Several kilometers away, perched in a large tree, a cute girl peeked through the branches at the battlefield, occasionally sticking out her tongue. "So scary, this place isn't safe at all. Should I move further away? But if I do, I won't be able to reach them in time for treatment," she muttered.
When Lu Yin and Lulu arrived at the battlefield, the number of Explorers had swelled to nearly a hundred, all attacking the beast.
They stared at the beast in amazement. "This creature is extraordinary. Its defense, speed, and combat experience surpass those of the attackers. And did you notice? Its attacks faintly resemble battle techniques," Lu Yin said gravely.
Lulu nodded, clenching her fists. "You can tell just by looking; it's tough. Why are these guys fighting it head-on?"
Lu Yin scanned the battlefield, his gaze finally fixing on the raised patch of soil beneath the beast's feet. "There's something there."
Lulu got excited. "Let's join in. I wonder how many punches this thing can take from me," she said, rushing forward.
Lu Yin had intended to wait and observe a bit longer, assuming there were hidden powerhouses waiting for their chance. But with Lulu already charging in, he couldn't let her go alone. Reluctantly, he followed, staying alert to their surroundings.
Nearly a hundred Explorers attacking a beast of similar strength sounded incredible, but it was happening. Lulu grew excited when the beast dodged her punch, recognizing its awareness of danger.
The beast roared, its massive tail sweeping through the air. Lulu dodged effortlessly, but over a dozen Explorers were hit, with nearly half of them dying instantly and the rest heavily injured.
Lu Yin was shocked by the ferocity of the attack. It was as powerful as a Five-Star Celestial Palm.
The greatest difference between humans and beasts is imagination. Humans are more creative, while beasts rely on their bodies and innate abilities. Under similar conditions, beasts are far stronger because they adapt to natural evolution, whereas humans seek to change nature. Until humans can change nature, they struggle to defeat beasts. The only way to overcome this is through innate talents and battle techniques.
Lulu shouted in delight, disappearing and reappearing on the beast's back. She raised her right fist but didn't attack, intending to create an opportunity for Lu Yin. He used a Void Flash to appear above the beast's head, hitting it with a triple threefold shockwave palm and the 20th Style Beast Claw.
With a loud bang, Lu Yin's palms slammed into the beast's head, driving its massive body into the ground. The sight of the hundred-meter-tall creature collapsing was impressive, with the shockwave scattering the nearby Explorers.
Everyone was stunned by this display. They knew how strong the beast was, yet it had been felled by one person—a definite powerhouse.
Lulu reached the raised soil and swept her hand over it, revealing a glowing small tree with a few enticing yellow fruits.
"What's this?" Lulu wondered.
The beast roared, struggling to rise. Lu Yin shouted, "Lulu, watch out!"
Lulu dodged just in time, as a figure suddenly appeared where she had been, looking surprised before reaching for the small tree.
Enraged, Lulu kicked the figure. The figure blocked with an arm, much like Meng Yue had, and was sent flying by her immense strength.
"Hmph," Lulu scoffed, grabbing a few fruits and walking away.
Lu Yin was curious but didn't ask further, taking to the air as well.
After they left, the beast roared and emerged from the ground. A dozen hidden Explorers approached the small tree to claim it, but the beast's roar deterred them.
"How many did you get?" Lu Yin asked.
Lulu tossed him five fruits. "There were ten in total, half each."
"Didn't take more?" Lu Yin asked, puzzled.
Lulu replied seriously, "Always leave something, especially with natural treasures. It's our family motto."
Lu Yin nodded, not probing further.
Soon, they were surrounded by dozens of people. "Friends, share some of those fruits," one person said darkly.
Lu Yin sneered. "Let's finish this quickly," he said, disappearing. Lulu vanished too, and moments later, figures started falling from the sky, defeated by the duo.
From a distance, other Explorers watched in awe, grateful they hadn't intervened. Someone capable of downing that beast was undoubtedly one of the top contenders in this trial.
In the distance, the girl in the tree marveled, "So strong. I wonder how they compare to Sister Zola."
Despite the cold sweeping the land again, many continued fighting for the fruits. The beast grew increasingly frenzied, its attacks indiscriminate, crushing the small tree underfoot.
Realizing the danger, Lu Yin said, "A beast tide is coming. Let's hide."
They hurried to a nearby mountain.
The sky filled with flying beasts, attacking anyone airborne. Blood rained down as many fell from the sky.
Lu Yin and Lulu, using their speed, deftly avoided the attacks, nearing the mountain. Suddenly, Lu Yin saw a cute girl, around sixteen, barely dodging attacks, her face pale with fear.
He frowned. "You go ahead," he told Lulu, using a Void Flash to reach the girl.
Lulu glanced at him, then sped toward the mountain.
The girl screamed as a beast swooped down. Lu Yin grabbed her, carrying her toward the mountain.
She panted, clinging to him, peeking around nervously as more flying beasts filled the sky. Just before reaching the mountain, Lu Yin landed, hiding in a cave with Lulu, covering the entrance.
The sky turned darker, completely blocked by the flying beasts. The land, already dark, was now pitch-black, with only the blood on the ground providing any color. Screams echoed all around.
Lu Yin squinted at the outside. This was the trial of the Astral Combat Academy. Of the million candidates, many would fall to this beast tide. Only a few would survive, but those who did would be the elite.
"Th-thank you," the girl stammered, glancing nervously at Lu Yin.
He looked at her but said nothing.
Lulu glanced between the girl and Lu Yin, her eyes lighting up. "So, this is your type?"
Lu Yin was confused. "What?"
Lulu giggled.
Blushing, the girl said softly, "I-I'm Coco, from the Suspended Wind Sect. Hello."
Lu Yin nodded.
Lulu was surprised. "Suspended Wind Sect? From the Innerverse?"
Coco nodded, looking like a wounded deer.
"Do you know it?" Lu Yin asked Lulu.
"Of course. The Suspended Wind Sect is known for its compassion and healing. They're few in number but have a great reputation in the Innerverse. They're like the Clover Company but with a different purpose. Clover focuses on profit, but I'm not sure what their goal is. It seems more like they're just bored," Lulu said.
Coco blinked. "We're not bored. We're training."
"Training to save people?" Lu Yin was surprised.
Coco nodded. "Our master says the more people we save, the more fortune we gain, and the longer we live."
Lu Yin and Lulu exchanged a glance. "Your master really sold you on that," Lulu chuckled.