At the border of the Dragonspine Mountain Range, Lian Chen saw that there were a couple of the outer court disciple corpses.
It came as no surprise to him, for it was an annual occurrence that several outer court disciples would meet their demise in their relentless pursuit of the coveted first place reward.
At the border of the Dragonspine Mountain Range, Lian Chen saw a burly and plump figure fighting a Red Winged Panther. The Red Winged Panther was an intermediate beast at the middle stage.
On closer inspection, Lian Chen recognized the bulky and corpulent silhouette as the rising star, Duan Wu Kun.
Engaged in a fierce battle with the Red Winged Panther, Duan Wu Kun was encased in a fiery, crimson aura that engulfed his entire body.
The Red Winged Panther appeared weary and its body was dripping with blood, indicating the toll of the fight.
"Hmm... It seems you're determined to unleash your full strength before meeting your end... Very well! Come at me! I'll face it head-on with all that I have!" Duan Wu Kun exclaimed, assuming a defensive stance.
The Red Winged Panther flew at a high speed towards Duan Wu Kun, Preparing to rip out Duan Wu Kun's throat and kill him in one strike.
"Duan Wu Kun intercepted the attack of the Red Winged Panther, using his arm to deflect its claw before forcefully tossing it aside."
"You have fought well, but now it's time to bring this battle to a close!" Duan Wu Kun exclaimed and immediately, his body radiated in a fiery aura as he unleashed the power of the Crimson Red Fist, a formidable fighting martial skill.
Flames danced around Duan Wu Kun arm, amplifying Duan Wu Kun strikes with scorching intensity.
With a thunderous roar, Duan Wu Kun charged towards the Red Winged Panther, and delivered a devastating blow, engulfing the panther in a blazing inferno and emerged victorious from the battle.
As Duan Wu Kun attempted to extract the core from the body of the Red Winged Panther, Lian Chen couldn't help but wonder about the fiery crimson aura that surrounded him during their battle.
"Who's there? Come out right now!" While Lian Chen was deep into his thoughts, Duan Wu Kun shouted and immediately assumed a defensive stance.
Lian Chen was shocked that Duan Wu Kun was able to sense him while he was hidden up in the tree and had his presence made unknown.
Walking out with 2 arms up, Lian Chen said "I meant no harm, I was just passing by and saw your fight with the Red Winged Panther."
"I recognize you. You're Lian Chen, aren't you? I've heard that you've been at the Body Refinement Stage for almost 8 years. Seeing you here, I suppose you've finally made a breakthrough," remarked Duan Wu Kun as he identified Lian Chen and displayed no hostile intent.
"Hey, I was just wondering, but what is that fiery crimson aura that surrounded you during your fight with the Red Winged Panther?" Lian Chen asked as he was very curious.
"I don't have any objections to sharing this with you, as I was once in the same situation. It's known as the Vermillion Flame Bloodline. I actually awakened it while hunting demonic beasts in the Accursed Shadow Mountain."
"Since obtaining this bloodline, my cultivation has skyrocketed. Whenever I face opponents stronger than me, my blood boils with a surge of fighting spirit." Duan Wu Kun answered.
"Well, I wish you the best of luck in your hunt for the competition! Time is running short, so I'll take my leave now." Duan Wu Kun expressed his respect for Lian Chen with a cupped fist before making his way toward the exit.