“So... how do we find these White Fanged Tigers?”

Meng Zhao shrugged.

“I don’t know. They go wherever they want. What I do know is, they like to sleep all day so we should be able to get the first move on them!”

“Coooool, looks like we’ll be out for awhile. I don’t think I brought enough snacks though...”

Lee Gang was carrying an unusually large bag, and if it were all filled with food.. one could only question how it wasn’t enough…

“Fatty Lee…”

The three decided not to say anything else and continued to venture towards the forest.

The land outside of Jade Moon City was flourishing with trees and flowers. The grass was long and soft to step on. There weren’t many beasts out in the open as they had chosen to reside in the forest away from civilization.

The walk towards the Veiled Mist Forest was short and the group soon found themselves in front of the large forest. Trees that towered above them blocked most of the sky and what lay beyond.

“Before we enter, all of you must be on guard. This forest is riddled with beasts of all strengths and kinds.”

“What Brother Li said is correct; watch out for anything. We aren’t only heading into the forest, we’re trespassing onto many beasts’ territories. The beasts this time of year are even more territorial because it’s mating season.”

“If we meet any life threatening danger, I want you all to turn around and abandon the mission as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry Brother Li, if you think this lunch bag will slow me down, it won’t! I’ll eat everything in one second if I have to.”

With a serious and determined look, Lee Gang swore to his friends before taking out another snack.

“Ya want me to help ya eat some of that?”

Lee Gang turned his head towards Meng Jiao at superhuman speed and replied with one simple word that carried the will of the heavens.

“No!”

The group burst out into laughter and entered the forest.

As they continued their journey, they came across many non-threatening beasts.

“I’m surprised these beasts are able to survive in this kind of environment?”

“This is only the outer area of the forest so there aren’t that many aggressive magic beasts nearby which is perfect for these beasts! Kind of like how a sect is; the deeper you go the stronger the disciples are…”

“Zhao’er, ya just called all of the outer sect disciples weak… Includin’ us!”

“Haha, although its got some truth to it, we’ll make it into the inner sect sooner or later.”

“When I become an inner sect disciple, Hwa Qing will beg to be my girlfriend!”

Rustling sounds coming from behind a bush interrupted the peaceful banter.

Li Jian whispered and raised his arm signalling the rest to hold positions.

“There’s something there, be careful.”

Ten seconds passed by before a roar echoed out. Before the roar could end, a giant bear jumped out of the bush thrashing its claws.

“Watch out Brother Li!”

Sidestepping the oncoming attacks, Li Jian punched the bear unconscious.

“Just a measly 2nd level Forest Bear. Nothing to worry about.”

The bush that the bear had jumped out of had continued to rustle.

“Another bear??”

“No..”

Three cubs rolled out of the bush and stared at Li Jian and the group.

“Leave them. Let’s continue our mission.”

“That must have been their mother. Good thing you didn’t kill her, Brother Li!”

Lee Gang stuck a tongue out at the cubs before following after Li Jian.

“I never liked bear meat anyways.”

The day went by and night had begun to descend. The forest’s darkness was counteracted by the illuminating insects creating a breathtaking scene.

“It’s getting pretty late. Let’s rest here for the night.”

“That’s a very good idea Brother Li, I been waitin’ for ya to say that the moment the sun disappeared.”

“Yeah, I’m exhausted. We’ve walked so deep into the forest, but there’s still so many weak beasts around.”

“We have to finish this mission fast. I’m almost out of food!!”

“We’ll find the tiger soon and end this mission, don’t worry haha. Rest up guys, tomorrow’s a new day.”

The next morning, the group continued their search for the White Fanged Tiger. After a few hours, they started seeing more stronger magic beasts and began to circulate their spiritual energy readying themselves for battle.

Coming across a river, a white-furred beast was laying on a rock sleeping; its white fur was desired by many hunters and merchants due to its softness and defensive capabilities. This was the White Fanged Tiger.

Hiding behind a tree, the four discussed their plan of action.

“The tiger is a 2nd level Earthly realm beast just as predicted. Brother Jiao, you’ll attract its attention after Fatty Lee and I attack the beast. Brother Zhao, you’ll support us. When it’s been weakened, we'll all attack together.”

“My earth skills ain’t that bad, so don’t worry ‘bout me not grabbing its attention.”

“I haven’t mastered my Water Barrier yet, but it should be good enough to fight this one tiger.”

“I’ve been waiting to try out my Air Slice ever since I entered the 3rd level!”

“Okay, we’ll surround this beast first, so get in position and remember, focus its legs. We want to immobilize it so it’s more vulnerable.”

Li Jian moved towards the north side of the tiger, Meng Jiao south, Meng Zhao west, and Lee Gang to the east. When the four surrounded the sleeping tiger, Li Jian signalled Lee Gang to attack.

“Air Slice!”

Slashing the air with his hand, a sharp wind propelled itself towards the tiger’s hind legs.

Roaring in anguish, the tiger woke up angrily staring at the source of its disturbance; Lee Gang.

Seeing the tiger preparing to pounce on Lee Gang, Meng Jiao intercepted and jumped up landing in front of the tiger.

“Stone Armor!”

The earth around Meng Jiao gravitated onto his body forming a suit of earthen armor, a shield, and a blade.

“I ain’t just good for defense!”

Meng Jiao swung his blade down at the tiger cutting open a wound, causing blood to gush out coating the grass below.

The tiger bellowed out even louder as it lunged towards Meng Jiao, baring its fangs.

Meng Jiao held his shield up bracing himself.

“Water Barrier!”

Water rushed out, forming a bubble around Meng Jiao which soon dissapated after being destroyed by the White Fanged Tiger’s ferocious bite.

Li Jian activated his Nimble Step and appeared behind the tiger almost instantaneously.

“Four Palm Strike!”

Each strike was focused on the tiger’s bleeding leg. When all four strikes connected, the leg broke causing the tiger to collapse.

The tiger continued to roar out its cries.

“Attack together! Let’s end this!”

At the final moments, three skills were shouted out.

“Blazing Spear!”

“Tornado Blast!”

“Boulder Crush!”

Before Li Jian and the group could end the tiger’s life, three elemental attacks came out of nowhere!

A spear made of fire, a raging tornado, and a large boulder came flying at Li Jian.

Using Nimble Step, Li Jian had barely dodged.

Turning around, Li Jian laid eyes on a familiar face.

“Lu Bao!”

Behind Lu Bao was Jia Xi and He Ra.

Li Jian's killing intent rose until he sensed Lu Bao’s cultivation.

‘4th level! Not good!’

“RETREAT!”

Hearing Li Jian yell retreat, the three then noticed Lu Bao’s current cultivation.

With Lu Bao a whole level ahead of all of them, the difference was too great. A four versus one could potentially give them a fighting chance, but alongside Lu Bao were two other people in the 3rd level! The situation was not looking good at all.

The Meng brothers retreated west and Lee Gang had ran east.

“He Ra, Jia Xi, take care of Lee Gang. I’ll dispose of this Li Jian.”

While Li Jian stared at Lu Bao, he began formulating multiple plans of escape.

‘Run north deeper into the forest? Get through Lu Bao and run for the city? What's the best course of action...’

“Li Jian, I’ll give you one chance for forgiveness. Kowtow before me and kiss the dirt I walk on, then maybe, just maybe, I’ll cripple you and let you live a life full of regrets.”

“Fuck you.”

“Learn to give your daddy some face, you fucking rat. Prepare to die!”

Li Jian activated Nimble Step but then froze…

A deafening roar shook the ground causing the wounded White Fanged Tiger to cry out louder.

Half a second later, a blood colored tiger appeared next to the White Fanged Tiger.

‘4th level Earthly realm!’

“Blood Fanged Tiger!?”

The moment Lu Bao saw this tiger appear, he turned around and ran as fast as he could. Even though this tiger was the same level as Lu Bao, this was a Blood Fanged Tiger; the strongest of the tiger species within the forest!

The Blood Fanged Tiger couldn’t care less about Lu Bao and turned his attention towards Li Jian: the one orchestrating the attacks. The White Fanged Tiger roared, staring at Li Jian causing the Blood Fanged Tiger’s killing intent to rise even more.

‘Fuck! That’s her mate!’

Li Jian didn’t waste any time and used Nimble Step to escape north.

While running away, Li Jian turned his head to see if the Blood Fanged Tiger was chasing after him, but he noticed the tiger hadn’t moved at all.

‘He’s not coming..?’

The Blood Fanged Tiger stood there snarling. Two slits opened on the back of its body where a pair of blood wings formed.

‘Are you KIDDING me?! A mutated Blood Fanged Tiger?!?!’

With the wings fully formed, the tiger flapped its giant blood wings and shot straight at Li Jian. The tiger swiped its claws and knocked Li Jian flying into a tree. The impact caused the giant tree to break.

Li Jian spit out a mouthful of blood as he forced himself up.

‘My left arm is broken and I’m internally bleeding badly... This is not looking good..’

The Blood Fanged Tiger slowly crept closer to Li Jian.

Breathing heavily, Li Jian’s mind raced as he looked for any opportunity for survival.

Li Jian closed his eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath before reaching inside of his bag.

“You shouldn’t have come after me.”

Li Jian pulled out a purple colored pill and threw it into his mouth.