Chapter 27: Complete Reversal, Everyone Shocked

"Little one," Lin Binbin reached out and gently stroked the soft fur on top of the little demon wolf pup's head, speaking softly, "Looks like you don't really have a choice."

"How about coming home with me?"

The mountain was filled with many spirit beasts, and a nursing pup like this one was doomed not to survive the summer.

After a moment's thought, he simply opened his clothes and placed the little wolf into his arms.

Sensing that Lin Binbin meant no harm, the pup, which had been howling pitifully, gave up struggling, let out a couple of soft whimpers, and lay still.

"White Ape, let's go. Let's check if those people have left."

The sudden sound of machinery starting up rang in his ears, and a figure shot out swiftly, leaving the blood-stained ground far behind.

"Leader, we should retreat quickly. The smell of blood will soon attract a large number of spirit beasts. By then, we won't be able to leave even if we want to."

Zhang Heng gritted his teeth. After killing an E-grade three-headed snake with his team, his stamina was rapidly depleting.

Several members who failed to dodge in time were even hit hard enough to vomit blood.

The team, barely organized, was now almost completely broken.

"Leader, don't hesitate anymore. Let's just retreat."

"Yeah, maybe the Beast Tamer has already left."

Zhang Heng had wanted to thank the powerful Beast Tamer in person. Even if they failed to recruit him, having a strong Beast Tamer on good terms would benefit their legion.

But now…

While hesitating, a larger three-headed snake silently approached the remaining seven or eight figures.

Its eerie green pupils narrowed into a slit, its tail suddenly raised and swept fiercely toward them.

"Thud—" Several figures were thrown back, and Zhang Heng reacted quickly, drawing his sword.

The blade cut into the snake's skin, leaving a shallow wound. Blood oozing from it instantly turned the snake's eyes violent.

Its crimson tongues flicked out as the three massive heads lifted high and suddenly lunged at Zhang Heng.

"Leader!!"

Everyone shouted in alarm. Xie Ru, too scared to watch, had already covered her eyes, but no screams came. Instead, a heavy thud echoed, and the first sound Zhang Heng heard was his own leader's slightly surprised voice.

"Thank you, Beast Tamer, for your help. If it's convenient, please show yourself so we can thank you properly."

Seeing Zhang Heng's reaction, the surrounding members were stunned and turned their gazes to where he was looking.

Behind the three huge snake heads, a mech made of black iron slowly appeared before everyone's eyes.

"The Beast Tamer is back!"

"We're saved!" Seeing the mech, Xie Ru and the others shouted excitedly.

Especially Xie Ru, whose feelings were clearly written on her face; her bright eyes fixed on the mech, eager to see the Beast Tamer as soon as possible.

But Lin Binbin, hiding behind a nearby tree trunk, felt a headache coming on.

"They know it's dangerous here and still won't leave—what are these people thinking?"

"This is bad. Could they really be planning to come out?"

Since these people's identities were unknown, Lin Binbin didn't want any trouble.

Time ticked by, and except for the motionless mech, the surroundings were eerily quiet.

"What's going on? Why isn't the Beast Tamer coming out?"

"Maybe they didn't hear our leader?"

"Impossible. I think the Beast Tamer just doesn't think highly of us, that's why they don't want to show themselves."

"I heard some Beast Tamers have really strange personalities…"

Hearing these whispered criticisms of Lin Binbin, Xie Ru angrily retorted, "What do you know? How dare you speak ill of the Beast Tamer! Soon, you'll see how foolish you've been."

"Xie Ru, why are you so defensive? Did you fall for them because they're strong?"

"Stop talking nonsense!"

But as she was speaking, the mech suddenly moved.

It dragged the three-headed snake's tail along the ground, fiddling with it somehow. Just as everyone's curiosity peaked, Zhang Heng recognized the writing on the mech.

"Get lost!"

His body trembled violently, a wave of terror flooding him, his eyes bursting with unbelievable fear.

"Bang!"

The snake tail slammed heavily onto the ground. The mech's cold eyes, devoid of any emotion, then fixed on everyone, causing them all to swallow nervously.

"This guy… is he crazy?"

"Leader, do you think it will kill us?" The strange behavior of the mech made everyone doubt.

Zhang Heng's face went pale. Before he could react, the mech struck with a fist, its mechanical arm slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh, hitting the snake's head with tremendous force.

The three-headed snake's skull was instantly smashed open, revealing a glowing crystal core inside.

The mech then removed the core in front of everyone, followed by another dull thud as it punched through another head.

The heavy sounds echoed through the empty forest. The mech's half-arm was embedded deep in the snake's skull; blood dripped down the iron armor, making eerie dripping noises.

After dealing with the snake, the mech's gaze returned to the crowd. Its blood-stained arm rose high, as if about to strike.

Zhang Heng shuddered violently; his face drained of all color.

"Retreat!"

"Quick!"

At the command, everyone scrambled away as fast as possible, fearing a fate like the snake's.

During the retreat, Zhang Heng's peripheral vision caught sight of a figure—a thin child no taller than his waist.

"What's going on? Could that spirit beast belong to him?"

But he quickly dismissed the thought.

Firstly, the Dead Spirit Mountain had insufficient spiritual energy; very few could awaken the Beast Tamer talent.

Secondly, he'd never heard of such a young child awakening the Beast Tamer talent.

Here, awakening at fifteen or sixteen was already a rare genius, fought over by all clans and cherished like treasure.

Such a being wouldn't be wandering alone in the Dead Spirit Mountain.

"Looks like I was overthinking."

Without further thought, Zhang Heng chased after the main group.

Footsteps faded; the forest returned to silence.

After a while, the figure leaning against the tree trunk spat out a blade of grass.

"Finally, they're gone."

Lin Binbin lazily lifted his head, glanced around casually, and said in a low voice, "White Ape, get to work. Let's try to finish here before nightfall."