The Dark Devilgod Tiger opened its jagged maw, gradually gathering a swirling mass of black energy. As this energy expanded, the surrounding space began to distort.
A violent whirlwind erupted, drawing everything toward the black vortex as if it could devour all existence.
At this moment, the dark aura emanating from the tiger sent chills down one's spine.
When the Dragonbone Apotheosis approached the black energy sphere, its attacking motion froze momentarily, its form beginning to warp.
Then something unexpected occurred.
A black-hole-like void formed before the tiger's mouth, instantly distorting and warping everything nearby, slowly consuming the bone dragon's structure.
That not-particularly-large mouth now held a foot-wide black orb like a miniature black hole that peeled away the bone dragon's radiance and power, reducing it to pure soul energy.
In that instant, the bone dragon's form began disintegrating.
The soul-forged bones emitted gurgling noises as they were pulled by infinite gravity.
Like stars being eroded by endless darkness, they gradually lost their original shape before finally shattering into fragments that were mercilessly swallowed.
The Dark Devilgod Tiger gulped down the black hole containing the digested bone dragon, its silhouette expanding slightly further. Its jet-black fur now exuded an even more terrifying presence.
Ning Fengzhi stared dumbfounded.
"I-it actually ate it?!"
This was his first time seeing a spirit beast capable of devouring spirit skills.
Moreover, after consuming the skill, the tiger's aura had grown noticeably stronger.
"Looks like we're in trouble." Ning Rongrong frowned slightly.
She hadn't expected the Dark Devilgod Tiger to become so troublesome even employing diversionary tactics.
Through enhanced perception, she sensed Bone Douluo racing toward them, but would he arrive in time?
Space, time, darkness, lightning...
This 100,000-year Dark Devilgod Tiger operated on a completely different level than others of its rank. Worse, it seemed to be adapting to its newfound power.
"Is it trying to wipe out all three of us?"
Ning Rongrong could clearly sense the tiger's malice directed at her.
While it appeared the earlier attack targeted Ning Fengzhi's defenses, the tiger's true objective had always been her.
Since when had she become so detestable that others sought her elimination?
She wasn't the one who severely injured it that was Qian Renxue and her two bodyguards.
If it wanted revenge, why not go to Spirit Hall?
Don't bully the weak while fearing the strong!
At most, she'd used Kyōka Suigetsu three years ago with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan to toy with the 50,000-year Dark Devilgod Tiger for a while. Was that worth such hatred?
Wait until breaking through to 100,000 years before seeking vengeance?
"Revenge is a dish best served cold"?
In the original timeline, this creature had only been at the 60,000-year level when encountering Tang San.
Now it's cheating, isn't it?
What?
This isn't the original Dark Devilgod Tiger?
Bullshit!
If this isn't that cunning tiger Tang San faced, I'll chop my head off for you to use as a ball!
A 100,000-year Dark Devilgod Tiger how impressive!
"Ahem... Mr. Dark Devilgod Tiger, perhaps there's some misunderstanding?"
"I'm just a humble support-type Soul Master. No need to look at me with such murderous intent it's quite frightening!"
"The one who severely injured you was Qian Renxue from Spirit Hall. She's your real enemy, along with those two Title Douluo underlings."
"The inherently evil Spirit Hall should be your target, no?"
"Human! Those who mock the great Dark Devilgod Tiger shall pay the price!" The tiger's roar formed coherent speech.
100,000-year spirit beasts could speak human language though the Blue Silver King didn't count, being below 100,000 years and only capable of mental communication.
"Uh... When did I mock you? I was just trying to survive."
Ning Rongrong froze, not expecting the tiger to respond.
"Hmph! You haven't forgotten what happened three years ago, have you?" The tiger continued, "Do you know how I've suffered these past three years?"
"Do you?!"
Its face twisted into exaggerated expressions, remarkably lifelike.
"Er... Do enlighten me." Ning Rongrong's lips twitched.
Stalling for time was beneficial regardless.
"Three years! Three damn years! I almost didn't make it!" Tears welled in the tiger's eyes as its massive frame trembled slightly.
Ning Rongrong found its dramatic breakdown somewhat ridiculous.
Since when did villains monologue while crying?
Apparently, the poisoning and severe injuries sustained three years ago had driven the tiger to this vengeful frenzy.
Seems it's had a rough time!
Noticing her confusion, the tiger elaborated:
"I accidentally teleported to the Star Dou Great Forest's core and was driven out by Emperor Tian! Nearly died escaping."
"Fled to the ocean hoping to heal by devouring marine spirit beasts."
"Only to encounter the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's territory! That near-godly existence almost ended me!"
"And not just once or twice!"
"Terrified, I space-warped again to the desolate Extreme North."
"Before I could enjoy a few peaceful days just as I targeted a powerful Ice Jade Scorpion I ran into the Snow Empress out for a stroll!"
"Almost died again! Barely escaped with my life!"
"It's all your fault! ALL YOUR FAULT!"
An enraged roar echoed through the forest.
"Whoa whoa, hold on!" Ning Rongrong struggled not to laugh, maintaining a sympathetic tone. "Mr. Dark Devilgod Tiger, however you slice it, none of that was my doing, right?"
"My fault? You're the damn root cause!"
Three years of patching myself up, and I've finally reached my peak!
Finally seized the chance to devour a post-tribulation Blue Silver Emperor, achieving the unprecedented 100,000-year rank!
No longer a pitiful tiger fleeing for survival!
"Human, today I shall unleash three years of pent-up fury! Every brush with death, every breakthrough all fueled by this burning hatred!"
"Tell me, don't I deserve revenge?"
"Wait, Mr. Dark Devilgod Tiger, let's calm down first." Ning Rongrong patted her chest to steady herself.
Just what did I do to provoke such rage?
"Let me sort this out as I recall, Elder Dugu and I only rescued a Title Douluo. We weren't the ones who injured you!"
"However angry you are, you can't pin the blame on me!"
"I'm just an ordinary support Soul Master I don't have that kind of capability!"
"If not you, then who? Did I nearly die for fun?" The tiger's eyes bulged with rage as it roared, "You dare deny responsibility?!"
"Listen well, human unless I strip you naked and toss you into a human auction house today, I'll be your domesticated house cat!"