C18 Difficult Mission

The massive black python clashed with the imposing green rhino, unleashing a shockwave that rippled outward. Any demonic beasts below Level 2 that ventured too close to this shockwave risked being torn apart.

Lin Yuan felt his body nearly shatter upon impact. His scales were shattered, blood gushed from his wounds, but he managed to halt the rhino's frenzied charge. He bit down on the rhino's soft snout, his fangs quickly delivering a potent venom. As he coiled his body around the beast, he could sense its strength waning.

The rhino's resistance to Lin Yuan's venom was significantly weaker compared to the previous black tiger, and Lin Yuan could almost instantly feel the rhino's power diminishing.

Overcome with excitement, Lin Yuan tightened every muscle, applying the double strength of his Strangulation technique. The rhino's sturdy hide was compressed and deformed, the sounds of snapping bones and rupturing organs emanating from within as dark red blood pooled from its orifices.

Within fifteen minutes, the green rhino lay dead at Lin Yuan's feet. The system notified him that he had earned one attribute point and five mission points.

As he looked up, he saw the Forest Elephant opposite him rise up, its massive body reminiscent of a mountain range. Its enormous tusks, like mighty spears, impaled the black bear without a struggle, ending its life instantly.

Lin Yuan released the rhino and flicked his forked tongue, warily eyeing the Forest Elephant. The four-tusked Forest Elephant trumpeted a loud, resonant call that vibrated oddly, as if it struck directly at his heart, sending his blood into turmoil.

Lin Yuan had no doubt that the Forest Elephant's bellow could shatter the heart of a slightly weaker Level 2 Demonic Beast.

The Forest Elephant swung its long trunk with a snort, its eyes piercingly clear. Lin Yuan felt as though he wasn't facing a beast but a wise, elderly human. In his nervousness, he bared his fangs at the Forest Elephant, venom dripping from his sub-teeth onto the rhino's tough hide, instantly corroding holes through armor that was otherwise impervious to blades.

Confronted with Lin Yuan's challenge, the Forest Elephant remained surprisingly indifferent, showing no signs of charging forward. Lin Yuan reflected on his recent scuffle with the massive rhinoceros, realizing that the Forest Elephant had the strength to swiftly deal with the big black bear and then, while the rhinoceros was still alive, turn its attention to attacking him. Yet, for reasons unknown, the intelligent-looking four-tusked giant elephant chose not to act.

At that moment, the Forest Elephant slowly settled down, gazing softly at Lin Yuan without any indication of wanting to seize the Cold Stone Grass.

Lin Yuan was filled with confusion. What exactly was happening?

Meanwhile, he sensed several more formidable presences racing toward them, clearly more powerful beings drawn by the Cold Stone Grass. They were just farther away and had only now caught up.

The Four-Tusked Forest Elephant remained serene, as if it was resting contentedly after a meal. It casually used its long trunk to play with the crisp shrubbery, selecting and savoring the tasty berries it rolled into its mouth. Lin Yuan felt a mix of anger and bemusement. If only they could communicate, he would have considered forming an alliance to confront the imminent threats together. But clearly, communication was not an option.

Now in the form of a black python, Lin Yuan should be a cold-blooded creature incapable of sweating. Throughout his time-traveling adventures, he had never once sweated, yet at this moment, he felt as if he were drenched in a cold sweat. The Cold Stone Grass was nearing maturity, and the perilous foes had at last arrived.

The first to emerge before Lin Yuan was a majestic six-eyed lion, its body a shimmering gold. With three tails and four claws, it radiated a soft golden glow.

Upon seeing it, Lin Yuan felt a wave of despair.

This creature undoubtedly possessed the might of a Fifth Level Demon Beast!

The thought of fleeing crossed his mind in an instant.

But then, the Cold Stone Grass ripened.

The system's alert chimed, signaling that the Cold Stone Grass was ready for harvest. Seizing the fleeting chance, Lin Yuan had been anticipating this very moment. He bowed his head and tenderly grasped the fragile-looking blossom with his mouth.

As the Cold Stone Grass reached maturity, Lin Yuan swiftly harvested it. A surge of power unfurled, sending a shiver through his core as if Death itself had seized his heart. He was enveloped by an ominous premonition of demise.

Lin Yuan's gaze darted to the Forest Elephant and the Golden Lion, noting their stillness as they permitted him to pluck the Cold Stone Grass without interference.

Simultaneously, two white wolves and a Red Scaled Python, larger even than Lin Yuan, converged on the scene.

Unlike the others, they didn't stand back. They lunged at Lin Yuan in a frenzy, the Red Python's eyes glowing crimson, clearly under the Blood Moon's influence.

Witnessing this, Lin Yuan wasted no time in fleeing. He pushed his speed to its limits, tilting his head to consume the Cold Stone Grass he held between his teeth.

But just then, the system's alert chimed in, jarring enough to slow Lin Yuan's frantic escape.

"Congratulations, you've acquired a mature Cold Stone Grass. Mission triggered: 'Grass in Your Mouth.'"

"Mission—Grass in Your Mouth: The mature Cold Stone Grass becomes toxic twelve hours post-harvest, lethal to any demon beast below Level 10. Though now in your possession, it's uncertain whether this bodes well for you. Perhaps observing from the sidelines would have been wiser, but it's too late for regrets. Can you safeguard this divine herb that promises a ten-level ascension for twelve hours?"

"Friendly Reminder: Sometimes, to prevent others from obtaining what you cannot, destruction is an option."

The system's message seared into Lin Yuan's consciousness, allowing him to absorb the extensive information instantly.

Realizing the implications, he felt a sense of betrayal as he caught the Lin Elephant and Golden Lion's mocking gazes, still as statues.

Momentarily disoriented, Lin Yuan quickly regained his composure. The white wolves closed in, their claws and teeth raking across his skin, leaving a trail of wounds.

Lin Yuan's mind raced. In this critical moment, he couldn't afford to be entangled. Clenching his teeth, he suddenly charged in the direction of the Forest Elephant.