After things gradually settled down regarding the mine, the mountain town returned to its former glory.
One evening, Linley was practicing his sword on the mountaintop when a commotion suddenly arose below. He sheathed his sword and looked up to see Wharton personally leading a guest up the mountain, chatting and laughing along the way, his demeanor showing a rare respect. The guest was not tall, had an ordinary face, and wore a simple gray robe. As he walked along the mountain path, he exuded an unfathomable air of authority.
Linley's heart skipped a beat. He recognized this person.
The mysterious and powerful figure from Beirut, the Chaotic Territory, is one of the most outstanding beings in this world, on par with Doehring. Even the Holy Radiant Church avoids his advance. He is usually elusive and rarely seen, but now he has personally come to the mountain of the Baruch Kingdom.
" Mr. Lei," Beirut stepped onto the mountaintop, looking at him with a calm yet undeniably weighty tone, "I've come here regarding your magical beast, Bebe."
Linley frowned slightly. " Bebe?"
Beirut nodded, stood with his hands behind his back, and gazed into the distance. "Do you know the origin of your magical beast?"
" Bebe is the king of the Dark Forest rats," Linley said. "Over the years, he has commanded the rats, helping me protect the mines."
"King of the Rat Clan, indeed," Beirut said calmly. "But on this Yulan Continent, there are countless rats. Why is it that he alone can command the billions of his dormant ancestral clan in the Dark Forest? Have you never considered—what kind of bloodline in this world is worthy of that kingly aura?"
Linley's heart skipped a beat. He had long felt that Bebe was somewhat unusual, but he had never thought about it deeply. Now, Beirut's words were full of meaning, and he vaguely realized that he might have overlooked a very important aspect.
Looking at his expression, Beirut slowly said, "To be honest— Bebe's bloodline is of the same origin as mine. The reason why the Shadowmouse and Stone-Eater Rat of the Dark Forest obey his commands is because they recognize that the blood flowing in his veins is that of my kind."
Linley's pupils contracted sharply.
"You mean... Bebe, he..."
"He is Divine Beast," Beirut said calmly. "My clan is born with the Divine Beast Bloodline. Bebe has been able to reach the Saint Realm all these years thanks to the foundation of this bloodline. But the Saint Realm is far from his end."
He looked at Linley and said, word by word, "I will help him break through to the Deity Level."
Linley remained silent for a long time.
He hadn't been unaware of Bebe's future. But the Deity Level was a dome that countless beings on this continent could never reach, even after a lifetime of effort. Doehring had entered the Deity Realm, Beirut was even more unfathomable, but that was a path they had traversed for countless years. If Bebe could truly take that step... what a magnificent sight that would be.
"Why?" Linley asked. "Mr. Beirut, why are you helping him?"
"Because he is my descendant." For the first time, Beirut's voice carried a faint warmth. "I have lived for too many years and have long since become indifferent to many things. But if my bloodline has reached my generation and a descendant has stepped into the Deity Level, I cannot watch him perish before the barrier of the Saint Realm."
He paused, then added, "Besides, he acknowledges you as his master, and you treat him like a brother. Helping him is also helping you—it's always good to have another Deity Level expert by your side on your path."
Linley's heart warmed. He thought of all these years when Bebe had followed him all over the country, growing from a little furball into the king of the rat tribe, facing life and death together without ever backing down. He had long regarded Bebe as a partner closer than a brother. Now, hearing that it might go even further, he was happier than anyone else.
"Then... what do you need me to do?" Linley asked.
"No rush." Beirut waved his hand. "The threshold to Deity Level depends on 'fate.' It can't be forced. I came here to inform you first, so you're aware of the situation. When the time is right, I will lead him to where he should be and help him find the path to breakthrough."
As he spoke, his gaze suddenly fell on Linley, and he said meaningfully, "As for you, Linley —you have already stepped into the Saint Realm at the Human Form Realm, and have also comprehended the 128th level of Pulsation. Such talent is rare even in this world. If you are willing, the gate to the Deity Realm may very well be reserved for you."
Linley paused for a moment, then smiled wryly, " Deity Level... I haven't even finished the Peak Saint Realm yet, how could I dare to think that far ahead?"
"The road is walked step by step," Beirut said calmly. "Your teacher, Doehring, didn't he also rise from an ordinary magician to where he is today? You are more talented than him, and you have something else—you have your brother Bebe, and you have Doehring to support you. As long as you don't stop, you will reach your goal one day."
Linley didn't reply, but he memorized every word of those words.
Beirut didn't linger. He had seen Bebe, and standing among the dark swarm of rats, gazing at this junior of the same origin as himself, the usual calm in his eyes momentarily softened, as if he were seeing himself in this state long, long ago. He raised his hand and gently touched Bebe's brow, a faint light entering it, then turned and gracefully descended the mountain.
"Boss," Bebe stared in the direction Beirut had left, and after a long while spoke, her voice unusually tinged with a hint of confusion, "That gentleman... he said he was my elder?"
"Hmm." Linley crouched down, looking at him. "He said he'd help you break through to the Deity Level."
Bebe remained silent for a long time. For the first time, a complex expression appeared in her round eyes—surprise, realization, and a hint of an inexplicable premonition, as if it had been buried deep in her blood.