Chapter 416: Who Is It?
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"What?"
Luo Tang and Fang Jin's eyes immediately reddened in agitation.
Spirit beasts possessed strength equivalent to Transcendent Mortal realm cultivators, and not only could their blood induce Bloodline Evolution in savage beasts, it could also temper a human's body, thus boosting one's strength.
This thing was much more valuable than spirit stones.
To think that the reward for challenging the Ten Beasts Cage was this!
However... even though they knew now that there was such a reward, it was impossible for them to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage.
No matter how valuable the reward was, it would be for naught if one lost one's life!
What was the use of a blood essence if one was dead?
"It's already difficult to triumph over a savage beast of the same cultivation realm as one, needless to say, challenging ten at once. Let's hurry over to see who... is so desperate to die." Luo Tang said, gritting his teeth.
He was confident that he would emerge as the champion for the Beast Taming Competition, but even so, he didn't have the courage to face the ten savage beasts alone.
Who could it be?
To barge in just like that, even causing the chiming of the bells... Was he really tired of living?
"Let's go over then!"
Hall Master Feng nodded in agreement.
Beast Tamer Wang and Fang Jin were also curious to see who that brazen fellow was.
Thus, the group hurried toward the Beast Hall, and soon, they arrived at a vast open ground. There was an enormous crater around seven hundred to eight hundred meters wide right in front of them.
The crater was covered by an immense steel cage, and the ten savage beasts were segregated into several groups, prowling around the area they were placed in.
At this moment, a large group of people, attracted by the chiming of the bell, was standing at the perimeter of the crater, looking at the situation in the cage below. Their eyebrows and mouths were twitching in fear from that sight.
There were many talented beast tamers amidst the crowd, but the sight of so many powerful savage beasts still caused their hair to stand on end.
"And the final one is a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast..."
"Even a Zhizun realm intermediate stage expert would find it hard to subdue it. This... How does he intend to clear the trial?"
"Judging from how the weakest savage beast in it is a Zongshi realm advanced stage... that means that the one challenging the Ten Beasts Cage is a Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivator! Is it Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, Ji Wuxin, Fang Jin, or Luo Tang? From what I know, their cultivation realms are around that level, and their beast taming capability is also up to par!"
"You must have been living under a rock! Jiang Nanping and the others have reached Half-Zhizun, and Wei Youdao even managed to achieve a breakthrough to Zhizun realm primary stage. It's not them!"
"Not them? Then who else could it be? Who would dare to challenge ten powerful savage beasts face on?"
...
The strength of the savage beasts had caused a huge commotion among the crowd.
The savage beast guarding the very end of the cage was a Zhizun realm savage beast... Facing it was truly a ticket to hell.
Who would be so reckless?
Does he not fear death, or is he tired of living?
"To throw away one's life for a drop of spirit beast blood essence, that fellow must have a screw loose!"
Luo Tang couldn't help but comment.
Spirit beast blood essence is valuable, but nothing could be more valuable than one's life.
To disregard his life and challenge this hopeless trial... Has he gone mad?
"I know nearly all of the famous Zongshi realm pinnacle beast tamers in vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom... Who could it be? From what I remember, none of them are this irrational though?" Fang Jin's eyebrows knitted tightly together in contemplation.
Judging from the strength of the savage beast, it couldn't be Wei Youdao and the others. But other than them, who could possess the capability to challenge this Ten Beasts Cage?
Furthermore, even if it was that bunch, they probably wouldn't dare to take on this seemingly hopeless trial!
...
"Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage? He sure is brazen! He's probably tired of living, and he just wants to make a name for himself before his death!"
Amidst the crowd, a young man crossed his arms and glanced at the cage below with slight disdain in his eyes.
It was the genius who induced fear in Luo Tang and the others, Wei Youdao!
"Indeed. I've seen many of such people. Now, the only thing I'm curious about is whether he can even pass the first stage!"
Another person standing beside him harrumphed.
Another famous genius of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Jiang Nanping.
The two geniuses were as though two radiant stars among the crowd, and privately, they were good friends as well.
Upon hearing that someone wanted to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, they immediately hurried over.
They wanted to see who possessed such courage.
As for whether that person could pass the trial or not, they thought that it was a ridiculous question.
Putting aside the Zhizun realm savage beast at the very end which was two small cultivation realms stronger than the challenger, just in the very first stage, the challenger had to face four savage beasts which were only one small cultivation realm weaker than him. This, in itself, was already a hopeless cause.
"The first stage consists of four Zongshi realm advanced stage Whirlwind Wolves! This savage beast moves extremely fast, and they're adept at coordinating with one another in a battle. It is already a difficult feat for a Zongshi realm pinnacle to subdue one. With four of them... They could probably even defeat an average Half-Zhizun cultivator. Zongshi realm pinnacle? Hehe, you must be dreaming!"
Wei Youdao shook his head.
"Indeed. That fellow will be torn to shreds in this stage!"
Jiang Nanping shook his head as well.
"He's asking for it anyway. Before challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, one has to sign a life-and-death agreement absolving anyone of blame if the challenger were to die in the midst of the trial. Even if he were to die, it would only be his own fault!"
Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly. Just as he was about to continue speaking, he suddenly caught sight of something and said, "He's out!"
Hearing his words, the crowd immediately turned their gazes onto the field below, and they saw a young man slowly walking toward the first stage of the Ten Beasts Cage.
"This fellow looks extremely young, it can't be that he's under twenty..."
"He's indeed young. To be able to reach Zongshi realm pinnacle at such an age, he must be incredibly talented. Why would he be in such a rush to seek death?"
Upon seeing the appearance of the figure below, the crowd was taken aback.
"Brother Wei, do you recognize him?"
Jiang Nanping was also stunned.
He knew all of the geniuses in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom, but he had never seen this fellow before.
"I've never seen him before!" Wei Youdao shook his head.
"To challenge the Ten Beasts Cage at such a young age, do you think that he has some ace up his sleeves?"
Jiang Nanping frowned.
"Ace up his sleeves? The Ten Beasts Cage has been here for more than a thousand years already, but no one has succeeded in clearing it before. No matter how many aces he has up his sleeve, it is impossible for him to succeed. He's probably just another brat who is trying too hard to impress others!" Wei Youdao waved his hands nonchalantly.
"You're right. In the thousand years since the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall is set up, countless geniuses have challenged the Ten Beasts Cage, but no one has succeeded before. This unknown fellow is probably just trying to earn some fame." Jiang Nanping expressed his approval of the other party's view. "I wonder, by the end of this trial, will he still have a breath in him to enjoy his fame..."
...
"I-I-It's... him?"
"How could it be him? Is he mad?"
Contrary to the crowd's doubtful gazes, upon seeing the figure, Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang's faces immediately warped, and they nearly bit off their tongues from shock.
"You two know him?" Surprised, Luo Tang turned his gaze over.
"He's... the person I often speak of... Beast Tamer Zhang!"
Biting his tongue tightly and confirming that he wasn't dreaming, Hall Master Feng fell into a daze.
He was wondering what kind of incredible figure would challenge this impossible Ten Beasts Cage, and never in his dreams did he expect that it would be that youngster he just met a month ago... Zhang Xuan!
Didn't this fellow head to Tianwu Kingdom?
Why was he here?
Furthermore... Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage?
Didn't he know how dangerous it was?
Furthermore... Wasn't he at Tongxuan realm pinnacle? When did he reach Zongshi realm pinnacle?
Many doubts surfaced in Hall Master Feng's mind, jamming up his head, leaving him frenzied.
The heck, what in the world was going on?
"He's Zhang Xuan?"
Luo Tang froze for a moment before sneering coldly, "You all spoke of him as though he was some kind of deity. I thought that he would be some formidable figure... To think that he's just an ignorant brat!"
Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang had praised Zhang Xuan before him innumerable times, and this had left the proud him displeased.
Even so, to be complimented like that by the two elders of the Beast Hall, Luo Tang thought that he would be a truly formidable figure. Yet, the other party turned out to be an ignorant brat who would charge mindlessly into the Ten Beasts Cage.
Genius? Pui!
Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, you sure know how to overestimate yourself. I will watch you be torn apart by the savage beasts later on...
Thinking so, disdain slowly appeared in his eyes.
"Genius? You mean a genius at courting death, right?" Hearing the conversation between them, Fang Jin sneered.
No matter how proud a genius was, they knew their limits. To challenge the Ten Beasts Cage for a drop of spirit beast blood essence that one couldn't obtain, that was an absolutely idiotic decision.
...
"Zhang Xuan, be careful..."
From above, Mo Yu, Zhao Ya, and the others gazed at the situation anxiously.
Mo Yu had been intrigued by how Zhang Xuan intended to raise his cultivation by coming to the Beast Hall. Upon hearing that he was going to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, she immediately came to a realization... spirit beast blood essence!
However... Even if the spirit beast blood essence could augment one's strength, was it worth going through such risk just for it?
There are ten savage beasts, and every single one of them can easily slaughter a cultivator. Even if you manage to pass the first two stages through your extraordinary beast taming capability, what about the ones afterward?
Half-Zhizun savage beasts and a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast... This was a line up that even a Zhizun realm intermediate stage cultivator would be unwilling to face.
"Teacher will surely... be fine!" Zhao Ya said.
She possessed absolute trust in her teacher, but the dangerous sight before her still left her worried.
"He should be fine..."
Mo Yu nodded as well, but it seemed as though she was convincing herself instead.
...
In contrast to the disdain and tense expression of those above, Zhang Xuan seemed completely relaxed.
To exact his vengeance, Zhang Xuan would have to grow stronger. Even if he were to gather a sufficient quantity of Zhizun realm cultivation technique to form a complete Zhizun realm Heaven's Path Divine Art, he would require a huge number of spirit stones to fuel his cultivation. As such, there was only one way left for him to grow stronger swiftly... Spirit beast blood essence!
As long as he had a sufficient quantity of it, through his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, he would be able to temper his physical body to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in the shortest possible time.
Spirit beast blood essence was incomparably valuable, so it was unlikely for Beast Halls to sell it to outsiders. Besides, even if it was up for sales, Zhang Xuan couldn't afford it anyway. Given his current strength, he couldn't snatch it by brute force either. Thus, the only path left before him was to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage.
According to the books, as long as he succeeded, he would be given a droplet of spirit beast blood essence.
Hu!
Breathing out a mouthful of turbid gas, Zhang Xuan glanced at the four Whirlwind Wolves of the first stage and smiled faintly.
"Come on!"
At which, he walked forward to the four ferocious wolves.
...
"He's charging straight in?"
"Is that fellow trying to charge through via brute force?"
"There must be something wrong with his head! One should use their beast taming capability along with their strength to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage. He should at least throw out some food or something to win the other party's goodwill before trying anything. Wouldn't he incur their anger by charging straight in?"
"He's doomed. The Whirlwind Wolves have already been provoked..."
...
The Ten Beasts Cage wasn't just about one's battling prowess. After all, it was impossible for one to defeat so many powerful savage beasts within two hours!
The standard way was to use beast taming means to get on good terms with the savage beasts so as to pass through their area peacefully.
Yet, without even saying anything, this fellow charged straight in as though a fool.
Aren't you inviting the Whirlwind Wolves to tear you apart?
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Chapter 417: The Cute Whirlwind Wolves
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"Fool!" Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly in disdain.
Those were Whirlwind Wolves, one of the most aggressive savage beasts in the forests. Even though they only possessed a cultivation of Zongshi realm advanced stage, in a practical battle, even Half-Zhizun cultivators had to be wary.
Yet, this fool actually charged in without any preparation... You must be joking!
"Whirlwind Wolves fancy the meat of Flowing Wave Beast. If one were to barbecue the meat and offer it to them, one could easily earn their goodwill. But of course, that isn't sufficient to tame a Whirlwind Wolf. It would require at least two to three additional years of hard work to do so... For this fellow to charge in without any preparations, it can't be that he intends to face them straight on?"
Jiang Nanping's mouth widened in astonishment, "How can there be such a foolish person in the world? Could it be that... he isn't a beast tamer?"
No matter how much strength one possessed, or how much zhenqi one harnessed in one's body, it was impossible for one to barge through the trial consisting of ten powerful savage beasts using brute force. One had to utilize all kinds of beast taming methods and win the other party's goodwill so as to keep it from attacking one.
To charge straight in without any preparatory work...
There must be something wrong with his head!
No sane beast tamer would do this!
"If he's truly a beast tamer, then he's a shame to all beast tamers in the world!" Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly.
"That's right!" Jiang Nanping nodded.
No rational beast tamer in the world would commit such foolishness.
"Let's not talk about him. Brother Wei, how would you get past this stage?" Disregarding that mad fellow, Jiang Nanping asked curiously.
As geniuses, the both of them were rivals. However, at the same time, they were also learning from one another and improving together.
"Me?"
Wei Youdao's mouth curled up, and a dazzling smile surfaced on his dashing face. "Simple, I'd offer them the barbecued meat of a Flowing Wave Beast and the spring water from the Turquoise Clarity Mountain. After which, I'd defeat the strongest one of the lot in the fastest time possible!"
Hearing the other party's solution, Jiang Nanping couldn't help but clap his hands in praise. "Brother Wei is indeed incredible! The Flowing Wave Beast and water from the Turquoise Clarity Mountain are the favorites of the Whirlwind Wolves. Using these two things to win their fancy before striking down on one of them violently... The most attractive carrot and the most painful stick! They'd surely lose their fighting will swiftly. Brilliant, that is truly brilliant!"
"Hehe... No matter how united savage beasts are, they're only beasts. One just has to divide them and make them lose their fighting will. The first stage actually isn't too difficult!"
After which, Wei Youdai turned to Jiang Nanping and asked, "What about you, Brother Jiang? How will you deal with this situation?"
"Me?" Jiang Nanping raised his right hand and pointed to the cage valiantly. "My method is different from that of Brother Wei. I'd... I'd... The heck! What is going on? How is this possible?"
Jiang Nanping was about to explain the idea he had in mind to the other party when his eyes narrowed. Gradually, his face paled, and he nearly lost his balance and fell down from shock.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing his good friend losing his composure, going to the extent of even spouting vulgarities, Wei Youdao frowned. He also turned his gaze to the cage below.
With a single look, his body trembled, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.
"Thi-this... Are my eyes playing tricks on me?"
The duo stared at one another silently.
...
"Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang, you two must be old! I told you all that Zhang Xuan couldn't be as incredible as you all put him out to be, but you all just wouldn't listen to me. See what's happening now?"
Upon seeing Zhang Xuan diving into the group of Whirlwind Wolves, Luo Tang glanced at the two elders behind him and shook his head.
What in the world were you all thinking?
Do you think that this goof can represent the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall in this competition?
And that he is superior to me?
You must be pulling my leg!
"It's fortunate you two didn't bring him here. Otherwise, it'd only be embarrassing!"
Luo Tang spoke with a concerned tone, but smugness hung on the corners of his lips.
Those two old fogeys actually compared him with this fool? They must be blind!
"Actually, I don't mean to blame you all by saying these words. I just hope that you all won't be deceived by the lies of despicable people..."
Halfway through his words, Luo Tang suddenly felt someone tugging on his sleeve.
"What?"
Luo Tang frowned. Turning around, he saw Fang Jin staring at him with a dazed expression. Fear and shock reflected in his eyes.
"Brother Fang..."
Luo Tang was taken aback. He was just about to ask about it when he caught sight of the scene below with his peripheral vision. In that instant, it felt as though his head exploded, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
What was... this situation?
In the cage below, the ferocious and valiant Whirlwind Wolves were standing before the young man with a fawning look. They rubbed their heads ceaselessly on the pants of the other party and licked him throughout... On top of that, they were wagging their tails so fast that it almost looked like a propeller, and it looked as though it was going to be shaken off at any time now.
They were not attacking him... but fawning over him?
You all are the Conquerors of the Forest, the fearsome Whirlwind Wolves, not pugs...
Why in the world are you all acting cute?
What are you all up to?
"This is... Complete Submission? It's offering to form a contract with him?"
Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Luo Tang spoke with a hoarse voice.
It couldn't be any clearer to him that the Whirlwind Wolves, who were feared as the Conquerors of the Forest, were fawning on Zhang Xuan, hoping that the other party would take them in as his tamed beast!
Weren't Whirlwind Wolves proud animals who refused to associate themselves with humans? Didn't taming them take several years of relentless effort?
When did they become like dogs, stretching out their tongue and shaking their tails... waiting for someone to tame them? On top of that... Complete Submission?
"What in the world happened?"
Unable to comprehend the sight before him, Luo Tang turned to look at Fang Jin.
He was too busy lecturing Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang a moment ago, so he didn't pay careful attention. He didn't think that such a huge turnaround would occur in a blink of an eye. The situation at this instant left him completely baffled.
"That... Beast Tamer Zhang rushed into the wolves, and after pummeling them for a moment, it just... just... turned out like this!"
Fang Jin was also on the verge of tears. He tried to explain the situation, but he realized that he had no idea what had just happened either.
He had seen the entire proceeding clearly, but yet... despite seeing everything, he found himself even more confused than Luo Tang.
The ferocious disposition of the Whirlwind Wolves a moment ago wasn't just a facade. Given his eye of discernment, he could at least tell this much...
Yet, why did they suddenly change their attitudes after getting beaten up?
He had once accompanied an elder in the Beast Hall to capture a Whirlwind Wolf, and he had seen its callous personality for himself. Sometimes, it would even launch a lethal assault on a person right after it was fed with delicacies!
Otherwise, it wouldn't have earned the nickname 'Ingrate Wolf'.
It was one of the hardest savage beasts to tame. Yet, it was reduced to such a state right after a round of beating...
Can you all be any more shameless?
Can you all be any more embarrassing than this?
"They became like that right after a pummeling?"
Luo Tang was also dumbfounded. He was about to enquire more about it when Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang spoke in agitation.
"It's Beast Tamer Zhang's unique technique, [Beast Pummeling Taming Method]!"
"Indeed! To think that he would use it here. No matter how I look at it, I can't help but be impressed!"
"Beast pummeling taming method?"
Luo Tang and Fang Jin stared at the duo in confusion.
"Un, beast pummeling taming method is a unique technique that Beast Tamer Zhang's teacher came up with. As long as a savage beast is beaten up using this technique, it would immediately submit to one. Back then, during the beast tamer examination, he used this technique to tame a Half-Zongshi Viridescent Eagle on the spot."
Seeing incomprehension in the eyes of the two, Hall Master Feng explained.
Getting a savage beast to submit through beating it?
What the heck?
Shouldn't beating savage beasts trigger the rebellious streak in them?
To submit after a pummeling...
How in the world could there be such a bizarre beast taming technique in the world? Why did it feel as though they were dreaming?
The duo only felt thunder rumbling by their ears, and their head was about to convulse from shock.
...
"Complete Submission... He actually tamed those Whirlwind Wolves in just a few breaths?"
At this moment, Wei Youdao and Jiang Nanping had finally recovered from their immense shock from the sight, and a dazed look appeared on their faces.
"Even though Whirlwind Wolves are only Zongshi realm advanced stage savage beasts, they possessed incredible speed and outstanding offensive ability. They'd definitely boost one's fighting prowess significantly. That fellow is truly lucky..."
Jiang Nanping commented in envy.
He thought that given how rash this fellow was, he would definitely be torn to shreds by the fangs of the Whirlwind Wolves. Yet, not only was he fine, he even managed to tame four Whirlwind Wolves at a single go...
"Indeed. I don't know what kind of secret technique he used to tame those Whirlwind Wolves, but it's an extremely fortunate affair for a beast tamer to have a savage beast willingly pledge its servitude to him. That fellow must be overflowing with joy at this moment..." Wei Youdao said.
There were different stages to the taming of a beast: Inceptive Taming, Advanced Taming, and Complete Submission.
Only upon Complete Submission would a savage beast willingly sign a contract and serve one. This wasn't just a show of acknowledgement by a savage beast, this was also a display of the capability of a beast tamer.
That fellow must be feeling proud at how he managed to get the proud Whirlwind Wolves lower their heads in such a short period of time!
Even if he failed the later stages, he would have already succeeded in making a name for himself...
"Indeed!"
Awed, the duo glanced downward to see the contract forming between the young man and the four savage beasts, but contrary to their expectation, the young man kicked them away impatiently.
"Scram to the side, don't cause me trouble here!"
Peng peng peng peng!
Four sorrowful cries sounded as the Whirlwind Wolves were kicked to the side. Then, the young man started walking with large strides over to the next stage.
Wuu wuu wuu wuu!
Despite being kicked, not only did the Whirlwind Wolves not charge forward to attack Zhang Xuan out of anger, they even laid on the ground motionless, not daring to make a single move as they watched the other party off with gazes mixed with desire and frustration.
"The heck!"
Upon seeing this sight, all of the spectators were dumbfounded.
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Chapter 418: Tiger Head Beast
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
Several hundred meters away from the Ten Beasts Cages stood a tall tower.
Two elders were standing by the windows with an incredulous look on their faces.
They were Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.
And that Wei Youdao was the grandson of this Grand Elder.
When Zhang Xuan arrived at the Beast Hall, the first thing he did was to look for these two. To enter the Ten Beasts Cage, he needed the permission of these two.
"Did you see his movements clearly?" Xie Jiuchen asked in disbelief.
"I... only saw him beating up the Whirlwind Wolves. Other than that... I am unable to see through anything else!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face reddened.
As a 3-star beast tamer, his cultivation had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle, granting him vision much sharper than ordinary cultivators... He should have been able to at least comprehend the trick behind the other party's actions, yet... just like anyone else, he was also completely baffled.
Just by thinking about it left him embarrassed.
"His movements were too fast, so it's normal that you were unable to see anything! If I'm not wrong, on top of the means of a beast tamer, he has also utilized some master teacher techniques!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said with a grave face.
"Master teacher techniques?" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing asked doubtfully.
"Indeed. Even though it seemed as though he recklessly charged forward to attack those Whirlwind Wolves, every blow of his struck accurately on the meridians and acupoints of the other party. With just a few strikes, he managed to stimulate their cultivation, bringing their strength, which was capped by their bloodline, up to new heights!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen explained,
"This is similar to clearing a cultivator's meridians. After those strikes of his, even though there wasn't any visible difference to the Whirlwind Wolves, their cultivation has already grown significantly. Raising their own strength has always been a huge difficulty for savage beasts. Given how the other party is able to induce such a huge growth in their strength just through a few strikes, it's natural that the Whirlwind Wolves would submit willingly to him!"
"This..." Wei Yuqing widened his eyes in shock.
Even though the other party had put it simply, the difficulty in doing so was so great that it could be said to be impossible.
Every single Whirlwind Wolf possessed a different constitution and maturity, so their physical conditions, as well as the location of their meridians and acupoints, would differ from one another. To identify them in an instant and strike on them accurately...
What kind of eyes did the other party possess?
How in the world did he do it?
Putting him aside, even 4-star master teachers would be hard-pressed to do so.
"Other than this, I can't think of any other possibilities!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyes shone in agitation. "That lad might be young, but he possesses top-notch talent for beast taming!"
"Indeed. Let's see how he'll pass the second stage!" Wei Yuqing nodded.
To be capable of executing techniques so profound that even 3-star beast tamers were unable to decipher them, that lad was indeed impressive.
"In the second stage, he'll have to face three Tiger Head Beast of the same cultivation realm as him."
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face turned grim, "Different from Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts are solitary beasts, and they prefer to strike on their own. However, they possess formidable strength, and their bodies and claws are on the level of Phantom equipment. It wouldn't be wrong to say that... they possess invincible defense. Ordinary swords and spears can never hope to pierce through its skin!
"It'll be hard for him to use the same method from before and strike their acupoints and meridians."
"Indeed!" Grand Master Wei Yuqing nodded in agreement.
As a 3-star beast tamer, he could deduce that much. Even though the four Whirlwind Wolves were fearsome adversaries, those who dared to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage were not ordinary beast tamers. At least eight to nine of the challengers would manage to get past the first stage.
The true test... only started from here onward!
Even though savage beasts possess superior physique, speed, and defense to cultivators of the same level, humans possessed an advantage in their intelligence and the heritage of battle techniques.
As long as one learned several formidable battle techniques, with one's superior cultivation, it wasn't impossible to subdue four Whirlwind Wolves.
However... Subduing three savage beasts of the same cultivation realm as one was clearly much harder.
Furthermore, the Tiger Head Beast was adept at individual brawling, and its defense was invincible among those of the same cultivation realm.
It was no joke to say that ten out of ten challengers would fail in this stage, ending up dead or crippled.
"Prepare to save him as soon as it seems like he's in danger. Such talent is rare in the Beast Hall!"
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen felt that it was a pity to see such a talent fall here, so he passed on a command.
"Un!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.
Given that even he was unable to see through the beast taming technique that the other party used, it was likely that this Zhang Xuan either had an unbelievably formidable teacher or... he possessed an eye of discernment and talent far surpassing that of others.
Regardless of which one it was, the Beast Hall would have to protect him with all its might.
"Look, it's starting..."
In the midst of the conversation between the duo, Zhang Xuan was already right before the three Tiger Head Beasts, and it seemed as though a battle would trigger at any moment now.
"Tiger Head Beasts possess a powerful physique and have a solitary and skeptical personality. It won't be as easy to tame as the Whirlwind Wolves!"
Standing before the three massive gigantic beasts that resembled tigers, its information surfaced in Zhang Xuan's head.
Mature Tiger Head Beasts could grow up to a height of three meters and a length of five meters. Given its impenetrable defense and massive physique, it already emanated a formidable pressure to face one, so one can only imagine the pressure of fighting three of them simultaneously.
Even without resorting to any techniques, just its charge would be sufficient to destroy an ordinary cultivator.
However, all of this meant nothing to Zhang Xuan.
Even though Zhang Xuan's cultivation was still stuck at Zongshi realm pinnacle, his true fighting prowess was already equivalent to that of a Zhizun realm intermediate stage expert. Three Tiger Head Beasts truly meant nothing much to him.
With a thought, lines of insight surfaced in Zhang Xuan's narrowed eyes.
The form of the three gigantic Tiger Head Beasts immediately changed. The layout of their muscle, the arrangement of their bones, the pathways of their meridians, the faults in their physique... All of them suddenly appeared right before Zhang Xuan's eyes.
Eye of Insight!
After the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy, not only was Zhang Xuan able to peer into the flaws of those a small cultivation realm stronger than him, the number of flaws he could see had also increased significantly.
These three Tiger Head Beasts may seem imposing to the others, but all he could see were flaws all over them.
"Let's begin then, I'll end this in an instant! So what if they're difficult to tame? My goal isn't to tame them anyway!"
With a slight smile, Zhang Xuan stepped forward.
His final goal was to pass the Ten Beasts Cage, not to tame the savage beasts in it.
Rather, even if he managed to tame them and they became attached to him, that would become troublesome.
Roar!
He took a step forward, and with this, he stepped into the territory of the Tiger Head Beasts. With a ferocious roar, the three massive figures immediately charged forward and surrounded him.
"Tiger Head Beasts possess outstanding defense. It'll probably be a difficult fight..."
Wei Youdao narrowed his eyes.
"Indeed!" Jiang Nanping nodded in agreement. "If he can break through the other party's defense, he might still stand a chance. Otherwise, he's doomed..."
Peng peng peng peng!
Just as the duo was talking, the young man below began exchanging blows with the three gigantic beasts.
"He... Why did he strike the Tiger Head Beast's abdomen? Is he insane?" Jiang Nanping's face warped in shock.
"Different from other savage beasts, the abdomen is where its defense is the strongest. It often intentionally exposes it to lure others to attack it so as to create a momentary lapse in the other party's defense to strike..."
Wei Youdao's complexion looked awful as well.
Most savage beasts were unable to train their abdomen, so it was usually their weak spot. However... the Tiger Head Beast was different.
It had an additional bone at its abdomen, granting it unimaginable resilience.
This was precisely the reason why it often used it to bait cultivators to attack it. To strike at it, one would have to get into the range of the Tiger Head Beast's offense. By then, wouldn't it be free to do as it pleased?
Given how the youngster managed to tame the Whirlwind Wolves so swiftly, the other party should have an in-depth understanding of the habits and properties of savage beasts. How did he make such a low-level mistake?
Not only was striking the abdomen ineffective, one would be doomed the moment the Tiger Head Beast counterattacks!
"Look, the Tiger Head Beast is about to retaliate..."
While the duo was frowning at that sight, the man and the beast below had already come into contact with one another.
Upon seeing the fellow strike its abdomen, the Tiger Head Beast's eyes glowed in excitement. Its thick tail immediately reached forward to pull the young man to him.
Yet, before its tail could reach the other party, the latter's fist had already struck its abdomen.
Disdain and mock flashed across its eyes when a dull thud suddenly sounded.
Peng!
Immense force flowed through the other party's arm onto its body.
The mock on its face froze, and its eyes widened in shock. Its tongue fell out of its mouth, and saliva started dripping uncontrollably down the corners of its mouth.
Sou!
The five-meter long gigantic tiger body flew backward and struck the cage.
Peng!
The figure of a massive tiger was imprinted on the steel cage.
Huala!
Then, falling from the sky onto the ground, a huge storm of dust rose. The Tiger Head Beast struggled, and large mouthfuls of vomit spilled from its mouth. It tried to get back up, but excruciating pain struck its abdomen, rendering it completely immobile.
"What?"
"He struck at the point where the Tiger Head Beast's defense is the strongest, and he still rendered it powerless?"
"This... This..."
In an instant, the spectators standing in the perimeter of the cage fell silent.
The Tiger Head Beast possessed incredible defense. Under normal circumstances, the fist of a cultivator felt nothing more like an itch to it. Yet, to nearly kill it with a single blow...
How did the other party do it?
Are you sure that it is a fist, and not the leg of an elephant?
"It's Heaven's Path Fist Art!"
Among the crowd, Liu Yang tightened his fists and exclaimed with reddened eyes.
This was the Heaven's Path Fist Art that teacher imparted to him. Even though the movements were the exact same as his, there was a world of difference between the might of his teacher's punch and his own.
Given how the Zongshi realm pinnacle Tiger Head Beast was rendered powerless with a single blow, even a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be unable to withstand the might of that fist!
"Looks like I should devote more effort to it in the future..." Liu Yang made up his mind.
"Roar..."
Oblivious to the shock among the crowd, after sending the first Tiger Head Beast flying, Zhang Xuan turned to the remaining two.
Upon meeting his gaze, the edges of the lips of the other two gigantic fellows immediately twitched, and they hurriedly retreated backward.
They didn't possess the intelligence of a human, but they were no fools either.
The one who was sent flying was the strongest of them, but... at the moment, it looked as though it might just breathe its last at any moment now. Since that was the case, how could they possibly withstand that strike?
"Don't be scared. Let me hit you once, and we can end this here. Otherwise, if you all don't fall, I won't be able to proceed on with the trial..."
Seeing the savage beast renowned for its ferociousness backing away from fear, Zhang Xuan was speechless. He clenched his fists and beckoned them forward.
Padah! Padah!
As soon as Zhang Xuan spoke those words, the sound of two heavy objects falling to the ground suddenly echoed. Then, they saw the two imposing Tiger Head Beast falling to the ground at the same moment with their four legs facing the sky. Their tongues were stuck out, and saliva flowed continuously out of their mouths.
"..." Zhang Xuan
"..." The crowd.
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Chapter 419: Seven Meridians Vicious Bear
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"What's going on?"
"Are the two Tiger Head Beasts sick?"
"Sick my head! Can't you tell? It's obvious that they're intimidated..."
"After the other party said that 'if you all don't fall, I won't be able to proceed on with the trial', those two fellows immediately dropped from fright..."
After a moment of silence, an uproar burst in the area.
They had seen savage beasts fighting resolutely against an opponent to their last breath.
They had seen arrogant savage beasts who disregarded all that came their way...
But they had never seen a savage beast who played dead even before the fight began...
How scared are you both of that fellow?
"Without making a move, he made the ferocious Tiger Head Beast so scared that they chose to play dead?"
Luo Tang and Fang Jin nearly bit their own tongues.
Wasn't this way too exaggerated?
Those were Tiger Head Beasts, incomparably ferocious animals! They were existences who dared to bare their fangs against Zhizun realm experts! Yet, after witnessing a single punch, they immediately fell to the ground and allowed saliva to trickle from their lips...
Can you all be any more shameless than that?
What ever happened to the pride of a savage beast?
The backbone of the Dictator of the Forest?
The disposition of a Zongshi realm pinnacle?
Luo Tang and the others felt as though their worldly horizons were being pushed to new boundaries.
Ten minutes ago, they prided themselves on being invincible in the art of beast taming in Xuanyuan Kingdom. However, upon seeing Zhang Xuan, they realized how insignificant they were.
Despite inducing Complete Submission among a group of Whirlwind Wolves within a few breaths, that fellow... kicked them away as though they were nothing.
Alright, you might not necessarily need them, so I will grudgingly overlook it. But... to scare a Tiger Head Beast into playing dead with a single word, isn't that way too exaggerated?
"If it were me... What would happen?"
Putting himself in the other party's situation, Luo Tang immediately burst into tears.
If he was the one facing the three Tiger Head Beasts, he would probably immediately fall to the ground and play dead upon hearing the other party's howl...
Before this, he thought that Hall Master Feng and the others were going overboard praising this fellow. However, only now did he know that there was a world of a difference between this fellow and him.
"I won't be able to do so either..." Fang Jin shook his head with a bitter smile.
Even as a Half-Zhizun expert, he didn't stand a chance against three Tiger Head Beasts at once. Under such circumstances, the best he could do was to run as far as he could. Subduing and taming it were completely out of question.
...
"The Tiger Head Beast's defense is strongest at its abdomen, but it's also where its strength originates from. Through striking at that spot with pure brute strength, that lad instantaneously destroyed its biological structure, resulting in its nausea and powerless!"
Seeing that sight, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen widened his mouth in shock. It took him a long moment before he recovered. "After seeing the sight, the two remaining Tiger Head Beasts knew that the same plight would befall them if they were to be struck...
"Once a savage beast loses its fighting prowess, it would be no different from dead. No matter how foolish they might be, it was clear what they should do!"
The primal instincts of a savage beast also taught them to avoid the strong. When facing a being far stronger than itself, even the most arrogant savage beast would back down.
"Indeed. However... to achieve this, one needs to possess more than brute strength. Above that, one has to have a complete understanding of the physique of a Tiger Head Beast so as to instantaneously determine the point of weakness among the muscles, bones, and meridians amidst its huge abdomen before one can subdue it with a single blow..."
Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was also stunned.
Those were Tiger Head Beasts! Even with his current strength, it was still impossible for him to instill so much fear in them with a single blow that they would play dead!
This was no longer just a matter of possessing immense brute strength. Only those who possesses complete understanding of the Tiger Head Beast, its habits, attacking pattern, physique, and such were able to do so!
Only then would one be able to achieve such a feat so easily.
Was... Was he still a human?
For a 2-star beast tamer who wasn't in his twenties yet... How in the world did he do it?
"If I'm not wrong, he probably has a Tiger Head Beast as a tamed beast. After innumerable days and nights of companion, he managed to gain an in-depth understanding of the latter. Otherwise... it doesn't make sense at all!"
After thinking for a moment, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen eventually spoke up.
It was impossible for such knowledge to appear from nowhere. It was only through books and practical experience that one could gain complete understanding over something.
Back then, there was a painter in the capital who, in order to bring out the spirit within bamboo, planted bamboos all around his house and observed them day after day. After twenty-seven years, he managed to produce a masterpiece and made a name for himself!
In order to better understand their tamed beast, some beast tamers would choose to accompany their tamed beast day and night. Some even went to the extent of mimicking their actions so as to learn more about their habits. Through this, they were able to create cultivation techniques that complemented their tamed beast, and they were also able to earn trust from their tamed beast as well.
Given that the other party was able to get the Tiger Head Beasts to admit defeat in an instant through means they were unable to think of, this could only mean that the other party's understanding of this savage beast had far surpassed them.
Most probably, he had put a lot of effort into the study of Tiger Head Beasts.
And to do so, it was likely that he had tamed one.
"Indeed!"
Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded in agreement. Then, he glanced at the cage, and worry surfaced in his eyes, "He might be able to pass this stage due to his deep understanding of the Tiger Head Beast, but the third stage won't be that easy!"
"For the third stage, he'll have to face the Half-Zhizun [Seven Meridians Vicious Bear]
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's complexion slowly turned grim, "This kind of savage beast is extremely rare, and it's nearly impossible to tame it. Thus, it's impossible for him to have prior knowledge of it!"
"More importantly, it possesses immense strength. Even though its cultivation is only at Half-Zhizun, it's very likely that its true strength has surpassed ten thousand ding!"
"Un. The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear only has seven meridians in its body, but it provides them with an advantage as well. To make up for the lacking quantity of meridians in its body, its meridians grew thicker, granting it with immense strength. If not for its slow movements, it would have been surely classified as a Zhizun realm savage beast!"
Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.
The only reason why the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was publicly acknowledged to be a Half-Zhizun realm savage beast was because of its lacking speed. However, in terms of strength, even Zhizun realm primary stage cultivators were unable to match up to it.
"In order to make up for the flaw of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, the area for the third stage of the Ten Beasts Cage is made narrower. This way, its limited speed wouldn't become too much of a problem, and the challenger won't be able to circumvent it. Given the strength of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, it'll be difficult for that lad to get by using the two techniques he used for the previous two stages!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said.
Even though Zhang Xuan had passed the first two stages easily, there was a possibility that he might have prepared specially for them in advance.
If he had studied the flaws of the two savage beasts intensely beforehand, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to pass the two stages.
But the third stage was different. Due to the narrow area, it would be difficult for one to escape from the assault of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. On top of that, the flaw of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was on its back, and given the limited area, it was impossible for one to sneak to its back and strike it. Thus, one would be forced to face it straight on.
It was one thing if Zhang Xuan's cultivation equaled with it. However, not only was the savage beast's cultivation one small realm higher than Zhang Xuan, he also had to face two at once...
The difficulty was unimaginable.
It was not an exaggeration to say that there was no hope of victory.
...
"Most probably... His challenge will come to an end here!"
Jiang Nanping's tightly clenched fists slowly released.
It was true that the other party had shocked him with his feat with the Tiger Head Beasts.
But the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was different.
Given the narrow space, one could only face it in a battle of strength.
Without sufficient strength, losing... was inevitable.
From the battle between the young man with the Whirlwind Wolves, it was clear that he was more adept in swift movements. Such cultivators often lacked strength.
After all, it was impossible for one to be skilled in everything.
"Even a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be unable to subdue a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. He'll... surely be unable to withstand its attacks!"
Wei Youdao shared the same point of view.
If the second stage with the Tiger Head Beasts could be described as dangerous, then the third one with the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear would cause despair.
Even with its slow speed, it was impossible for a Zongshi realm pinnacle to triumph over it.
"Let's see what weapon he'll use!" Jiang Nanping commented.
Due to the overwhelming difficulty of the third stage, challengers were permitted to use their choice weapon from a selection provided by the Beast Hall.
However, due to the confined space, one had to choose carefully. If the weapon was too long, one would not be able to move freely, and it would become a burden instead. On the other hand, if it was too short, it would be difficult to deal significant damage to the massive body of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, thus rendering it useless.
If one didn't choose wisely, it would almost be equivalent to forfeiting.
"He's already in front of the weapon rack. I guess he'll probably use a hammer or something similar. It allows him to launch powerful blows, and it is easy to use as well."
"I think it should be a sharp dagger or something of the sort. It'll be much easier to use them..."
The duo stared fixedly at the young man below as they spoke their conjectures. However, before they could finish their words, the sight below caused them to freeze.
The youngster below simply walked past the weapon rack as though he didn't see it.
"He didn't choose anything? What does this mean? It can't be that... he intends to face the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear barehanded?"
"Barehanded? Is that fellow mad?"
The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was known for his immense strength. Through the skillful utilization of one's weapon, one might still stand a chance...
But barehanded, how could he possibly win?
This was no different from smashing an egg on a stone! This was courting death!
"It's beginning... It's too late to choose a weapon now..."
Just as the duo were shocked, the young man below had already walked into the attacking radius of the two Seven Meridians Vicious Bear.
Roar! Roar!
Two massive figures blocking the narrow passageway of the cage entirely roared furiously as they stared at the young man in savagery.
As though they would tear him apart.
"Not only does the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear possess immense strength, its defense is also top-notch. Under such circumstances, the narrow space is truly advantageous to it... This stage is a little tricky!" Zhang Xuan muttered as he looked ahead.
There was a lot of information on the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear within the books that he assimilated to his head, and thus, he knew how fearsome and powerful these two fellows were.
If he hadn't cultivated the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, he would surely find it difficult to face them. But now, they didn't mean much to him.
As for weapons...
The spear art, sword art, and saber art that Zhang Xuan learned were way too sharp and powerful. If he were to accidentally kill the other party in the midst of the battle, wouldn't the Beast Hall come after him?
Even in Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, Half-Zhizun savage beasts were rare.
"Alright, I should hurry up. I still want to gather a few more drops of spirit beast blood essence..."
Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan dashed forward. In the blink of an eye, he was already standing right before a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. Then, with both of his hands, he grabbed the arm of one of the massive fellows.
"Rise!"
Howling furiously, Zhang Xuan flipped it over.
"..."
"What's this fighting method?"
Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing, and the others were dumbfounded by the sight.
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Chapter 420: I Want to Challenge Ten Beasts Cage (1)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"Roar? Roar? Roar?"
The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was dumbstruck as well.
It thought that dealing with a Zongshi realm cultivator would be a walk in a park, but before it could even process what was going on, the fellow had already rushed up to him and flipped him over.
"What are you roaring for?"
The voice of a young man echoed before the head of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear smashed onto the metal cage.
Peng peng peng peng!
Its massive body kept coming into intimate contact with the metal cage; sometimes, it would be the left side of his head, sometimes it would be the right side. The continuous smashing left its head spinning, and it was on the verge of spurting blood.
The other Seven Meridians Vicious Bear clearly didn't expect this fellow to be so ferocious and powerful, bashing its companion around easily. It immediately prepared to charge forward to assist its companion.
"You wish to save it? Here you go!"
Before the other bear could charge up to the young man, a light chuckle sounded, and a massive shadow came flying straight toward it.
It didn't have any time to react before it was struck squarely in the face, and the two bears came crashing to the ground.
"Do you two admit defeat?"
With his hands placed in his pockets, Zhang Xuan casually walked over to the two light-headed massive beasts.
Roar!
The second Seven Meridians Vicious Bear bellowed once more, and prepared to counterattack. However, Zhang Xuan simple shook his head, grabs its arm, and started smashing it on the metal cage.
Peng peng peng peng!
Large holes appeared on the ground and the metal cage.
Gathering all of its strength, the first Vicious Bear, whose head was still turning from Zhang Xuan's prior assault, weakly got to its feet, but at that moment, its companion, held by Zhang Xuan as though a club, was sent flying straight into it.
Padah!
Not too long later, the two massive fellows finally caved in. They lay on the ground faint-headed, devoid of the strength to climb back up.
Contesting strength with me?
You must be jesting!
Having cultivated Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, Zhang Xuan possessed a total strength of 15000 ding. No matter how strong those two fellows were, they didn't stand a chance against him.
"To render the Tiger Head Beast who is known for its outstanding defense powerless with a single fist, and throw around the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear who is known for its unparalleled strength so easily..."
"Is he still a human?"
"Is he really just a Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivator?"
...
The surroundings were completely silent.
Everyone thought that the other party must have a screw loose to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, but at this moment, it couldn't be any clearer that he had the power to back it up!
What Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts, or Seven Meridians Vicious Bears...
Despite their fearsome reputation, they seemed no different from little chicks before him. They were sent flying about at his whim.
"His cultivation is really Zongshi realm pinnacle, just that... he seems to be using pure physical strength!"
It took a very long time before Hall Master Xie Jiuchen could shut his gaping mouth.
Previously, as the other party subdued his opponents swiftly through technique, he failed to notice it. But this time, the other party was clearly using strength beyond that of an ordinary Zongshi realm pinnacle, and there wasn't even the slightest zhenqi disturbance from him...
To think that on top of his understanding of savage beast and outstanding eye of discernment, that lad's strength would be at a fearsome level as well.
"It shouldn't be just his strength itself... Given how he was so able to hold onto the Vicious Bear's arm so easily, he probably... used some technique as well!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.
"Indeed. Even though the Vicious Bear's movements are slow, it is still a Half-Zhizun savage beast, and it has adapted over time to make up for its flaws. To be able to render it unable to retaliate so easily, his grip probably isn't as simple as it seems. Most probably, he held onto the savage beast's acupoint to prevent it from exerting strength!"
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was already completely at a loss for words.
Under normal circumstances, even if one were to grab onto the arm of a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, given the savage beast's massive physique and overwhelming strength, how could it possible allow one to throw it around so easily?
Thus, it was highly possible that the lad had held onto the Vicious Bear's vitals with his grip.
This vital was probably something similar to the mingmen of human cultivators. Once grabbed, it would render it completely powerless.
"Hall master, do you think that it is possible that... he has been raising a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear?" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing asked.
Previously the hall master said that it was likely that the other party had raised a Tiger Head Beast given his deep understanding of its physique.
Given how that lad was able to find the flaw on the Seven Meridian Vicious Beast so quickly as well... Could it be that he had been raising one as well?
"Cough cough..."
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face turned red, and he nearly choked to death on his saliva.
It was common to for a beast tamer to rear a tamed beast at home, but a bunch?
It wasn't like the other party was operating a zoo. How could he possibly be rearing Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts... and now, a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear as well?
"He has passed through three stages already. Perhaps, this Zhang Xuan may become the first beast tamer in our Beast Hall to pass the Ten Beasts Cage!"
Knowing that continuing on the prior topic would just embarrass him, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen chuckled awkwardly and changed the topic.
There were people in the Beast Hall who challenged the Ten Beasts Cage before, but most of them couldn't even pass the second stage. Yet, that lad was able to pass three stages as easily as though eating and drinking. Perhaps, he might be able to do the same for the fourth stage as well.
"Indeed, hall master. It seems like you'll have to prepare a set of spirit beast blood essence!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing chuckled.
The reward for a successful challenge of the Ten Beasts Cage was a drop of spirit beast blood essence. Given how easily the other party passed the prior stages, it was likely that he would succeed in a single go. By then, the Beast Hall would have to present the prize to him.
"Hehe!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen stroked his beard and chuckled. "If a beast tamer can pass the Ten Beasts Cage, that can only mean that the talents in our Beast Hall are becoming more and more formidable. It's just a drop of spirit beast blood essence, it's nothing much! Not only will I present it to him, I'll also announce that if any other geniuses were to pass the Ten Beasts Cage, they'll be entitled to the same prize as well, and perhaps even more than that!"
For the past thousand years, there hadn't been a single person who had passed Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's Ten Beasts Cage. There were also very few successful challengers in the other Conferred Kingdom Beast Halls. With this record, he would be able to keep his head up high when meeting the other hall masters.
On top of that, he could also motivate the other geniuses to work harder. This matter was beneficial to the Beast Hall.
"Indeed!" Understanding this point, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.
Just as he was about to continue speaking, his gaze suddenly turned grim. "Look, he's about to challenge the final stage!"
At that moment, all of the spectators turned their crowd to the cage below.
After rendering the two Seven Meridians Vicious Bear helpless, Zhang Xuan continued to proceed forward, and before long, he reached the final stage of the Ten Beasts Cage. Standing in front of him was Zhizun realm primary stage... Steel-armed Gold Ape!
"Steel-armed Gold Ape has a physique similar to that of a human, and this grants them agility and dexterity comparable to that of a human. On top of that, they possess superior strength, making even the typical Zhizun ream intermediate stage cultivators to not be a match for it!"
"Zhang Xuan is probably in for a difficult battle!"
Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang glanced at one another, and they saw the worry in each other's eyes.
To be honest, they had a good impression of this Beast Tamer Zhang.
Even though he was capable, he remained humble, unlike Luo Tang, who went around boasting despite knowing nothing at all.
The first three stages, the Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts, and Seven Meridians Vicious Bears, were only skilled in a single aspect. It was still possible for Zhang Xuan to exploit their flaws to achieve victory.
But not only did this Steel-armed Gold Ape possess a high cultivation, it was also an all-rounder, it had nearly no flaws that one could make use of.
Battling a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be much less difficult than fighting against it.
"There's no need to think too much into it. Beast Tamer Zhang's strength has already surpassed our understanding. Maybe... he might really be able to achieve victory!"
Hall Master Feng shook his head.
A month ago, when he first met this Beast Tamer Zhang, the other party was only a Tongxuan realm cultivator. But in the short span of a month, the other party had already reached Zongshi realm pinnacle, and his fighting prowess was even beyond that of the Half-Zhizun realm Seven Meridians Vicious Bear.
His strength had already far surpassed them.
They wouldn't be surprised if an expert of Zhang Xuan's level were to possess such aces up his sleeves.
Under the worried gazes of the duo, Zhang Xuan walked up to the Steel-armed Gold Ape.
The Steel-armed Ape had watched how Zhang Xuan defeated the other savage beasts, and it could tell that even he was still young, he wasn't an easy opponent at all. Thus, without any hesitation, it immediately dashed forward without any warning to launch the first blow.
Boom!
As expected of a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast, its might far exceeded that of the previous few savage beasts Zhang Xuan faced. Before its fist could reach Zhang Xuan, the shock wave from its punch had already ripped the air in the surroundings apart with sheer force.
"Powerful!"
Zhang Xuan's face turned grim. He hurriedly faced it with a fist of his own.
Peng!
The two fists collided together, and both sides retreated several steps simultaneously.
"Hmm?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
He didn't think that the Steel-armed Ape would be able to stand toe-to-toe with his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan.
Even though the previous savage beasts were famed for their fighting prowess, their true strength still paled far in comparison to Zhang Xuan. Yet, the Steel-armed Ape was able to clash head-to-head with him, and this in itself proved testimony to its fearsome might.
Hu hu!
That single blow seemed to have incited the Steel-armed Ape's excitement. With speed as swift as a bolt of lightning, it dashed toward Zhang Xuan once more.
Just as the depiction of the rumors, it possessed far superior reaction speed or agility to those of the same cultivation realm, leaving one helpless before it.
Peng peng peng peng!
Clashing several times, Zhang Xuan was forced to retreat continuously.
"This isn't good. That fellow is extremely strong, and his defenses are hard to break as well. Even a momentary lapse in judgement could result in my loss, needless to say, defeating it!"
Zhang Xuan frowned.
In the end, Zhang Xuan's zhenqi cultivation was still at Zongshi realm pinnacle. The only reason why he could face the other party was due to his powerful physical body.
However, the difference between Zongshi to Zhizun didn't just lie in strength. Currently, Zhang Xuan's reaction speed still couldn't match up to Zhizun realm expert.
This made it difficult for him to keep up with the other party's movements.
If the other party was only a small cultivation realm higher than him, he could still use the Eye of Insight to deduce his next movement. However, the Steel-armed Ape was two small cultivation realms above Zhang Xuan, rendering the technique useless.
Given that Zhang Xuan couldn't predict its next movement, and he couldn't keep up with the other party's movements as well, with just his physical strength, it was indeed difficult for him to triumph over it.
But of course, if this was a life-and-death battle, through using the Heaven's Path techniques, Zhang Xuan could still kill the other party easily.
"Flaws!"
Knowing that it was difficult to defeat the other party barehanded, Zhang Xuan immediately made up his mind. With a thought, a book appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path. He quickly browsed through the contents of the book.
"So that's the case..."
After reading the contents, the edges of Zhang Xuan's lips curled up.
...
"He might be strong, but it will be difficult for him to triumph over the Steel-armed Gold Ape!" Watching the battle, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing commented.
As a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator, he was able to gauge the flow of the battle accurately.
It was clear that Zhang Xuan was in a disadvantageous position.
"It isn't just difficult, it is impossible... To think that despite clearing the first three stages so smoothly, he will fall here. It's truly a pity!"
Hall Master Xie Jiuchen shook his head in lamentation.
He was looking forward to the first successful challenger of the Ten Beasts Cage here, but in the end, it seemed like his hopes wouldn't be realized.