Beast Taming Star Journey

Chapter 354 Undeterred by Threats and Coercion

The strategist, Jinbo, abandoned his previous affability, his eyes flashing with a murderous glint, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey. The crystal ball in his hand shone even brighter, flickering with an ominous red light, like a spark that could explode at any moment. The air in the hall seemed to freeze; everyone breathed cautiously, afraid to disturb the precarious balance. He slowly raised the crystal ball, but did not immediately attack. Instead, he swept his gaze across the crowd with a playful look, as if enjoying the fear on their faces. That silence was more chilling than any direct threat. What method would he use? A direct attack, or some more insidious trick? No one knew; this unknown fear, like an invisible hand, gripped everyone's throat.

I took a deep breath, stepped forward, and blocked Jinbo's view. Su Yao gently placed her hand on my shoulder, and a warm feeling came over me, making me even more determined.

"No matter what threats you make, we will not yield." My voice echoed in the hall, firm and resolute. Rather than waiting passively, we should take the initiative and break this suffocating silence.

Jinbo the strategist chuckled dismissively. "Oh? Is that so? What right do you think you have to negotiate with me? A bunch of rabble, daring to defy the majesty of the Dark Lord?"

“We may not be your match,” I said, looking him straight in the eye without flinching, “but we will never bow to evil! You try to control us with fear, but that will only make us more united!”

I felt Su Yao tighten her grip on my hand, her eyes filled with admiration and support. The boy with the metal clenched his fist, his eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit.

"Hmph, stubborn fools!" The smile on Jinbo's face vanished, replaced by endless coldness. "Since you refuse to listen to reason, then don't blame me for being impolite!"

The crystal ball in his hand shone brightly, and a powerful pressure swept through the entire hall, making it almost impossible for anyone to breathe.

“The Dark Lord has lost his patience,” the strategist’s voice turned low and sinister. “He asked me to deliver a message: if you still refuse to submit, he will start with the weakest forces and destroy you one by one!”

His gaze fell on Jinxi, the Beast Tamer, his tone full of mockery, "For example... Jinxi, your power is the weakest in the Beast Taming world, right? I think the Dark Lord would be 'happy' to start with you..."

Jinxi, the Beast Tamer, turned deathly pale. He gripped Su Yao's hand tightly, his body trembling slightly. I felt Su Yao's hand also tremble slightly; a flicker of worry crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and held my hand tightly…

The Beastmaster's face was ashen, his lips trembling, yet no sound came out. He looked at me pleadingly, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness. I understood; the strategist's psychological maneuver had struck at his weak spot. He was already of weak will, and under the dual pressure of the Dark Lord's prestige and his own safety, he would likely find it difficult to persevere.

Su Yao's arms were wrapped tightly around mine; I could feel the coldness of her fingertips and the tension in her muscles. Although she didn't speak, I could sense her worry—not just for the Beast Tamer Jinxi, but for the future of the entire Beast Taming world. I gently patted the back of her hand and gave her a reassuring look.

“Strategist Jinbo, your tricks are far too low,” I sneered. “Using threats to force us to submit will only make us despise you more and hate the Dark Lord even more!”

Jinbo the strategist shrugged dismissively. "The victors are kings, the losers are bandits; history is written by the victors. Once the Dark Lord rules the entire Beast Taming World, who will remember you so-called 'heroes'?"

His words were like sharp knives, piercing the hearts of everyone present. Yes, if we fail, who will remember our perseverance and efforts? History only remembers the victors, while the losers will be forgotten in the dust of time.

A hush fell over the hall, the atmosphere oppressive and suffocating. Elder Jinhei's expression shifted between light and shadow, clearly indicating his inner turmoil. Other beast tamers who had initially supported us began to waver, their eyes filled with hesitation and unease.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I knew this was not the time to hesitate; I had to do something to turn this disastrous situation around.

"Gentlemen," my voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable force, "I know that the threat of the Dark Lord terrifies us, but fear will not solve the problem; it will only rob us of the courage to resist!"

My gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Beast Tamer Jinxi. "Beast Tamer Jinxi, I know you're afraid, but have you considered that even if you submit today, do you think the Dark Lord will let you go? He can threaten you today, and he can threaten others tomorrow, until the entire Beast Taming world submits to him!"

My words struck like a thunderbolt in the heart of the Beastmaster. He abruptly raised his head, a flicker of struggle in his eyes.

“Nong Yu is right!” The boy with the metal-coated wheat stepped forward. Although his voice was still young, it was full of strength. “We cannot give in! Even if we are to die, we will die standing!”

His words ignited a flame in everyone's hearts, and some of the beast tamers who had wavered were rekindled in their fighting spirit.

"That's right! We cannot give in!"

"Fight them!"

A cheer erupted in the hall, and everyone's morale soared once again.

As I witnessed this scene, my heart filled with hope. I knew this battle had only just begun, and many more challenges lay ahead. But I believed that as long as we united, we would surely defeat the Dark Lord and protect our shared home!

I surveyed the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Tonight, I will gather everyone to discuss countermeasures..." Before I could finish speaking, the hall door was suddenly pushed open, and a blood-covered messenger stumbled in, crying, "Something terrible has happened..."