C49 Poisonous Ant King
Despite its diminutive size, no bigger than a fingernail, the red ant possessed a fearsome appearance. Its jaws, capable of opening and closing with apparent ease, seemed as though they could pierce through anything.
The poisonous ants were notorious for their strength among their kind. An ordinary ant tide could lay waste to city walls, but the poisonous ants were in a league of their own. They were a formidable species of Mutant Beasts, reputed to stand toe-to-toe with armies in battle.
These creatures typically roamed the secluded forests, for if a swarm of poisonous ants were to march elsewhere, they would be unstoppable. Had Jiao Yuanju and his group encountered a poisonous ant tide that day, not one of them, including Jiao Yuanju himself, would have stood a chance of escape.
"System, initiate the master recognition feature," Jiao Yuanju commanded.
"Feature initiated. An average-level poisonous ant has been detected. Host, would you like it to recognize you as its master?" the system inquired.
Without a moment's delay, Jiao Yuanju responded, "Yes!"
"Binding successful! Host, you now possess the poisonous ant."
As the electronic voice echoed, the red poisonous ant ceased its struggles, becoming still and silent. Jiao Yuanju could sense an extraordinary bond forming between them, as if their thoughts were intertwined. He could even perceive the ant's curiosity and delight!
"I've done it! This ant is mine!" Jiao Yuanju exclaimed with joy.
He opened a specially crafted bottle, and the obedient poisonous ant crawled into his palm.
Jiao Yuanju pondered aloud, "The city is teeming with Insect-type Mutant Beasts, mostly harmless small insects, and there's an abundance of mutant rats. Why not employ these poisonous ants to gather blood points for me within the city?"
He instinctively queried the system, "Can I release the poisonous ants into the city?"
"Yes, but their current combat ability is modest. It is recommended that you upgrade it to a Poisonous Ant King, allowing it to autonomously seek out ant colonies in the city to safeguard your family," the system advised.
Jiao Yuanju's eyes sparkled with realization. Indeed, the city was unlike the wilderness. Regardless of how pristine a city may seem, ants, rats, and other creatures are never fully eradicated. If he could amass an ant army around his home, he wouldn't fear the Lang family, let alone an invading army!
Thinking of this, Jiao Yuanju was brimming with excitement. He quickly checked the blood points on his system interface. In just half a day, they had soared to 57. He had more than enough to upgrade his poisonous ant!
Without hesitation, Jiao Yuanju retrieved a bottle of enhancing fluid. In no time, he held a bottle of Evolution Elixir in his grasp.
With meticulous care, Jiao Yuanju positioned the poisonous ant at the opening of the thumb-sized bottle, allowing it to drink the potent liquid. The ant guzzled the Evolution Elixir and burrowed into the bottle. It didn't take long for it to finish off the elixir and begin its transformation.
Its body swelled to the size of a middle finger. Its once bright red exterior hardened into a shell, resembling a miniature sculpture. The color deepened from bright to dark red.
Jiao Yuanju could sense a mysterious force nourishing him, enhancing the resilience of his muscles and the sharpness of his mind.
"The Combat Pet Poisonous Ant has evolved into the Poisonous Ant King," the system announced.
Combat Pet: Poisonous Ant King
Gender: Male
Attributes: Poison, Earth
Current Level: Rare Advanced
Type: Special Primary Evolution
Skills: Toxic Paralysis, Twentyfold Strength
Owner: Jiao Yuanju
Current Level: Grandmaster
Jiao Yuanju couldn't contain his laughter, exclaiming with a thrill, "I've reached Grandmaster level!"
The Asura Body was a unique constitution granted by his bloodline's power, but it wasn't something Jiao Yuanju could flaunt publicly. His abnormal physical signs and razor-sharp limbs would draw unwanted attention. The last thing he wanted was to be snatched up by the military and studied like a specimen!
But now, with his strength at the Grandmaster level, he had no reason to fear those from the major families!
"I'll name you Nykys. Go on, Nykys. Gather all the ant brethren in this territory!"
Jiao Yuanju stepped outside, found a manhole cover, and set the colossal Nykys down beside it. Nykys touched its antennae to him, a gesture of reluctance, before leaping into the depths below.
Meanwhile, at Meadowview Hospital in Krukshire, the arrival of a formidable group caused all the medical staff in the ward to respectfully step aside. Leading them was a middle-aged man in his forties, flanked by a retinue of stern-faced men.
He cast a dark look at Lang Xinrong, swathed on the hospital bed like a mummy, his expression growing increasingly grim.
Lang Xinrong had been awake for some time, his gaze fixed blankly on the ceiling. At the sight of his father, he burst out with desperate urgency, "Father, you must seek vengeance for me! You can't let him off the hook!"
Gone was his usual pride, replaced by a boundless mix of rage and fear. He had always held himself in high regard, yet Jiao Yuanju's slap had nearly been the death of him!
Lang Yingyi, patriarch of the Lang family, regarded his son with icy disdain. "You're truly worthless!"
Lang Xinrong clamped his mouth shut, not daring to utter another word.
Lang Yingyi's gaze was frosty as he declared, "He knew you were one of ours and still he struck with lethal intent. He will pay dearly for that."
Lang Xinrong spoke hesitantly, "Father, it's said that the City Lord's granddaughter, Zhen Heyi, seems inclined to shield him. You must eliminate him. His Combat Pet harbors a profound secret. It may look like a mere mutated green snake, but it appears to have awakened an extraordinary bloodline. It's so formidable that my Scarlet Python wouldn't dare confront it. I suspect it has the potential to evolve to a legendary status!"
Lang Yingyi's gaze sharpened, his tone serious, "Are you certain of this?"
"Without a doubt," Lang Xinrong affirmed.
He recounted the peculiarities of Eoldrai, and a flicker of excitement crossed Lang Yingyi's eyes. "A Green Snake with mythical potential? Excellent! Each Mutant Beast that evolves could potentially reach an Earth-level bloodline, a Combat Pet that only the most powerful organization in the Alliance possesses!"
The Lang family's covetous eyes turned toward Jiao Yuanju's Combat Pet. Given that a Mutant Beast's blood pact could be forged by humans, the Langs had the means to break it.
"Someone fetch that boy and his snake!"