C13 The Mischievous Lin Wushuang!

The Wolf King emerged from nowhere, clamping its jaws around the throat of the little black bear, Erman. The attack was primal yet devastatingly effective. Its razor-sharp teeth punctured Erman's throat before the bear could even react.

Erman fought desperately, but it was already ensnared by the giant snake, its thick coils binding the bear's arms and upper body. Now, with a fatal blow struck, Erman could only twist its neck weakly, futilely trying to dislodge the Wolf King. But the Wolf King's bite was unrelenting, its teeth, now imbued with a mysterious power, easily tearing through Erman's rocky hide and the solid muscle beneath, severing the windpipe and arteries.

Death was certain, yet Erman clung to life. Half its neck gone, hot blood spurted, drenching the earth beneath in crimson. A fierce will to survive spurred Erman to keep struggling, to keep trying to live. But strength ebbed away, leaving only a feeble, chilling tremble. Vision fading, Erman felt an overwhelming drowsiness, a biting cold, a longing for sleep...

In the end, Erman perished, a victim of the Wolf King and the giant snake's joint assault.

"Roar! Roar!" The big bear, Daman, roared in hysteria at the sight of Erman in a bloodbath, abandoning the Flame Tiger to charge at the Wolf King with unsteady steps. The Wolf King, however, sidestepped with a swift flash, evading the attack.

The giant snake, having extricated itself from Erman's hold, also sensed danger and made a quick getaway. Ultimately, Daman ceased the pursuit, collapsing to its knees before Erman. It bowed its head, tenderly licking Erman's cheek, and let out soft, mournful whimpers, "Wuwu~ Wuwu..."

Nearby, a short man spat out a mouthful of blood, his body already frail, now further ravaged by the backlash of his Pet Beast's death. Despite the peril of Daman being encircled by a host of beasts, the short man couldn't surrender. Leaning on a tree trunk for support, he stood and called out, "Please wait! Esteemed Beast King!"

The Flame Tiger responded with a roar, "Argh! Humans! You all deserve death!"

With a thud, the short man collapsed to his knees, stripped of all pride. His head struck the ground hard, and tears streamed down his darkened face. "I beg you, spare Daman... I'll do anything for you!"

"Argh! You will pay for my young ones' lives!"

The short man's heartfelt plea moved none of the surrounding spirit beasts, and the Flame Tiger had no intention of mercy, especially not the other spirit beasts harboring animosity towards humans.

"Swish! Tiger King, your offspring might still be alive!" Suddenly, the honey badger, who had been observing the drama unfold, spoke up, potentially saving the short man.

"Roar!" The Beast King Flame Tiger turned its gaze sharply towards the honey badger.

This creature had been a mere spectator from the start, and now it was intervening to save this despicable human. What was it plotting?

The Flame Tiger held back, curious to hear what the honey badger had to say.

With a sly grin, the honey badger looked at the Flame Tiger and continued, "Swish! With your exceptional talents, Tiger King, your offspring must be extraordinary... Humans, weak and incompetent as they are, will surely vie for it, pampering it with the finest care, ensuring no harm comes to it..."

"Roar! What are you getting at? Do you want me to let him go?"

"Swish! No, actually, we can use him to our advantage!"

"Roar! I have no use for human trinkets!"

"Swish! It's different. He can help us in many ways, like enhancing our strength..."

...

"Roar!"

...

"Ahaha!"

Lin Yih rubbed his eyes, still feeling the weight of sleep. The night at the auction had been long, and he had come away with only two weapons, his biggest loss being a good night's sleep.

Resigned, Lin Yih washed up and half-stumbled into the living room.

"Hey! The sun's high, and you're just getting up?" Lin Wushuang, lounging on the sofa watching TV, eyed Lin Yih's dark circles with annoyance.

"Scram! Kid, shouldn't you be doing your homework?"

"What's homework? Why would I have any? And brother, where were you last night? Don't bother denying it; I saw you sneaking out." Lin Wushuang leaned in close, her curiosity piqued.

Lin Yih, confronted with Lin Wushuang's face inches from his own, scooted away on the sofa, his expression one of sheer distaste.

"How could that be? I've been in my room since dinner. You've probably been up all night binge-watching dramas and started seeing things!" Lin Yih exclaimed with a look of mock surprise.

But inwardly, Lin Yih was ranting.

Wushuang, this girl, always up late watching TV shows? Not even resting in the dead of night! What's so captivating about them? Are those cardboard cutout characters on the screen better looking than me? Plus, she must have been lured here by that faint yelp last night. With that thought, Lin Yih cast a glance at Little, who was blissfully snoozing by the door.

Trouble follows you, and yet you have the audacity to sleep? Just wait until I take care of you later...

Lin Wushuang looked puzzled. "Is that so?"

"Absolutely!" Lin Yih declared, his face the picture of earnestness.

"Oh? What about this, then?" Lin Wushuang suddenly opened her clenched right hand, her previously puzzled look turning sly. "I don't recall us owning anything like this~"

What?

Lin Yih's gaze shot to Lin Wushuang's delicate, pale hand... Ah! But that wasn't the point!

The point was the yellowish-brown, transparent crystal shimmering in her palm.

"The Earth Crystal!"

As soon as Lin Yih got a clear view, a torrent of cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his inner voice screamed in fury.

Little!

"Woof! Woof!"

Somehow sensing the mood, Little, who had been deeply asleep, suddenly woke up, shaking its head in bewilderment.

After a moment of confusion, it eagerly bounded over to Lin Yih.

But Lin Yih was in no mood for Little's antics, briskly shaking the dog off his leg and grumbling, "Get lost! Can't even guard what's in your own mouth! If you can't defend your food, how can I count on you to protect me? Beat it..."

"Woof! Woof!" Little cocked its head, puzzled.

Is Master acting silly again? Poor thing! I must get stronger! That way, I can protect you in the future.

"Don't be harsh on Little!"

Lin Wushuang chided, as she took the special dog food and placed it in Little's bowl, Earth Crystal and all.

"Little, time for dinner!"

"Woof, woof!"