Chapter 32: The Purple Core Beast
"Brother Feng, why is this cultivation method so painful for me, but not for you?" Mu Kuang asked while devouring the roasted rabbit handed to him by Mu Feng. His expression carried both curiosity and lingering dread.
Mu Feng hesitated for a moment before replying, feeling a pang of guilt. "The method I taught you is not for cultivating Yuan Qi; it's more suited for tempering the body. Your physique can't handle refining Yuan Qi the way mine can. Instead, you'll use blood energy to strengthen your body through the method I demonstrated. It's called body cultivation, a powerful path where your flesh and bones can eventually rival divine weapons."
Mu Kuang's eyes widened. "A body as strong as divine weapons? That's incredible... but the pain is unbearable."
Mu Feng chuckled lightly. "Strength comes at a price. If you're willing to endure what others cannot, you'll achieve what others cannot. But I won't force you—this path is yours to choose."
Mu Kuang clenched his fists and firmly declared, "I'm not afraid of pain. I'll train hard, not only to grow stronger but also to help you and avenge General Mu and the Mu family army."
Mu Feng's heart warmed at the resolute expression of his companion. He extended a fist, and Mu Kuang bumped his own against it. "Good brother. We'll both become the kind of strong that others can only look up to—strong enough to protect our Mu family."
"Absolutely!" Mu Kuang nodded.
Suddenly, a piercing roar shattered the calm night.
"Watch out!" Mu Feng shouted as a dark shadow shot out of the forest, aiming straight for Mu Kuang. Reacting swiftly, Mu Kuang spun around and threw a powerful punch.
Thud!
The shadow was sent flying, landing several meters away with a heavy crash. As the creature scrambled upright, illuminated by the firelight, the two finally got a good look at it—a massive black panther. The beast's sleek body, nearly two meters long, bristled with muscle, its sharp claws glinting under the moonlight. Its eyes glowed coldly, and it bared its razor-sharp fangs as it growled menacingly.
"That's a Night Panther!" Mu Feng's voice turned grim. "And it's no ordinary beast—it's a Purple Core Beast!"
"A Purple Core Beast?" Mu Kuang exclaimed, gripping his weapon tightly.
"Yes," Mu Feng confirmed. "It's not just a wild beast; it's a creature that has cultivated Yuan Qi, making it far more dangerous than a mere brute."
Mu Kuang took a deep breath, feeling the newfound strength in his fists. "I just sent that thing flying with one punch. I feel stronger than ever."
"Don't get cocky. That thing's just warming up," Mu Feng warned, his gaze never leaving the panther. "We need a strategy. If we can wound its eyes or legs, it'll be easier to take down. Get ready to move!"
Before Mu Feng could say more, the Night Panther lunged toward Mu Kuang with terrifying speed, its claws aimed to maul. Both young men darted in opposite directions, narrowly evading its attack. Mu Kuang tumbled to the side, rolling back onto his feet, while Mu Feng launched a counterstrike, his steel blade slashing downward toward the panther's head.
The panther twisted its lithe body, evading the strike with ease. Mu Feng's blade struck the ground, embedding itself into the dirt. Seizing the opening, Mu Kuang swung his own blade at the creature. This time, the Night Panther couldn't dodge entirely and was forced to block with its claw.
Clang!
The sound of metal meeting metal rang out as the panther's claw, imbued with a faint black glow of Yuan Qi, deflected Mu Kuang's strike with shocking force. The impact sent vibrations up his arm, causing him to stagger back. The beast retaliated with a swipe of its other claw.
Slash!
The panther's claws tore into Mu Kuang's chest, leaving four deep gashes that oozed blood. He stumbled back with a cry of pain, clutching his chest as blood seeped through his fingers.
"Kuang!" Mu Feng yelled, rage flashing in his eyes. He darted forward, channeling Yuan Qi into his fist.
"Piercing Pulse Fist!"
Nine resounding cracks echoed through the air as Mu Feng's empowered punch collided with the panther's skull. The beast yelped in pain as it was thrown sideways, crashing into the underbrush.
"Don't stop!" Mu Feng shouted, urging Mu Kuang to continue the attack.
Gritting his teeth through the pain, Mu Kuang raised his blade and charged. But the Night Panther, though injured, wasn't ready to concede defeat. It twisted its agile body, avoiding the downward slash, and opened its jaws to unleash a concentrated blast of black energy straight at Mu Kuang.
"Move!" Mu Feng roared.
Mu Kuang dove to the side as the black energy struck the ground where he had been standing, leaving a smoldering crater.
"This thing can use Yuan Qi attacks," Mu Feng growled. "We can't afford to hold back!" He tightened his grip on his blade, his mind racing for a way to outmaneuver the ferocious beast.
The two young warriors exchanged a brief glance, unspoken resolve passing between them. Injured but undeterred, they prepared for the next clash with the Night Panther, determined to emerge victorious no matter the cost.