C4 Yun Xi

Demon Mountain loomed ahead as Xiao Ling spurred his horse into a gallop, racing toward the mountain's formidable presence.

A distant roar pierced the air—a Demonic Beast's cry that, despite the distance, rang out with unsettling clarity.

Upon reaching the town nestled at the foot of Demon Mountain, Xiao Ling secured his horse before beginning his ascent.

Stepping onto the mountain's slopes, Xiao Ling immediately sensed the potent vitality of the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi here; it was substantially richer than the energy outside the mountain.

His martial soul had awakened, yet it lacked the capacity to accelerate the absorption of the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi. Resigned to his slow pace, Xiao Ling meditated with an open heart, drawing in the Yuan Qi bit by bit.

"The Origin Qi is even denser over there," he noted, moving swiftly to a rocky outcrop. His eyes scanned the area vigilantly, aware that dense Spiritual Energy often meant the presence of Demonic Beasts.

He was on the outer edges of the mountain, where the Demonic Beasts were merely low Rank Two—no real threat to him.

But then, the metallic tang of blood hit him. Xiao Ling's gaze sharpened, sword in hand, as he cautiously approached a towering tree.

Closer inspection revealed a skeletal carcass, the remains of a Demonic Beast with traces of flesh still clinging to its bones.

"A low-level Rank Two Gale Wolf," he recognized. His time at the Holy Martial Institute had not been wasted; though his cultivation had stalled, his voracious reading had equipped him with knowledge to identify the beast instantly.

Puzzlement flickered across Xiao Ling's face. Gale Wolves were typically the apex predators of the outer perimeter, seldom falling prey to anything but martial cultivators. The territorial nature of Demonic Beasts made such an attack unlikely.

Yet, the scene before him was exceptional. Only a higher-level Demonic Beast could have devoured a Gale Wolf so thoroughly.

Could it be a low-level Rank Three, or perhaps even a higher-level beast?

Regardless, this was Xiao Ling's first foray into Demon Mountain, and caution was paramount. He proceeded with strategic care, lest a formidable Demonic Beast set its sights on him, leaving him to perish in ignorance.

"Awoo!"

A piercing howl echoed through the forest, shaking the trees and startling a flurry of birds into flight.

Upon hearing the sound, Xiao Ling's spirit jolted. He knew that only a high-level Demonic Beast could emit such a roar.

Moreover, it seemed the beast had encountered a formidable opponent and was losing the battle; otherwise, it wouldn't have released such a desperate cry.

"Fortune favors the bold. Let's check it out."

With his mind set, Xiao Ling sprang into action, dashing toward the origin of the noise.

He reached a thicket, slipped inside, and cautiously parted the tangled branches to observe the scene before him.

A group of people encircled a massive black tiger, their weapons flashing as they struck at the beast.

"An intermediate Demonic Beast, the Black Flame Tiger!"

Xiao Ling's eyes sharpened. The Black Flame Tiger's strength was on par with a Martial Master, and it typically roamed the central region of Demon Mountain.

However, the tiger was visibly pregnant, its swollen belly a clear sign. Its fighting prowess was significantly diminished, leaving it no match for a Martial Master.

Among the attackers, a young man in a brocade robe stood out as the leader—a nine-star warrior—while the others provided support, their well-trained and ferocious assaults evident.

"Young Lord, the Black Flame Tiger is nearing its limit. A few more coordinated strikes, and it will surely perish."

A man with a scar across his face spoke obsequiously, "All thanks to Young Lord Jun's intervention. Without you, we wouldn't stand a chance against a beast of this caliber."

"It's merely good fortune."

Jun Liu responded coolly, "Had the Black Flame Tiger been at full strength, we'd be no more than a meal for it."

"You speak the truth, Young Lord Jun," the sycophantic man quickly agreed.

The youth before them was none other than Jun Liu, the youngest son of the True Martial City Lord. His talent was extraordinary, having reached the nine-star level at such a young age.

With his father's birthday approaching, Jun Liu intended to hunt a Demonic Beast and craft a coat from its hide as a present, a testament to his prowess.

Throughout the journey, Jun Liu found none of the demonic beasts he encountered to his liking, until a pregnant Black Flame Tiger caught his eye and sparked his interest as a prime target.

The pelt of the Black Flame Tiger was perfect for crafting a coat, and the fact that it was carrying a cub made it an even more desirable prize. If he could claim it, all the better.

"Everyone, stay alert for the Black Flame Tiger's last stand, and make sure it doesn't get away," he instructed.

Jun Liu watched the Black Flame Tiger, its eyes bloodshot, and issued his commands with unflappable composure, ensuring it was completely encircled with no chance of escape.

Under the intense scrutiny of its captors, the Black Flame Tiger, panting heavily, settled into a seated position.

"The Black Flame Tiger is beginning to birth its young," a sycophantic man reported.

Jun Liu, fully aware, waved his hand and commanded, "Hold your positions. Let the Black Flame Tiger finish birthing. Only then do we strike, taking care not to damage its fur."

Once the Black Flame Tiger had delivered its cub, it would be at its most vulnerable, making it an effortless target.

"With organization, discipline, and astute leadership, the demise of this Black Flame Tiger is certain."

Xiao Ling observed Jun Liu with a hint of respect in his gaze. Despite his youth, Jun Liu's formidable strength and sharp intellect were not to be underestimated.

And clearly, this Young Lord was likely the scion of a significant force.

"It seems I won't be getting a piece of the action," Xiao Ling mused, gazing at the Black Flame Tiger and letting out a sigh.

Given his current level of power, any attempt to engage would be tantamount to a lamb walking into a den of tigers.

"Ling, what brings you here?"

Suddenly, a voice as delicate as pearls dropping onto a jade plate echoed, startling Xiao Ling and nearly causing him to cry out.

"Xi'er, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" he exclaimed.

Upon recognizing the girl, Xiao Ling's initial shock gave way to relief.

She had eyes that sparkled with clarity, arched eyebrows, and long lashes that fluttered gently. Her skin was pale and flawless, with a soft blush, and her lips were delicate and inviting.

Yun Xi was her name, a childhood sweetheart of Xiao Ling, with whom she grew up within the Holy Martial Institute.

Her talent was nothing short of extraordinary, rivaling Xiao Ling's without a hint of inferiority. At just sixteen, she had reached the pinnacle of a Nine-star Martial Cultivator, a mere step away from ascending to the esteemed rank of Martial Master Expert.

Yun Xi was also blessed with the rare Bright Martial Soul, known for its ability to accelerate one's cultivation journey.

Her stunning beauty, coupled with her exceptional abilities, crowned her the undisputed goddess of the Holy Martial Institute, driving legions of young men to distraction.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, this adored deity seemed to prefer the company of Xiao Ling, regarded by many as nothing more than a wastrel. She clung to him like a little sister, prompting the saying that a fresh flower was being wasted on cow dung.

This sparked outrage among Yun Xi's numerous suitors, who relentlessly harassed Xiao Ling. They alternated between mocking him and resorting to physical violence, all united in their demand for him to keep his distance from Yun Xi.

Unable to awaken his martial soul and stuck at Layer Nine of the Body Refining Realm, Xiao Ling chose to distance himself from Yun Xi, even going so far as to harshly berate her, urging her to stay away.

Since that day, he hadn't seen her again. He realized that Yun Xi was avoiding him to spare him further humiliation.

Reflecting on those moments, Xiao Ling's fists tightened, and he gazed at Yun Xi with renewed determination. He vowed never to let such circumstances befall him again.

"Ling, staring at me so intently... it's making me blush," Yun Xi murmured, her cheeks flushed like the glow of dawn, as Xiao Ling's earnest eyes locked onto hers.

After the day Xiao Ling had scolded her, she had made a point to steer clear of him, not wanting to be the cause of his embarrassment.

"Xi'er, I was foolish and immature back then," Xiao Ling confessed, holding her hand. "But now that I can cultivate, I promise you won't be disappointed..."

His words were cut short by a gentle breeze as Yun Xi placed a delicate finger on his lips, her eyes brimming with tenderness. "No matter what mistakes you've made, Ling, I could never blame you," she whispered.

Xiao Ling felt a warmth in his heart. He nodded and turned his gaze toward the Black Flame Tiger.

"Is the Black Flame Tiger about to have its cubs? Xi'er, are you thinking of intervening?" Xiao Ling inquired.

"Ling, I want one of the tiger cubs," said Yun Xi, nodding with a touch of regret in her eyes. "But those people got there first, making it difficult to act."

Xiao Ling's eyes sparkled with determination. "Xi'er, I know a way to secure a cub for you."

"What's your plan, Ling?" Yun Xi's eyes shone with anticipation.

"I'll explain."

Leaning in, Xiao Ling whispered his strategy into Yun Xi's ear. "If we follow this plan, we're guaranteed to get that cub."

"And remember to cover your face before you act."

With his advice imparted, Xiao Ling produced a black cloth from the Red Blood Card and handed it to Yun Xi.

"Understood," she nodded in agreement.

With a mighty roar from the Black Flame Tiger, a series of whimpers followed – the cries of its newborn cub.

"Now," Xiao Ling commanded.

A gleam of excitement passed through Jun Liu's eyes as he swiftly ordered the attack. His men sprang into action, converging on the Black Flame Tiger.

Weakened from birthing its cub, the Black Flame Tiger let out a mournful roar and engaged in a fierce battle with Jun Liu and his forces.

With a thunderous clash, the tiger was overwhelmed by the onslaught. Despite wounding several attackers, it fell victim to Jun Liu's swift blade, which sliced through its neck, leaving the majestic creature lifeless in a crimson pool.

"At last, it's over," Jun Liu murmured with a satisfied grin.

But then, a sharp cry cut through the air: "This path is mine, this tree is mine. I don't need riches, just leave the Black Flame Tiger to me."

In that instant, Jun Liu and his men stiffened, their ease replaced by vigilance. They turned to see a figure in a white robe and a masked face perched atop a nearby tree.

"A mere woman dares to challenge my Young Master? She's practically signing her own death warrant!" The sycophantic man fumed, drawing his large blade and fixing Yun Xi with a menacing stare. He was poised to strike when Jun Liu intervened.

"She's out of your league."

Jun Liu spoke calmly, then turned his attention to Yun Xi and, with a respectful gesture, introduced himself, "I am Jun Liu, the Young Lord of True Martial City. If you believe you can take what's mine, then by all means, show me what you've got."

Whoosh!

Without a word, Yun Xi lunged with her sword at Jun Liu, her blade cutting through the air like a meteor, the sword qi hurtling towards him in an instant.

The sycophant watched the fierce sword qi and felt a chill run down his spine, knowing he would have been a goner if it were directed at him.

"Well played!"

Jun Liu's eyes were filled with focus as he reacted swiftly. His long sword glinted with frosty light, intercepting the oncoming sword qi.

"Your swordsmanship is impressive, miss. You have my respect," Jun Liu said, bowing slightly in admiration.

"Since you've withstood my strike, the Black Flame Tiger is yours to claim."

Yun Xi nodded, her figure flickering, and in a few swift movements, she vanished from Jun Liu and the others' view.

"Young Master Jun, we're down one tiger cub!"

The sycophant blurted out in alarm, "It must have been that girl's accomplice, taking the cub while we were distracted. We should pursue them!"

"There's no need for a chase; I'm aware," Jun Liu responded, his hand dismissive, his face devoid of emotion. "Even if you caught up, it would be a futile end. Besides, we've already accomplished what we came for..."

He then glanced down at the few severed strands of hair on his shoulder, his eyes darkening with intensity. This was the outcome of his brief clash with Yun Xi.

"She's quite the enigma..."

Jun Liu's gaze followed the path Yun Xi had taken, contemplating the potential disaster they would face if the mysterious girl were to unleash her full power. Their end would be certain death.