C29 Aquatic Arowana
Deep within the Jade Peak Mountain Range, a wolf's howl pierced the silence, only to be cut short as a shadowy figure darted by.
"I've taken down eight Level 1 Devil Beasts and three Level 2s, racking up a total of 38 points," the figure murmured. "But this is just the fringe of the range. Level 2 Devil Beasts are scarce out here. To clinch one of the top spots decisively, I need to venture closer to the heart of the range."
The figure was none other than Han Feng. He had been navigating the treacherous terrain of the Jade Peak Mountain Range for half a day already.
The range was teeming with Devil Beasts, many of which traveled in packs. Even a solitary Level 1 Devil Beast posed a threat, but a pack? That was a sure sign for Han Feng to beat a hasty retreat.
Despite his ability to dispatch Level 1 Devil Beasts, Han Feng knew better than to let his guard down. A wrong turn into a den of beasts would spell his doom.
Parched from his half-day trek, Han Feng approached a small river, scanning the surroundings with a wary eye before allowing himself a moment of relief.
He hoisted a massive stone from the ground and hurled it into the water, using considerable force. The rock plunged into the river with a splash.
Such force would surely strike any Devil Beast lurking beneath the surface, and even those hidden in the depths would not escape his detection.
"More than half of the rivers in the Jade Peak Mountain Range harbor powerful Devil Beasts," Han Feng whispered to himself, recalling his instructor's words. "A single misstep could lead to being devoured."
"I've thrown several fist-sized stones with all my might. If there's a Devil Beast hidden in these waters, it's bound to surface to investigate."
"Of course, I'd prefer it if there were none. But if there is one, I'll need to eliminate it before I can quench my thirst. I'll make camp by this river for the next few days."
Humans can't survive without water, and Han Feng had resolved to make this riverside his home for the foreseeable future.
The river's surface began to shift, revealing an enormous shadow beneath.
Han Feng's face grew tense. "A Devil Beast, as I suspected!"
A colossal flying fish burst forth from the water, its scales casting an eerie sheen in the sunlight, its tail markedly different from that of typical Devil Beasts. On closer inspection, it resembled a beast's tail—thick and elongated.
Han Feng's gaze sharpened. "Could this be the Aquatic Arowana the instructor mentioned a few days back?"
The Aquatic Arowana carried a trace of dragon's blood, granting it formidable strength despite the diluted lineage.
At birth, the Aquatic Arowana measured ten feet long, classifying it as a Level 2 Devil Beast.
Upon entering its growth phase, it reached twenty feet, ascending to a Level 3 Devil Beast.
In its mature stage, it would extend to forty feet, becoming a Level-four Devil Beast.
Once fully grown and into adulthood, it would surge to a hundred feet in length, with its rank soaring to Level 8.
Moreover, the Aquatic Arowana's maximum potential was a staggering Level 12.
The specimen before Han Feng was merely fifteen feet long, caught between the evolutionary stages of a Level 2 and a Level 3 Devil Beast.
It surpassed a Level 2 Devil Beast in strength, yet fell short of a Level 3.
Han Feng exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness it's not a mature or adult Aquatic Arowana; otherwise, fleeing would be my only option."
"Indeed, we're not at the heart of the Jade Peak Mountain Range, where a Level 4 Devil Beast might dwell. Even encountering a Level 3 is a rarity."
"Well then, this Aquatic Arowana will serve as a fine meal to sate my hunger."
"Claw Condensation Technique!"
As the Aquatic Arowana lunged at him, baring its sharp fangs, Han Feng unleashed the full might of the Claw Condensation Technique, seizing the creature's body in a vice-like grip.
The force of the impact sent the Aquatic Arowana hurtling through the air before it crashed to the ground, carving out a massive pit.
Despite the Aquatic Arowana's scales shimmering just as they had before, not a single one had changed. The creature quickly righted itself and unleashed a barrage of roars at Han Feng.
An amphibious being, the Aquatic Arowana kept its four peculiar claws tucked away while submerged, only to reveal them on land for support. Han Feng's attack hadn't injured the beast, but it had inflicted enough pain to make an impression.
This particular Aquatic Arowana was caught between its juvenile and growth phases, lacking the resilience of its adult counterparts. Even a minor pang of pain was enough to instill a sense of fear, deterring it from attacking rashly.
Stepping back, Han Feng winced, "Such formidable defenses! My claws are throbbing with pain. The Claw Condensation Technique is useless against this creature, not to mention the Basic Long Fists and Basic Leg Techniques."
"With my current level of cultivation and mastery of the Claw Condensation Technique, the best I could hope for is a stalemate with this stubborn fish."
"Now's the moment to gauge the might of my mortal fire."
Inside Han Feng, the Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art surged wildly, conjuring a basketball-sized orb of crimson flame in his palm.
The Aquatic Arowana shrieked in terror, sensing a lethal threat emanating from the unusual fireball.
In a desperate bid to escape the disruption of its peaceful slumber, the Aquatic Arowana leaped toward the river, even contemplating abandoning its cherished birthplace.
"Go!" Han Feng commanded, hurling the searing fireball with all his might. It tore through the air, the intense heat from the mortal fire causing the atmosphere to crackle and hiss.
Struck by the fireball before reaching the safety of the river, the Aquatic Arowana emitted a harrowing cry, its body contorting as it plummeted into the water.
Yet, against all odds, the mortal fire persisted, colliding with the river to produce billowing clouds of steam.
As the steam dissipated, the dark body of the Aquatic Arowana floated atop the river's surface.
Han Feng was ecstatic. He quickly fashioned a fire with a stick and set up the fish to cook.
He had already removed the Aquatic Arowana's head, stowing it in his Storage Belt.
The Storage Belt was a point of contention for Han Feng. Instructor Lin had issued it to them just before their venture into the Jade Peak Mountain Range. They were merely its temporary custodians, expected to return it to the clan after their evaluation.
All the Devil Beast heads Han Feng had hunted were contained within this Storage Belt.
Han Feng inwardly grumbled about the late provision of the Storage Belt. Without it, he had been unprepared, forced to fend for himself.
Soon, the Aquatic Arowana was perfectly roasted, its aroma tantalizing. Han Feng's stomach growled eagerly. He bit into the fish without hesitation, remarking, "Truly, the flesh of a Devil Beast is incomparable. Even unseasoned, it possesses a rich, natural flavor that no ordinary wild game can match."
With his meal complete, Han Feng sat down cross-legged, focusing on digesting his feast and advancing his cultivation practice.