C11 Martial Pulse Companion

Although the Silver Roar Tiger was a first-tier Devil Beast, equivalent to a human warrior in strength, its savage nature and brute force often gave it an edge over humans, who lacked its raw power but relied more on technique at the same level.

Jiang Yuan, however, was no ordinary warrior. By the age of 13, he had already ascended to the rank of Martial Master, mastering the combat skills necessary to take on such beasts. He frequently ventured alone into Heavenly Wolf Mountain to engage Devil Beasts in combat, stirring his dantian and seeking the opportunity for a breakthrough. What's more, he possessed a Martial Pulse, a rare gift that few among millions could claim — a life-accompanying phenomenon that came with an Innate Awakened Martial Pulse.

"Roar!" The Silver Roar Tiger eyed the diminutive Jiang Yuan, scraping its massive paws against the ground in a display of mock playfulness that seemed almost human.

Jiang Yuan rose to his feet, his powerful aura erupting as a small, radiant sword materialized beside him, pointing skyward. In that instant, his presence peaked — a testament to the power unique to martial artists: the outward surge of Spiritual Qi. This tiny sword was none other than the manifestation of Jiang Yuan's Martial Pulse, though it currently took the form of a mere sword pellet.

"Roar!" The tiger, feeling Jiang Yuan's challenge, let out an enraged roar. It darted forward, leaping into the air with its fur billowing in the wind, the silver sheen dazzling in the sunlight.

"Time to be my meal, little tiger..." Jiang Yuan smirked, launching the sword pellet with precision.

Caught mid-leap, the Silver Roar Tiger sensed danger too late. Its body seized up, eyes wide with a flicker of terror, as it realized its fate was sealed.

Swish! A streak of gold, and a three-inch gash appeared between the beast's eyes. The once vibrant tiger eyes now dulled, devoid of any sparkle.

With a thunderous crash, the Silver Roar Tiger hit the ground hard.

"It was your choice to court death..." Jiang Yuan mused. "But a first-tier Devil Beast like you wouldn't be here without guarding some treasure..."

Having discerned the direction from which the Howling Silver Tiger had arrived, Jiang Yuan retracted his spiritual energy, hoisted the tiger's tail—thick as an arm—onto his shoulder, and dragged the carcass towards the depths of the dense forest.

As he pushed through the underbrush, seldom trodden by man, Jiang Yuan narrowed his eyes and a pitch-black cave came into view.

He gave a nonchalant pat to the sagging rear of the tiger and chuckled, "This must be your place, huh, brother?" Of course, the tiger could offer no reply.

Jiang Yuan didn't immediately venture into the cave. First, he sent his soul forth to scout the interior.

Finding no presence within, he dropped the tiger's body and made his way inside.

The stench was overwhelming. It was Jiang Yuan's immediate reaction upon entering the cave.

It made sense, though. A lower-tier Devil Beast, lacking in spiritual intelligence and not one for cleanliness, would naturally leave its damp, dark lair reeking of decay, especially with stored food inside.

Spirit Fire Technique!

This was a widely-used Martial Spell on the continent, creating light by igniting spiritual energy at one's fingertips to brighten the surroundings.

As expected, the cave was littered with stacks of dry bones and decaying flesh, and right beneath Jiang Yuan's feet lay a bleached human skull.

Stepping carefully over the remains, Jiang Yuan apologized with a smile, "My apologies, brother."

Guided by the flickering light and accompanied by the crunch of splintering bones, Jiang Yuan pressed on, delving further into the cave's secrets.