Back to the Village

A collective gasp rippled through the villagers. Even the Chief, a man hardened by countless battles, couldn't hide his surprise. "Damn good job, boy! We were dead to rights with brute force alone." He thundered in relief, a wide grin splitting his face.

"Thought we were done for," another villager chimed in, his voice trembling.The Chief cleared his throat, a flicker of respect crossing his gaze as he met Bai Yu's. "You may keep the monster core. We wouldn't feel right taking credit after... well," he coughed, a grimace twisting his features. "Your unorthodox strategy saved our lives."

"Very well," Bai Yu agreed with a curt nod. "You can have the carcass. The body of a demonic beast holds value – the meat for its potent nutrients, the bones for crafting powerful weapons, and the blood for tempering the body."

With a heavy heart, they loaded the fallen villagers onto makeshift stretchers. The Chief, ever practical, ordered a team to secure the Flame-Winged Tiger's corpse, ensuring no scavengers or rival villages got their hands on the valuable resources it offered.The journey back was somber, punctuated only by the occasional wail of grief. Reaching their village, a pall of sorrow hung heavy in the air. News of the fallen warriors spread like wildfire, greeted with tears and lamentations. Upon learning that Bai Yu had slain the fearsome Bloodwolf King and helped by killing the Flame-Winged Tiger, cheers erupted. Villagers, many of whom had grown weary living in fear of the beasts, approached Bai Yu with gratitude."Thank you, young man," the old woman he'd first encountered in the village said, her voice thick with relief. "You've saved this stubborn old goat from becoming monster food!"The village chief, a man known for his gruff demeanor, snorted. "Who are you calling a goat, Mother?" he retorted, a hint of anger flickering in his eyes.