496-500

Chapter 496: Bizarre Happenings

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Truthfully, if it had been any other 2-star beast tamer that said such words, Hall Master Han surely wouldn't have gotten angry.

What triggered him was... the expression of that fellow who spoke. The other party acted as though he would surely suffer if he didn't heed his words. Not to mention, the contempt in his eyes couldn't be any more apparent...

To think that a 4-star pinnacle beast tamer like him would be looked in contempt by a young lad... Contempt your head!

This Demon Cinque Beast possesses the Dragon Bloodline, resulting in its proud nature. It's normal to be unable to tame it. Do you really think that I wished to go this far? It's precisely because there's no better solution that I'm doing this!

Hmph! Conceited!

It sure is a wonder why Hall Master Sai would become friends with someone like you.

"Don't bother about them, focus on the roasting instead. The more aromatic it is, the better!"

Suppressing his rage, Hall Master Han instructed.

"Yes!" Elder Hu and the others nodded, and they increased the intensity of the flame. The aroma of the Deerhorde Beast immediately grew deeper, inducing groans of protest from one's stomach.

...

While that group was about to erupt from rage, Zhang Xuan and the others stopped at a distance several hundred meters away.

"This will do!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"Zhang shi..." The crowd turned to look at him with questioning gazes.

They had absolute trust in Zhang shi's capability. Since he had said that something was going to happen, there was a high chance that something would happen.

"Is Zhang shi worried about a stampede occurring?"

A thought flashed past Hall Master Sai's mind and he frowned. "Given how the aroma of the Deerhorde Beast is diffusing in the surroundings and considering the irresistible appeal of it to the spirit beasts, it is highly likely that a large group of spirit beasts might be attracted into the area... But... if a stampede is going to occur, won't we still be caught in it at this distance?"

Under the charge of thousands and thousands of savage beasts, all life forms would be torn to shreds. If a stampede were to really occur, even if they were to escape several dozen kilometers away, they would still be caught within it.

"Ah! That seems possible!"

Everyone also came to a realization.

What Hall Master Sai said made sense. There was indeed a high probability of a stampede occurring. Such a matter had occurred in Coax Ridge before so this wasn't an unfounded worry.

Given the aroma from the Deerhorde Beast, it wouldn't be surprising if spirit beasts were lured in. But if it was such a situation, shouldn't they run away as far as possible? Wouldn't it be courting death if they chose to remain here?

"A stampede? You sure have wild imaginations!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan was speechless. "Since even you all can tell that other spirit beasts could be lured in by the aroma of the Deerhorde Beast, do you all think that a group of 4-star beast tamers would neglect this possibility?"

"This..."

The crowd's faces immediately turned red.

That was indeed true. Since even outsiders like them could tell that much, how could 4-star beast tamer veterans neglect such a possibility?

Since the other party could even foresee the rejection of the Demon Cinque Beast and prepared countermeasures in advance, they must be prepared for the possibility of a stampede occurring already.

"Don't worry, such a thing can't possibly happen!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"Why?" Zhao Feiwu was bewildered.

Even humans like them found it hard to hold themselves back before the allure of the Deerhorde Beast, how could spirit beasts possibly resist it?

Seeing how the usually astute 'gongzi' asked such an obvious question, Zhang Xuan rolled his eyes. "Even though the Deerhorde Beast is very aromatic, how far do you think the smell can diffuse to?"

"This..." Zhao Feiwu was immediately stumped.

There was no doubt about the allure of the meat, but at their current distance, the aroma was already barely discernible. If they were to go any further, it would be completely undetectable already. Even though spirit beasts possessed far stronger senses of smell than humans, it would still be impossible for them to discern a smell several kilometers away.

"Besides, where do you think we are? We are on the territory of the Demon Cinque Beast! Even if other spirit beasts were to catch a whiff of the aroma, do you think that they would dare to gather here?" Zhang Xuan continued.

"Ah..." Zhao Feiwu blushed in embarrassment.

Powerful spirit beasts and savage beasts demarcated their own territories, and weaker beasts wouldn't dare to step into their boundaries. After all, the moment they stepped past the boundary, there was a high chance they would be killed as a prey. The Demon Cinque Beast could be considered as the strongest spirit beast throughout the entire Nine Folds Mountain. Given the duration it had lived here, how could there be any nearby beasts who still dared to trespass on its territory?

Wasn't that courting death?

"If I'm not mistaken, in a ten kilometer radius where the Demon Cinque Beast lives, there won't be any other spirit beasts. No matter how aromatic the Deerhorde Beast is, it's impossible for it cause an uproar among spirit beasts beyond ten kilometers away!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"Ten kilometers?" Only then did everyone finally came to a realization.

Stopping two kilometers away, it was true that they hadn't spotted any spirit beasts along the way. Even though they had noticed a few footprints, they were sparse. Most probably, those belonged to spirit beasts who accidentally wandered into the area and fled hurriedly after smelling the Demon Cinque Beast's scent.

Otherwise, given that they were a large group, it was odd that not a single spirit beast had come forward to pester them.

No matter how aromatic the Deerhorde Beast was, it was impossible for a spirit beast that was ten kilometers away to smell it. And even if one did, would it dare to walk in here?

This was the territory of the strongest spirit beast in the Nine Folds Mountain!

It was no wonder why Hall Master Han had no fear. He probably already knew in advance that it was impossible for a stampede to occur.

"But if it isn't a stampede... What other situation could happen?"

Eventually, they returned back to the original question.

"Look on, you'll understand soon enough!" Zhang Xuan didn't explain the matter.

Since Zhang Xuan was unwilling to speak, the others didn't think that it was appropriate to question him further.

At that point, Hall Master Sai suddenly requested awkwardly, "If there's any danger, I beseech Zhang shi to save Hall Master Han. The only reason why he snubs you is because he doesn't know of your capability. In truth, he isn't a bad person..."

No matter what, Hall Master Han was his friend. He couldn't possibly watch on nonchalantly if the other party was in danger.

"Un, if something really happens, I'll help him. However, I just fear that they might not be happy if I do make a move!" Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. "Alright, you all should continue watching. It should be about time!"

Hearing those words, the crowd turned their sights to the front.

At this point, the cooking of the Deerhorde Beast was about to be finished. The aroma had already reached an unbearable level.

These elders were all skilled in outdoor survival skills, and they had brought some seasoning along with them for this operation. Even though it was abrupt, their skills weren't inferior even to the top chefs of Honghai City. Not just the aroma and the taste, even the tone of the meat was perfect. Just the sight of it was enough to induced uncontrolled salivation in one.

"Brother Demon Cinque, can you smell it? If you become my tamed beast, this will be yours. Besides, you only have to stay by my side so there's nothing for you to lose. Once my lifespan reaches its end, you'll be free once more. What else is there to consider?"

Knowing that the aroma had already permeated through the entire formation, Hall Master Han continued, "Hurry up and make your decision or else, we'll be eating the Deerhorde Beast by ourselves. By then, it'll be too late! I believe that you should know the value of the Deerhorde Beast as well. This is the only one in the entire Nine Folds Mountain, and once you miss it, you'll surely regret it for life!"

Hall Master Han's words were indeed very persuasive, any other spirit beast would have already been convinced by now. However, the eyes of the Demon Cinque Beast were still tightly shut, and it remained completely motionless. It seemed as though it was asleep.

"When did the Demon Cinque Beast become so docile?"

At this moment, Zhao Feiwu also realized that something was wrong.

According to the legends passed down in the Myraid Kingdom Alliance, this fellow was ferocious and savage. Back then, someone had also tried to use a formation to trap it. However, it was a pity that the stamina of the Demon Cinque Beast seemed to know no limits. Soon, under its struggling, the spirit stones in the formation ran dry and it broke out of the formation!

Formations could be sustained by both spiritual energy in the surroundings and spiritual energy from spirit stones. The former would require a long charging period for the formation to be sustained whereas the latter only demanded sufficient spirit stones.

But regardless which of the two it was, formations required an energy input to sustain it. To cope with the struggling of the prisoner, it would have to expend a greater amount of energy. Once the spirit stones ran dry, even if one didn't know the exact method to break the formation, the formation would still crumble by itself.

This was precisely the reason why the corridor of the Formation Master Guild had a time limit of two hours.

If not, as long as the examinee struggled, it would just be a matter of time before the energy in the formation ran dry... Breaking out of the formation under such circumstances wouldn't be a test of one's skill.

Despite the ferocious nature of the Demon Cinque Beast before, it chose to lie down as though an obedient child. Even though it was interested in the Deerhorde Beast before, there wasn't any signs of it wanting to break out of the formation... This was contrary to its nature.

"Hall master, it's done!"

Just as everyone was puzzled, Elder Hu and the others were done cooking the Deerhorde Beast. The golden spirit beast meat and the deep aroma made it irresistible to all.

"Good, bring it over!"

Hall Master Han nodded.

Elder Hu and the others nodded as they brought the cooked Deerhorde Beast flesh over.

"Do you see that? If you were to hesitate any longer, we'll be digging in..."

Hall Master Han chuckled as he turned his gaze to the Deerhorde Beast. Just as he was about to pick it up to entice the other party, his eyes suddenly widened in astonishment and he erupted. "What the heck is this! Who in the world ate it?"

"Ate it?"

Everyone turned their sights over, only to see the previously intact Deerhorde Beast missing a limb. Only a trail of bones hung limply on the body.

In other words... someone had secretly eaten one of the limbs!

Hall Master Han was frenzied.

Who in the world was the one who ate the Deerhorde Beast?

Even though he kept saying that they were going to dig in, it was actually just a method to coax the Demon Cinque Beast. If they were to really eat it, the possibility of taming it would drop to zero.

In other words, he was just saying it, it was impossible for him to really do it. Why... in the blink of an eye did a limb suddenly go missing? Not to mention, not the slightest piece of meat was left on the limb.

Aren't you all going too far? Don't you all know how much effort I have put into taming this fellow?

Hall Master Han glared coldly at Elder Hu and the others.

Hall Master Sai and that infuriating 2-star beast tamer had left as soon as the roasting process started so it was impossible for them to be the culprit. The only plausible suspects were the elders standing before him.

"Hall master, we... didn't do it!"

Being glared at by the other party, Elder Hu and the other leaped in shock. They hurriedly shook their hands in denial.

They had been swallowing their saliva and suppressing their agitation while roasting it, not daring to nibble the slightest bit of it. They were also baffled by how a limb went missing all of a sudden?

"You didn't do it? Are you saying that the flesh flew away by itself?"

Hall Master Han lashed out.

What kind of teammates did I find... I asked you all to roast the meat to entice the Demon Cinque Beast into submission and yet you all ended up feasting on it yourself...

What is wrong with you all!

"Hall master, it really isn't us. I can swear to that..."

Seeing that the hall master didn't believe them, Elder Hu raised his palm to vow to the heavens when he suddenly froze, and his expression slowly warped in shock. "Hall master..."

"What's wrong?"

Hearing the sudden exclamation, Hall Master Han traced Elder Hu's gaze back to the Deerhorde Beast meat and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

The Deerhorde Beast, which was initially missing one limb, was missing two now. Staring at the bare bone hanging off its body, an air of eeriness floated in the area.

.

.

.

Chapter 497: The Pummeled Hall Master Han

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Who was it?"

Looking around, Hall Master Han raised his hands warily.

At that moment, it was clear that it wasn't Elder Hu and the others who'd eaten the Deerhorde Beast.

But... other than them, who else could it be? Who in the world could eat the Deerhorde Beast without his notice?

This was way too sinister!

"Hall Master, look!" Elder Hu pointed.

Lowering his head, Hall Master Han immediately realized what was going on. Unknowingly, a dense layer of golden worms had crawled onto the Deerhorde Beast. They were each around the size of an ant, and wherever they passed by, the meat would vanish, leaving behind only bones.

Clearly, the two limbs were cleared away by these insects.

These worms were extremely small, and their color resembled the tone of the roasted flesh. Thus, if one didn't pay close attention, it was easy to overlook them.

"What... are those?"

Hall Master Han was taken aback.

Despite being a 4-star beast tamer, he realized that he had never seen those worms before.

"Hall master, could these be..."

Suddenly recalling something, Elder Hu's body froze and fear reflected in his eyes.

"You're saying that..." Seeing the other party's expression, Hall Master Han froze for a moment before fear slowly crept onto his face.

"Yes. Otherwise, how could any creature consume the flesh of the Deerhorde Beast so quickly..." Elder Hu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

"If it's really that thing... we could really be in trouble!"

Suddenly recalling something, Hall Master Han lifted his head and looked at the screen, only to see the eyes of the Demon Cinque Beast wide opened, gleaming with energy.

The edges of its gigantic lips suddenly curled up coldly.

...

"Zhang shi, what is that?"

Upon seeing that bizarre sight, Hall Master Sai couldn't help but ask.

As the head of the Appraiser Hall, his knowledge pool was formidable, but even so, he had never heard of such a bizarre creature.

The others also turned their gazes over.

Zhang shi had predicted this would happen and brought them over. From the looks of it, this must be what he was worried about.

"They're Soul Devouring Ants," Zhang Xuan said with a grim expression.

"Soul Devouring Ants?"

The crowd was bewildered.

They had never heard of them before, needless to say, know what they were.

However, as soon as Luo Zhu heard that name, his body immediately froze and disbelief surfaced on his face. "Legend has it that these ants are the nemeses of soul oracles. They are beings who sustain themselves by consuming souls and spiritual energy..."

Soul Devouring Ants were bizarre creatures who were capable of devouring soul and spiritual energy.

As such, they were the nemeses of soul oracles.

Why would such insects be found near the cave of the Demon Cinque Beast?

Instead of replying his words, Zhang Xuan turned his head over and asked, "If I'm not mistaken, the soul oracle tomb that you are talking of is located under the lake, am I right?"

"You... How did you know?"

Luo Zhu was taken aback.

He had only said that the soul oracle tomb was in the vicinity. He had never revealed the exact location, so how in the world did the other party know about it?

Tombs were all about geomancy, and being buried beneath a lake was commonly known to be inauspicious. No one in the right mind would choose to do so.

Thus, if one were to tell another that there was a tomb underwater, one would definitely be mocked by others.

Back then, when he looked up the relevant books and found its exact location, he was still in disbelief.

This was the reason why he was so confident that no one could have found it.

However... the person before him pointed out the matter in an instant. Could it be really related to these Soul Devouring Ants?

"Soul Devouring Ants live by consuming souls, thus making them the nemeses of soul oracles. However... these things fear water, so the only way to avoid them and not be devoured by them is to be buried underwater," Zhang Xuan said.

The books that Hall Master Sai gathered on soul oracles might not have had much useful knowledge, but it still provided some basic knowledge for Zhang Xuan to work with.

Besides, Soul Devouring Ant was a type of spirit beast recorded in the books of the Beast Tamer Guild. After looking at the ground with his Eye of Insight, he had already noticed some peculiarities.

With some deduction, he swiftly understood the situation.

"Isn't being buried underwater inauspicious for both the living and the dead?" The one who asked the question wasn't Luo Zhu but Zhao Feiwu.

Learning that the tomb was beneath the lake had left her astounded.

She had spotted the lake as soon as she arrived in the area, and under the ceaseless torrent from the waterfall throughout the years, its current depth was unimaginable. To build one's tomb at the bottom of it, wouldn't one be afraid of one's resting place being washed away by the water, unable to rest in peace even after death?

"To the soul oracles, they could always possess another physical body to come alive again. Death was nothing more than a temporary sleep to them, and geomancy and the like didn't apply to them. Thus, it didn't matter where they built their tomb," Zhang Xuan explained.

"Oh!" The crowd came to a realization.

The main reason why tombs were placed at a location viewed to be auspicious was in hopes that they could bring luck to their future offspring. However, soul oracles didn't think that death was permanent to them, and thus, it didn't matter to them where their tomb was located.

"But that's not right!"

After a moment of hesitation, Luo Zhu suddenly recalled something and said, "Even though the soul oracle tomb is located beneath the lake, it isn't submerged in water at all. Thus, even if the Soul Devouring Ants are unable to step into the water, they should be able to enter the tomb by burrowing their way into it. Then why..."

If the soul oracle tomb were submerged in water, he wouldn't have been able to explore it, and wouldn't have been possessed by a soul within the tomb. That day, when he entered the underground tomb, even though it had been sealed for innumerable years, the air was dry and permitted one to breathe.

Since even humans could enter the tomb, Soul Devouring Ants would surely be able to do the same as well! If that was the case, how could the soul have survived there for so many years?

"If I'm not mistaken, you are the one who brought all of these Soul Devouring Ants over!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Me?" Luo Zhu was taken aback.

Even though he had heard of Soul Devouring Ants, he had never met one in his life before. How could he possibly be the one who brought them over?

"The soul oracle tomb is tightly sealed. For innumerable years, it remained secluded from the outside world. However, not only did you open the tomb, you even came out with a soul on you. Naturally, the scent of the souls leaked out... As such, these fellows who specially prey on souls were attracted here. However, due to the limited time of their arrival, they haven't found the entrance yet. If we had delayed for another month, then even if we were to enter, we surely wouldn't be able to find anything at all!" Zhang Xuan said with a grim expression.

Soul Devouring Ants were the nemeses of the soul oracles, so naturally, soul oracles learned how to guard against them. They knew how to prevent the scent of their souls from leaking out and prevent bringing attention upon themselves.

However, Luo Zhu didn't. If Zhang Xuan wasn't mistaken, these Soul Devouring Ants had probably arrived not too long ago. Otherwise, they would have already burrowed beneath the deep lake instead of loitering around the surface and wouldn't have been attracted by the aroma of the Deerhorde Beast.

"This..." Luo Zhu's face paled.

He was actually the one who brought those fearsome things here... Just the thought of it sent shivers down his spine.

Recovering from his shock, Luo Zhu suddenly thought of something and asked doubtfully, "Even though Soul Devouring Ants favor consuming soul and the meat of the Deerhorde Beast, there shouldn't have needed to escape so far, right? Under normal circumstances, those ants won't harm humans, right?"

Soul Devouring Ants were bizarre and abhorrent creatures, and they were the nemesis of the soul oracles. However, to ordinary humans, they were completely harmless.

Was there a need for them to escape several hundred meters away?

"You're right in that the Soul Devouring Ants won't do any harm to us. However... you mustn't forget that on top of consuming souls, these insects consume spiritual energy as well, and... what a formation primarily drives on is precisely... spiritual energy!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"Formation?"

Taken aback, everyone was stunned for a moment before their eyes slowly narrowed. They hurriedly turned their gazes over.

...

"Damn it!"

Seeing the opened eyes of the Demon Cinque Beast, Hall Master Han also realized that something was amiss and his body tensed up.

Given that the Soul Devouring Ant was hidden underground, even though he was a beast tamer, it wasn't too surprising for him to have failed to notice it. However, the Demon Cinque Beast was different.

Spirit beasts were exceptionally sensitive to their surroundings, not to mention, this was its nest. Thus, how could it possibly be unaware of the arrival of these 'guests'?

It seemed like it knew that those 'guests' would be attracted by the scent of the Deerhorde Beast, and knowing their ability to consume spiritual energy, it was without fear. That was why it chose to close its eyes, lie low, and wait.

The moment the spiritual energy of the formation had been completely consumed by those Soul Devouring Ants, the formation would be like a carriage without a steed. Without a driving force, how could it possibly operate?

Upon thinking of all this, Hall Master Han hurriedly instructed, "Increase the energy and reinforce the formation..."

However, before he could finish his words, a furious howl echoed. The trapped Demon Cinque Beast suddenly moved, causing the ground to tremor.

Huala!

The spiritual energy chains locking it, as though having been nibbled on by something, broke apart in an instant. After which, an incomparably powerful aura gushed out from the body of the spirit beast. Both its wings flapped furiously and it flew out of the formation,

Hu!

The formation collapsed entirely, and the mist shielding everyone's view disappeared. Following which, everyone saw the massive body of the Demon Cinque Beast charging straight toward Elder Hu and the others.

Roar!

A furious bellow.

Flapping its wings, huge gusts of wind were whipped up.

"What?"

Before Elder Hu and the others could react, they were already struck and sent flying. Blood spewed from their mouths in midair.

A Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle spirit beast was typically already stronger than human cultivators of the same level. On top of that, it was just captured and forced to submit. All of the resentment accumulated in its heart caused it to go into a rampaging state. How could the elders of the Beast Hall withstand against such might?

In just a single move, all of them were already injured.

"Damn it!"

Not expecting this fellow to be so callous, disregarding their three years of relationship, Hall Master Han's face steeled. Raising his hand, a long spear appeared in his grip.

Even though he was a beast tamer, his fighting prowess as an individual was formidable as well. He had already reached Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle as well.

As soon as the spear left his hand, it immediately charged forward as though a mighty dragon, headed straight for the Demon Cinque Beast.

Facing the offense, the Demon Cinque Beast didn't even bother to dodge. He simply faced it straight with his physical body.

Ding ding!

The incomparably sharp spear came into contact with the Demon Cinque Beast's chest, but it failed to even pierce through the latter's skin, needless to say, it was unable injure the beast.

"What formidable defense..."

Zhang Xuan, Hall Master Sai, and the others stared at one another with widened eyes.

They knew that the spirit beast's Dragon Bloodline had granted it unparalleled defense among its peers, and ordinary weapons couldn't hope to overcome it. Even so, that was an attack which Hall Master Han had placed his full might into. It was a shocking sight to see that it didn't even leave the slightest mark.

It was no wonder why its notoriety would be known throughout the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and why the multiple attempts of the royal family in eliminating it ended up in failure. It was indeed a force to reckon with.

Roar!

After deflecting the spear with its chest, the Demon Cinque Beast roared furiously. Its powerful voice enveloped the area with rampaging might reminiscent of a storm.

At the forefront, Hall Master Han bore the brunt of the attack. Despite being a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, he still felt a little faint-headed and nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

Hu la!

After the roar, the Demon Cinque Beast swept its massive wings.

A cloud of dust immediately rose into the air, and a massive tear appeared on the ground. Hall Master Han swiftly summoned its spear back to protect himself. Even so, the disparity in the strength of both parties was too great. With a numbing sensation in his arm, he was sent flying as though a ball being kicked into the distance.

Pu!

Even in midair, blood kept gushing out of his mouth, causing his face turn ghastly pale.

With his internals rattled by the overwhelming force that struck him, Hall Master Han felt as though his body was tearing apart. At this very moment, a thought suddenly emerged in his mind.

'Did the 2-star beast tamer... predict that this would happen?'

.

.

.

Chapter 498: Despairing Hall Master Han

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The 2-star beast tamer had advised him against roasting the Deerhorde Beast, and thinking that it was impossible, he refused to listen to the other party's advice. As such, the other party left along with his group for fear of being implicated in the trouble. Initially, he thought that the fellow was just fearmongering but to think that trouble really occurred out of it.

Could it be that he had actually predicted the appearance of the Soul Devouring Ants, the collapse of the formation, and the current, disastrous situation?

"That's impossible! Soul Devouring Ants are extremely rare spirit beasts. Even I was unable make the link out of the blue. How can such a young 2-star beast tamer possibly have foreseen this?"

Even though he knew that it likely was the truth, he still found the entire matter too hard to believe.

In ancient times, Soul Devouring Ants were the nemeses of the soul oracles. But ever since that era had passed, the entire species had disappeared from sight for a very long time. As such, very few people knew about their natural habitat, characteristics, and such.

How could such a young beast tamer possibly discern so much within a few short minutes?

Even 5-star beast tamers didn't possess such means!

This thought disappeared as soon as it appeared in his mind. Even if he wished to pursue the matter, the current circumstance didn't allow for it.

Landing on the ground, he suppressed the stifled sensation in his chest and straightened his back. Then, flicking his spear in his hands, he looked at the massive savage beast and said, "Brother Demon Cinque, no matter what, we have been together for three years. You should understand my character very well. I have no intentions of hurting you at all. How about this, why don't we just forget about this matter... Let's continue to get along as equal peers... Y-you... Stop! Why are you still charging here?"

Before he could finish his words, the massive figure appeared right before him once more. Raising its claws, it struck down on him.

Peng!

Blocking it with his spear, Hall Master Han was knocked backward once more.

Even though they were both at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, there was an irreconcilable disparity in their strength. He wasn't a match for the other party at all.

"Don't force me! Did you think that the formation was my only trump card... Shit!" Having been attacked relentlessly by the other party, Hall Master Han's chest ached from the heavy blows directed at him. Infuriated, he lashed out.

However, before he could finish his lashing, he was struck once more by the wing of the Demon Cinque Beast. He was sent rotating several rounds in the air before crashing heavily down.

At this moment, Hall Master Han felt extremely dismal.

If only he'd known that the roasting of the Deerhorde Beast would attract the Soul Devouring Ants and destroy the formation, he would have never done so!

In the end, not only did the Deerhorde Beast become a gift to the Soul Devouring Ants, the target he was aiming to tame was also in a berserk state. It seemed as though the other party would never rest as long as he was still breathing.

He snuck a glance at the 2-star beast tamer, Hall Master Sai, and the others, and this single glance nearly caused another mouthful of blood to spurt from his mouth.

At a distance several hundred meters away, the young man from before was looking at him leisurely as he lectured his students.

"Do you all see that? This is the consequence of not listening to the advice of others. In the future, when you all explore the world by your own, make sure to remain humble and keep an open mind to the words of others... In any case, just don't be like him!

"Also, even though that previous move of his looked incredible, it's actually a complete failure. If he had launched that attack half a breath earlier, the Demon Cinque Beast's movements would surely have been interrupted... To be able to use perfectly fine moves to such an extent, his fighting techniques are truly mediocre!

"Thus, you all must train your battle techniques diligently. Don't always think about conquering this and that. Rather than wasting your time on such immaterial accomplishments, you should work hard on raising your fighting prowess..."

...

The young man commented as he lectured his students.

Hearing those words, Hall Master Han's eyebrows leaped furiously. If he could, he would've charged forward to pummel that young man.

The heck!

I am a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, the head of the Beast Hall! Why, in the view of an insignificant figure like you, did I suddenly become a person incapable of anything at all?

But... what left him even more frustrated was that... analyzing the other party's words carefully, he realized that the other party's words were actually spot-on. Even if he wanted to refute those words, he had no idea where he could start from.

"There is something bizarre about that fellow. When I'm done dealing with the Demon Cinque Beast, I will have to ask Hall Master Sai about it!"

No matter how foolish he was, it was clear that the young man was extraordinary. Most probably, he must have noticed something in advance, that's why he spoke those words.

However, this wasn't the time to be conflicted over this matter. Twisting his body, he dodged the Demon Cinque Beast's offense and raised his head.

"Brother Demon Cinque, since you refuse to agree to my offer of reconciliation, don't blame me for getting nasty!"

After which, he took a breath and flicked his hands.

While he was being continuously forced back by the Demon Cinque Beast, Elder Hu and the others had been making preparations.

Even though they had been knocked away by the Demon Cinque Beast, those were mainly superficial injuries. A moment of meditation was more than sufficient to get them back to their full strength. Upon hearing those words, they immediately got into position and drew their weapons.

Huala!

Their aura harmonized together as one, forming a collaborative offense formation.

"It's the same formation as the one the younger beast tamers used previously. However, this one is much more profound and stronger!"

From afar, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but nod his head.

It was a rare opportunity to view the battle among Transcendent Mortal 4-dan experts. Naturally, he should explain the entire battle to Zhao Ya and the others so that they could learn from it and improve.

"Indeed. This formation further augments their individual strength, allowing their battle prowess to soar several folds!" Jin Conghai nodded.

Even when crossing hands with the younger beast tamers outside, if not for his experience and superior cultivation, it would definitely be difficult for him to triumph over them.

Since even the juniors were already so powerful, not much had to be said about the seniors who had immersed themselves into the formation for such a long period of time. Not to mention, their cultivation realms were also far superior, resulting in a vast difference in the might of both formations!

"If they were the ones whom we were facing previously, even if there were eight of us facing them, we still wouldn't have had the strength to retaliate at all!" Taking a glance, Hall Master Sai couldn't help but remark.

The reason why the both of them could suppress the formation of the young beast tamers previously wasn't because the formation was weak but because their cultivation far exceeded that of the other party. On top of that, the young beast tamers weren't familiar with the collaborative offensive formation either.

But Hall Master Han, Elder Hu, and the others didn't have such a flaw at all. It was clear that they had practiced the formation for several years already, and every single move of theirs had a deep intention behind it. On top of that, their teamwork was exquisite, so as soon as the formation was executed, their fighting prowess immediately soared to formidable heights, thus exerting a huge pressure on the Demon Cinque Beast.

Awed, Hall Master Sai commented, "So, this is his true trump card! For the formation to be so powerful, it seems like they began practicing this collaborative formation straight after the failure three years ago!"

The Confinement Formation they used previously was formidable, but what if the other party was determined not to give in? Eventually, it would just be a matter of time before the formation ran out of power and the Demon Cinque Beast was let loose.

Thus, Hall Master Sai was perplexed as to whether Hall Master Han had any backup plan to deal with this situation. From the looks of it now, this seemed to be it.

The collaborative formation made up of the several elders harnessed immense power, making them a match for even a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan primary stage expert. Dealing with a 4-dan pinnacle Demon Cinque Beast shouldn't be much of a problem.

"Do you think that... they can win?"

Seeing through Hall Master Sai's thoughts, Zhang Xuan chuckled.

"Their teamwork is flawless, and the might of the formation is also formidable. They should be able to suppress the Demon Cinque Beast entirely!" Hall Master Sai said.

As a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan expert, he was able to gauge of the fighting prowess of these elders accurately.

The collaborative offensive formation was profound and it augmented the strengths of every single individual in it. No matter how powerful the Demon Cinque Beast, it would be hard for it to withstand the combined might of the group.

"Should be able to?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "Since they have their trump card, what makes you think that the Demon Cinque Beast doesn't have one? If a single collaborative offensive formation could bring it down, it would have been eliminated by the forces dispatched by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance long ago!"

Back then, even the many experts sent by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance ended in failure. To even entertain the thought that a single formation could subdue this Demon Cinque Beast was a gross underestimation of its ability.

"Besides, this is in fact a Slaughter Formation. However, given that Hall Master Han is reluctant to kill the Demon Cinque Beast in hopes of taming it, his movements will be severely limited. This will prevent them from bringing out the full might of the formation!"

After studying the Heaven's Path Formation Art, Zhang Xuan's understanding of formations had reached an astounding level.

Even though he didn't know the name of the collaborative offensive formation, he could accurately discern its properties and might.

Hall Master Han was too focused on taming the Demon Cinque Beast, and this would cause him to subconsciously hold back in his offense. In other words, he was treating this Slaughter Formation as a Confinement Formation... With the might of the formation greatly reduced, it was just a matter of time before the group fell apart.

And just like Zhang Xuan had said, initially, Hall Master Han and the others had the upper hand. However, as the Demon Cinque Beast gave up on its defense altogether and attacked recklessly, the formation was swiftly torn apart.

Pu pu pu pu!

A few minutes later, the elders were swept away by the wing of the Demon Cinque Beast and incurred heavy injuries. They spat out huge mouthfuls of blood.

Peng!

Eventually, under one of the attacks from the Demon Cinque Beast, Hall Master Han's spear was knocked out of his hand, and he crashed onto the ground.

Hu!

After breaking the formation, the furious Demon Cinque Beast immediately stomped its massive foot on Hall Master Han.

If Hall Master Han were to be really stepped on by that humongous figure, no matter how powerful he was, it would be difficult for him to escape from his demise.

"You..."

Seeing the that his life was at risk, Hall Master Han bore with the intense pain pricking at his body and got up. Summoning the strength he had into his palm, he prepared to receive the other party's blow.

Peng!

The foot came into contact with his palm, and for a moment, there was a stalemate.

However, the pressure on the foot only grew stronger and stronger. Just as Hall Master Han was coming to the verge of his endurance, and he thought that he would be reduced into meat paste, an anxious voice shouted, "Zhang shi, I beseech you to save Hall Master Han!"

The one who spoke was Hall Master Sai.

After years of being friends, he couldn't bear seeing his old friend dying before him. However, he knew the extent of his ability well. He wasn't even a match for his old buddy, needless to say, this monster that could easily subdue him.

Thus, the only option left was to request for Zhang shi's help.

Zhang Xuan's cultivation was far beneath his, but after the past few days of interaction, he found himself being continuously shocked by the other party's miraculous means. Perhaps, he might have a solution to save his old buddy.

"I am not a match for the Demon Cinque Beast either, how do you expect me to save him?"

However, contrary to his expectations, the young man gave a negative reply.

Hearing those words, Hall Master Han despaired.

He thought that three years of fellowship and the various hands he had prepared beforehand would allow this operation to end in success. Never in his dreams did he expect for this fellow's strength to be far beyond his, resulting in a completely one-sided fight!

"Please, you must have a solution... Otherwise, if the Demon Cinque Beast were to kill Hall Master Han, it'll definitely come for us next..." Hall Master Sai pleaded anxiously.

"Oh, I do have a solution!" The nonchalant voice of the young man sounded.

"What is it?" Hall Master Sai asked in agitation.

Hall Master Han's body also tightened. Seeing a ray of hope, he immediately pricked his ears to listen closer.

"Simple, we just have to ask this fellow to release him!" the young man said.

Pu!

Having his ray of hope abruptly crushed, Hall Master Han spurted a mouthful of blood and fell into despair.

.

.

.

Chapter 499: Taming the Demon Cinque Beast

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Release him?

Aren't you spouting the obvious? Who doesn't know that that is the most direct method... However, look at how furious this fellow is! It seems as though it is ready to murder anyone, do you think that it's possible for it to release him?

Trapping the other party and using a collaborative offensive formation, this had already created an irreconcilable grudge between the two. At this moment, the Demon Cinque Beast couldn't wait to kill the latter to vent his resentment. Release? You must be joking!

He thought that since this young man was able to predict the appearance of the Soul Devouring Ants, he might just be able to come up with a brilliant situation to save him. To think that he would be so unreliable as well!

Asking for the Demon Cinque Beast to release him would probably only hasten his death!

Depressed, Hall Master Han gave up all hope. At that moment, he heard Hall Master Sai's voice sound.

"Release? What do you need, I'll go make preparations now!"

"There's no need for any preparations. As long as I tame that fellow and make it my tamed beast, it will surely listen to my words," the young man said nonchalantly.

"Tame it and make it your tamed beast?" Hall Master Han's vision went dark, and for a moment, it felt as though he had seen all wonders in life.

Over the course of the past three years, the treasures which he had presented to the Demon Cinque Beast could already make up a massive mountain. Not to mention, for this operation, he had used the Deerhorde Beast, middle-tier spirit stone, and various other treasures to entice it. Even so, the Demon Cinque Beast didn't even consider accepting the offer in the least.

How dare you speak as though taming it will be so easy? If it is that easy, do you think that I would be trampled beneath its foot at this very moment?

"Forget it, I shouldn't depend on this fellow. I should think of a way myself instead!"

Knowing that it wasn't a viable option to depend on this young man, Hall Master Han exerted his strength and attempted to push away the other party's foot. However, as soon as he exerted more strength, he felt the force weighing down him increasing proportionately as well.

Boom!

A huge shock wave rippled into the surroundings, and Hall Master Han was pushed deeper into the ground. A cloud of dust rose into the air, cloaking his face with dirt.

Pu!

Fresh blood spewed from his mouth once more. Under the immense force, his injuries worsened, and his consciousness was slowly getting hazy.

"To think that I would end up dying here..."

Desolation gripped his heart. Having engaged in beast taming his entire life, he thought that with his innumerable means, he would surely be able to turn this big fellow into his tamed beast. Never in his dreams did he expect that he would end up dying under the foot of the other party...

Just the thought of it left him frustrated.

Just as he was about to close his eyes and await his impending demise, he suddenly heard a sound that resembled both the call of a cow and the rumbling of thunder. Then, the immense force crushing down on him suddenly vanished.

Touching his body, he affirmed that he was still alive and that the Demon Cinque Beast, who was intent on crushing him into a lump of meat, had removed its foot.

Baffled, he opened his eyes to take a look, and with a single glance, his entire body convulsed and he nearly fainted.

"Th-this..."

His lips twitched intensely, and his eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. Hall Master Han seemed to have seen an inconceivable sight that was pushing the boundaries of his rationality.

The arrogant Demon Cinque Beast which was charging at him furiously to slaughter him so as to vent its resentment was currently lying obediently in front of a figure. Its head was closely aligned with the ground, and its thick tongue licked the other party's foot relentlessly. With a respectful expression, it fawned on the figure as though a loyal dog serving its owner. It was an indescribably crude sight.

What was going on?

Wasn't that fellow arrogant to the extreme, refusing to serve anyone even if it had spelled its death? Shouldn't nothing have been able to move it at all?

Why, in the blink of an eye, did it suddenly start licking the shoes of another person?

Besides, what is with your look of reverence? You are salivating, you know? You look as though you hate the fact that you don't have two tongues to lick both shoes of the other party at once... Can you at least retain some basic decency?

Rubbing his eyes forcefully, Hall Master Han tried to confirm whether he was seeing things when the figure in front of the Demon Cinque Beast pushed the face of the latter away impatiently.

"Go and chew on the grass by the side instead!"

Pu!

Hall Master Han's body swayed from side to side.

The Demon Cinque Beast is treating you so respectfully, and yet, you still pushed it away? Not to mention, asking it to feed on grass? It's a carnivore! How can it possibly eat grass?

But another shock awaited him. Without any hesitation, the Demon Cinque Beast immediately rushed to the side excitedly, opened its mouth widely, and began chewing on the grass joyfully, as though afraid that someone might steal it from him...

Pah!

Thinking that he might be dreaming, Hall Master Han sent a forceful slap to his face. The intense pain helped him to sharpen his consciousness, and looking over once more, the Demon Cinque Beast was still waging a war with the grass by the side.

"The hell! What on earth is going on?"

Clawing on his head frenziedly, Hall Master Han felt as though something had gone wrong with the world.

He had caught a clear glimpse of the figure whom the Demon Cinque Beast was fawning on. It was the 2-star beast tamer who had advised him previously, Zhang Xuan.

After three years of effort, the Demon Cinque Beast remained nonchalant to him, and even went to the extent of trying to kill him... Yet, this fellow only roared once, and the other party immediately licked his shoes and chewed on the grass by the side...

Where has the fairness of the world gone to?

Is the 4-star beast tamer me or you?

Suddenly, an idea emerged in his head.

"Could this be the reason why... Hall Master Sai is acting so politely around him?"

He had been perplexed over why Hall Master Sai would choose to treat this young man with utmost respect, and from the looks of it now, it seemed like this young man wasn't just a simple 2-star beast tamer.

Otherwise, how could he possibly make the Demon Cinque Beast lower its pride to such an extent and submit immediately with just a single howl?

Adjusting his breathing, Hall Master Han bore with the pain and walked up to the young man, "Thank you Beast Tamer Zhang for saving my life!"

If not for the other party taming the Demon Cinque Beast, he would have surely died. No matter what, the other party had saved his life, and this made him indebted to him.

Waving his hands casually, Zhang Xuan said, "I am only doing this because of Hall Master Sai's plea. If you must thank someone, thank Hall Master Sai!"

If not for Hall Master Sai, I wouldn't have even bothered!

"Still, it's only right for me to thank Beast Tamer Zhang. If not for your help, I would have surely been dead by now!"

After thanking Zhang Xuan once more, Hall Master Han turned to Hall Master Sai and clasped his fist, "Hall Master Sai, thank you..."

We've been buddies for so long, there's no need for you to stand on ceremonies!" Hall Master Sai's face reddened. "Besides, I'm of no help at all. Zhang shi managed to tame the Demon Cinque Beast all by himself!"

"Zhang shi?"

Even though he had heard this address before, he thought that he might have just heard wrongly. After all, he was in the midst of battle, and there was a considerable distance between them and him. However, it was impossible for him to be mistaken this time around. His heart immediately jolted.

Could the young man before him be a master teacher?

"Un. Not only is Zhang shi a master teacher, he's also a 2-star beast tamer, 5-star appraiser, quasi 4-star formation master!" Hall Master Sai explained.

"Master teacher, 5-star... appraiser, and quasi 4-star... formation master?" Hall Master Han's face paled.

He thought that the other party was just a 2-star beast tamer, that was why he took the other party lightly. How could he have known that the other party would have so many occupations?

Putting everything aside, just his identity as a master teacher already made him of superior standing to him.

Master teachers were not to be made light or sullied. Those who dared to do so would be beaten to death on the spot, and no one would dare to speak up for that person.

Not to mention, the other party was a 5-star appraiser and quasi 4-star formation master on top of that.

"Of course, our young master isn't just limited to these occupations. He's also a physician, apothecary, and painter!" Seeing that the other party was stumped, a plump man walked out from the back of the young man and harrumphed.

"Seven... occupations?" Hall Master Han swallowed a mouthful of saliva and his mouth started trembling.

A person would have to spend much effort just to master one occupation. And yet, the person in front of him had already mastered seven...

When did such a monster appear in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?

It was no wonder why Hall Master Sai paid such high regards to him. If he knew that the other party had such identities, he would have never dared to try pulling his weight before him.

"Indeed. But putting that aside for now, our young master has saved your life. Did you think that a single 'thanks' would suffice?"

The plump narrowed his eyes and stared at Hall Master Han in disdain, "I recall seeing you offer quite a few good things to the Demon Cinque Beast when you were trying to tame it. Why? Do you think that your life isn't even worth that of a single spirit beast?"

"I..."

Hall Master Han's body froze.

Indeed. It was a breach of propriety to brush off his savior with just a word of thanks.

"Initially, I intended to use this spirit stone to attract the Demon Cinque Beast and tame it..."

Taking out the middle-tier spirit stone from before, Hall Master Han glanced at the Demon Cinque Beast, who was still busy chewing on grass. Knowing that it would be impossible for him to tame it at this point, he gritted his teeth and passed it over, "However... it seems like there's no use for it now. I'll give it to Zhang shi as a token of appreciation for saving my life then!"

The plump man took the spirit stone, fiddled around with it, and frowned, "Just one?"

"I... only have this single one!" Hall Master Han's face reddened.

There weren't too many middle-tier spirit stones throughout the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance. It took him a lot of effort and luck just to procure this one.

"Alright then, so be it!" Seeing that this was the limit of the financial ability of the other party, Sun Qiang shook his head and presented the spirit stone to Zhang Xuan. "Young master!"

"Un!"

Catching it, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

Honestly speaking, Sun Qiang was truly a capable subordinate. He was able to accurately deduce that Zhang Xuan was interested in the middle-tier spirit stone, and knowing that the latter probably made a move for it, he stepped forward and closed the deal.

In the end, master teachers weren't saints. It wasn't unusual for one to demand reward after doing another a favor, and master teachers were no exception as well.

Otherwise, given how many people were in need in this world, wouldn't he die of exhaustion?

Putting away the spirit stone in his storage ring, Zhang Xuan turned to Hall Master Han and said, "I just happen to require middle-tier spirit stones so I'll humbly accept your gift. But in any case, I won't take advantage of you. In exchange, I'll treat your injuries to compensate you!"

"Treat my injuries?" Hall Master Han was stunned. "You're saying it's possible to treat such severe injuries?"

Under the relentless heavy blows of the Demon Cinque Beast and overexertion of his body, his internal organs had been shifted and his cultivation had fallen greatly. It would be difficult to treat such injuries at his age.

Thus, when Zhang Xuan said that he could treat him, the first thing he thought was that it was impossible.

"Since I've said it, naturally, I'll be able to do it. However, if you don't wish to, we can drop the matter!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"Of course I want to be treated..." Recalling the other party's identity as a physician and master teacher, Hall Master Han hurriedly nodded his head.

If it was in the past, he would have never believed such words. However, looking at the Demon Cinque Beast obediently chewing on a patch of grass, he couldn't help but think that the young man before him just might be capable of doing so.

After agreeing to the matter, Hall Master Han asked, "Zhang shi, do you need any medicinal herbs? I have some of them here..."

Even though he wasn't a physician, as a cultivator and a beast tamer, he still retained some basic knowledge on medicine. Given the extent of his injuries, without the complementation of centuries-old medicinal herbs, it would be very difficult for him to make a full recovery.

And he happened to have some of these medicinal herbs.

Just as he was about to take these things out, the young man before him spoke up.

"Medicinal herbs? There's no need for any... Demon Cinque Beast, come over and knock this fellow out for me!"

.

.

.

Chapter 500: Knockout Treatment Method

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Knock out?

Not only did Hall Master Han widen his eyes, the others were baffled by Zhang Xuan's actions as well, and they stared at one another in confusion.

Aren't you going treat Hall Master Han's injuries?

What do you mean by knocking him out?

"There's no need to worry. This is our old master's exclusive technique, Knockout Treatment Method!" Sun Qiang explained.

Having followed behind Yang shi for a period of time, he knew that this was the old master's exclusive technique. As the direct disciple of the old master, it was natural that the young master would know of it as well.

The crowd became even more perplexed.

To treat someone by knocking them out... Such a method existed in the world?

Hu!

Before the crowd could react, the Demon Cinque Beast suddenly turned around, walked, over, and stared at Hall Master Han, causing the other party's hair to stand on end.

"Zhang shi... Why don't we pass on the 'knockout'? Perhaps... medicine might be better..."

Recalling how the gigantic fellow charged at him relentlessly to kill him previously, Hall Master Han started trembling uncontrollably.

Would this big fellow use this opportunity to get back at him? Zhang shi told it to knock him out, but what if it used this chance to kill him instead? It was better to be safe than sorry...

"There's no need to go through so much trouble. Demon Cinque Beast, what are you hesitating for? Hurry up!"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Roar!

Hearing the instruction, the Demon Cinque Beast howled in delight. Stepping forward, its thick wings immediately flew over and struck him.

"I..."

Hall Master Han really cried this time around.

If only I'd known that this was your treatment method, I would surely have just given the middle-tier spirit stone to you for free. I don't need such compensation...

Peng!

In his current condition, it was impossible for Hall Master Han to escape. Thus, when the wing struck the back of his head, his vision turned black and he passed out.

"This..."

The corner of Zhao Feiwu's mouth twitched violently. Her body trembled slightly, and at this moment, she felt extremely glad that she was countless kilometers away from this fellow back when she was treated. It was fortunate that he only presented the solution via the Wall of Dilemma. If he had been the one to administer the treatment personally...

Would this have been her fate as well?

Was there really such a treatment method in the world?

Being feeble since young, she had seen innumerable top-notch physicians. However, she had never heard of a case where one had to be knocked out in order to be treated.

Perplexed, she turned her gaze over, only to see Zhang Xuan walking over to the unconscious Hall Master Han and placing his forefinger and middle finger on the other party's wrist.

A moment later, he stood up, flicked his wrist, and a few silver needles appeared in his hand.

Sou sou sou sou!

The silver needles shot through thin air and landed straight on the numerous acupoints throughout Hall Master Han's body. Then, with a grabbing action, all of the silver needles returned back to his hand.

"Done!"

Clapping his hand, Zhang Xuan turned to Hall Master Sai and said, "Wake him up!"

"Done?"

Everyone was dumbfounded.

Were you really treating him or were you just fooling around? After placing a few needles, you say that you're done?

Zhao Feiwu and Jin Conghai stared at one another.

They had clearly seen the location of where the needles landed. Rather than acupoints, those were mingmen! There wouldn't be any other physicians who would dare to touch these vulnerable spots. Even if this was a secret art of some kind, it should be impossible to induce a full recovery just by being pierced on several locations for a brief moment, right?

Or was the treatment method simply too profound for them?

Hall Master Sai had only seen the other party identifying treasures and earning their acknowledgement but he had never seen the other party treating someone before. As such, he was totally baffled by the sight before him. Even so, since the other party had already spoken, he nodded his head and stepped forward. Pressing on the other party's philtrum, he infused a surge of zhenqi in.

"Cough cough!"

Coughing violently, Hall Master Han opened his eyes.

Hu!

Pressing against the ground, he hurriedly retreated backward. "Zhang shi, can I pass on the treatment..."

But before he could finish his words, he suddenly paused and his eyes widened.

As a cultivator, he was well aware of the various changes in his body. Given how he was able to push himself backward just by exerting some force on his palm, and the unobstructed flow of Origin Energy in his body, there could only be a single possibility... He had fully recovered from his injuries!

How was that possible?

Doubtful, he stretched out his hand and grabbed forward. A massive handprint immediately gathered in the space in front of him.

The handprint distorted the air in the surroundings with its immense might, reminiscent of a floating block of water, threatening to tear through space at any moment.

"Great Ocean Seizing Hands? Hall master, y-you... have recovered?"

Seeing his actions, not only was Hall Master Sai and the other perplexed, the other elders who had collaborated with him on the formation also widened their eyes in shock, and their breathing hastened.

Great Ocean Seizing Hands was Spirit intermediate-tier battle technique. It was incomparably powerful, and without sufficient Origin Energy and strength, it was impossible to execute it.

As the core of the formation, he was the one leading the fight against the Demon Cinque Beast previously. Thus, it was natural that he would bear the brunt of the attack and suffer the greatest damage. At the moment, every single one of them found it hard to even climb to their feet, and they felt as though they would breathe their last at any moment. Yet, the other party executed a battle technique which one could only utilize at their peak condition...

Did it have to be so exaggerated?

"I've recovered?" Hall Master Han widened his eyes in disbelief. Suddenly recalling something, he flicked his wrist and a spear appeared in his palm. Then, he shook it slightly.

Weng!

A surge of Weapon Intent was suddenly flicked out, and it stabbed into a gigantic boulder not too far away.

Boom!

The boulder exploded into innumerable smithereens.

"Clear Passageway, Flawless Intent! Hall master... you've recovered... from the trauma you sustained before as well?" Elder Hu's lips shuddered.

In truth, the reason why they, the elders of the Beast Hall, were willing to assist their hall master in capturing the Demon Cinque Beast even despite the threat of danger was not due to his order but in awe of the hall master's character.

Back then, in order to help them tame their spirit beasts, he had once entered the depths of a marsh and was bitten by a poisonous worm. Ever since then, there had been a blockage in his meridian, resulting in a trauma. As such, his Weapon Intent was unable to flow through his body, thereby ending his weapon cultivation there.

If not for that, given the hall master's talent and strength, even if he couldn't tame the Demon Cinque Beast, he would still be able to triumph over Luo Ming in the selections. There would be no need for him to go through so much trouble.

The hall master had never demanded compensation from them for his sacrifice, and similarly, they were also willing to give their all for the hall master. No matter how tiring it was, they cultivated the collaborative offensive formation along with him without a word of complaint.

They thought that the hall master would be limited by his lack of Weapon Intent for his entire life. Never in their dreams did they expect that just by being knocked out and pierced with a few needles, the other party would not only be able to execute the Great Ocean Seizing Hands, he would even be able to utilize Weapon Intent... What in the world happened?

"My trauma... is gone?"

Since Elder Hu could tell this much, how could Hall Master Han, the person in question, remain ignorant of it? He hurriedly turned his sights to the young man before him.

"Oh. I realized that you have sustained some traumas so I helped you treat those as well since it's convenient. You don't need to compensate me for that!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

In truth, when Hall Master Han fought with the Demon Cinque Beast previously, a book on him had already been compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path. The reason why Zhang Xuan went through all the trouble to knock the other party out and touch his pulse was to conceal the secret regarding his Heaven's Path zhenqi.

The book compiled also reflected the other party's traumas as well. Since he was going to treat the other party, he couldn't possibly just go halfway.

Besides, it wasn't difficult to do so either. Heaven's Path zhenqi could be turned into both medicine and poison with just a single thought of his. He had treated many people whose meridians had been blocked by lethal poison in the past too.

"Convenient..." Hall Master Han's eyes reddened and he nearly went insane.

He had looked up all of the physicians throughout Myriad Kingdom City but none of them had a solution to his problem. Because the poisonous worm had bitten him while he was executing Weapon Intent, even though he was cured of the poison eventually, some remnants of the poison resulted in his meridians being permanently blocked...

He didn't even mention his hidden problem but Zhang shi had already treated it out of convenience...

Did you have to be that extreme?

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Hall Master Han's mind and he asked, "Elder Hu, how long... have I been out for?"

Given how all of his injuries were treated and even his traumas were gone, the treatment process must have taken a significant length of time.

Two hours? Four hours?

Or perhaps... a day?

"How long? From the moment you were knocked out until now... I think around a minute has passed!" Elder Hu calculated.

"A minute?" Hall Master Han's body swayed weakly.

He had already been awake for half a minute, so that meant... the treatment process took only a maximum of... half a minute?

How in the world did he do it?

"Since he was able to treat my injuries, he should be able to treat the other elders as well..."

Suppressing his agitation and shock, Hall Master Han suddenly thought of something and his eyes lit up. He hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Zhang shi, Elder Hu and the others have gotten injured for my sake. If you can treat them as well, I'll be eternally thankful to you..."

It was due to him that the elders had all landed in such a state. He couldn't possibly just leave them in the dumps now that he had recovered.

"Our young master is a formidable physician so his services aren't cheap..." Sun Qiang stepped forward.

"I understand..." Hall Master Han hurriedly nodded his head. Flicking his wrist, the several thousand spirit stones that he had used to enticed the Demon Cinque Beast previously appeared in the ground before him. Under the sun, it looked like a mountain of crystal, and spiritual energy surged forth from the mini mountain.

Even though spirit stones were valuable as well, they meant nothing when compared to the lives of his old buddies.

"Alright!" Putting away the spirit stones into his storage ring, Zhang Xuan first turned to Elder Hu and said, "I believe you all should know my treatment method!"

"I've heard everything!" Elder Hu quickly nodded his head. "I know what I should do..."

After which, he turned to the Demon Cinque Beast and said. "Come and hit me with all of your might! I can take it..."

"..." The crowd.

Zhang Xuan staggered.

The heck! It would suffice as long as you lose consciousness. Do you need to flirt with a spirit beast like that?

Suppressing his urge to spurt blood, Zhang Xuan said, "Cough cough. Actually, there's no need for it to make a move, you can use any means to make yourself faint. I'll be able to conduct my treatment as long as you're unconscious!"

"It'll suffice as long as I lose consciousness?" Elder Hu was taken aback. On the other hand, Hall Master Han's vision turned dark.

If it was that simple, why did you have to get the Demon Cinque Beast to make a move on me? Do you know how to close to death I came because of it...

"Alright!" After confirming the treatment method, Elder Hu stretched out his palm and struck his forehead without any hesitation.

Padah!

His vision immediately turned dark and he fainted.

Zhang Xuan stepped forward. A moment later, Elder Hu woke up. Leaping to his feet, his eyes glowed brightly.

A moment later, Elder Hu woke up. Leaping to his feet, his eyes glowed in agitation.

"It's your turn!"

After treating Elder Hu, Zhang Xuan walked up to another elder.

Knowing what Zhang Xuan needed, without wasting any time, he immediately struck his own forehead.

...

And thus, Zhao Feiwu and the others saw an incredibly bizarre sight unfolding before them. Renowned Transcendent Mortal beast tamers of the Myriad Kingdom City knocked themselves out as soon as Zhang Xuan approached them...

And after having some needles pierced into several acupoints, they regained their vitality and leaped around excitedly...

"So fast?"

Only at this moment did Hall Master Han finally get a chance to see the other party's treatment method and speed, and his throat turned dry.

Even though Elder Hu's words had already given him some idea of it, witnessing it with his own eyes still left him in shock.

Making a rough calculation, from the moment that the elders were knocked out to the point that the silver needles were extracted, not even twenty breaths had passed...

In less than twenty breaths, in the young man's miraculous hands, the severe injuries of the patients disappeared. On top of that, the patients were even able to leap around freely as soon as they woke up, as though the injuries they had sustained before were imaginary...

He didn't know much about physicians so he couldn't make a clear judgement on the other party's capability. However, one thing he could make judgement on was the other party's beast taming capability. To make the Demon Cinque Beast submit with just a single bellow, and making it feed on grass willingly from an instruction, the other party's beast taming ability had at least reached... 5-star!

A 5-star beast tamer and a potential 5-star physician... Really, where in the world did this monster come from?