began to crumble, and with it, his image. The “cotton belly” (miánhuā dù，棉花肚) that had popped out in relaxation instantly tightened back in, his once-messy hair puffed up like popcorn, and his dark, shiny face gradually turned ashen…

  Then, in the blink of an eye, without another word, he grabbed a jacket at random and bolted. With a sharp whoosh, he moved so fast that Wan’er’s hair was blown up, revealing her helpless expression.

  “Ah—honestly, I can’t tell if he’s just thick-skinned or socially clueless…” Wan’er, the special assistant, followed gracefully to the doorway, watching his departing back with slight disappointment, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “Oh, right—this place is in your and Da Qiao’s (Dà Qiáo，大乔) hands…” Yi called back over his shoulder as he ran, waving his hand.

  “Yeah—got it… Is this guy really stupid or just pretending?” Wan’er pouted helplessly, then, with a hint of disappointment, casually added, “Still… he’s kind of cute! Heh—”

  “Oh my goodness!” Just as Wan’er was gazing down the hallway in mild self-indulgence, a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder with a sharp slap, making the beautiful woman shriek and instantly switch into a tomboyish demeanor, completely different from moments before.

  “Oh, it’s you… Don’t scare me like that—” Wan’er turned to see an old acquaintance, instantly reverting to her elegant self. “Guild Master Qiao!”

  “Acting Guild Master—And you… what are you looking at? It’s rare to see you so focused—your eyes are about to fall out!”

  The one standing behind Wan’er, mischievously startling her, was none other than Da Qiao, the aloof female leader and Acting Guild Master of the City Heroes Guild headquarters, whom Yi had just mentioned.

  Da Qiao was the parachuted-in candidate for the next Guild Master. Although she was an ordinary person, during her tenure as branch leader in other cities she had been virtually unstoppable. In every respect she was highly capable — even to the point of arrogantly thinking that the current Guild Master, Yi, was a fool.

  “This guy—what’s so great about him? I just don’t see it…” Da Qiao narrowed her eyes, her expression quite serious.

  “You don’t understand—” Wan’er shot the female leader a disdainful glance, then turned her head to gaze into the distance, speaking with pride. “Back at our academy, he was practically the campus heartthrob (xiàocǎo，校草)—”

  “I know—handsome, righteous, humorous… You were his junior at school, and ever since he gave you a little attention, you’ve been feeling good about yourself and started chasing after him, right!” Da Qiao pushed up her glasses, speaking like a broken record, her tone cold.

  “You already know, so why bother asking me!” At the mention of the past, Wan’er instantly transformed into a lovestruck junior, ignoring the so-called authority of her superior, blushing and smiling to herself. “My senior is such a good person— I…”

  “I know—your senior is the best: excellent grades, outstanding martial arts, dashing looks… You came here to work because of him, even giving up the cushy job (jīn fànwǎn，金饭碗) your parents arranged for you, right?” Da Qiao gave a cold smile, speaking her mind. “If he weren’t exceptional, how could he have become Guild Master at such a young age? And now, he’s even been promoted to candidate for President of the Guild!”

  “That’s right!”

  “But—you do know he’s already taken, don’t you?”

  “Hmph! So what, he’s not married—besides, with my qualities, stealing someone’s man would be a matter of minutes—” Wan’er remained brimming with confidence.

  “Mm—sure, except this is probably your 365th time failing!” Da Qiao struck again, hoping to wake the lovestruck lamb before her.

  “I… failure is the mother of success, isn’t it? Where there’s a will, there’s a way—Why are you always trying to discourage me, cousin!” Wan’er gave herself a pep talk before replying, her spirit truly admirable.

  “That’s your mother—my aunt—trying to set you up with someone… and you’re not interested. So they’ve been pushing me to come up with ideas—” Da Qiao (Dà Qiáo，大乔) glanced at Wan’er (Wǎn’ér，婉儿), speaking awkwardly.

  “And you?”

  “Tch—of course they wouldn’t leave me out. Our mothers want us to…” Da Qiao was caught off guard by her younger cousin’s question.

  The two cousins exchanged a knowing look, both wearing the same wry smile.

  “But speaking of which, Yi’s not much different from us ordinary people—he only seems to know martial arts. Aren’t the most powerful abilities of your Guardians supposed to be what’s called ‘Shushu’ (Shùshù，数术)? How did he even graduate from the Guardians Academy (Shǒuhùzhě Xuéyuàn，守护者学院)?” Da Qiao cast a glance toward the end of the hallway, her tone puzzled. She and Wan’er were cousins, but Wan’er was from the Guardian Clan (Shǒuhù Yīzú，守护一族), while she was not—so she found it hard to understand.

  “Of course it’s possible—our academy has special admissions, but the slots are very limited. I remember in my senior’s year there were only two spots, and one of them was his—” At the mention of Yi, Wan’er’s face lit up again as she smiled and answered.

  “And the other?”

  “The other one… uh… hmph—”

  Da Qiao, holding her posture, tried hard not to laugh as she glanced toward the far end of the hallway, still puzzled. This question was sharp—she used to tease this silly cousin often, and every time the topic came up, Wan’er’s mood would sour, clouds gathering over her head, jealousy written all over her face.

  —She really couldn’t understand. Was he really that great…?

  Which artifact was used by the City Hero to capture the Feral Beast?