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"Sit down and talk?"
Wasn't this putting the Sky Azure Bull Python in an awkward position?
At least the Titan Giant Ape had a body structure somewhat similar to humans.
Zhongli's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unshakable weight—a commanding presence that instinctively made the two beast kings halt their assault.
Ci Xue and Qian Renxue froze at the sound.
Familiar… yet unfamiliar.
Where had they heard it before?
Their eyes darted toward the source—only to widen in shock.
Him?!
"Consultant Zhongli…"
Why is he here?
Just moments ago, Qian Renxue had resigned herself to death, believing she would perish in the Star Dou Great Forest—perhaps without even bones left behind.
But in her moment of despair… he appeared.
A surge of emotions flooded her. A feeling she had never experienced before—security, stability, an unshakable presence.
It was intoxicating.
"Has Zhongli already discovered my secret?"
How could this be a coincidence?
He must have been following me… and accidentally uncovered the truth.
"That lord?!"
Ci Xue gasped. Even though he had never fought Zhongli, he wasn't foolish enough to underestimate him.
He stood no chance against this man.
Based on their estimates, Zhongli's soul power was at least Rank 97!
At that level, dealing with two beast kings should be effortless, right?
With his assistance, they could capture both 100,000-year spirit beasts!
And Zhongli was a twin-soul martial spirit user—his second spirit still lacked soul rings.
Wasn't this a heaven-sent opportunity?
Two 100,000-year soul rings!
Ci Xue didn't dare dream of taking them for himself—he couldn't absorb them anyway.
But 100,000-year spirit beasts always dropped soul bones!
If Zhongli already had a full set… or perhaps…
Heh, if Lord Zhongli was in a good mood, maybe he'd share one with me?
The thought excited him even more.
He didn't question why Zhongli was here.
Did it matter?
His arrival saved their lives. Even if Zhongli didn't share a soul bone, Ci Xue wouldn't complain.
"Qinghe, hello! I didn't know you were a girl!"
"And you, grandpa pufferfish—hello!"
Paimon floated alongside Zhongli, cheerfully greeting them.
Qian Renxue's eye twitched.
So they were following me!
Otherwise, why would Paimon call her Qinghe?
As for "grandpa pufferfish"—Ci Xue's face darkened.
Was this little thing rude or not?
She called him "grandpa," but pufferfish?!
"A powerful human?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape flanked them, effectively surrounding the group.
"Human, are you also one of the hateful Spirit Hall's lackeys?"
The bull python's voice boomed, more of a roar than speech.
This human… it couldn't quite fathom him.
That faint, superior aura—it had only sensed something similar once before.
Not from a human.
But from the true ruler of the Star Dou Great Forest—
The Black Dragon King, Di Tian!
Despite being 100,000-year spirit beasts, they were far from the strongest in the forest's core.
Those beyond 100,000 years—they were the forest's true foundation.
Zhongli remained unfazed.
"I am not affiliated with the Spirit Hall."
"Not?"
The two beast kings were stunned.
If he wasn't with the Spirit Hall… why interfere?
"Human powerhouse, leave now, and we will pretend you were never here."
"Do not stand in the way of our vengeance!"
Zhongli's aura made the Sky Azure Bull Python cautious. Otherwise, it wouldn't have wasted words.
Humans and spirit beasts—what was there to discuss?
If given the chance, kill first, talk never.
"Though I am not of the Spirit Hall, I am a consultant under her employ."
"Naturally, I cannot ignore this matter."
"Human, you dare oppose us?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python finally understood—this man was meddling on purpose.
If not for its wariness, it would have already attacked.
"I have no desire to fight you. Please, return to your territories."
"ROAR—!"
The two beast kings exploded in fury.
"Arrogant! Today, we shall test your strength!"
"Let's see what gives you the right to speak so boldly!"
Return to their territories?
That would mean abandoning their revenge!
These two Spirit Hall members had to die!
Yet this human dared interfere?!
Unforgivable!
In the entire Star Dou Great Forest, only the monsters in the core region surpassed them.
Every other spirit beast bowed before their might!
Ci Xue had been puzzled earlier—why wasn't Zhongli trying to kill them?
Why reason with beasts?
But now, seeing the two kings prepare to attack, he was ecstatic.
Finally—the battle begins!
With his help, Zhongli could surely achieve victory.
"Young lady, once the fight starts, leave immediately."
The aftermath of a battle between Title Douluos and 100,000-year spirit beasts was not something Qian Renxue could withstand.
For her safety, Ci Xue urged her to flee.
Once she was gone, they could fight without restraint.
"Slow Domain!"
"Gravity Domain!"
The two beast kings unleashed their domains instantly.
Slow Domain: Reduces the enemy's speed by tenfold.
Gravity Domain: Increases gravity by tenfold.
Their domains synergized perfectly.
One slowed, the other crushed.
This wasn't mere addition—it was multiplication.
Ci Xue's expression darkened.
Both of them possess domain-type skills?!
If they had used these earlier, he would have died instantly!
"I have no wish to fight you. Will you truly not retreat?"
A glimmer of light flashed in Zhongli's amber eyes.
"Enough talk! Today, only one side leaves alive!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python, more of a mage, kept its distance.
The Titan Giant Ape, a warrior-tank, charged headfirst.
Meanwhile, the python gathered crackling blue lightning in its maw.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 55 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 40 power stones I will publish the next chapter.