The Master of Beasts

While Chen Jiuge was still basking in the warmth of his reunion with his younger sister, the Four Beasts of War Song, who had ventured into the Desolate World for training, were in a truly bleak situation.

Those Four Beasts, once filled with lofty aspirations, had proudly journeyed to the Desolate World, only to find themselves scurrying away with their tails between their legs in less than a year.

...

Deep within a secluded cave in the Desolate World, a shivering Ao Li looked at his three dirt-covered brothers and complained, "I told you to just hold on! Missing one meal wouldn't kill us. Besides, we've all reached Divinity Transformation; why do we even need to eat? Can't we just absorb Spiritual Energy?"

With his backside singed, Yue Li crossed his arms. "We're beasts! How can we not eat?"

"We are Spiritual Beasts! Spiritual Beasts!!!" Ao Li exclaimed, thoroughly dissatisfied. Coming here with them was a complete mistake. Wouldn't it have been better to stay in Eden Garden looking after the children? Damn it, I actually trusted them!

Disappointed by Yue Li's recklessness, Ao Li turned to Yang Huan, who had the quietest presence. "Yang Huan, tell me, don't I make sense? It was such a simple thing, just to endure for a bit."

Yang Huan licked his lips, savoring the memory. "The taste really was good."

"That's true. I didn't expect the Alligator Dinosaur to be so delicious," War Song agreed.

Oh my god, why did I even come out with you lot? Ao Li thought. These three have all gone crazy.

"Please, we're in serious danger right now! Can't you take this seriously?"

"Relax, that big brute can't get in here. And you call yourself a Flood Dragon? So timid," Yue Li scoffed.

Before Ao Li could retort, a voice announced, "It's dawn."

The enormous Alligator Dinosaur, holding aloft a small mountain, glared down at the four trembling creatures below with blood-red eyes and bared its massive jaws. "Little bugs, have I found you?"

Swallowing hard, Ao Li quivered. "What do we do?"

Getting no immediate response, Ao Li turned his head, only to see his three "good brothers" already fleeing for their lives.

"So much for loyalty! Running away without even calling me!" Ao Li shrieked in despair. He turned to flee but was caught by the tail by the Alligator Dinosaur.

Staring at the Alligator Dinosaur gripping his tail tightly, Ao Li forced a smile. "If I said I didn't actually eat your child, would you perhaps hit me a little... lighter?"

"ROAR!"

The enraged Alligator Dinosaur then treated him to a maneuver reminiscent of the Hulk smashing Loki.

Feeling as if his entire body was about to disintegrate, a tear escaped the corner of Ao Li's eye. I'm such an idiot, he thought.

"Heavenly General's Furious Charge!"

A rabbit Dharma Image with a scorched backside delivered a flying kick that sent the Alligator Dinosaur staggering back. Meanwhile, Yang Huan, having stealthily approached the Alligator Dinosaur, conjured multiple illusions. Amidst the ensuing chaos, he successfully freed Ao Li.

"Out of my way!" War Song, now massively enlarged from his Demon Ape Transformation, bellowed, "Heavenly Kill!"

His enormous club smashed down hard on the Alligator Dinosaur's head.

When the dust settled, the Alligator Dinosaur, its head protected by a shimmering light shield, growled fiercely, "Not bad for little bugs. Now, it's my turn!"

Its massive tail swept out. The other three beasts leaped clear, but Ao Li, still recovering, was struck and sent crashing through dozens of large trees.

"Looks like we'll have to go all out," War Song said, his expression grave as he eyed the Alligator Dinosaur.

"Well, isn't this what we prepared for?" Yang Huan remarked nonchalantly.

"I'll go first!"

Yue Li stepped forward. His already massive Dharma Image swelled further, its initially snow-white fur turning crimson. "Jötunn!"

The colossal Dharma Image charged ferociously at the Alligator Dinosaur. Perhaps confident of victory, the Alligator Dinosaur didn't dodge, meeting the Dharma Image's fists with its own front claws in a direct contest of strength.

"Now! Quickly! I can only hold it for three breaths!" Yue Li roared, steam rising from his straining muscles.

"Heavenly Illusion! Shadow Kill!"

Pulling out his daggers, Yang Huan was suddenly surrounded by dozens of phantoms. They relentlessly attacked the Alligator Dinosaur's eyes and other vulnerable spots, drawing blood with each strike.

"Demon Ape Three Changes!" Blood trickled from the corners of War Song's mouth as he forcibly activated the Third Transformation. He raised his club, roaring with excitement, "Die! Heavenly Kill!"

BOOM!

The unparalleled force made the ground beneath the Alligator Dinosaur crack and sink. The scales on its head shattered, and its brain could even be seen pulsating.

The grievously wounded Alligator Dinosaur only grew more ferocious. "Finished already? Is it my turn now? You don't look like you can hold on much longer."

Blood began to seep from all over Yue Li's body, yet the hands of his Dharma Image were still slowly being forced apart by the Alligator Dinosaur.

"I'm still here! Don't you underestimate me, bastard! Get out of the way! Fire Dragon Burning Sky!" Ao Li roared, his face contorted in pain as he produced the Flood Dragon Pearl.

Amplified by the Flood Dragon Pearl, the power of his Flood Dragon Flame surged, nearly surpassing the inherent limits of a Flood Dragon.

Flames erupted, and the wretched howls of the Alligator Dinosaur persisted for only about ten breaths before ceasing.

Gazing at the Alligator Dinosaur, now burnt to a crisp, Ao Li collapsed, gasping for breath. "That cost me dearly! How much will I need to eat to recover from this?"

The other three beasts, equally weakened, could only nod vehemently, acknowledging their own significant losses.

Fortunately, only the Alligator Dinosaur's exterior was charred; the meat inside was cooked perfectly, allowing the four beasts to replenish their energy significantly.

Beside the Alligator Dinosaur's skeleton, War Song picked his teeth. "Alright, who's next on the list?"

Yang Huan, in charge of scouting, produced a piece of beast hide. "It's an Earth Dragon Beast. But unlike the Alligator Dinosaur, which had only just broken through to the Returning to Void Realm and hadn't yet stabilized it, this one... well, we're probably not its match."

"Can't we just find some Spiritual Beasts at our own cultivation level for a change?" Ao Li pleaded, feeling weary.

"That would be bullying, wouldn't it? We never prey on the weak!" Yue Li declared with an arrogant expression.

Seeing War Song and Yang Huan nod in agreement, Ao Li felt utterly drained. Why on earth did I come with them? Oh, heavens! Master, please save me!

Far away in the Eden Garden of the Myriad Beasts Sect, Chen Jiuge couldn't hear Ao Li's mental cries for help. He was currently busy preparing a gift for his younger sister's apprenticeship ceremony.

His sister's new master was very low-key. He didn't hold a grand apprenticeship ceremony, merely informing close friends and performing a simple ritual to accept Chen Xiaoyu as his Direct Disciple.

When Chen Jiuge heard this, he was quite surprised. So there are Golden Immortal Elders who are this unassuming? His own master, by contrast, had wanted to hold a grand apprenticeship ceremony, but it had been repeatedly postponed due to the Heavenly Tribulation.

"This is the apprenticeship gift I've prepared. Make sure you present it," Chen Jiuge said, his heart aching slightly at the expense, as he handed a red Jade Box to Chen Xiaoyu, who seemed rather indifferent.

"Ah, Big Brother, there's really no need. My master isn't concerned with such formalities," Chen Xiaoyu said, intending to decline when she saw how much this was costing her brother.

"This isn't about necessity; it's about propriety. Besides, no matter how good a gift your brother prepares, it's unlikely to truly impress a Golden Immortal Elder. Just take it," Chen Jiuge insisted, pressing the Jade Box into Chen Xiaoyu's arms and ushering her out.

This gift must be very precious to Big Brother, Chen Xiaoyu thought, feeling both moved and amused. He can barely hide how much it pains him to part with it.

Seventh Elder Luo Shuitian's cave mansion was also located on the Main Hall's mountain peak, though it was quite a distance from the Great Elder's residence.

Luo Shuitian was perusing ancient texts when he looked up, curious, as his newly accepted disciple approached with a red Jade Box. "Weren't you visiting your brother? The month isn't up yet. Why have you returned so soon?"

As a Golden Immortal's disciple, Chen Xiaoyu naturally had much to learn. However, Luo Shuitian was very understanding and had granted her a month to spend with her family.

"Master, this is my apprenticeship gift," Chen Xiaoyu said, presenting the box with both hands.

Luo Shuitian paused, then chuckled heartily. "Hahaha, what a thoughtful gesture! This is from your brother, isn't it? You're usually not so meticulous, my girl."

Casually opening the Jade Box, Luo Shuitian's eyes widened slightly as a Chiru Fish leaped out. "Oh? A Chiru Fish? Your brother is quite wealthy indeed."

*Chiru Fish: A creature with a human face and a fish's body, with twin wings on its spine. Its cry resembles that of mandarin ducks. Hearing its cry can heal injuries, and consuming its flesh can extend life. It is a rare and exotic fish.*