Gustav swung his massive sword with ease, slicing through the first-tier demonic beasts as though they were nothing. Beside him, Venom Fang wielded a weapon crafted from a large fang, shaped like a dagger. With a swift motion, he plunged it into the head of a demonic beast, and its body instantly turned black before collapsing lifelessly.
Chain, armed with a heavy metal chain, swung it skillfully, smashing through the enemies.
Inside the carriage, Iris watched in shock and awe.
Together, Gustav, Venom Fang, and Chain, all at the Martial Apprentice Stage 9, managed to slay a total of 200 first-tier demonic beasts in just two hours. The thick, metallic scent of blood hung heavily in the air.
When the battle was over, Iris slowly stepped out of the carriage and approached them.
"Thank you so much for saving my life, seniors," she said sincerely, bowing in gratitude.
"You should thank our young master, not us," Gustav replied coldly.
Iris froze in surprise. Younng Master? She couldn't believe these peerless experts served someone else. Though she wasn't a martial practitioner herself, her studies suggested their strength was likely at Martial Apprentice Stage 8 or 9, considering how effortlessly they dispatched the beasts.
Up in the trees, Xenon sat perched on a branch, observing the scene with amusement. He leaped gracefully to the ground, landing effortlessly before approaching the group. His luxurious robe billowed slightly in the wind as he walked, hands clasped behind his back.
"Young master," Gustav, Venom Fang, and Chain greeted him in unison, bowing deeply.
Iris turned her gaze to him, and their eyes met. Xenon studied her for a moment. She had fair, almost porcelain skin, long raven-black hair cascading down her back, and deep purple eyes that sparkled with beauty.
"Thank you for saving me," Iris said, her voice full of heartfelt gratitude.
Xenon gave her a small smile. "I didn't save you out of kindness. I was merely killing the demonic beasts for my own reasons. If you were saved in the process, consider it a coincidence. However," his tone turned sharper, "you now owe me 1 million gold coins for the favor."
Iris stared at him in stunned silence for a moment before managing to reply, "I… I don't have 1 million gold coins right now."
"That's fine," Xenon said casually. "You can pay me back slowly."
__
Split
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Tarra was locked in a fierce battle with a third-tier demonic beast.
The beast's wings and body were covered in blood, evidence of the intense clash, while Tarra herself was drenched in sweat.
"It's time to end this," Tarra declared, her voice resolute.
"[Condense the Air and Split the Wind!]"
With her most powerful attack, Tarra unleashed a devastating strike that cleanly severed the demonic beast's neck. Its massive head hit the ground, followed by its lifeless body.
Breathing heavily, Tarra surveyed her defeated foe before leaping down from the tree she had been standing on. She approached the corpse and began searching the beast's nest. To her delight, she discovered three eggs nestled inside.
Placing the eggs carefully into her spatial pouch, she hoisted the beast's body and began making her way back to Xenon.