C2 Ragingly Beating up the Bull

The Demonic Beast Egg was no larger than a palm, its surface a pristine snow-white with a layer of red demonic patterns that shimmered with a subtle, entrancing glow. It was immediately apparent that this was no ordinary object.

Every student present at the examination held their breath, fixated on the Demonic Beast Egg cradled in Qiao Gao's hands, their eyes alight with fervent desire.

This was a Scorpion Tail Tiger's Demonic Beast Egg, a prize that signified the possession of a formidable large-scale Demonic Beast for one's family—a prize of immeasurable worth.

Securing this egg would eclipse the honor of being admitted into the Advanced Class at Flowing Cloud Academy. Indeed, it could pave the way to the Elite Class, with the family's generous reward as a stepping stone.

To be among the Elite Class at Flowing Cloud Academy was to be a rarity in Great Flame City, a distinction that promised a meteoric rise on the path of cultivation.

With such prospects in mind, the hearts of the students in the mine palpitated with excitement, their eyes darkening with intensifying greed...

Shieh Longtai, sensing the mine's charged atmosphere, edged closer to Qiao Gao and murmured, "Qiao Gao, something feels off here."

Qiao Gao cast a cool glance over the crowd. With the memories of the Myriad Tribulation Pill Monarch now a part of him, he saw right through the avarice in their eyes. He adjusted the warm Scorpion Tail Tiger Demonic Beast Egg in his hand, his lips twisting into a sardonic smile. Those familiar with Qiao Gao would recognize this as a prelude to his cunning schemes.

Now was not the time to further provoke Qiao Gao; it was wiser to steer clear.

"Don't even think about making a move. I, Bai Tianyu, found this Scorpion Tail Tiger's Demonic Beast Egg first. It's the property of the Bai family!"

"Ha! Any who dare to challenge us will face the wrath of the Bai family of Great Flame City. Prepare to bear the brunt of our fury!" Bai Tianyu sneered menacingly, his brow creased with unabashed malice as he issued his threat.

Located on the outskirts of the Devil Dragon Mining Area, Great Flame City was home to Qiao Gao. The city boasted hundreds of families, both large and small. Many, like the diminished Qiao family, had seen better days, while others, such as the formidable Bai family, were veritable giants.

Within Great Flame City, the Bai family reigned supreme, with the Shieh family following closely behind. The Qiao family was considered the weakest link. The Shieh and Qiao families banded together in a strategic alliance to counter the overwhelming influence of the Bai family, a testament to the latter's formidable power in the city.

Confronted with Bai Tianyu's thinly veiled threat, the other students in the mine froze, a shiver running down their spines as their gazes turned grave. They were all too aware of the Bai family's modus operandi; to cross them would mean their smaller clans couldn't possibly endure the Bai family's wrath.

Shieh Longtai stepped protectively in front of Qiao Gao and challenged Bai Tianyu, "What are you implying? Are you considering violence?"

"During the trial period, students are forbidden from fighting. Are you not concerned about the repercussions from the Flowing Cloud Academy's instructors?"

Bai Tianyu just sneered, remaining silent. The instructors from Flowing Cloud Academy were likely preoccupied with the enraged Scorpion Tail Tiger, leaving them no time to monitor the student assessments.

Bai Tianyu's mind was already awash with visions of acquiring the Scorpion Tail Tiger cub and the subsequent accolades from his family.

With each step he took, Bai Tianyu's presence became more domineering. His towering frame seemed to pulse with Origin Energy, revealing that he had unlocked three Origin Meridians, which explained his formidable aura.

In the journey of cultivation, unlocking the Origin Meridians is paramount. Every warrior harbors at least one Origin Meridian within, and unlocking it allows them to harness the Origin Energy from the world around them, fortifying their physique. The more Origin Meridians one unlocks, the greater the influx of Origin Energy and the more robust the body becomes.

Bai Tianyu extended his hand, his posture exuding superiority as he commanded in a tone that brooked no argument, "Hand it over. Surrender the Demon Beast Egg, and I assure you, your suffering will be minimized."

In that moment, Shieh Longtai's voice dropped to a whisper, urging, "Give it up, Qiao Gao. Bai Tianyu's grandson has unlocked three Origin Meridians, putting his strength well beyond ours. It's better to be a live coward than a dead hero. We can report this to the family after the trial; the elders will surely see justice done."

But Qiao Gao was deaf to the advice, stepping forward. Drawing on the memories of the Myriad Tribulation Pill Monarch, he activated a secret method to channel the faint Origin Energy within him. Despite this, Qiao Gao's talent was decidedly average, even subpar, having only unlocked a single Origin Meridian.

"Qiao Gao, come back... don't be a fool!" Shieh Longtai tugged him back.

"Oh? You want to make a move?" scoffed Bai Tianyu, his disdain palpable as his Origin Energy intensified.

With a smirk tinged with mockery, Qiao Gao murmured, "Time's almost up!"

"Kneel now, and I might let you live," Qiao Gao declared, his tone icy.

The crowd was stunned into silence, the dim cave growing eerily quiet. Bai Tianyu's face registered shock, confusion giving way to volcanic rage that seemed to explode in his head.

Shieh Longtai was equally astonished. Offering Bai Tianyu a chance to live? Had Qiao Gao been struck mad by the venom of a Scorpion Tail Tiger? Was his mind addled?

Frantically, Shieh Longtai clutched at Qiao Gao, pleading, "Have you lost your mind? With his three Origin Meridians, he could snap your legs with a single punch! Why put on such a display now? Just bide your time; our priority is to pass the Flowing Cloud Academy's entrance exam."

"Will you kneil or not?" Qiao Gao ignored Shieh Longtai's pleas, his voice booming. He was transformed, his presence and demeanor utterly changed, his gaze as chilling and fierce as that of a Scorpion Tail Tiger.

Bai Tianyu and Qiao Gao locked eyes, each feeling as though they were prey under the intense gaze of a Scorpion Tail Tiger. Damn it, this unnerving sensation was happening again. He had dismissed it as a trick of the mind before.

Yet, with the swell of Origin Energy coursing through him, Bai Tianyu's confidence soared, and he launched into action without hesitation.

A sinister grin spread across his face as he channeled the powerful Origin Energy into his fists, transforming them into a blur that lunged at Qiao Gao.

The onlookers from the Elite Class at Flowing Cloud Academy couldn't bring themselves to watch what they thought would be Qiao Gao's grim end...

"Snap!"

Bai Tianyu staggered backward, his cheek now adorned with a searing handprint.

"How can this be?" Bai Tianyu clutched his scorched face in disbelief. How on earth had Qiao Gao managed to strike him?

The students spectating in the Devil Dragon Mining Area were equally astounded. Qiao Gao had, at most, unlocked a single Origin Meridian. How could he possibly land a hit on Bai Tianyu, who had three Origin Meridians open?

It must be a fluke.

Yes, definitely a fluke!

"You're asking for it!" Bai Tianyu roared, fury fueling his next assault.

Qiao Gao's voice cut through the tension once more, icy and sharp: "It seems to me you're the one with a death wish."

Slap, slap, slap, slap!

Qiao Gao's relentless strikes sent Bai Tianyu tumbling, his face swelling up like a pig's head, several teeth flying loose.

Bai Tianyu was a mix of shock and rage. Despite the abundance of Origin Energy within him, he was powerless to unleash it. And the most infuriating part was Qiao Gao's uncanny ability to anticipate his martial moves, making it child's play to land blows on him.

Little did he know, Qiao Gao was no longer the pushover he once was. With the memories of the Myriad Tribulation Pill Monarch at his disposal, his combat experience was vast, and he was far beyond the capabilities of Bai Tianyu, who had merely opened three Origin Meridians. Deciphering such rudimentary martial techniques was a breeze for him.

"Do you really think the demonic beast egg is poison-free? It just takes a bit longer to take effect," Qiao Gao said, his eyes glinting with a knowing look as he sneered at Bai Tianyu.

"What?! I've been poisoned by a Scorpion Tail Tiger?" Bai Tianyu was panic-stricken, feeling a chill throughout his body. His head spun, growing heavier by the second, as the Origin Energy within him dissipated.

"It's over. The poison's reaching my Origin Meridian!" Bai Tianyu's face was ashen as he frantically retrieved a medicinal bottle from his chest, tipping out an Intermediate Detoxification Pill and swallowing it.

Qiao Gao observed the scene with a detached expression. "Had you taken the Intermediate Detoxification Pill right away, you might have suppressed the poison long enough to make it back to the academy. But you've already forced your Origin Energy to its limits; the poison has penetrated deep into your Origin Meridian. I'm afraid your time is running out."

At Qiao Gao's words, Bai Tianyu's complexion blanched, a sense of icy dread overtaking him. His breath grew faint, his eyelids leaden, as if they might close for the last time at any moment.

"Kneel now, and I might still offer you a chance to live," Qiao Gao's voice boomed suddenly, like a clap of thunder to the nearly lifeless Bai Tianyu.

With a jolt, Bai Tianyu bit down on the tip of his tongue, his body trembling. He looked up at the imposing figure of Qiao Gao, who stood with hands clasped behind his back, and clung to him like a drowning man grasping for salvation.

"That's right, Qiao Gao was also struck by the Scorpion Tail Tiger's deadly venom and yet he lives! He must know some way to cure it!" With a thud, Bai Tianyu dropped to his knees before Qiao Gao.

In this dire moment, Bai Tianyu cast aside all thoughts of pride. Survival was his only concern.

Thud!

"Qiao Gao, we're classmates after all. Please, save me," Bai Tianyu pleaded, kneeling in desperation and imploring Qiao Gao for mercy.

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