C48

In the desolate mountains, First Tier Demonic Beasts are at the very bottom of the food chain, while the status of a Second Tier Demonic Beast depends on its species. Given the vast variety of Second Tier Demonic Beasts, their strengths vary greatly.

A creature like the Mountain Splitter Tiger wouldn't pose much of a threat to the competitors. However, a Demonic Beast akin to the Iron Armored Mountain Splitter Tiger, which rivals a cultivator at the Eighth Stage of the Spirit Master Realm, would be a formidable challenge even for Liu Xingchang.

The mere presence of a Second Tier Demonic Beast is enough to cause concern among the contestants, so what about encountering a Third-Tier Demon Beast?

A Third-Tier Demon Beast, on par with a cultivator of the Spirit Origin Realm, reigns at the apex of the food chain within the Great Ancient Array.

Chun Erliu remarked, "Judging by that sound, it must be the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf! Known for its exceptional movement and attack speeds, it's nearly impossible for anyone to evade its pursuit in the Great Ancient Array. Yet, such an enraged howl suggests that someone is attempting to slay it for its Demon Core! A Third Tier Demon Core is incredibly valuable."

Liu Xingchang nodded in agreement and said, "Who could be so audacious as to provoke the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf? Let's go check it out!"

Encountering such an eventful scene, they felt compelled to join in on the action.

Therefore, Liu Xingchang, Chun Erliu, Yan Tianni, and Hong Tengqing all made their way toward the source of the roar.

Upon reaching the site of the commotion, Liu Xingchang, Chun Erliu, and the rest were met with a sight that raised their eyebrows: a throng of people had gathered, more densely packed than the caves dotting the mountainside.

Armed with weapons, the crowd stood on the slopes. Some were there to scavenge any spoils, while others hoped to claim a piece of the prize. Given that the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf was a Third-Tier Demon Beast, even if they couldn't obtain its Demon Core, they could still take some of its flesh to sell.

The flesh and blood of the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf, when refined by a Rune Master into a third-level speed-type Spirit Mark Rune, could fetch a high price. It would enhance the speed attribute more significantly than a standard third-level speed-type Spirit Mark Rune. Moreover, the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf's claws and teeth were also valuable commodities to an Artifact Refiner.

Observing the dozens of competitors launching their attacks on the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf, Chun Erliu squinted her eyes.

"This Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf is still young, not yet fully grown. It possesses only the strength of a Third Tier juvenile. If it were an adult with the power of a higher Third Tier, these folks would have been dead already!"

Liu Xingchang's eyes sparkled as he said, "Since this Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf isn't fully mature, we might have a chance to get in on the action."

Chun Erliu smiled and remarked, "With such an opportunity at hand, we certainly can't just hand it over to someone else."

At that moment, Hong Tengqing suddenly cried out, "Brother Xingchang, look, is that Sister Wannge?"

Liu Xingchang felt his heart leap and quickly turned to where Hong Tengqing was pointing. Indeed, he spotted a familiar figure among the hunters on the other side of the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf. It was none other than Hu Gewan.

"Thank heavens, she hasn't been eliminated yet!"

The relationship between Liu Xingchang and Hu Gewan was a thinly veiled secret, and Liu Xingchang had come to regard Hu Gewan as a dear confidante. He was eager to join the Hidden Dragon Sect alongside her.

Chun Erliu joked, "Your friend sure has guts, even daring to take on the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf."

Liu Xingchang replied, "She's been fond of hunting in the ancient forests on the outskirts since she was young. Her personality has always had a wild streak, so there's nothing she fears."

As they conversed, the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf suddenly butted several naive young cultivators with its head and, with a ferocious roar, charged toward the southwest.

"Damn!"

Liu Xingchang inwardly cursed, realizing that Hu Gewan was in the very direction the beast was heading!

His heart racing, Liu Xingchang shot out like an arrow, speeding towards Hu Gewan with all his might.

But how could Hu Gewan stand up to a frenzied Third-Tier Demon Beast?

Just as Liu Xingchang was making his way to Hu Gewan, a cold shout rang out, and a figure stepped in to block his path.

"Kid! Fate has a funny way of bringing enemies together. I've finally tracked you down!"

The person who had burst forth to obstruct Liu Xingchang's path was none other than Huan Kejian, the young master who had clashed with Liu Xingchang and his group at the city gates.

Liu Xingchang was frantic with urgency. He had no time to deal with such distractions and barked, "Out of my way!"

He didn't slow his pace, but Huan Kejian was not about to step aside.

"You want me to move? Only if you kneel and apologize to Bai Qingqing!"

As the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf plunged into the crowd, a frenzy of bloodshot veins wildly spread across Liu Xingchang's eyes. With fury on the brink of eruption, he growled, "Go to hell!"

"Move!"

With a fierce cry, Liu Xingchang's sword came crashing down on Huan Kejian, who stood in his way.

"You think you can get rid of me that easily?"

Huan Kejian clung on like a stubborn piece of taffy, impossible to shake off. As Liu Xingchang unsheathed his sword, Huan Kejian drew his own.

The moment Huan Kejian made his move, he exuded the formidable presence of a Cultivator at the Spirit Mastery Fifth Layer, undeniably powerful.

Liu Xingchang's swift strike failed to overpower Huan Kejian. Their swords met with a resounding clash, forcing Huan Kejian to stagger back, but Liu Xingchang, swift as a released arrow, came to an abrupt halt.

Just then, the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf had fully charged into the crowd. Liu Xingchang's pupils narrowed, his heart clenched tight, when suddenly, a figure as red as flames darted into the throng, scooped up Hu Gewan, and dashed back.

Chun Erliu, holding an unharmed Hu Gewan, returned to Liu Xingchang's side with a slight smile. "Well, aren't you grateful to the heavens for blessing you with such a perfect partner like me?"

In that moment, Liu Xingchang felt an overwhelming urge to express his gratitude to the heavens and earth.

He gave Chun Erliu a look brimming with appreciation, then turned to Hu Gewan, giving her a concerned once-over. "Are you okay? Why would you do something so foolish as to take on the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf?"

Hu Gewan lowered her head and said, "I'm aiming to get my hands on a Third Tier Demon Core to become stronger faster. I just don't want to..."

Liu Xingchang prompted, "Don't want what?"

Hu Gewan clenched her jaw and remained silent.

Yan Tianni suddenly chimed in, "She doesn't want to hold you back. You're a man who's promised to take her with you into the Hidden Dragon Sect to conquer challenges, yet you fail to grasp a girl's heart. She's striving to grow stronger so she can stand by your side within the Hidden Dragon Sect."

It dawned on Liu Xingchang then, and a wave of warmth flooded his heart.

He had unspokenly considered Hu Gewan his better half, and surely she must hold him in her heart as well?

Liu Xingchang affectionately ruffled Hu Gewan's hair and said with a warm smile, "In the future, try not to be so rash. You're not holding me back at all..."

Mid-sentence, Liu Xingchang's expression changed as he noticed Hu Gewan's left arm was drenched in blood.

He quickly grasped her left arm, narrowing his eyes, "Is this... from the Moon-Chasing Wind Wolf's impact earlier?"

Hu Gewan nodded through gritted teeth, enduring the pain in silence, her resilience evident.

Chun Erliu's brow furrowed as she apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't notice earlier..."

"It's alright, you've already done her a great service by saving her. But this score... it must be settled one way or another!"

Liu Xingchang swiftly turned, his eyes narrowing into slits as he cast a chilling gaze toward Huan Kejian and declared, "You said you were looking for me? Well, I'm sorry, but now it's my turn to come after you!"