"Haah..."
Standing opposite the second-grade Lightning-Striped Beast, Wu Qingce closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his dark pupils were locked onto his "prey" with deadly focus. Facing Wu Qingce’s battle-hungry gaze, the Lightning-Striped Beast showed no fear, its four tails swaying as it exuded the wild aura unique to exotic beasts.
Its eyes gradually darkened from black to crimson. Seeing the tension between man and beast reach its peak, Jiang Beiran, acting as referee, casually called out, "Alright, begin."
"ROAR!!!"
In this life-or-death battle, the Lightning-Striped Beast lunged at Wu Qingce with full force, its front claws glowing with a sinister red light. A second-grade exotic beast was equivalent to a Mysterious Master among cultivators, yet Wu Qingce showed no hesitation in this challenge above his level.
Activating the Heart Returning Technique to dispel the wild aura that sought to cloud his judgment, Wu Qingce channeled the Rolling Cloud Technique and leaped backward into the air.
"BOOM!"
The Lightning-Striped Beast’s pounce struck empty air, but its movements didn’t falter. Locking onto Wu Qingce’s retreating figure, its hind legs immediately propelled it forward, chasing him midair. 'Here it comes.'
As the beast soared upward, six crescent moon throwing knives suddenly appeared between Wu Qingce’s fingers, all hurled toward the Lightning-Striped Beast at once. Seeing the tiny blades flying toward it, the beast paid them no mind, flicking one of its tails to swat them aside.
"SCREECH!!!"
Yet in the next instant, the Lightning-Striped Beast let out a pained howl—the seemingly unremarkable throwing knives had pierced straight through its tail and embedded themselves into its body. 'Senior Brother’s Qi Concealing Technique never fails.' In battles between cultivators, every move and stance naturally emitted corresponding Profound Energy, allowing opponents to gauge the attack’s power.
But after learning Jiang Beiran’s Qi Concealing Technique, Wu Qingce’s every strike appeared as nothing more than a "basic attack," lulling enemies into underestimating them. Hearing the beast’s cry, Wu Qingce seized the moment, drawing his Azure Edge Sword and diving down with the Four Waters Sword Art!
Unable to adjust its posture midair, the Lightning-Striped Beast could only raise its claws in a desperate block as Wu Qingce descended like a raging current.
"CLANG!"
The collision between sword and claw rang out like metal striking metal—yet despite the beast’s iron-hard claws, half of one was instantly sheared off.
"SCREECH!!!"
Wu Qingce’s face lit up with excitement at the beast’s howl. 'As expected of a sword forged by Senior Brother. Even a second-grade beast’s tempered body can’t withstand it.'
But just as he was reveling in his success, two thick, whip-like tails suddenly lashed toward him.
"Damn it!"
Wu Qingce hadn’t expected the Lightning-Striped Beast to counterattack while injured and falling. With no time to dodge, he could only raise his sword to block. Yet a second-grade beast’s strike wasn’t so easily defended against.
A tremendous force slammed into him, sending Wu Qingce coughing up a mouthful of blood as he was flung backward like a kite with its string cut, crashing toward the ground.
"CRASH!"
Watching Wu Qingce plummet and snap a towering spruce tree—one so thick three men couldn’t encircle it—Jiang Beiran smacked his forehead. 'JB District’s top disciple… and this is it?' Meanwhile, the Lightning-Striped Beast, having also crashed heavily, swiftly rolled to its feet and began channeling Profound Energy to visibly regenerate its severed claw.
"Cough… cough…"
While the beast healed, Wu Qingce pushed aside the fallen spruce pinning him and staggered upright. 'This is bad… Senior Brother’s definitely going to lecture me later.'
With that thought, he retrieved a blue stone vial from his Universe Ring, poured out a pill, and swallowed it.
"Cough!"
Another cough escaped him as he wiped blood from his lips and moved to pick up his fallen sword. But as he bent down, a sharp killing intent suddenly surged toward him. Turning his head, Wu Qingce saw a crimson figure already upon him, jaws wide open to tear him apart.
In that instant, death’s shadow loomed over him. This beast was strong—even in a fair fight, victory was unlikely, let alone when caught off-guard with no time to defend. But just as fear constricted his pupils, a figure stepped in front of him.
"Hey, at least try to react. Did you freeze up?"
Jiang Beiran glanced back at Wu Qingce. Gasping for air, Wu Qingce collapsed onto his rear, taking a moment before stammering, "Th-thank you, Senior Brother."
"You still need more training."
Shaking his head, Jiang Beiran turned to the Bloodshadow Beast whose jaw he was gripping.
"You’ve got some nerve. I thought you’d keep hiding behind that rock."
"ROAR!!!"
The Bloodshadow Beast, seemingly indignant, clawed frantically at Jiang Beiran’s arm, yet no matter how hard it struggled, he remained unmoved.
"Stop tugging, stop tugging. Seriously, you’re ruining my sleeve."
Ignoring him, the beast continued wrenching at his arm.
"I said behave!"
Jiang Beiran’s eyes flashed as a torrent of spiritual pressure crashed into the Bloodshadow Beast. The beast stiffened momentarily—then thrashed even harder, as if provoked.
"Oh? A tough nut, huh? Interesting."
Releasing his grip, Jiang Beiran said, "Go on. I’ll give you one free shot at me." Freed at last, the Bloodshadow Beast scrambled back several paces, its crimson fur bristling.
"ROAR!!!"
With an enraged bellow, a red aura erupted from its body.
"Red wild aura? Rare."
Jiang Beiran turned to Wu Qingce.
"Didn’t you say you wanted an exotic beast mount? How about this one?"
"I’d love to… but there’s no way I could control it."
"You’ll get there with enough training."
Seeing Jiang Beiran completely disregard it, the Bloodshadow Beast’s fury peaked. Red veins bulged across its black hide as the crimson aura spread toward Jiang Beiran.
"ROAR!"
With another roar, the beast lunged like a scarlet bolt of lightning, jaws wide to snap Jiang Beiran in half.
"SMACK!"
Just as its fangs were about to sink in, a lightning-fast slap struck its face. Dazed, the Bloodshadow Beast froze mid-action, momentarily unsure what to do. Then Jiang Beiran delivered another slap.
Equally unable to defend, the beast took the hit squarely on its left cheek.
"Whimper!!!"
With teeth knocked loose, the Bloodshadow Beast backed away, shaking its head and letting out a pitiful whine.
(End of Chapter)