Xiao Yuan couldn't wait much. He instantly used the 'Steps Blast: Fire' technique, propelling himself toward the massive tiger in a fiery burst of speed. His movement now matched the swiftness of a Dou Ling (Spirit), and he closed the distance in a flash. Without a moment's hesitation, he unleashed 'Octane Blast' with a thunderous roar, sending the fierce tiger hurtling backward, crashing down a hundred meters away in a shower of dirt and broken branches.
Yet, as he approached his downed opponent, Xiao Yuan's keen senses noticed something strange. With each powerful strike he landed, the tiger's strength seemed to increase. Just a few minutes ago, this beast was at the peak of Dou Shi, yet now, it was surging with the power of a Da Dou Shi, a level higher. He could faintly recall from the original novel that magical beasts of the fifth rank and above could utilize their life essence to boost their power, making them formidable foes. But here, shockingly, a mere second-rank magical beast was somehow tapping into that same dangerous potential.
The dust hadn't even fully settled when Xiao Yuan stood still, observing with remarkable calmness. He knew the tiger's retaliation was inevitable, yet he felt no fear. After all, he was a transmigrator—someone who had entered this world with memories and knowledge from another. To others, the blood-red gleam in the tiger's eyes would have been terrifying, but to Xiao Yuan, it was merely a reminder of his advantage. He had knowledge that no one else in this world could possess.
As the dust cleared completely, the tiger's scarlet gaze locked onto him, its aura now much more intense and imposing than before. The air crackled with its primal energy, and Xiao Yuan could feel the beast's sheer determination. It had sacrificed a part of its own essence to break through limits and match him, defying its natural constraints to become stronger. A creature like this wouldn't yield easily, nor would it retreat without an all-out fight.
Xiao Yuan took a deep breath, his senses sharpening further. The thrill of a worthy opponent sparked something within him. With a subtle smirk, he shifted his stance, his muscles coiled like springs ready to unleash another devastating strike. "Come then," he whispered, tauntingly, his voice laced with excitement and anticipation.
The tiger let out an enraged roar, the sound reverberating through the trees, shaking the very ground beneath them. In a flash, it lunged forward with a ferocity that could tear through steel. Xiao Yuan met it head-on, his fist colliding with the beast's claws, sparks flying from the impact. The forest around them trembled as man and beast clashed, their powers radiating outward in shockwaves that bent the trees and scattered loose stones.
As they exchanged blow after blow, Xiao Yuan found himself lost in the intensity of the battle. The thrill, the challenge—this was what he had longed for. And with every strike, every dodge, he was not just testing his strength but also learning more about the mysterious powers that governed this world.
The fight had escalated rapidly for Xiao Yuan. He had managed to launch another 'Octane Blast,' filling the clearing with a shockwave of Qi that echoed all the way to Xun'er's courtyard. However, it had barely slowed the tiger, an enormous beast with muscles rippling under its striped coat and eyes glowing with a primal hunger. The Qi blast, despite its power, seemed only to irritate it, and Xiao Yuan was running low on both energy and options.
The explosion had, indeed, reached Xun'er, who was already on edge. She had noticed Xiao Yuan missing from his courtyard earlier that morning, and her initial worry had now blossomed into fear. She couldn't shake the unsettling feeling gnawing at her, especially after the deafening sound. "Brother Xiao Yuan…" she murmured under her breath, clutching her hands tightly. Turning around, she called out softly, "Elder Ling, please come out."
A figure materialized silently from the shadows, bowing his head in deference. "Yes, Miss. What are your orders?"
Her voice wavered, but her resolve remained firm. "Uncle Ling, I need you to investigate the forest. I believe Brother Xiao Yuan may be in trouble. Please, find him." She barely finished the sentence when he vanished into the shadows once again, moving like a phantom toward the forest to locate Xiao Yuan.
Back in the forest, Xiao Yuan was fighting for survival. Blood trickled from numerous cuts, and his limbs grew heavier with each movement. The tiger lunged forward, its massive paws tearing into the ground as it readied to pounce. He clenched his fists, steeling himself, but knew in his heart that he might not be able to withstand the next attack.
"Damn it…" he cursed under his breath. He struggled to think, to plan his next move, but he was simply too exhausted. Just as the tiger leaped, claws extended and mouth open to tear into him, a flash of movement caught Xiao Yuan's eye. A powerful punch landed squarely in the tiger's side, sending it sprawling across the clearing. The Qi emanating from that blow was overwhelming—charged with the strength of a Dou Ling at the five-star level.
Xiao Yuan blinked, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. "What punch was that…? Who strikes with such power?"
Turning, he found himself staring at a figure he hadn't expected. Xiao Yu stood there, her expression calm but fierce, her presence almost radiant. She looked different—ethereal yet fierce, her aura intensified by the battle that lay before them. Her red lips pressed together in determination, her curves accentuated by her fighting stance. She had a slender yet toned frame, with a soft blush coloring her cheeks, giving her a warm, almost enchanting beauty. Her skin was fair and smooth, with a glow that seemed to reflect the morning light filtering through the trees. Her pinkish cheeks and apple-white skin made her look delicate, yet the confidence in her stance spoke of strength and resilience.
Xiao Yuan, even amidst his injuries, couldn't help but be taken aback. "Xiao Yu…" he murmured, both in shock and admiration. He had known her for a long time but had never seen this side of her—so fierce, yet so graceful.
Without a word, Xiao Yu launched herself at the tiger once more. Her movements were swift and precise, each punch and kick imbued with a controlled flow of Qi that betrayed her advanced training. The tiger roared, attempting to swipe at her, but she dodged effortlessly, her agility unmatched. Within moments, she had the beast on the defensive, backing it into a corner.
As Xiao Yuan watched her, he could feel a rush of emotions—awe, relief, and an odd sense of admiration. Her presence alone seemed to energize him, as if her spirit had reignited his own will to fight. Gathering his remaining strength, he moved to support her, forming a simple but effective strategy. They fought in tandem, each move synchronized in perfect harmony, Xiao Yuan's attacks creating openings for Xiao Yu to exploit.
Eventually, the tiger, realizing it was outmatched, retreated into the depths of the forest, disappearing from sight. Xiao Yu took a deep breath, allowing her Qi to settle, and turned toward Xiao Yuan with a look of concern.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her voice soft but with a hint of reprimand. "What were you thinking, taking on a beast like that alone?"
Xiao Yuan scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his cheeks turning slightly red. "I thought… I could handle it. Guess I was wrong," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
Xiao Yu sighed, shaking her head. "You're always so reckless, Brother Xiao Yuan. You need to learn when to ask for help." Despite her words, her expression softened, and a slight smile touched her lips.
She reached out, offering him her hand. Xiao Yuan hesitated for a moment, then took it, feeling a warmth spread through him as he stood up. "Thank you… for saving me," he said, his voice genuine.
She nodded, her gaze meeting his. "We're friends, aren't we? I couldn't just leave you here." Her words carried a warmth that reassured him, a reminder that he wasn't alone in his journey.
As they walked back toward the courtyard, Xiao Yuan's mind raced with unspoken thoughts. He had been saved by Xiao Yu, and in that moment, he realized how much she truly meant to him. The forest grew quiet once more, with only the soft rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze accompanied them back to safety. And as they walked, Xiao Yuan felt a sense of peace—a feeling that, despite the dangers they might face, he had someone by his side who would always be there.