C37 Protecting and Fighting for It

Liu Xingchang, along with Hong Tengqing, Hu Gewan, and Yan Tianni, stealthily departed from the battlefield. Liu Xingchang speculated, "No matter why the Blazing Giant Rock Lizard removed its Demon Core prematurely, it clearly doesn't want humans to get their hands on it. Therefore, it must have fled in the opposite direction of where the Demon Core is hidden. We just need to search in the opposite direction of the lizard's escape to find it."

Yan Tianni, brimming with excitement, exclaimed, "A Fourth-Tier Demon Beast's Demon Core could elevate all of our cultivation levels!"

Liu Xingchang affirmed with a smile, "Indeed, it can."

They conversed while tracing the path they believed the Blazing Giant Rock Lizard had taken.

"There's a cave over here!" Hu Gewan suddenly called out, pointing to a spot on the mountain wall not too far away. The wall was obscured by tall shrubbery, but a cave entrance was faintly visible.

"Let's check it out," Liu Xingchang suggested, pulling out a fire starter from his pocket. After igniting it, he cautiously led the group into the cave.

The cave was expansive, yet reeked of a pungent odor. It was littered with an assortment of peculiar bones and carcasses, though it was unclear whether they belonged to humans or other Demonic Beasts. Known for its voracious appetite, the Blazing Giant Rock Lizard consumed a substantial amount of meat at each meal, leaving the cave nearly half-filled with the remains. Even the usually fearless Yan Tianni felt a shiver run down her spine, while Hong Tengqing, gripped by fear, clung tightly to Liu Xingchang's arm.

Unperturbed, Liu Xingchang pressed on and soon detected the scent of the Demon Core. The energy emanating from the Fourth-Tier Demon Beast's Core was intensely powerful.

"Look over there," Yan Tianni suddenly pointed out. Next to the Demon Core, there was a small creature the size of a human palm. It resembled a diminutive crocodile, lying still beside the Demon Core, its bright eyes fixed on it with covetous longing.

Hong Tengqing, the merchant's son, had been apprehensive just moments before, but the sight of a potential opportunity sparked his enthusiasm. He excitedly proclaimed, "That's the Blazing Giant Rock Lizard's offspring—it's incredibly valuable!"

Liu Xingchang stepped forward, a furrow forming between his brows. He sensed that this little creature was not like the typical Blazing Giant Rock Lizard offspring.

As Hong Tengqing was about to pick up the creature to sell it in the next city, Liu Xingchang's eyes narrowed, and he swiftly knocked Hong's hand away. Hong looked up at Liu Xingchang, hurt and confused.

"What's the matter, Liu Xingchang?" inquired Yan Tianni.

Liu Xingchang shook his head. "We can't move this youngster."

"Why not?" Yan Tianni pressed.

"This isn't just any Blazing Giant Rock Lizard's offspring; it's from the royal lineage of the Blazing Earth Dragon Clan!" Liu Xingchang revealed.

"The Blazing Earth Dragon Clan?" Yan Tianni echoed, puzzled. "What's that?"

Liu Xingchang was momentarily taken aback by her question but quickly realized that their remote location in the vast Northern Polar Heaven Domain might explain her lack of knowledge. He clarified, "In the realm of Demonic Beasts, there are four Godly Beast Clans: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise. The Blazing Earth Dragon Clan is closely related to the Azure Dragon Clan and is a formidable force that rivals the Azure Dragons in the broader world."

"Are you saying this is a legendary Godly Beast?" Yan Tianni gasped in astonishment.

With a grave tone, Liu Xingchang continued, "I'm not sure why this little one is here, but if we sell it, the Blazing Earth Dragon Clan could easily decimate Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom, even with just a low-ranking envoy. The Gong Family Merchant Association? They're nothing but ants in comparison."

Hong Tengqing's complexion turned a ghastly pale at the thought.

"So, what do we do now?" Yan Tianni asked, her voice laced with urgency.

"The Blazing Giant Rock Lizard likely intended to nourish this little one with its Demon Core, risking its life to divert human attention," Liu Xingchang explained. "The Blazing Earth Dragon Clan is known for their clear sense of justice and retribution. They repay both kindness and vengeance. Therefore, we should release this little one. It may be small now, but its innate bloodline will ensure it remembers today's events. Once it matures, it will surely repay our kindness."

Yan Tianni asked, "Then... what about the Demon Core?"

Before Liu Xingchang could respond, a cold laugh echoed from outside the cave.

"Humph! So the Demon Core is hidden here. All of you, come out and meet your end!"

The voice belonged to the purple-robed youth, Leng Baiyu.

Liu Xingchang's face paled, and he quickly tucked the Inferno Earth Dragon cub beneath a rock for cover. He then grasped the Demon Core in his hand and brought it into plain view.

Liu Xingchang had intended to give the Demon Core to the little creature, but now that an outsider was aware of its presence, passing it on would only endanger them both.

Understanding the plight of the Blazing Earth Dragon Clan, Liu Xingchang knew the cub's fate would be dire if discovered. It was safer to reveal the Demon Core openly, which might divert attention from anything else hidden within the cave.

"Let's go. We need to head out," Liu Xingchang said, nodding to Yan Tianni and the others before leading them outside. Once there, he saw that in addition to Leng Baiyu and his companions, several other groups were watching eagerly.

Clearly, Liu Xingchang wasn't the only one who had deduced the weakened state of the Blazing Giant Rock Lizard; others had caught on as well.

Holding the Fourth Tier Demon Core aloft, its terrifying energy pulsating, Liu Xingchang drew the envious stares of many.

With a challenging look, he announced, "This Fourth Tier Demon Core is currently in my possession. If anyone believes they're capable, try to take it from me!"

Leng Baiyu scoffed, "We've long been at odds, and I would have sought your life even without the Demon Core. But now, my urge to kill you has reached its zenith."

Liu Xingchang replied icily, "Big talk is cheap. If you're so certain you'll kill me, why not act on it?"

Leng Baiyu held back, not rushing to attack. Liu Xingchang knew all too well that someone as self-interested as him would not hastily act and risk giving others the opportunity to benefit from the ensuing chaos.

Aside from the squads led by Liu Xingchang and Leng Baiyu, there were several other factions present. As the number of combatants fighting the Blazing Giant Rock Lizards dwindled, it was inevitable that the others would sense something was off. This area was bound to become a new battleground very soon. Leng Baiyu certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to deplete his strength and Spiritual Energy at this juncture.

Liu Xingchang, noticing that no one had yet to act, offered a slight smile and remarked, "If no one is going to claim it, then I shall take my leave."

Just then, a sharp whoosh cut through the air. An arrow, like a venomous dragon, streaked from a distance, hurtling directly toward Liu Xingchang's forehead.

In that instant, every hair on Liu Xingchang's body stood on end.

The arrow was incredibly fast—blisteringly so!