Chapter 19: White Ape, Cripple Them!

The cracks on the ground grew more pronounced.

White Ape fought more skillfully, letting out excited roars of "Hoo! Hoo!"—stunning everyone present.

"What... what kind of combat power is this?"

"This is insane! I've never seen moves like this—well, I guess it's some kind of fighting style..."

Lin Binbin exhaled lightly, feeling much more relaxed.

Unfortunately, the Blood-colored Mantis was too quick, likely possessing some evasion skill; otherwise, the fight would have ended long ago.

Watching the mech, which grew wilder and faster instead of slowing down, Liu Kuigong's face darkened with fear. Swallowing nervously, he quickly said, "I surrender."

Lin Binbin's face remained expressionless, as if he hadn't heard a word.

Liu Kuigong gripped tighter, "Enough! I said I surrender!"

Lin Binbin turned his head and smiled broadly. But those pearly white teeth spat out words that sent chills down Liu Kuigong's spine.

He finally realized that beneath this seemingly gentle boy's skin was a heart even more ruthless than his own.

"What now? My spirit beast is out of control," Liu Kuigong said uneasily.

Lin Binbin smiled faintly, murderous intent suddenly flaring in his dark eyes.

The next moment, the mech's speed surged violently. Before the Blood-colored Mantis could launch its skill, the mech had already descended upon it.

Bang!

The punch was unavoidable and landed squarely on the mantis's head.

The mantis froze instantly and then, to Liu Kuigong's horror, collapsed stiffly.

Silence fell.

Liu Kuigong stood frozen, recovering only after a long moment.

"You brat, you're asking for death!" Angered by Lin Binbin's actions, he charged at him with bloodshot eyes.

"Enough."

A pink mist wrapped around the iron rod in his hand. The rod snapped effortlessly into pieces, clattering to the ground.

Liu Kuigong's heart sank; with Lingdie's intervention, he had almost no chance of winning.

Qin Ruo's autumn-water eyes glanced lazily over Lin Binbin's face, then lowered quietly, retreating silently.

Witnessing this scene, the crowd murmured.

Their whispers made Liu Kuigong's face turn even paler and more ferocious.

"Master Zhangce, he killed my spirit beast. Are you going to protect this brat?"

"What? You mean to let him kill a helpless child?"

Xiao Zhangce sneered, lifting his eyelids slightly.

"Don't forget, you chose to fight him first. Losing means accepting the consequences, right?"

Hearing this, Liu Kuigong's face flushed with shame. After a pause, as if suddenly sobered, he tried to explain, "Master, I only—"

"Enough. I'm tired. Everyone disperse."

Just as he started walking away, Xiao Zhangce suddenly turned back, staring coldly at Liu Kuigong.

"Since your spirit beast is dead, your title as a Beastmaster is temporarily revoked. When you capture another spirit beast, you may requalify."

"From today onward, you and the others will work in the mines."

As he left, the air around seemed frozen, suffocating.

But this heavy atmosphere lasted only seconds before Liu Kuigong suddenly reached toward where Lin Binbin stood.

Without Xiao Zhangce's protection, who else could shield him?

Without warning, Lin Binbin bit hard into Liu Kuigong's hand.

Caught off guard, Liu Kuigong loosened his grip.

Looking down, he saw a clear bite mark on his palm, faintly bleeding.

"You brat, how dare you bite me!"

Lin Binbin chuckled out of turn.

"You're right about one thing—I never forget a grudge overnight."

Liu Kuigong stared darkly at the mech guarding Lin Binbin, his face almost dripping with gloom.

"What else do you want?"

"I'm just sincerely warning you," Lin Binbin lowered his voice, speaking so only Liu Kuigong could hear.

"Uncle, don't ever mess with the Lin family again. You won't be able to handle the consequences."

He then slowly stood, calmly passing by Liu Kuigong and giving a new command.

"White Ape, cripple them."

White Ape moved swiftly. The crowd heard the mechanical clicks as its limbs locked up, blocking their view.

Lin Binbin casually shut the door, flashing a sincere and bright smile to the onlookers.

"Uncles, aunties, my spirit beast went out of control. To avoid hurting anyone, I closed the door."

"Yes, it's better to keep it inside."

"Sanzi, you did the right thing."

"Uncles, aunties, everything here is settled. Thanks for your help earlier. Come to my house for a meal sometime."

"Oh, look at our Sanzi growing up, even talking politely now."

Lin Binbin's words called forth the fondness of the aunties; some even pinched his soft cheeks.

Outside, the atmosphere was warm and peaceful.

But inside the courtyard...

"What—what are you doing!" Several youths stepped back, their voices trembling with fear.

Before they could finish, a shadow approached swiftly. The next moment, one's chin was grabbed and snapped off with a crack.

Then wrists, then legs...

The sound of breaking bones and screams filled the air continuously.

Finally, Liu Kuigong took a punch to the chest, feeling a bitter taste in his throat as he spat blood.

The once noisy courtyard suddenly fell silent.

An hour later, the people from the Teng clan arrived to inspect the scene. Looking at the bodies embedded in the wall, lifeless, they sighed regretfully.

"You're saying a seven-year-old kid defeated Liu Kuigong?" A cold voice cut through, "And with a metal spirit beast?"

The man shuddered, "That kid's spirit beast is powerful. Even the Blood-colored Mantis's attacks didn't scratch it. I suspect he's been hiding his true strength."

A slender figure emerged a few meters away, mostly swallowed by shadows, face dark and indistinct.

Teng Yan smiled, eyes scanning the kneeling people on the ground.

"No matter. I never expected that fool Liu Kuigong to complete the task."

"Heh, Lin Binbin, huh? Let's see if your beloved brother will also protect your Lin family…"