An ancient totem was carved at the city gate, the edge of the half-crescent silver moon sharp like a beast’s fang. On closer inspection, that new moon seemed to hide a beastly silhouette, vaguely hinting at something more.

Shen Tang didn’t fully understand it at the moment, her attention more drawn to the numbers beneath the totem—

Nineteen Cities.

She turned to Bai Lei beside her and curiously asked, "Ah Lei, why is this place called the Nineteen Cities?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Bai Lei smiled and explained, "Although the Purification Zone covers less than 10% of the planet’s area, there are many factions and cities within. Here, we belong to the outermost jurisdiction, the Nineteenth City, and above us are the Eighteenth City, Seventeenth City... even the legendary First Royal City!"

She continued, "Young people like us who have just been promoted are basically assigned to the Nineteenth or Twentieth City. It’s already impressive that we can enter the Nineteenth City directly! In the future, as our points rank goes up, we can gradually move to more advanced cities!"

Ker coldly chimed in, "Going to more advanced cities is not just a symbol of strength; you can also get better resources... If you can enter the legendary First Royal City, that proves you’re one of the top powerhouses in the world!"

Shen Tang mused, "So, every Beastman who comes here has this goal. Isn’t the competition in the Purification Zone more intense than outside?"

Qin Han stopped, glanced back at Shen Tang, surprised by her insight.

He nodded and said, "You’re right, the Purification Zone isn’t the end, it’s the start of new challenges. There’s no external conflict here, but internal conflict is inevitable."

Every Beastman in the Purification Zone will stop at nothing to earn points, aiming to climb higher and gain more resources.

Far from the pollution zones, unable to hunt mutant species, the streets are filled with high-scoring, handpicked teams—imagine the intensity of the internal strife.

Even if someone wants to stay put and live peacefully in the Purification Zone, it’s impossible.

"If you don’t advance, you retreat" is vividly reflected here.

If they seek comfort and refuse to fight desperately, they’ll soon be harvested as "resources" by other teams.

Fighting mutant species is just about who’s strong and who’s weak; but here, there’s much more to consider.

Danger lurks not only in the light but also in the shadows.

The danger level in the Purification Zone is only higher than outside!

The rest of the team gradually came to realize this, excitement dampened like a splash of cold water, their hearts lifted again.

The competition for resources never stops.

They must work harder to defeat more competitors!

"We can’t relax, we need to be cautious in every move from now on."

Qin Han’s gaze once again settled on Shen Tang, reminding her, "Stick with us, don’t go out alone, and never get separated."

Shen Tang nodded obediently, "Got it! Don’t worry, Captain, I won’t hold us back!"

Seeing her sweet and agreeable demeanor, Qin Han felt a vague tenderness inside. He nodded, leading the team to the city center to register identities and receive their accommodations.

Shen Tang followed at the end of the team, her smile slowly fading, her suspicions becoming clearer.

Indeed.

Isn’t this just like raising gu? (a method of raising creatures for competition or selection)

This seemingly endless system of promotion makes Beastmen instinctively fight each other for survival, sifting out the strongest group.

The entire planet might have already been transformed into a massive testing ground.

The more the Beastmen slaughter one another, the more they would come to worship the Divine Hall, until the selected elites are completely brainwashed, becoming the strongest and most loyal pawns under the Divine Hall.

"Look quickly!"

"It’s the Divine Protection Army!"

"Move aside! Don’t block the way!"

As the team finished registering their identities and headed to their accommodations, excited shouts suddenly came from ahead, full of fervor and reverence.

Immediately, the pedestrians on the street parted like a tide, making way for the imposing army.

Shen Tang’s gaze turned cold the moment she saw this army.

This legion had remarkably high combat power, composed of over a thousand Beastman Warriors all at the Tenth Rank! They bore solemn and cold expressions, like emotionless war machines, exuding top-level terrifying combat power, with absolute military intimidation.

"Wow, the Divine Protection Army is so mighty!"

"Joining the army means becoming a top warrior. If only I could join one day..."

The Beastmen around them showed an awe that seemed to come from their very blood, even bordering on blind worship of the Divine Protection Army.

Shen Tang overheard from the enthusiastic murmurs around her that the Divine Protection Army was responsible for managing and monitoring the movements inside and outside the city, suppressing uprisings, and maintaining the order and stability of the Purification Zone, holding extremely high prestige among Beastmen.