Violent energy fluctuations collided repeatedly in the vast sky, producing thunderous roars.
In a desolate region in the eastern part of the Magic Beast Mountain Range, high-tier magical beasts huddled together, bowing toward a cave as if in prayer.
Purple Dou Qi surged like turbulent waves, whipping up a colossal tornado reaching a hundred meters high.
The surrounding magical beasts lay prostrate on the ground, their faces filled with terror. Some had even fainted from fright.
Heavy footsteps echoed from within the cave. Suddenly, a massive beast emerged before the others. This beast was enormous, with a body spanning seven to eight meters, covered in a layer of purple crystal. Under the sunlight, it gleamed brightly, almost blindingly so.
The beast's head was that of a ferocious lion with blood-red eyes that glowed with a strange purple light, sharp fangs lined up on its jaw, and a fiery red spiral horn jutting on its forehead, from which wisps of purple flame twirled.
This creature was none other than the Amethyst Winged Lion King, a rank six magical beast, its strength comparable to a Dou Emperor!
It stared into the distance, a look of vigilance and anger in its eyes. "What the hell is that? It even makes me feel such inexplicable pressure!"
Its subordinates quickly recounted everything that had happened. Upon hearing the news, the Amethyst Winged Lion King was enraged, immediately crushing a rank three magical beast under its paw, killing it instantly.
"Arrogant human woman, not only did you trespass into my territory, but you also slaughtered my subordinates. I want to see what makes you so confident!"
Known for its violent temper, the Amethyst Winged Lion King would never tolerate humans acting with impunity in its domain. With a flap of its wings, its massive body took to the sky, the surrounding forest catching fire from the purple flames it emitted.
Countless weaker magical beasts felt the overwhelming pressure of this kingly presence, collapsing to the ground and whimpering in fear.
For safety, the Amethyst Lion King also brought along three fifth-tier magical beasts that usually supported it. Not only did it need to show its might, but it also wanted to instill fear in its enemies about the power of the Magic Beast Mountain Range!
Meanwhile, Li Xiao, still admiring Heaven Ascending Pavilion, was unaware of the approaching danger. High-rank magical beasts from the eastern part of the Magic Beast Mountain Range were converging on his location, armed and ready for battle, yet he was still looking at the masterpiece in awe.
Linglong and Niu Meng were the first to sense the Amethyst Winged Lion King's presence.
Bowing, they reported, "Master, the overlord of this region, the Amethyst Winged Lion King, is approaching with its subordinates. Shall we take action and eliminate it?"
Upon hearing Linglong's report, Li Xiao pondered for a moment. He knew the Amethyst Winged Lion King well—it was a formidable rank six beast, an overlord in the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Its flames could even consume a Dou Emperor alive.
"Linglong, capture it first. I have plans for it."
With Heaven Ascending Pavilion newly established, Li Xiao needed a suitable mount. The Amethyst Winged Lion King would be a perfect choice.
Moreover, since Li Xiao couldn't yet use Dou Qi to fly, all his movements depended on his legs, which was not only time-consuming but also potentially troublesome.
Having a sixth-tier magical beast as a mount would not only be practical but also immensely impressive. Anyone seeing him would have to acknowledge his power.
Upon hearing his command, Linglong nodded slightly. The master's orders were absolute, and as a system reward, she would never betray him.
Niu Meng shrugged, initially eager to fight, but upon hearing Linglong's cold tone, he decided to follow her lead and help handle the aftermath instead.
High-rank magical beasts had already gathered in this area. The surrounding mercenary groups were dumbfounded by the scene, having never witnessed such a mass assembly of beasts, especially those all above the third tier.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King glanced disdainfully at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion below. "Cunning humans, daring to erect building in this king's place. Courting death!"
The three rank five magical beasts positioned themselves on the surrounding mountains, observing Heaven Ascending Pavilion with cautious, deep gazes. They sensed a divine and inviolable aura emanating from the pavilion, a presence that stirred a reverence within them.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King also felt this peculiar energy radiating from the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, which was why it hadn't attacked immediately. Instead, it chose to keep its distance, waiting for the right moment.
Minutes passed without any sign of the humans, making the Lion King question its perception. Furrowing its brow, it roared, "Cunning humans, come out and face me!"
There was still no movement from Heavenly Ascending Pavilion.
The Lion King's eyes glowed with a savage intensity, not expecting such blatant disregard. Did these humans not understand who the true ruler of the Magic Beast Mountain Range was?
"Destroy this place!"
At its command, the lesser rank beasts surged forward, brandishing their claws and fangs. However, as they approached within a hundred meters of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, a shiver ran through their bodies, causing them to tremble uncontrollably. They discovered, to their horror, that they had lost control of their bodies.
All magical beast above the third rank had developed intelligence. They recognized these feelings—coldness, fear, dread—overwhelming their senses.
In the next moment, their bodies were sliced in half, blood spurting like fountains.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King frowned. It couldn't even glimpse on how the opponent had struck. To kill so many rank three magical beasts so effortlessly, the enemy must at least be at the Dou King level.
Suddenly, the sky changed. A pair of blue high heels stepped lightly into the air, causing a powerful shockwave that shattered the surrounding mountains.
The three rank five magical beasts panicked and attempted to flee. Yet, Linglong merely spoke calmly, "Get down."
With just those two words, the fleeing beasts found themselves unable to control their bodies, crashing to the ground and kicking up clouds of dust.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King's pupils shrank in horror. "A Dou Ancestor powerhouse!"
Linglong's gaze remained indifferent, her expression filled with disdain as she looked at the terrified Lion King. A mere rank six magical beast, daring to bare its fangs to her master with its meagre strength. Utterly foolish.
"Senior, who might you be?"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King stammered, swallowing hard. It knew full well that the person before it was immensely powerful. It really kicked into an iron plate today. How unlucky! The Lion King cursed inwardly.
"This place is the sacred ground of Heaven Ascending Pavilion," Linglong declared coldly. "You, a mere rank six magical beast, dare to ignore the warnings and disturb our master's meditation. By order of our master, I am here to capture you wretched beasts and present you to him for punishment!"