Chapter 8: Going with the Flow

The cooking smoke rose slowly, and the crowd cheered and rejoiced endlessly.

Although the two demon beasts were already dead, their massive bodies and ferocious faces still left many people with lingering dread and a chill.

But this was their first time seeing humans turn the tables and hunt demon beasts, and they felt both shocked and excited.

They have seen too many cases of demons devouring humans; now humans eating demons may be a sign of the Human Race's rise.

Hundreds of people strained mightily, and finally dismembered the demon beast completely, placing it on the fire.

The flames slowly roasted the demon beast's corpse, its aroma spreading throughout the camp.

The Human Race, long threatened by death, finally let down their guard after smelling the tempting fragrance.

They gathered around the fire, singing and dancing, and the valley echoed with long‑missed laughter.

Yao Yan sat quietly beside Zhou Yi, watching the lively scene, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Zhou Yi whispered reassuringly, "Do not worry, with me here, tragedy will not recur." Yet no response came.

He turned and looked, only to see Yao Yan with a half piece of meat in his mouth, already sound asleep.

A whole day's toil drained his strength; after returning, Yao Yan still gritted teeth to help the tribe handle the demon beasts, until everyone had meat to eat and smiled, then Yao Yan finally slept peacefully.

Yao Yan woke, his gaze scanning the Human Race. A strange sight caught his eye: these people possessed neither cultivation nor any cultivation method. In a world where strength speaks, this is undoubtedly the Human Race's greatest weakness.

"Can my technique take root and sprout here?" When first arriving, Yao Yan felt out of place in this land.

But as time passed, he gained a deeper understanding of the Fire Law.

Perhaps he can find a proper cultivation path for the Human Race.

"The aptitude is excellent."

"This is also good," Yao Yan muttered while examining the Human Race's innate constitution.

In the Honghuang era, the Human Race's innate conditions far surpassed his realm.

Moreover, nourished by demon‑beast meat, even without cultivation, their flesh strength can match ordinary demon beasts.

Yao Yan's thoughts churned, growing increasingly excited, as if the Human Race's prosperity were right before his eyes.

But at that moment, "Boom—".

A thunderous blast roared like thunder; before Yao Yan could react, a suffocating killing aura surged like a tide, instantly flooding the entire valley.

"What's that smell?" a crisp female voice suddenly rang out, breaking the surrounding silence.

Yao Yan's heart jolted, a strong sense of danger surging like a tide.

Even Zhou Yi, who had just lain down, was startled awake, instantly widening his eyes and scanning the surroundings warily.

Yao Yan's palm ignited with flame; when the fire illuminated the area, everyone finally saw the speaker—a girl whose beauty was breathtaking.

The flame Yao Yan casually released was no trivial matter; it contained Strange Fire Power, subtly stirring the Fire Law of this land.

Yet the powerful attack landed on the girl, as if a stone sinking in the sea—no reaction at all.

Not a single scorch mark marred her dress, as if the raging flames were merely a gentle breeze.

"A Human Race expert?" the girl said in surprise.

Immediately, she flicked her hand lightly, and the Earth Law erupted instantly, turning into an invisible pressure that swept forward. Where it passed, the ground cracked, fissures spreading as if the earth were moaning in pain.

Yao Yan showed no fear, stepped forward, and the Xuanzhong Ruler materialized in his hand. He raised the weapon, slashing with all his might; flame and law power intertwined into a dazzling light that surged toward the heavens.

"Boom!" At the moment the two forces collided, violent energy burst forth, tearing the surrounding air to shreds and forming concentric shockwaves that radiated outward.

Zhou Yi did not join the battle; instead, he stood silently in place, his gaze deep as he examined the mysterious girl.

He silently reasoned that the girl's strength had likely already entered the Quasi‑Saint Level of the Wu Clan's top Great Witch.

Zhou Yi's figure flickered, deftly stepping between them; he became a Light Wall, firmly blocking the battle's aftershocks.

"You're the Zhou Yi who defeated the demon beasts, right?" the girl looked at Zhou Yi, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "The Human Race truly is no ordinary lot, and with your cultivation, you are indeed an impressive expert."

She had long heard of Zhou Yi's daring challenge against the Saint.

Now, seeing his strength with her own eyes, her view of humans subtly shifted.

In her eyes, humans were always on the run; she never expected two such powerful beings to emerge, which truly surprised her.

Yao Yan saw Zhou Yi move to act, and immediately sheathed the Xuanzhong Ruler, tucking it to his side. He trusted Zhou Yi completely, knowing that once Zhou Yi acted, he must already have a perfect plan.

"May I ask, miss, which Great Witch of the Wu Clan are you? Why are you appearing in our Human Race's territory?" Yao Yan asked loudly.

The girl heard this, was momentarily stunned, then a faint smile curled at the corner of her mouth.

"Great Witch?"

Hmph, she indeed was a member of the Wu Clan, but since the other side thought so, she didn't mind going with the flow.

She wanted to see what abilities this legendary Human Race leader truly possessed.

"I am the Great Witch of the Thick Earth Tribe, named Li. I am Great Witch Qing of the Thick Earth Tribe; you Human Race have caused such a commotion, and I am merely curious to see, is that not allowed?" the girl's voice was clear and pleasant, bearing an undeniable authority.

Zhou Yi gave a slight nod, understanding in his heart: the Thick Earth Tribe, settled at the foot of Mount Buzhou, close by, is a rare Wu Clan clan that gets along relatively harmoniously with humans.

They never slaughter humans nor treat them as food, so humans have always held a favorable view of the Thick Earth Tribe.

Before Zhou Yi could speak, Hou Tu walked straight toward the fire. Those demon‑beast carcasses were massive, with abundant meat; even hundreds of people could not finish them.

At this moment, several pieces of meat were roasting over the fire, their aroma filling the air.

Hou Tu had actually followed the enticing meat scent, unknowingly drawn here. She picked up a piece of roast, opened her mouth, took a bite, and savored it.

In an instant, the juices burst in her mouth, the taste so beautiful it left her stunned.

This experience was too novel for her; the Wu Clan had little need for food, usually cultivating by absorbing the world's qi, occasionally eating spirit fruits to fill the stomach.

However, this perfectly roasted meat completely overturned her notion of delicacies.

Yao Yan and Zhou Yi exchanged glances, both withdrawing their auras. From the situation, it seemed the other party was not looking for trouble.

"Ah, truly unexpected, you can cook the meat so exquisitely!" Hou Tu snapped back to herself, praising endlessly.

"If you like it, have more," Zhou Yi said with a smile, walking toward Hou Tu.

Yao Yan glanced at Zhou Yi, feeling his smile carried a hint of meaning.

Sure enough, Hou Tu also keenly caught the special meaning in Zhou Yi's smile, but she said little and simply continued enjoying the roast meat in her hand.

"Come anytime next time you want to eat," Zhou Yi said warmly.

Hou Tu heard the other's words, a slight smile tugged at her mouth, and she thought to herself: perhaps the Human Race isn't as difficult to get along with as everyone says.