Word Count: 2,860 Words
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"Roar—"
A miserable howl erupted from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, shaking the surroundings. Beneath the deep, cross-shaped wounds on its chest that exposed bone lay its blood-red heart!
Harbinger Zhen's Second Spirit Skill, Eternal Scar!
The Death Abyss Spider Emperor's most domineering single-target attack skill, it ignored all defenses. Once struck, the Ultimate Death attribute and the Death Abyss Spider Emperor's poison would spread endlessly. One could only resist by relying on their own spirit power until life was exhausted and the lamp of the soul extinguished!
Eternal Scar infiltrated through flesh and meridians, ravaging every cell within the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's body. Yet an intense, devouring killing intent still burned in its eyes!
"Human!!!"
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger plunged into madness. If not for its incredibly robust physique, Eternal Scar would have nearly torn its heart asunder!
Countless light spheres imbued with evil, wind, and thunder attributes converged before it. Strange gray lightning accompanied thunderous roars. Towering fury consumed its reason. It ignored everything and unleashed its clan's most powerful attack skill—Dark Demon Evil God Thunder!
A split second before the Dark Demonic Evil God Thunder poured forth, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger suddenly saw a vertical eye with a rose-gold sun pattern emitting a black-and-white dual-colored light.
Three-Eyed Golden Lion!
A halo of light illuminated behind the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. This halo appeared quite strange. Though formed from illusory condensed light, it featured carved-like golden patterns with lions and dragons dancing together!
Destiny Curse!
As a spirit beast awakened to the power of destiny, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion naturally possessed innate spirit skills related to it. Destiny Curse branded itself onto the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's forehead. Its aura weakened at an astonishing speed, and not just its spirit power but even its spiritual power simultaneously waned. Ling Bai switched to the Necromancer Eye's vision and vaguely saw thousands of threads snapping around the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's body, exposing one weakness after another!
The Dark Demonic Evil God Thunder dissipated instantly in the air without spirit power to sustain it. The Darkness Domain likewise shattered. The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger found it hard to believe even now. It was a descendant of the Evil God, a spirit beast with a God-level bloodline, destined to devour all things, break through the heavenly barrier, and achieve Godhood. How could it be reduced to such a sorry state before two beings far weaker than itself!
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger panted heavily while glaring hatefully at Ling Bai, who held the Death Abyss Demon Scythe. Suddenly it froze for a moment. It saw the most primal, purest evil desire. Even a super evil spirit beast like itself felt a chill. It was as if being stared at by a ravenous demon. In that instant, Ling Bai was actually smiling, the corners of his mouth curved into a horrifying arc. The Death Abyss Spider Emperor's instinctual bloodthirsty pleasure could no longer be suppressed!
He wants to devour me!
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's heart skipped a beat. That sinister and ferocious human figure raised the scythe of death. The Evil God bloodline it prided itself on suddenly began to tremble. With Eternal Scar inflicting severe injuries, it was forced to divert part of its spirit power to slow the spread of Ultimate Death and the Death Abyss Spider Emperor's poison. Being hit by Destiny Curse only added insult to injury. The defense of its Spiritual Sea was nearly reduced to zero, and its spirit power was about to be exhausted.
At the same time, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger felt a bizarre sense of dissonance with the world—as if it might stumble on flat ground after two steps or the earth beneath its feet might collapse in two seconds, plunging it into a bottomless pit!
Its eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. It forcefully clashed with Ling Bai several times while bearing the dual injuries of body and spirit. This time, it was undoubtedly at a disadvantage. Several crisscrossing wounds appeared across its massive tiger body.
Ling Bai spun the Death Abyss Demon Scythe in his left hand while giving the Three-Eyed Golden Lion a thumbs up with his right.
Well done, much more reliable than the Scarlet King!
"Roar—"
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger let out an unyielding roar, only to be suppressed by another majestic dragon roar from afar. Dark clouds covered the sky, and a pitch-black dragon's body loomed within them. Golden vertical pupils pierced through time and space, locking onto the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger!
The number one among the Ten Great Savage Beasts of the Douluo Continent—the Beast God, Di Tian!
Di Tian had finally sensed that something was amiss. He immediately revealed his Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King form and searched for the Three-Eyed Golden Lion's whereabouts. The Darkness Domain of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger had been broken, and Di Tian had followed the scent to arrive.
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger gritted its teeth. It would rather endure an Extreme Punishment from the Death Abyss Spider Emperor if it meant creating distance from Ling Bai. It was confident enough to punch the Three-Headed Scarlet Devil Mastiff and kick the Myriad Demon King and Xiong Jun, but a sense of unease welled up from the depths of its heart when facing the Beast God Di Tian.
Its massive body exploded into clusters of black mist and vanished. The Zhen Poison Spiderweb descended but had no effect. The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger invoked a secret technique that consumed its life force. Before fleeing, it didn't forget to glare at Ling Bai and leave a vicious threat:
"Human, I've remembered your scent. I'll chase you to the ends of the earth!
Star Dou, Di Tian, Destiny Beast, Scarlet King!
I will definitely return!"
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger disappeared. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion let out a long sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground as its four paws weakened. Its eyes revealed lingering fear from having narrowly escaped death. Ling Bai, however, felt a tinge of regret. He truly wanted to devour this 100,000-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
The Death Abyss Spider Emperor had evil blood flowing within, being an evil spirit beast on the same level as the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. If the Death Abyss Spider Emperor could devour the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, there was a high chance it could refine its bloodline and advance to Ultimate Evil.
The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was not easy to kill. It still possessed considerable combat strength and had hidden an escape skill even when severely injured. This was the confidence it had to venture alone into the Star Dou Forest and ambush the Emperor Destiny Beast.
Ling Bai and the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger both had vengeful natures. They both wanted to devour the other and were destined to determine life and death between them.
"Uncle Di Tian!"
Di Tian was like the backbone for the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. It kept waving its claws at the black dragon in the sky.
The massive, majestic black dragon stood atop the clouds. It ignored the Emperor Destiny Beast it had doted on for over ten thousand years. Instead, it gazed indifferently at Ling Bai on the ground, whose aura soared to the heavens.
Compared to the sinister and treacherous Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, the oppressive presence of the Beast God Di Tian was as terrifying as a mountain collapsing or a sea overturning. Just standing there motionless, it was like a bottomless black well threatening to swallow a person whole, bones and all.
Pale flames burned on Ling Bai's body as he calmly met Di Tian's gaze. The duration of Dragon Devouring had a few minutes left. He could escape immediately even if Di Tian attacked with all his might, relying on the two life-saving divine skills from the Harbinger Zhen spirit bone—Traceless Phantom and Void. Once out of the Star Dou Forest, he could dive into the Spectral Demiplane.
First, Di Tian used his spirit power to lift the unconscious Scarlet King. Then he sternly addressed the Three-Eyed Golden Lion:
"Destiny Beast, return with me to the Lake of Life to reflect on your actions!"
Finally, those gleaming golden dragon eyes fell upon Ling Bai. He said lightly:
"No need to be nervous. Spirit beasts are not ungrateful creatures. You saved the Destiny Beast and the Scarlet King, showing favor to the Star Dou Forest.
On behalf of the Star Dou Forest, I owe you a favor. Take this as proof—you may enter the land of the Great Beasts and make one request of me."
As his voice fell, a heavy, shield-like pitch-black dragon scale descended from the sky. Ling Bai caught it, and the dragon scale instantly transmitted bone-chilling darkness spirit power into his hand.
"But I hope you understand..."
Di Tian's tone shifted. "Your favor to Star Dou is favor, and the hatred between spirit beasts and humans is hatred. The next time you enter Star Dou Forest after making your request, whether it's me or the Scarlet King who encounters you, we will treat you as a mortal enemy of spirit beasts."
With that, Di Tian took the Scarlet King and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion and rushed toward the deepest part of the Star Dou Forest. Before leaving, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion tilted its head to thank Ling Bai, roughly meaning: This Destiny Beast forgives you and won't pursue the matter of you stripping its light bloodline three months ago!
Ling Bai put away the black dragon scale. This was a symbol of the Beast God Di Tian. With it, he could practically walk sideways like a crab within the Star Dou Forest.
Di Tian had been generous. The black dragon scale plus a promise made for a sincere reward. Ling Bai believed that if he asked for a 100,000-year spirit beast, Di Tian would nod and help him obtain one.
He silently calculated. He had lost a Rank 92 Spectral Bone Dragon but gained Di Tian's reward and the goodwill of both the Scarlet King and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. It definitely wasn't a massive profit, but at least it wasn't a loss.
"Hiss—"
As the duration of Dragon Devouring ended, the sudden swelling pain in his meridians made Ling Bai take several sharp breaths. He awkwardly walked toward the small dwelling he had built in the Star Dou Forest.
...
Three days later, in the Star Dou Forest at noon.
Bright sunlight filtered through the lush, towering trees. Deep green leaves danced in the stirring wind. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was running alone in the Core Region of Star Dou. Unlike before, it now had a delicate pendant made from a black dragon scale hanging around its neck.
Black Dragon Reverse Scale.
Once bitten, twice shy. In just three short months, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion had suffered two setbacks. Even a fool would know to seek protection from their guardian. Di Tian had reluctantly parted with his reverse scale, which was crafted into a pendant by the Emerald Swan, Bi Ji.
Now, whenever the Three-Eyed Golden Lion encountered danger, Di Tian could descend upon the location using the black dragon scale as a beacon. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion would no longer face the perils it did during the battle with the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. The other Great Beasts felt at ease letting it roam freely for food.
"Sigh, another day of not eating brains."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion sighed heavily. It was true that the Emperor Destiny Beast was doted upon by the Great Beasts, but not to the point of being spoiled rotten where food was served without effort. It needed to abide by Star Dou's rules and hunt spirit beasts outside.
The brains of light-attribute spirit beasts were the diet of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. After its cultivation reached the 10,000-year realm, it became even pickier, only eating the brains of 10,000-year light-attribute spirit beasts.
Due to its status as the Emperor Destiny Beast, light-attribute spirit beasts didn't dare attack it, but they could flee like the Twin Cyclops. This sometimes led to situations where the Three-Eyed Golden Lion couldn't catch those swift light-attribute spirit beasts and was forced to go hungry.
Suddenly, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion caught the scent of prey. The entire beast became instantly excited and chased after the aroma. Sure enough, it saw a 50,000-year Brightlight Antelope lying on the ground!
"Wow!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's eyes lit up. The brain matter of a 50,000-year light-attribute spirit beast was a rare delicacy!
It locked onto the antelope's head and pounced like a hungry tiger. But before it realized what was happening, its own head smacked into the ground. Fortunately, spirit beasts were resilient, and this impact only left it dazed instead of seeing stars.
"Well now, how can a dignified Emperor Destiny Beast be acting like a thief?"
A helpless, clear voice sounded. Still dizzy, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion felt two hands stroking it continuously from head to tail.
Its three eyes blinked in confusion as they focused on a familiar face. Then, it flailed its four limbs and cried out in a crisp female voice:
"It's you again! Stop touching me!"
"Alright, alright. No more touching."
After giving its tail a final rub, Ling Bai released the bristling Three-Eyed Golden Lion. He reclined on a wooden chair he had crafted and stretched lazily. The golden strands of hair at his forehead fluttered gently, and a hint of amusement appeared in his clear, glass-like eyes.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion shook its body, shot him a fierce glare, then raised its head proudly and began to leave. But after a few steps, its gaze inadvertently lingered on the Brightlight Antelope.
Freshly killed prey...
The spirit ring above its head hasn't dissipated yet...
So fragrant, so tempting...
Regenerating its Ultimate Light bloodline required replenishing large amounts of energy, specifically the brains of light-attribute spirit beasts. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's craving reached its peak. As it stared, it couldn't move its eyes or take another step.
The great Emperor Destiny Beast started using its little brain. It cleared its throat, leisurely walked back to Ling Bai, and said with a serious expression:
"Star Dou Forest doesn't allow humans to hunt spirit beasts without permission. I'm confiscating this antelope!"
???
Utter speechlessness was written plainly on Ling Bai's face. This fellow had just swallowed saliva thirty-two times, its eyes nearly popping out from greed. Did it really take him for an idiot to be fooled like this!
"Come on now."
He grabbed the 50,000-year Brightlight Antelope and said with a hint of temptation in his tone, "You want to eat the brain matter, don't you? Come over and let me pet you for an hour, then you can eat as much as you want!"
"You're insulting this Destiny Beast's noble character!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was furious. "Human, even if this Destiny Beast starves to death or is killed by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, it will never eat anything from you!"
"Is that so..."
Ling Bai sighed regretfully. "I don't eat brains, so I guess the brain of this 50,000-year light-attribute spirit beast will have to be thrown away.
Why make things difficult, Miss Destiny Beast? This isn't your first time. You've already been petted by me. As long as you don't tell and I don't tell, who would know you traded your body for food?"
"You... Human... You..."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's body trembled with shock and embarrassment.
"Come on, think of it as for the sake of the Star Dou Forest's overall interests."
Ling Bai beckoned. "If you don't eat this antelope, you'll inevitably have to kill another light-attribute spirit beast. As the Emperor Destiny Beast, you should consider the greater good of the Star Dou Forest."
"But... I... this isn't right... Uncle Di Tian specifically told me to stay away from humans..."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion seemed somewhat moved, but Di Tian's warning and its own remaining dignity made it hesitate.
"Food is the paramount concern of beasts."
Ling Bai stated righteously. "How about this, I treat you today!"
He took the initiative to stand up and deliver the Brightlight Antelope to the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
"Well... That's... so kind of you..."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion was polite on the surface, but its sharp teeth had already pierced into the antelope's head. A human-like expression of enjoyment appeared on its face as it tasted the fresh, delicious brain of the 50,000-year light-attribute spirit beast.
Ling Bai seized the opportunity, extended his sinful hands, and rubbed the Three-Eyed Golden Lion's smooth, silky golden fur. The more he stroked, the more addicted he became. Petting cats and dogs was really too satisfying!
"Hey, you... Forget it, just this once!"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion sensed something amiss but, considering that it had already eaten, and perhaps feeling indebted, decided to let it go.
Mm, just this once!