Chapter Fifty-Four: A Rash Offensive

In the blink of an eye, ten seconds had passed, and a familiar, earth-shattering sensation swept over the two of them. They closed their eyes in perfect unison, anticipating the dizzying chaos that would follow.

Roars thundered through the air—howls, crashes, and guttural cries. It was only when a warm ray of dawn pierced the darkness, and the cacophony of countless primal beasts echoed around them, that the two slowly opened their eyes and began to take stock of their surroundings.

Chu Qingchen was unfazed, his gaze calm, but Tianming was utterly bewildered, never having witnessed such a spectacle. Massive beasts, as large as houses, prowled through the forest, their thunderous roars shaking the very earth beneath them. Yet these titans seemed oblivious to the insignificant figures below, marching past without a second glance. Tianming’s heart raced with fear.

Just as Qingpo had said before, this place was a simulation of the Wild Sky Forest.

“Welcome to the fourth trial,” Qingpo’s ancient voice sounded again, this time resonating only within Tianming’s mind—clearly, he did not wish outsiders to overhear.

“And then?” Tianming asked with piqued interest, paying little heed to the mysterious communication.

“Then you’re on your own. Remember, whatever you do, don’t act rashly,” Qingpo replied nonchalantly. He was merely playing his part; ultimately, Tianming would have to rely on himself.

“What do you mean?” Tianming asked, puzzled. He didn’t understand why he shouldn’t act freely—was it fear that he would lose?

“Watch out!”

Before Tianming could untangle the meaning, Chu Qingchen suddenly tackled him, pinning him to the ground. Though confused, Tianming did not resist.

A sharp hiss passed overhead, and Tianming caught a glimpse of a massive creature—a swift green blur darted above them, lightning-fast, snatching away several strands of black hair as it passed. Had they been any slower, they would surely have suffered a bloody collision.

“Is that a Wind Azure Wolf?” Chu Qingchen murmured, astonished. The Wind Azure Wolf was notorious for ambushes; if he hadn’t glanced to the side at just the right moment, they would have been caught off guard. Chu Qingchen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As Tianming recovered, he looked ahead and saw the beast more clearly—a primal creature of the first grade of Spirit Void, its body green and only four or five inches tall. It was not enormous, but its coloring made it blend perfectly into the surroundings, explaining why he hadn’t noticed it before.

He shook his head, feeling a surge of gratitude. One could not afford a moment’s carelessness here. If not for Chu Qingchen’s presence, he might have been gravely injured, and he looked at his companion with heartfelt appreciation. Possessing many magical treasures was one thing, but one still had to be able to use them.

“Be careful,” Chu Qingchen cautioned, catching Tianming’s gaze but saying nothing more. He kept his eyes fixed on the Wind Azure Wolf, wary. Though he was a third-grade Spirit Void cultivator, primal beasts were always tougher than humans, and this one specialized in speed.

As Chu Qingchen searched for its weakness, the Wind Azure Wolf, eyes glowing green, paced back and forth, watching the two men intently.

“Brother, let me handle this minor adversary,” Tianming said, stepping forward with a calm air. Just as Chu Qingchen was gathering his elemental energy, Tianming interposed himself, shielding his companion.

Chu Qingchen was surprised. “Minor adversary?” he muttered, perplexed. This was a first-grade Spirit Void beast, no trifling matter. He was about to intervene when—

The Wind Azure Wolf, sensing its main threat had disappeared, let out a loud howl and shot forward in a blur, heading straight for the seemingly easy target, Tianming.

“Ha! A mere first-grade Spirit Void beast dares act so brazenly? Lightning Sword, come forth!” Tianming sneered.

With a metallic clang, his Lightning Sword flashed out.

As the beast’s claw, charged with blue-green elemental energy, struck, the electrified blade met it, blocking the fierce attack with a crisp, resonant sound.

In an instant, a powerful counterforce sent the green blur flying backward.

A gentle breeze stirred, and Tianming unleashed the aura of a ninth-grade Spirit Void cultivator, pressing down like a storm, pinning the Wind Azure Wolf to the ground, unable to move.

He stood with the Lightning Sword crackling in his hand, its blade sparking with electricity.

Such a display of power!

Chu Qingchen was stunned. “How is this possible?” he exclaimed, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at Tianming. The aura that had once been at the ninth-grade Foundation level had suddenly transformed into ninth-grade Spirit Void. Such a miraculous leap was beyond comprehension, and Chu Qingchen could not take his eyes off Tianming.

He had spent so many years cultivating in the sect, yet had only reached third-grade Spirit Void. If word of this reached others, none would believe it.

“Strike!” Tianming’s command echoed like thunder.

As Chu Qingchen stood dumbfounded, a bolt of lightning-infused sword energy, stretching over thirty meters, exploded before his eyes, slashing down upon the helpless Wind Azure Wolf.

Trees fell one after another, electric sparks devoured the ground, charring everything in their path. A mysterious, pleasant aroma wafted from ahead—where the Wind Azure Wolf had become a perfectly roasted wolf, ready to be eaten.

“Brother, are these primal beasts edible?” Tianming asked, sheathing his Lightning Sword and patting Chu Qingchen, who stood frozen beside him.

Tianming was not surprised at his companion’s reaction; even Qingpo had been amazed, so how could Chu Qingchen be any different?

“Certainly!” Chu Qingchen replied, taking a deep breath and nodding vigorously.

Tianming laughed. “Excellent! Let’s dig in. Truth be told, it’s been ages since I had roasted meat.” Though he no longer needed food to survive, he still found abstaining odd.

“That won’t be possible,” Chu Qingchen said quietly, his gaze fixed on something unseen.

“Why not?” Tianming was puzzled. The danger had passed, so why not indulge? He was genuinely confused.

“You’ve stirred up such a commotion. A beast tide will soon follow. If you don’t believe me, listen closely,” Chu Qingchen said, shaking his head and casting Tianming a reproachful glance.

“What?” Tianming exclaimed, quickly crouching and pressing his ear to the ground.

A barrage of tumultuous sounds erupted, rising and falling without pause.

Hearing this, Tianming swallowed hard.

He gasped. “Damn, you—?” But before he could finish, he saw Chu Qingchen already sprinting away, channeling red elemental energy, fleeing in a most undignified manner.

Seeing this, Tianming hurried after him, harnessing colorless elemental energy to catch up. Only then did he recall Qingpo’s final warning.

But it was already too late.