C13 Ironbone Giant Tiger
Chen Wu's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the massive Blood Wolf, but he quickly steadied his breath and said icily, "You're right, Hu Wang. It's time for us to end this. If you hadn't come for me, I would have eventually come for you. You stole my Bloodline Spirit Talisman and attempted to silence me permanently!"
"And then you planned to send your son to finish the job... Hu Wang, do you really think you have much time left?"
Chen Wu scoffed, "Do you think I'm afraid that my backers will tear you to shreds?!"
Hu Wang's face briefly betrayed his fear, but it was quickly submerged by a resurgence of hatred and frenzy.
"Haha! Ridiculous! You killed my only son, and you think you can intimidate me? Who cares about a dead man? Once you're nothing more than waste in my Blood Wolf's belly, you'll see if I fear your so-called support!"
Hu Wang's gaze turned icy as he commanded, "Blood Wolf, rip him apart!"
Unfazed, Chen Wu watched as Blood Rain emitted a piercing screech in the sky.
Hu Wang's eyes widened at the sight of the Iron-feather Eagle soaring above. Had it not been for Lee Wang's demise, he would never have discovered that this contemptible wretch had not only survived but also acquired an incredible Demonic Pet—a Flight-type Demonic Beast of Bronze Grade 2.
Murderous intent glinted in Hu Wang's eyes. If he didn't eliminate Chen Wu today, he would never know peace in Green-mount Town again. Nobody wants to live under the constant watch of a wolf, especially one that has undergone such astonishing growth.
Suddenly, an even more fearsome Demonic Qi surged, causing both Blood Wolf and Blood Rain to cease their imminent clash and fix their gaze on the distance.
A thunderous and proud tiger's roar reverberated through the air, painfully resonating in the ears of all present. A wave of uncontrollable dread swept over everyone, feeling as if a massive weight had been pressed upon their chests.
A colossal tiger-shaped Demonic Beast, its golden fur streaked with black, sprinted towards them at incredible speed. It leaped over ten meters, landing gracefully between the two men. The tiger, nearly twice the size of the Blood Wolf and standing almost three meters tall, surveyed the scene with its large, fierce claws and cold, merciless eyes. It held its head high with an air of regal disdain.
Chen Wu was taken aback to see a man standing on the back of the enormous tiger. The man appeared to be in his twenties, quite young.
With a blade of grass between his lips and a scruffy beard, he presented a disheveled appearance. Yet, beneath that unkempt exterior, one could discern his ruggedly handsome features, though he carried himself with a nonchalant air.
"Hu Wang, don't you think you're being overly bold? Attacking people in broad daylight, and it seems you're intent on wiping out the entire village... Have you completely disregarded the Demonic Pet Master Standard Rules? If there's a next time, not even the mayor will look the other way. Should you cause any more trouble, you can expect the enforcers from Flame City to come for you, and not even Hu Liang will be able to save you then," the man said with a mocking tone, eyeing the group of men encircled by the Hu Family's servants.
Hu Wang's expression soured at the sight of him, but he retorted with a cold snort, "Loong Yang, mind your own business! I'm determined to kill this boy today. My son died by his hand, and nobody can stop me now!"
Loong Yang's face turned serious as he replied icily, "Hu Wang, you might get away with your thuggish antics in Green-mount Town because no one bothers with you. But I'm warning you, the Law Enforcers from Flame City are at the Town Hall right now. The mayor has sent me to tell you that if you cause any complications at this juncture, he'll have your hide—and not even your brother Hu Liang will be able to help you out of that predicament!"
The mention of "Zhifazhe" seemed to snap Hu Wang back to reality. His furious glare evaporated, replaced by a mix of panic and seething rage. He glared at the indifferent young man from a distance, his eyes nearly ablaze with the desire to tear him limb from limb.
Yet, his fear of death prevailed, and he suppressed the urge to lash out. With a calculating look, he pointed at Chen Wu and declared, "Even so, I cannot let him off the hook! He killed my son, and by all rights, I must seek justice. Even if I spare these wretched peasants, he will not escape death!"
Chen Wu squinted his eyes, silently observing the conversation between the two men. Despite their seemingly harmless exchange, he remained vigilant. The Blood Rain loomed ominously in the sky, poised to strike at any moment. After all, there was no way to be sure these two weren't in league with each other.
Meanwhile, Chen Wu scrutinized the formidable Iron-bone Giant Tiger, whose presence completely eclipsed that of the Blood Wolf and Blood Rain. His system initiated a scan, revealing the following information:
[Creature]: Iron-bone Giant Tiger
[Attributes]: Beast
[Type]: Unevolved
[Skills]: Crack Claw (Basic), Intimidating Roar (Basic, demoralizes Demonic Pets of lower levels, reducing their combat will), Bite (Basic), Giant Bone (Temporarily increases size, boosts defense and attack power by 30%)
[Potential]: Silver Level
[Bloodline]: Wild Battle Tiger Bloodline (Dilute)
[Level]: Bronze Grade 5
[Status]: Healthy
The Iron-bone Giant Tiger was an exceptionally ferocious Demonic Beast, far rarer and more formidable than the Blood Wolf. Its prowess and quality far surpassed that of its lupine counterpart. In a head-to-head battle, the Iron-bone Giant Tiger would likely emerge victorious, thanks to its superior strength, biting power, and stamina.
Chen Wu was intrigued to discover the presence of the Wild Battle Tiger Bloodline in the Iron-bone Giant Tiger, a Variant Beast belonging to a higher tier within its species. This suggested that the creature had the potential to evolve into a higher form.
The presence of such a bloodline indicated that this Demonic Pet had the chance to evolve into a Wild Battle Tiger. Given its Silver Level potential, it was highly probable that this Demonic Pet could ascend to become a Silver-level Demonic Beast.
Chen Wu was cautious not to provoke a confrontation. If these individuals were indeed allies, it could spell trouble, especially since Hu Wang seemed wary of something—or someone—like a Law Enforcer.
After a brief exchange with the man, Hu Wang fixed his gaze on Chen Wu and growled, "Consider yourself lucky. Even if I can't kill you now, don't get too comfortable. I challenge you to a Demonic Pet duel. Tomorrow, meet me at the Beast Battling Platform in town."
"Of course, you're free to decline the invitation, but that would essentially mean you're forfeiting your chance at a fair competition. Consequently, I won't have to hold back and could simply take you out. Haha!" Hu Wang's self-satisfied grin was met with a cold, silent sneer from Chen Wu. Did Hu Wang really believe that having a Blood Rain, a mere Grade 2 Demonic Pet, made him invincible? He would soon see the truth.
At that moment, another man approached, casting a calm glance at Chen Wu. With a stoic face, he spoke, "This is your one opportunity, and you're fortunate to have it, kid. In the world of a Demonic Pet Master, one commands respect and glory among the Everyman, but it also means that life and death hang in the balance. As much as I'd like to see this ruffian dead, I must warn you: it's only by virtue of your Demonic Pet Master status that you've survived this long."
"As a Demonic Pet Master, if you have a feud, you can officially request a Life And Death Battle within the Empire's jurisdiction. The victor lives. You haven't yet applied for your Demonic Pet Master Token, but you're still entitled to this privilege. Whether you survive or not is up to you to decide."
"One night should be sufficient for you to flee this town…"
The man's words were a soft murmur in Chen Wu's ear as he passed by. By the time Chen Wu registered them, Loong Yang had already spurred the Iron-bone Giant Tiger into a wild dash away from the scene.
"We're leaving too!" Hu Wang, filled with resentment, stormed off.