Nightfall.

  Beside a secluded cave, a sharp-eyed man moved cautiously through the dense forest, his steps near soundless. In his grip, a gleaming steel blade dripped with fresh blood.

  Suddenly, a massive shadow, towering nearly three meters high, burst out from the thicket, carrying a putrid stench. With a powerful push of its hind legs, the beast launched itself into the air.

  The man’s face changed drastically, but before he could react, his protective aura was shattered instantly. In the blink of an eye, the creature’s enormous forelimb crushed his skull.

  A chilling crunching sound echoed through the night as the towering beast landed within Yang Tian’s sight. Its body was covered in pitch-black fur, and its gaping maw tore viciously into the fresh corpse. The sickening sound of bones being chewed resonated through the air.

  From the mouth of the cave, Yang Tian took in the gruesome scene.

  “A Black Demon Beast.” His expression darkened. Judging by the creature’s surging energy, it was at the fifth tier of the first rank. Beasts were classified from the first to the third rank, corresponding to the cultivation levels of the human race.

  Moving carefully, Yang Tian inched closer. When he was within ten feet, the Black Demon Beast suddenly ceased its feeding. It lifted its head abruptly, emerald-green eyes locking onto Yang Tian.

  “Impressive perception.” Yang Tian’s heart tensed. Without hesitation, he stomped hard against the ground. The force sent dirt flying as he propelled himself forward with explosive speed.

  The Black Demon Beast let out a guttural growl, its monstrous aura flaring. Its black fur bristled as its muscular hind legs kicked off the ground, propelling it skyward. Its forelimbs extended, revealing razor-sharp claws that slashed toward Yang Tian’s head.

  Whoosh! Whoosh!

  As the deadly claws neared, Yang Tian’s figure flickered, dissolving into a gust of wind. A storm of crimson fists filled the air, each punch infused with immense power, clashing directly with the beast.

  Boom! Boom!

  The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the forest. Nearby ancient trees splintered under the force, and the air vibrated with sonic booms.

  Yang Tian suddenly twisted mid-air, executing an unpredictable arc. He landed on the beast’s back, driving his fist down with lethal precision.

  Roar!

  The Black Demon Beast howled in agony as it was sent flying backward. A deep, bone-exposing wound tore across its abdomen, gushing dark blood.

  Before it could recover, another powerful gust surged toward it. The beast’s face contorted in fury as its energy flared to a peak. With a savage glint in its eyes, it swung its colossal forelimbs like iron pincers.

  Yang Tian remained eerily calm. Just as the beast’s strike was about to land, he spun mid-air, delivering a fierce kick to its abdomen.

  Crack!

  A sharp jolt of pain shot up Yang Tian’s leg. He retreated swiftly, tapping the air multiple times before landing lightly on the ground.

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  “What terrifying physical resilience.” He glanced at the beast, its aura growing stronger. “It’s close to breaking through to the sixth tier.”

  Fierce beasts were born with powerful bodies but lacked intelligence. Humans, in contrast, had extraordinary minds but fragile flesh.

  The beast let out a deafening roar, revealing its fangs dripping with yellow saliva. Its bloodthirsty aura intensified as it charged like an enraged bull.

  Yang Tian remained motionless, his muscles tensing. His blood energy surged into his fists. As the beast neared, he leaned forward like an immovable mountain.

  Boom!

  His fist rocketed forward, glowing crimson, striking faster than lightning. The sheer force shattered the air.

  The beast’s claws clashed with the punch, creating a devastating shockwave. The Black Demon Beast was sent hurtling away.

  Cracks split across the ground from the force. Yang Tian, though victorious in the exchange, staggered backward, his arms slashed with fresh wounds that oozed blood.

  Gritting his teeth, he forced himself forward. Using the momentum, he grabbed the beast’s powerful hind leg, driving his fist into it with all his might.

  Boom!

  A bloody hole tore through the beast’s limb. It howled in agony, its massive frame convulsing. Then, its body expanded, growing taller within mere seconds.

  Yang Tian’s expression shifted. “Damn, a berserk bloodline!”

  Some fierce beasts carried a latent berserk bloodline. Once triggered, their strength would surge exponentially.

  Boom! Boom!

  The beast’s charge shattered the earth. It moved several times faster than before, appearing before Yang Tian in an instant. Its thick arms hammered down on his back.

  Crack!

  A sickening crunch rang out. Yang Tian’s bones fractured. A wave of excruciating pain shot through his body as he spat out blood.

  “Damn beast!” Fueled by rage, he grabbed its forelimb and yanked it downward. With a violent thrust, he drove his knee into its spine.

  The confined battlefield intensified Yang Tian’s ferocity. His battle technique operated at full power, replenishing his depleted energy. The beast’s berserk transformation was nearing its end.

  “Blazing Sun!”

  Yang Tian roared. A miniature sun ignited around his fist, its energy several times more violent than before. He launched it forward, the fiery sphere streaking toward the beast’s head.

  Boom!

  Blinding crimson light filled the space. Before the beast could react, the miniature sun detonated, unleashing a torrent of energy. Blood and bone fragments sprayed into the air.

  The Black Demon Beast let out a final, pitiful wail. It thrashed wildly, toppling ancient trees before collapsing lifelessly.

  Ten breaths later, the battlefield fell silent.

  Yang Tian’s face was pale from exhaustion. He looked at the beast’s corpse, a victorious smirk forming at the corner of his lips. This was his first successful hunt of a fierce beast.

  After recovering some energy, he retrieved a steel blade from his spatial ring. He meticulously skinned the beast and extracted its fangs, storing them away. These materials could be used for crafting or exchanged for bloodstones at the marketplace.

  As he cut into the beast’s chest, he found a dark, fleshy orb. His lips curled into a grin.

  “The beast’s core—perfect for alchemy.”

  Whoosh!

  Before he could rejoice, a piercing blue light streaked through the air. The high-pitched sonic boom forced Yang Tian’s eyes open. Instinct took over, and he dodged in an instant.

  Sizzle!

  The blue energy struck a tree, releasing thick fumes. The once-green bark blackened and withered at an alarming rate.

  “How sinister.” His expression darkened as he turned to see a robust man clad in tight battle robes approaching slowly, exuding a dangerous aura.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Yang Tian asked coldly.

  “Impressive reflexes,” the man sneered, eyes scanning the beast’s corpse. He smirked. “No hidden agenda—just leave the beast core, and you can go.”

  Yang Tian chuckled mockingly. “If you want it, let’s see if you’re qualified to take it.”

  This world belonged to the strong. Killings over treasures were a common sight. Given the man’s ambush, he was clearly no stranger to murder and robbery.

  This was the dark side of cultivation—barefaced intimidation.

  “Brat, let me teach you the rules of survival.” A sinister glint flashed in the man’s eyes. Without warning, a blue streak of energy shot from his sleeve.

  Whoosh!

  Yang Tian’s blood surged as he layered defensive barriers around himself.

  Boom!

  The blue energy tore through his defenses, aiming straight for his heart. With no time to think, Yang Tian retaliated with a crimson fist, the impact exploding in mid-air.

  “Not bad,” the man muttered, his expression darkening as he lunged forward.

  The battle had only just begun.