Deep within the Forest of Beasts, a small squad made its way through the dense foliage. At the forefront rode a middle-aged man clad in beast-hide hunter's garb, astride a ferocious lion-tiger hybrid. Behind him, four burly men struggled under the weight of a massive cage, covered with an oilcloth that barely concealed its ominous movements. Whatever was imprisoned inside seemed restless and dangerous.
The man raised a hand abruptly. "Halt!" The group stopped immediately.
A short figure emerged from the shadows ahead, wielding a large blade. Dropping to one knee before the leader, he reported, "Captain, we've discovered the corpse of a large green serpent ahead. It looks like a Green-Eyed Phantom Python."
The man's expression darkened. "What? Lead me there at once!"
"Yes, sir." The scout leapt to his feet and darted into the forest. The captain spurred his lion-tiger mount to follow.
The Green-Eyed Phantom Python was a wood-elemental beast known for its lethal poison. Though its rank typically ranged from the third to fifth tiers, even a seventh-tier warrior would hesitate to confront it due to its cunning use of toxins. The very notion of someone managing to kill such a creature was startling.
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the scene. The captain's eyes widened at the sight. The massive python lay lifeless on the forest floor, its skull cleaved by a blade. The area around it was a scene of destruction—trees snapped in half, rocks shattered, and vegetation wilted as if scorched by poison.
"It's definitely the Green-Eyed Phantom Python," the captain muttered, inspecting the carnage. "Only it could leave behind such devastation. But how did it end up like this?"
He dismounted and crouched by the snake's head, studying the wound closely.
"Captain," the scout ventured, "do you think the person who did this might be the same one we've been tracking?"
"Hard to say," the captain replied, running his fingers over the jagged edges of the skull. "The head shows signs of blunt-force trauma, but the killing blow came from that blade. Whoever it was, they're no ordinary hunter."
"But a third-to-fifth-tier python? Maybe they relied on brute force and resorted to the blade when it wasn't enough."
"Perhaps," the captain said, standing. "Either way, let's stay focused on our mission. Bring the Wind-Chasing Wolf."
The four men carrying the cage stepped forward, lowering it to the ground with a resounding thud. The cage shuddered violently, its occupant thrashing inside.
The captain approached, gripping the edge of the oilcloth. With a sharp tug, he revealed the contents—a massive wolf with dark-gray fur, streaked with white at its paws and tail. Its crimson eyes burned with fury as it clawed at the iron bars, desperate for freedom.
"Don't waste your energy," the captain said coldly, addressing the beast. "This black iron cage was forged by the Evil Clan to contain creatures far stronger than you. Not even a seventh-tier beast could break free."
The wolf paused its assault, fixing its gaze on the captain. Slowly, it lowered itself, almost bowing in submission.
The captain smirked. "Good. Open the cage."
"Yes, sir!"
The four men placed their hands on the corners of the cage and began chanting an incantation. Strange runes on the bars glowed faintly, and the connections between them dissolved. Without its structural integrity, the cage collapsed into a heap of metal.
The Wind-Chasing Wolf was free, but it didn't attack or flee. Instead, it remained motionless, its spirit subdued by the captain's dominating presence.
The captain stepped closer, placing a hand on the wolf's head. Stroking its fur like one might a loyal hound, he murmured, "Find the one who did this. And when you do... kill them."
The wolf growled softly in response, turning toward the python's corpse. Sniffing the air around it, it honed in on a lingering scent undetectable to human senses. Within moments, the beast bolted into the forest, its sleek form vanishing into the shadows.
"Captain," the scout said hesitantly. "Weren't we supposed to track that person to find the old clan leader? If the wolf kills them, we'll lose our lead."
The captain chuckled darkly. "That was the original plan. But did you see that?" He gestured at the python's corpse. "That person managed to kill this beast and extract its core. If we confront them directly, they might escape, and then we'd never find them again."
"Brilliant as always, Captain!"
"Follow the wolf," the captain ordered, lowering his voice. "Keep a close eye on the target and report their movements to me immediately."
"Understood!" The scout leapt into the trees, disappearing in the direction the wolf had gone.
Watching them go, the captain smirked. "If you're after beast cores, I'll gladly give you one. You'll just have to survive to claim it."
Elsewhere in the Forest of Beasts, a serene river flowed from a secluded mountain spring. The source was a cascading waterfall hidden by dense jungle, its tranquility undisturbed by the chaos outside.
Behind the waterfall lay a natural cavern. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, mirrored by stalagmites rising from the floor, with some joining to form stone pillars.
Deep within the cavern, a large stone platform rested between the stalagmites. Upon it lay a young man clad in beast-hide, his face pale but gradually regaining color. Beside him, a massive turtle watched silently, its intelligent eyes never leaving the boy.
The unique aura of the cave seemed to nurture the young man, purging the toxins from his body and restoring his vitality. After a full day, the boy stirred, his consciousness returning.
"Where am I?" he murmured, his voice hoarse. His gaze fell on the turtle. "Was it you? Did you bring me here?"
The turtle rumbled in affirmation, though it lacked the ability to speak.
The boy rose unsteadily, glancing around the cavern. "This place... it's perfect. Hidden, cool, and safe. Once I've completed the Beast King's task, I'll bring him here to rest. One day, when I'm strong enough, I'll come back for him."
The turtle suddenly emitted a low sound, directing the boy's attention to a smooth stalagmite nearby.
"You want me to touch it?"
The turtle rumbled again.
Cautiously, the boy extended a hand. The moment his fingers made contact, an icy sensation surged through him, reaching his core and condensing the energy within his dantian.
Closing his eyes, the boy focused on the transformation. His breathing slowed, sweat beading on his forehead as the energy within him grew denser and more powerful.
Abruptly, the pressure ceased. His eyes snapped open as a wave of energy exploded from his body, resonating with the cavern itself. The stalactites and stalagmites quivered in harmony before settling once more.
Breathing heavily, the boy's lips curled into a triumphant smile. "I've broken through!"