C14 Heading Towards the Demonic Beast Forest

A surge of boundless elation swelled within Lin Yaoyang's mind. After enduring scorn and degradation for so long, today marked the beginning of his resurgence!

With a firm clench of his fists, Lin Yaoyang strode forward confidently, earning the awed stares of the mercenaries who watched, unsure of what to make of his actions.

Indeed, Lin Yaoyang had earned their reverence. As a First Grade Martial Master, his kind was a rarity in Qingye Town. And yet, with a mere two moves, he had vanquished Yin Zhiping.

Even Captain Kou Quan would likely falter after just a few exchanges with Lin Yaoyang. The bystanders harbored various intentions; some wished to distance themselves out of respect, while others harbored ulterior motives, seeking to ingratiate themselves with Lin Yaoyang.

But Lin Yaoyang was indifferent to their machinations. As a formidable force, he simply awaited their overtures. As for himself? A chuckle escaped him—he would relish in their eager attentions.

Approaching Captain Kou Quan, who appeared ready to depart with a group of fully equipped mercenaries by his side, Lin Yaoyang took in the sight. Kou Quan, mounted on a majestic steed that complemented his robust frame, exuded an air of command.

Yet Lin Yaoyang was acutely aware that from the moment he ascended to a Level 9 Warrior, Kou Quan was no longer in his league. His foundational attributes soared beyond Kou Quan's, with a strength value that could reach an astonishing 450 points even outside of combat.

By the standards of Cultivators, a strength of 450 points was indicative of at least a Level One Martial Arts practitioner.

And Lin Yaoyang? He was a martial artist who hadn't even attained the Martial Master rank! The revelation was sure to astound, not to mention his other attributes that far surpassed Kou Quan's.

"Captain," Lin Yaoyang addressed Kou Quan, "I'm not sure if there are any horses available, but I'm willing to purchase one."

Kou Quan, momentarily taken aback, quickly regained his composure and turned to a young man beside him. "Wang He, let him have your horse."

"Huh? Why... Okay, okay, okay!"

Wang He, at first unaware that the horse was intended for Lin Yaoyang, wore a look of clear reluctance on his face. When he turned and realized he was dealing with this formidable individual, he didn't dare utter another word, fearing that an unhappy Lin Yaoyang might just kick his head to pieces. After all, he was merely an ordinary Level 9 Warrior, no match for someone like Lin Yaoyang. Having just witnessed the earlier incident, Wang He had no illusions of victory upon seeing Lin Yaoyang again.

Kou Quan gave a nod and led the horse over to Lin Yaoyang. He wouldn't dream of taking Lin Yaoyang's money. Even as Lin Yaoyang offered a gold coin, Kou Quan refused to accept it, much to his own relief. Seeing this, Lin Yaoyang didn't press the issue.

Before long, the group was fully equipped and on their way to the Demonic Beast Forest. Initially, the journey was filled with chatter and laughter, but as they drew nearer to the forest, conversations dwindled. Everyone's focus shifted to their surroundings, vigilant against any sudden appearance of a formidable Demonic Beast that could lead to a deadly encounter.

Despite their team's impressive makeup, all being Level 9 Warriors, they knew that facing even a single Martial Arts-level Demonic Beast would mean certain death for everyone.

The group marched on in silence. It had been a while since Lin Yaoyang's confrontation with Yin Zhiping when the black-robed woman, previously unseen, suddenly rode up beside him. She glanced at Lin Yaoyang and murmured, "You're very strong."

Lin Yaoyang paused, expecting her to say more, but the black-robed woman seemed content with her brief statement and turned her head away.

Lin Yaoyang was left somewhat bemused. Strong? That was stating the obvious! He was well aware of his strength, and it wasn't just her who had noticed—everyone in the group could see it.

As Lin Yaoyang entertained some less-than-charitable thoughts, Kou Quan suddenly signaled with a raised hand, bringing everyone to a halt. It was time to begin their hunt for the Demonic Beasts.

Upon seeing Kou Quan's signal, Lin Yaoyang's muscles coiled tight in anticipation. The moment had arrived to engage in a true battle with a Demonic Beast!

Every member of the group unsheathed their weapons, brandishing an assortment of swords and clubs. Lin Yaoyang alone was unarmed, yet his own physique was a more formidable weapon than any blade or staff they wielded.

"Sssss! Sssss! Sssss!"

Abruptly, a hissing roar erupted from the right rear of the team. Everyone spun around to see a massive green python with sharp fangs launching itself from the boughs of an ancient tree.

Lin Yaoyang knew this creature well—it was a Green Python capable of matching a First Grade Martial Master in combat, its girth comparable to a barrel and stretching four to five meters in length.

In the instant the Green Python descended, it landed on an unfortunate soul, who was crushed beneath its weight before he could mount any defense, his life extinguished beneath the serpent's mass.

"Puchi!"

Blood and gore spewed from beneath the Green Python, with fragments of flesh and shattered bone littering the ground. The stench of blood permeated the air, a scent so pungent it furrowed brows.

The Green Python itself appeared intoxicated by the blood, its animalistic instincts heightened as its eyes reddened and it flicked its forked tongue incessantly.

The mercenaries, witnessing the swift demise of their comrade, were struck by a wave of sorrow and solidarity. Yet, as they faced the Green Python, not a trace of fear showed on their faces. After all, this was merely a First Grade Martial Master Level beast.

They had faced and fled from far mightier Demonic Beasts; fear was not an option.

Captain Kou Quan, with a grave expression, issued his command. "All fire attribute martial artists, advance and engage!"

Snakes, by their very nature, are averse to the scorching fire element, instinctively recoiling from its heat. Bolstered by Kou Quan's directive, the martial artists with fire attributes, as if empowered by a newfound resolve, channeled their Qi and stepped forward.

Their claims of fire prowess were modest at best; in truth, their abilities were quite limited. Not one among them could swiftly conjure actual flames in their palms—the most powerful among them could only turn their hands a fiery red.

Upon seeing them, Lin Yaoyang's nephew realized just how fortunate he was. Others toiled for years to achieve this level, yet he had managed to catch up to them in a mere day—years, even decades of progress matched in 24 hours.

If others were to discover what fire felt, they might very well lose all faith in their own cultivation journey.