"Roar!"
Amidst the boundless expanse of the forest, a thunderous beastly roar suddenly echoed, followed by the colossal form of a creature, exuding a foul odor, crashing through several towering trees before landing heavily in a clearing of the woodland.
This formidable beast was a level ten Martial Master, once a tyrant of these woods. Yet now, its aura was diminished, covered in gory lacerations that exposed the bone beneath, blood pouring forth like a raging stream.
The beast glared furiously at the blood-clad youth emerging from the depths of the forest, before collapsing to the ground, its life extinguished.
"Even without the intent of my blade, my power is sufficient to rival that of a half-step Martial Spirit!" The blood-clad youth's eyes gleamed with delight as he beheld the fallen giant.
After a month of venturing through the Beast Mountain Range, Ye Tian had come to fully comprehend the extent of his strength. He could confidently say that few beneath the Martial Spirit level could match him now.
Of course, when it came to being the true number one below the Martial Spirit rank, Ye Tian remained cautious, as there were countless exceptional talents in the vast expanse of Nanlin County, and he had yet to encounter them all.
With his growing understanding of this world, Ye Tian felt increasingly wary of arrogance and complacency.
...
In the night, under a sky adorned with countless stars, the cool moonlight blanketed the entire Beast Mountain Range.
Perched atop a towering tree, Ye Tian laid the large iron box horizontally across two sturdy branches and settled into a cross-legged position to absorb the essence of heaven and earth.
After half a month of cultivation, his strength had once again progressed, with three of the remaining twelve acupoints successfully opened.
Now, only nine acupoints remained to be cleared before Ye Tian could ascend to level ten Martial Master.
Suddenly, Ye Tian's ears perked up as he awoke from his meditation. He slowly opened his eyes, and a figure shot forth from the nearby woods, landing beneath the tree where he sat.
"A half-step Martial Spirit!" Ye Tian's pupils constricted in surprise as he gazed down at the figure below.
It was a middle-aged man, his face marred by several vicious scars, standing tall and robust, his body like forged steel, exuding a powerful aura.
Ye Tian had not anticipated encountering a half-step Martial Spirit here; such powerful individuals were likely few and far between in the entirety of Liu City.
Holding his breath carefully and suppressing his presence, Ye Tian scrutinized the middle-aged man.
At that moment, another figure hurtled from the depths of the forest, this one considerably weaker, approximately at level five Martial Master.
Noticing this newcomer's trajectory toward the man beneath the tree, Ye Tian deduced that they must be acquainted.
Indeed, their conversation soon confirmed Ye Tian's assumption.
"Uncle, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I truly appreciate your help this time!" The voice belonged to a young man, appearing to be in his twenties or thirties, handsome yet bearing a pair of sinister eyes that radiated a chilling gaze.
"Good nephew, there's no need for such formality with your uncle," the middle-aged man chuckled heartily.
"Ha ha, you're still the best to me, Uncle! By the way, have you driven away the powerful beasts in the vicinity?" the young man inquired with a smile.
"Indeed, all have been dealt with! However, I recall there being a powerful level ten Martial Master beast in this area, yet despite searching extensively today, I could not find it—it seems to have vanished, which is quite strange!" The middle-aged man said, a flicker of doubt passing through his eyes.
From his perch above, Ye Tian couldn't help but smirk at the mention of the beast's disappearance, as he had already dispatched it himself.
"Vanished? What's so strange about that? The Beast Mountain Range is vast and boundless; who knows where these creatures wander? Besides, with you protecting me, I'm certain I will be safe," the young man replied, his brow furrowing before he laughed nonchalantly, well aware that his uncle was a half-step Martial Spirit, ranking among the top five in all of Liu City.
"Indeed, as long as I am here, unless you encounter a beast at the Martial Spirit level, no one can harm you. But tell me, young lad, have you gone to such lengths for that woman? Is it worth it? I won't fault you for it, but if your father learns of this, he will surely give you a beating. And if you like her, why not take her by force? We men stand tall; with a little courage, what woman can resist?"
The middle-aged man's words almost made Ye Tian burst out laughing from his hiding place in the tree.
"Stand tall with courage! What a bold statement!" Ye Tian silently chuckled to himself.
The young man replied, "Uncle, you misunderstand. My actions are not solely for her. I have learned from her maid that years ago, Liu Yuan obtained fifteen top-grade Qi Unblocking Pills, which have fallen into her possession. If I could acquire them, it would spare me much arduous cultivation in the future."
"Ah, I see!" The middle-aged man nodded in understanding, a smile spreading across his face. "Well done! With your skills, the Xue family has a promising future. However, that woman is likely luring you here to use the beasts of the mountain to harm you; once you acquire those pills, she will be of no use to you."
"Rest assured, Uncle. I see through her intentions clearly. After I obtain those fifteen top-grade Qi Unblocking Pills, I'll have my fun with her before sending her off to a brothel!" the young man replied with a sinister grin.
"Very well, go on back. I will watch over you from the shadows!"
"Thank you, Uncle!"
...
As the two figures darted away, Ye Tian, seated high in the tree, stroked his chin, lost in thought.
"Fifteen top-grade Qi Unblocking Pills…" A fervent glint flashed in Ye Tian's eyes. Though he could ascend to level ten Martial Master through hard work, obtaining those fifteen pills would grant him an immediate elevation to that rank.
One method required time; the other was instant.
Ye Tian had already made his choice!
In the early morning, the sun shone brightly.
Amidst the tranquil forest, a procession of over a hundred individuals moved quietly, their vigilant eyes scanning the surrounding woods. Each warrior held their weapon tightly at their waist, ever ready to respond to any sudden occurrences.
Among the group, a pallid young man rode a tall steed, occasionally glancing at a luxurious carriage nearby, his face betraying a hint of derision and cold amusement.
"Wait a moment!"
Suddenly, a delicate voice called out from within the opulent carriage.
The young man turned his head, and a sullen voice followed: "What is it, Miss Liu? Do you need to relieve yourself again? Didn't you just do so half an hour ago?"
"Hmph, do you have an issue with me taking a break?" A disdainful snort followed as a fragile figure emerged from the lavish carriage. She had delicate features, bright eyes, and a slender form, her skin fair as if illuminated by the moonlight, resembling a graceful silhouette swaying in the wind.
"Of course, I have no objections; I merely express concern for your safety, Miss Liu. After all, we are in the Beast Mountains, where fearsome beasts lurk everywhere," the young man replied with a mild smile.
"No objections, that's good. If you're afraid, Xue Tian, you are welcome to return!" The woman, referred to as Miss Liu, cast a cold glance at the young man before gracefully walking toward a dense thicket not far away, accompanied by two maidservants to keep watch for her.
"Hmph, vile wench, once I obtain those fifteen Spirit Awakening Pills, you will see what's in store for you!" The young man sneered as he watched her retreating figure.
Behind the dense foliage, Miss Liu knelt slowly, but instead of relieving herself, she pulled out some white powder from her bosom and scattered it onto the grass.
"How strange! My aunt said this substance could attract powerful beasts, yet yesterday only those beneath the Martial Master level responded. Is there not a single Martial Master beast in this area?" As she sprinkled the white powder, Miss Liu furrowed her brow in confusion.
"You're right; there are indeed no beasts above the Martial Master level in this region!" A deep voice suddenly resonated behind her.
"Who! Ugh…" Startled, Miss Liu spun around only to have her mouth covered from behind, unable to make a sound.
"Miss Liu? If I'm not mistaken, you are the treasured daughter of the city lord Liu Yuan, Liu Yiru, am I correct?" Ye Tian said, one arm encircling Miss Liu while his other hand stifled her delicate mouth, a smile playing on his lips.
"Ugh…" Terror filled Liu Yiru's face as she glared at Ye Tian, ultimately emitting a muffled sound.
"Do not be afraid; I harbor no ill intentions towards you. If I did, I wouldn't bother engaging in idle chatter," Ye Tian reassured her with a chuckle.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiru's gaze flickered uncertainly, perhaps realizing that struggling was futile; she calmed down and looked at Ye Tian with beautiful, questioning eyes, as if asking: What do you want?
"Ah, you were wondering why your beast-attracting powder failed to lure any Martial Master beasts, right? Allow me to clarify: you were correct; there are indeed no beasts above Martial Master level in this area," Ye Tian explained, smiling.
Liu Yiru regarded Ye Tian with a scornful expression, clearly unconvinced, for she had chosen this place after extensive inquiry, aware of the many powerful beasts that resided here.
"Do not look at me with such skepticism; just listen, and you will understand," Ye Tian continued undeterred. "Before your arrival, this area did indeed host numerous formidable beasts, but just yesterday, a formidable individual at the Half-Step Martial Spirit level drove them away. Speaking of that Half-Step Martial Spirit, you should recognize him—he is the uncle of that young man beside you."
Liu Yiru's pupils constricted, disbelief filling her beautiful eyes as a hint of panic crossed her face.
"Now do you understand? Your little ploys have already been noticed by the young man beside you; he is merely toying with you!" Ye Tian observed her startled expression with a sympathetic glance.
"Ugh…" Liu Yiru struggled, blinking her lovely eyes at Ye Tian, signaling him.
"Let you go? That's possible! However, you should consider carefully; exposing me will bring you no benefit!" Understanding her intent, Ye Tian smiled slightly and released his hold on her mouth.