C45 Savage Bear

The guard recognized the exceptional nature of Han Feng's combat skills and promptly informed him, "Indeed, we captured a Devil Beast a few days back. However, this one is particularly ferocious. It's a Level 3 Devil Beast, and even a Martial Cultivator who has unlocked eight Main Bloodlines could get hurt, or worse, lose their life if they're not careful."

Han Feng stroked his chin, musing for a moment, "The Family Trials start tomorrow. Revealing some of my strength today is inconsequential."

"It'll just bolster the family's confidence in me."

With that thought, Han Feng dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand, "Besides, I have you all as backup, don't I?"

"A Level 3 Devil Beast, no matter how formidable, is no match for you seasoned warriors in the Late Period of Mortal Rank."

His words brought smiles to the guards' faces.

These men were in their late twenties or early thirties, some even older, and had only managed to reach the Late Period of Mortal Rank at this stage in their lives. The prospect of advancing to the Human Rank was slim, and even if they did, they'd likely only achieve a One-star or Two-star level.

In the Han family, their strength was average—neither outstanding nor inadequate.

Accustomed to humility, they were pleasantly surprised by Han Feng's confidence in them.

One guard thumped his chest emphatically, "Rest assured, I will defend you with my life!"

Before them stood a cage larger than any they had seen before, from which emanated a series of menacing growls.

Han Feng's eyes lit up with excitement, "This is the kind of Devil Beast I need. The docile ones are of no use to me."

"Please be cautious!" the guard warned, his face etched with concern.

As the cage door cracked open, a massive figure charged out, not even waiting for Han Feng to step inside. Accompanied by thunderous roars, the ground trembled beneath its weight.

"Savage Bear!"

Han Feng was taken aback at the sight of the Devil Beast.

The Savage Bear was a colossus among the lower-tier Devil Beasts, a veritable tyrant. Below the Level 5 Devil Beasts, it was rare to find one that could confront a Savage Bear directly.

Before reaching the Human Rank, humans and Devil Beasts alike engaged solely in close-quarters combat. Neither had the capability for ranged attacks before Level Five, leaving no choice but to engage in direct confrontation.

The Savage Bear dominated in these head-to-head and close combat scenarios, its towering stature and formidable claws giving it a distinct edge.

At birth, a Savage Bear is classified as an Early Period Level 2 Devil Beast, maturing into a Level 4 as an adult. A fully-grown Savage Bear stands an imposing five to six meters tall.

The Savage Bear before us, towering over four meters, was evidently on the cusp of adulthood.

"Claw Condensation Technique!" Han Feng's shout rang out as his and the Savage Bear's claws collided with a violent force, propelling him through the air.

"Young Master!" The guards exclaimed in alarm. They moved to intervene but were halted by a stern look from Han Feng.

With a ground-shaking roar, the Savage Bear charged at Han Feng, undeterred.

Pain seared through Han Feng's right hand, his features contorting. "This beast's strength is overwhelming. Relying solely on my Claw Condensation Technique hardly gives me an advantage."

The Savage Bear's paw loomed, threatening to crush Han Feng's skull. In a swift, serpentine motion, Han Feng evaded the lethal swipe and countered by ensnaring the bear's arm, channeling a surge of Internal Strength through his grasp.

"Bone Crushing Hand!" The technique, capable of fracturing bones with either hand, was unleashed.

The Savage Bear's agonized howl pierced the air as its wild instincts flared, propelling another vicious claw strike at Han Feng. Had he not deftly parried, his abdomen would have been grievously torn. Still, his chest bore several deep, crimson gashes.

Retreating, Han Feng observed the Savage Bear's pained writhing with a cool detachment. His Bone Crushing Hand, not yet perfected, had failed to completely shatter the beast's robust skeleton, leaving a third of its bones unbroken.

A chill of awe struck Han Feng. "The Savage Bear's physical resilience is truly formidable; even after such an assault, it refuses to succumb."

Han Feng swiftly advanced and executed the Claw Condensation Technique, bringing an abrupt end to the Savage Bear's life.

The guards around him were left gaping in astonishment.

They had managed to cope with the shock when Han Feng had slain the Cloud Leopard—a mid-stage Level 3 Devil Beast that had already lost its fighting spirit.

But the ease with which Han Feng dispatched the Savage Bear was a whole new level of shock, incomparable to the previous encounter.

The Savage Bear, freshly captured, was untamed and formidable, no different from the Devil Beasts in the mountains.

And it wasn't just any bear.

This Savage Bear was at the peak of Level 3, on the cusp of advancing to Level 4, and was a dominant force among Devil Beasts below Level 5.

That Han Feng could so effortlessly take down the Savage Bear was simply astounding...

It wasn't until Han Feng had silently departed that the guards fully recovered, drawing a sharp intake of breath.

Exchanging glances, they swiftly relayed the news to the family's upper echelons.

Han Feng's rapid advancement in strength was a boon for the family. Recognizing his prodigious talent, they were resolved to protect him at all costs.

Upon learning of the event, Instructor Lin immediately went to inspect the site of the Savage Bear's demise, with Instructor Mu at his side.

After a thorough examination, Instructor Mu declared with a grave tone, "This is undoubtedly the work of the Bone Crushing Hand's second level!"

Instructor Lin's face contorted. "Han Feng's Bone Crushing Hand has reached the pinnacle of the second level, and he's not far from the third. I'm just thankful for my robust constitution and resilience; otherwise, I'd be worn out by his rigorous training."

They promptly reported their findings to Family Head Han Yu and the Elders.

The Great Elder stamped his foot emphatically. "Family Head, such talent is exceedingly rare. In my view, he must not partake in the Family Trials. He's too valuable. Any mishap during the Trials would be an irreplaceable loss."

The other Elders nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We must safeguard such a genius until he matures and is ready to reveal himself to the world once more."

Since Renzhong City was founded, no one had managed to attain the strength to counter the late Mortal Rank within a mere two months.

With such rapid advancement, if they continued to supply him with Cultivation Methods, reaching the Earth rank wasn't out of the question, much less the Mystic Rank.

The mention of the Earth rank ignited a fiery enthusiasm within the entire family.

For the modest Han family, the Mystic Rank was already held in high esteem, but the Earth rank was a level they could only dream of attaining.

At this moment, Han Yu couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern. His grandson's strength had progressed in such an extraordinary way that the thought of sending such a prodigy to the Family Trials was almost unbearable.

Instructors Lin and Mu exchanged looks of astonishment. The outcome had exceeded their wildest expectations. Instructor Lin was particularly anxious. How could they possibly consider having Han Feng sit out the Family Trials now?