C14 Demon Beast Valley

Demon Beast Valley, true to its name, was home to the Demon Beasts. The most formidable ones resided in the heart of the valley, while the periphery was roamed by the less threatening Low Rank Demon Beasts. This made the valley an ideal training ground for martial artists, as the Beast Cores found within the Demon Beasts could significantly aid in cultivation.

"Now that Mr. Yang has advanced to the Qi Stage Layer Four, we brothers are sure to reap a bounty in Demon Beast Valley," Woo Tieh said, his face alight with fervor as they stood at the valley's entrance.

Woo Yang was equally eager. It was his first venture into the valley, and a whirlwind of emotions stirred within him. Yet, he quickly shook off these distractions. What did it matter if he arrived later than others? He was determined not to fall behind anyone.

The Golden Book, nestled within him, sensed Woo Yang's resolve and approved. Still, it wasn't enough to deter it from its intent to absorb Woo Yang's soul.

If Woo Yang ever discovered this, he'd surely erupt in a tirade.

Once inside Demon Beast Valley, Woo Yang and his companion proceeded with utmost caution to avoid any unwelcome surprises. But after an hour's trek without a single Demon Beast sighting, their patience began to wane.

"Woo Tieh, you've been here before, haven't you? Do you know where the Demon Beasts tend to lurk?" Woo Yang inquired, turning to his companion, who was expected to know the valley well.

"There should be Demon Beasts just ahead," Woo Tieh replied, glancing back and gesturing towards the forest in the distance.

With no reason to delay, they quickened their pace towards the indicated area, Woo Yang leading the way with renewed speed, Woo Tieh close on his heels.

They rounded a massive boulder and were greeted by the sight of a lush forest. Woo Yang's eyes sparkled with excitement; he was keen to test his mettle on the outskirts of Demon Beast Valley.

"Master, be cautious. A Rank Two Qi Stage Demon Beast is nearby," warned the Golden Book's voice, echoing in Woo Yang's mind.

Hearing the Golden Book's voice, Woo Yang was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated that the book could detect nearby Demon Beasts, which offered him a whole new insight into its capabilities.

Woo Yang had mixed feelings about the Golden Book; he cherished its ability to enhance his cultivation but resented its constant craving to absorb his soul, which irked him greatly.

But dwelling on these thoughts was pointless. The real focus was on steadily advancing his cultivation to ensure the Golden Book wouldn't get the chance to do what it desired most.

"Just ahead, there's a Rank Two Demon Beast at the Qi Stage. Stay sharp."

Since Woo Tieh had recognized him as his elder brother, Woo Yang felt a duty to protect him from harm.

"A Rank Two Demon Beast is no big deal, Mr. Yang. I'll handle it in no time."

For Woo Tieh, who had reached Qi Stage Layer Five, a Rank Two Demon Beast posed no significant threat.

Woo Yang held his tongue, aware that a Rank Two Demon Beast wasn't a serious danger, so he didn't contest Woo Tieh's confidence. What Woo Yang was really hoping for was an encounter with a Rank Three or Rank Four Demon Beast to test his own skills.

"Water Spirit Python, a Rank Two Demon Beast."

Woo Tieh quickly identified the Demon Beast, flicking its tongue just three meters away. He knew that lower-rank Demon Beasts lacked intelligence and saw Woo Yang and himself as nothing more than enemies.

The Water Spirit Python lunged at Woo Yang with its gaping maw. In a flash of cold light, the once lively creature was cleaved in two, likely dying without understanding its fate.

The most astonished of all was Woo Tieh. He was aware that Woo Yang had modified his Wind Wolf Sword, but he hadn't expected it to slice through a Rank Two Demon Beast in a single stroke.

"Snap out of it. Harvest its Beast Core. We've got more Demon Beasts to track down."

Woo Yang remained composed, unshaken by Woo Tieh's impressive feat, and nudged his dazed brother with a hint of impatience.

Woo Tieh, roused from his sleep, saw what was happening and hurried over with a grin, reaching for the shimmering head. As he withdrew his hand, he revealed a Beast Core the size of an egg.

"Let's hold onto this for now. We'll divvy it up later."

Woo Yang, eyeing the Beast Core offered to him, declined to take it with a gentle reminder.

Woo Tieh didn't object, carefully stowing the Beast Core in his bag before continuing on with Woo Yang.

For two days straight, Woo Yang and Woo Tieh didn't stray from Demon Beast Valley. When hunger struck, they feasted on roasted Demon Beast meat; come nightfall, they'd sleep right there on the ground.

"We must have over twenty Beast Cores by now. If only we could encounter a Tier 4 Demon Beast," Woo Yang mused softly inside the cave, glancing at Woo Tieh's bag.

"We've got twenty-eight in total—ten from Rank Three Demon Beasts and the rest from Rank Two," Woo Tieh replied, his voice tinged with excitement. This was his first time amassing such a trove of Beast Cores.

Woo Yang was itching for a run-in with a Rank Four Demon Beast, which would give him a real chance to engage. Sure, with Woo Tieh at his side, a formidable Qi Stage Layer Five warrior, he hardly needed to lift a finger, but fighting on his own was the key to improvement.

He was in Demon Beast Valley for training, after all, not just to watch Woo Tieh do all the work while he stood by as a mere spectator.

"Your wish is granted, Master. A formidable Demon Beast has arrived."

"Really? Should we go after a Rank Four?"

"Unfortunately, it's not a Rank Four we're dealing with this time—it's a Rank Five Demon Beast."

The thrill that had surged in his heart was quashed the moment the Golden Book spoke. A Rank Five Demon Beast was no minor creature; even Woo Tieh might struggle to deal with it.

"Woo Tieh, we need to get out of here. We've got big trouble," Woo Yang urgently told his companion, realizing the Rank Five Demon Beast was close by.

"There's no escape. It has already found us."

Those words sent Woo Yang's spirits plummeting as if he'd been cast into the depths of a frigid, forgotten palace.

At that moment, Woo Tieh was still trying to grasp the situation. All he could see was Woo Yang's grimace, as though he had just witnessed something horrifying.

"Roar!"

A deafening roar thundered through the air, nearly knocking the brothers off their feet.

"What kind of Demon Beast made that sound? It's incredibly powerful."

"It's likely the Rushing Cloud Leopard, a Rank Five Demon Beast."

Woo Yang could never have imagined that instead of encountering a Rank Four Demon Beast, they would come face to face with a Rank Five. With their current speed, outrunning the Rushing Cloud Leopard was out of the question. Were they fated to end up as prey for this formidable creature today?

No, that couldn't be. Woo Yang refused to accept such a fate. He was only just embarking on his journey to become a mighty warrior; he couldn't let himself be devoured by a mere beast.

If escape was not an option, they had no choice but to confront the threat directly. Resigning themselves to doom was simply not in the cards.