C174 I will Fight This Battle Myself

Everyone was aware of the government's way of communicating. They typically downplayed the abilities of geniuses to protect them, and no one disputed this practice.

The Terran Federation was, after all, facing the formidable internal threat of the Demon Race.

"These details are trivial. What concerns me is the explanation given."

"In both cases, they were caught in the battle's aftermath, yet the three unscathed geniuses perished, whereas Lee Zi, who sustained severe injuries, emerged unscathed."

"Are they taking us for fools?"

It was hard to believe that three robust geniuses could die while the one who was gravely wounded survived.

"That's because Lee Zi is blessed by the Goddess of Luck."

"Wow, finally someone who tells it like it is!"

Everyone knew the truth; they just chose not to voice it.

If the deceased had been less significant, perhaps others would have stirred the pot.

But since the dead were considered worthless, and the person in question was despicable, it was a surprise they weren't met with applause.

Why would anyone kick up a fuss over this?

"Look, it's clear the government favors Chu Yi. Three geniuses are dead, and they still say the consequences aren't severe."

"Does it take the death of every genius in the organization for it to be considered serious?"

The scene was abuzz with chatter, as countless individuals seemed eager to release their pent-up frustration.

Chu Yi, however, was out of the loop, as he had already taken Lee Zi to a lakeside.

"We should find a Gold Level Demonic Beast here."

With his strength no longer a secret, Chu Yi saw no reason to hide.

His current objective was straightforward: to target Gold Level Demonic Beasts.

As for a Diamond Level...

He would have to assess the situation before proceeding.

A Diamond Level top-tier Demonic Beast was in a league of its own, far beyond the Gold Level.

Even though Chu Yi had previously battled a Diamond Level Guardian, such a guardian would stand no chance against a top-tier Demonic Beast—the result would be certain death, with no possibility of escape.

A top-tier Demonic Beast typically doesn't lose unless it's up against a formidable Diamond-level adversary, and it's even less likely to be defeated.

Thus, to slay a top-tier Demonic Beast, Chu Yi would need to unleash even more of his power!

And this was with Lee Zi's assistance.

Putting Diamond-level considerations aside for now, Chu Yi's objective was crystal clear: he was aiming for Gold.

A Gold Level Demonic Beast could net over a thousand points, equivalent to ten times that of Silver.

Seeking Silver was inefficient and overly competitive, as most geniuses were already vying for Silver Points.

Gold, on the other hand, was less contested.

Without a few of the very best Silver or even Gold rank leaders, it was nearly impossible to pose a threat to these formidable creatures.

Chu Yi had made a wise choice, and he had already strategized accordingly.

War God Xu's demonstration had helped Chu Yi memorize the distribution of various locations on the map.

With his sharp intellect, he could deduce where Gold and Silver ranks might be found from the random drop points.

"Yeah, I feel it too."

Lee Zi's senses might not be on par with Chu Yi's, but as a Half Immortal cultivator, she was not to be underestimated. Despite the suppression of her Immortal Dao power due to dual cultivation, her perception was still significantly stronger than most.

Even without Chu Yi's input, Lee Zi could sense the subtle threat emanating from the lake.

"Wait here, I'll draw out the Demonic Beast."

"Just make sure it doesn't get back into the lake!"

Clearly, they were dealing with a water-type Demonic Beast. On land, even a peak Gold Level Demonic Beast's power would likely be reduced to that of a mid-level Gold. But in the water...

The threat level would increase dramatically, to the point where even a Diamond Level might struggle.

Lee Zi understood the stakes and nodded in acknowledgment.

The next moment, Chu Yi was on the lake's surface.

Without a moment's hesitation, he delivered a mighty punch to the water!

Instantly, the lake erupted, sending water spraying in all directions. It was as if a massive bomb had exploded, creating tumultuous waves across the kilometer-wide expanse.

"Roar! Roar! Roar!"

The earth-shattering roar echoed.

In the next moment, a Demonic Beast resembling an eel, stretching over three hundred meters in length, emerged.

Its sharp scales shimmered with a frosty gleam, and a terrifying aura enveloped it.

Chu Yi's expression grew slightly grave.

It was a Gold High Order Great Demonic Beast!

Moreover, it was one with a special bloodline!

A special bloodline meant that these Great Demonic Beasts carried a trace of lineage not native to their species.

Some special bloodlines could weaken these Great Demonic Beasts, while others could enhance their power.

Clearly, this Great Demonic Beast's special bloodline was of the enhancing kind.

"Talk about bad luck!"

Both a peak Gold Great Demonic Beast and an Elementary Gold Great Demonic Beast were valued at a thousand points each.

Yet, the gap between them was as vast as the sea.

Given the choice, Chu Yi would rather not encounter these peak Gold Demonic Beasts.

But now, there seemed to be no alternative.

Without a second thought, Chu Yi turned on his heels and fled!

If he had to battle in the lake, Chu Yi would prefer to engage in combat with the previous guardian.

The Great Demonic Beast appeared to be taken aback.

It had assumed Chu Yi was intentionally seeking it out for a confrontation, but to its surprise, upon its arrival, Chu Yi bolted.

The intelligence of the Great Demonic Beast was on par with that of an average human.

Though initially angered, upon witnessing Chu Yi's swift escape, it contemplated pursuing him but then paused to consider the situation.

Could this be a trap?

The possibility was there!

With this in mind, the swiftly advancing figure halted, and the Demonic Beast began to survey its surroundings.

Indeed, with intelligence, these Demonic Beasts no longer acted solely on instinct as they once did.

This one was cautious.

And so, with a careful watch, the Demonic Beast indeed noticed something amiss!

Meanwhile, Chu Yi was rapidly distancing himself from the lake's surface, seemingly indifferent to whether he had drawn the Demonic Beast's attention.

Upon reaching the shore, with no sign of pursuit from the Demonic Beast, Chu Yi was far from disheartened.

He regarded the Demonic Beast floating on the lake with a challenging stare.

Chu Yi was convinced that the creature, being intelligent, would certainly grasp the meaning behind his gaze.

Indeed, the Demonic Beast seemed somewhat unsettled by Chu Yi's disdainful look.

However, the disturbance was fleeting.

Up to this point, it remained vigilant, carefully surveying its surroundings.

Eventually, having taken full stock of the situation, the Demonic Beast ceased its hesitation.

This was its home for centuries, and aside from its own keen senses, it had laid numerous safeguards in the area.

They weren't traps per se, but they allowed it to detect any formidable beings that ventured into its domain.

After a thorough observation, it confirmed there were no others present besides the human and another who was in hiding.

Regarding their power...

One was at the Gold Level, and the other at Silver!

Indeed, it possessed a unique talent for perception, enabling it to discern the levels of others.

Such an ability was not particularly rare among Demonic Beasts, but it was undeniably useful, especially for avoiding numerous traps.

To this Demonic Beast, the Gold was merely at the Elementary level, and a recent promotee at that.

The Silver...

Was in the same boat!

This was the full extent of their strength!

Did they really think they could hunt it with such capabilities?

The Demonic Beast quickly surmised that the pair must be overconfident.

It remembered feeling invincible when it first achieved Gold status, considering its peers no match for its might, yet the outcome of that hubris was devastating.

Had it not fled swiftly, it would not exist today.

But now...

As it watched the young figure who kept provoking it...

It had been fortunate once, but these two human youths would not share the same luck...

After a brief moment of indecision, the Demonic Beast charged directly at Chu Yi.

Chu Yi, standing by the shore, was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated the Demonic Beast would confront him head-on.

In his view, these Demonic Beasts were quite intelligent; recklessly abandoning their familiar terrain to pursue an enemy was a mistake typical of their lesser kin.

A Gold Level Demonic Beast couldn't possibly be this foolish!

Chu Yi had devised several strategies to incite the Demonic Beast, hoping to drive it into a frenzy and provoke an attack.

Yet, none of his tactics were necessary, leaving Chu Yi feeling somewhat let down...

"Could this Demonic Beast actually be brainless?"

Lee Zi couldn't help but speak up.

Chu Yi just shrugged; he was as clueless as she was.

But the evidence was clear.

Watching the Demonic Beast charge wildly, Chu Yi sighed, "Well, if it's so eager to engage, we shouldn't disappoint."

"Lee Zi, I'll take the lead. Join in when it's time to finish it off..."

Points were awarded to the one who delivered the killing blow.

Lee Zi could only score by dealing the final strike.

But no sooner had Chu Yi spoken than Lee Zi grabbed hold of him.

"There's no need."

Chu Yi paused, then caught the determined look in Lee Zi's eyes.

"I'll handle this battle on my own!"

Chu Yi's expression became thoughtful. "But you haven't completely recovered yet..."

Lee Zi's previous injuries weren't critical, but she wasn't at her peak performance.

Lee Zi gave Chu Yi a reassuring smile. "Chu Yi, I appreciate that you're looking out for me."

"But is this really the right approach?"

Chu Yi was momentarily taken aback, then it clicked.

He could assist Lee Zi temporarily, but could he always be there to help her in the future?

He wanted to believe he could, yet some things are beyond one's control.

Take today's scenario—if he weren't around.

If Lee Zi possessed sufficient strength, she wouldn't even blink at the trio of prodigies from the rival families.

Threats?

Then the solution would be to eliminate whatever they were depending on!