Chapter Nineteen: The Celestial Demon Tiger

Lin Cheng pondered for a moment, then looked at the three companions.

“We’ve come all this way, and I want to try entering... But you should stay on the outskirts to support me. I can’t defeat the high-level spirit beasts, but I’ll act according to the situation. If it’s impossible, I’ll withdraw myself…”

The three considered his words. Realizing Lin Cheng’s mind was set, they knew following him might only hinder him. They cautioned:

“Be careful.”

“We’ll be here to support you from the outside…”

Though uneasy, they were not sentimental people.

Lin Cheng said, “Don’t worry... If things look bad, you can withdraw on your own.”

With that, he leapt across the ravine, darting into the forest ahead.

Lin Cheng had his own reasoning. He thought that since most spirit beasts in the inner circle of the forest had already dispersed, as long as he was careful and avoided powerful presences, he had hope of approaching the heart of the lava earth vein.

Indeed, as he ventured deeper, he encountered no spirit beasts along the way.

He remained cautious. Quietly, he climbed a moss-covered rock ahead, examined the area and found no danger.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.

He stared in delight at a spirit mushroom glowing with faint crimson light beneath a nearby rock. While he didn’t recognize the herb, intuition told him it was precious.

Just as he was about to pick it, his cautious nature suppressed his urge.

He believed that wherever rare treasures grew, powerful spirit beasts guarded them.

He meticulously examined the surroundings inch by inch.

In an instant, cold sweat broke out on Lin Cheng.

Behind the rock, a thick black-striped tail flicked idly.

Catching this sight, Lin Cheng felt grateful for his caution. Without thinking, he knew a massive creature lurked behind the rock.

As he pondered how to stealthily collect the spirit herb, voices sounded not far ahead.

Lin Cheng quickly shrank back, changing his angle to hide.

“Master, according to Uncle’s description, it should be right here…”

Holding his breath, Lin Cheng revealed only his eyes, carefully scanning toward the source of the voices.

The speaker was a young man in a purple brocade robe, looking down at a map in his hand and respectfully addressing an elder in a python-patterned robe beside him.

Just then, a tiger’s roar echoed, its deep sound making Lin Cheng’s head spin; startled, he covered his ears with both hands.

“Careful…”

The python-robed elder shielded the young man behind him, his tone cold.

“Hahaha… So it is the Demonic Tiger…” Seeing the massive beast leap before them, the elder laughed heartily.

“Master, look—that’s the Crimson Phoenix Lingzhi…”

The purple-robed youth pointed at the crimson spirit herb, excitement flashing on his face.

“Humans, leave this place…”

“Hahaha… Demonic Tiger, though you injured my junior, you yourself are wounded now. If you obediently follow me and offer the Crimson Phoenix Lingzhi, I’ll spare your life… Otherwise… hmph…”

The elder spoke coldly, greed shining in his eyes.

Lin Cheng listened from the edge, his eyes filled with shock—this was the Demonic Tiger.

That book had described several of the most powerful spirit beasts in the Sky Azure Realm, including the Demonic Tiger, which was said to be equal to a human Emperor cultivator upon reaching adulthood.

He hadn’t expected to find a Demonic Tiger deep in the forest of the lava earth vein.

Lin Cheng observed carefully, noticing a long scar from the Demonic Tiger’s hind leg to its abdomen, blood still wet.

“Damn humans… roar…”

Hearing such lowly humans dare to try taming it, the Demonic Tiger was enraged. Its noble dignity could not tolerate such insult.

With a thunderous roar that shook the clouds, the Demonic Tiger leapt skyward, its claws blazing with dark flames as it struck at the elder.

Facing the Demonic Tiger’s fury, the elder dared not be careless—his fingers formed seals, and a dazzling array of magical arts flashed as he met the beast head-on.

Watching the battle between these two superpowers overhead, Lin Cheng’s throat involuntarily tightened.

Seeing his master holding off the Demonic Tiger, the purple-robed youth was overjoyed, about to pick the Crimson Phoenix Lingzhi.

Suddenly, another roar rang out.

A tiny beast jumped out from behind the rock.

“Hahahaha… Little thing… I can’t handle an adult Demonic Tiger, but surely I can deal with you…”

The purple-robed youth was startled at first, but when he saw it was only a Demonic Tiger cub the size of a lamb, he laughed heartily.

“Roar… awooo…”

The mini beast bared its teeth, feigning ferocity at the youth.

But it was so small, it posed no real threat.

“Truly heaven favors me today. If I can tame this Demonic Tiger cub, I’ll have the strength of an Emperor beside me in the future… hahahaha…”

Elated at this thought, the youth was beside himself with joy.

Perhaps sensing the situation below, the Demonic Tiger let out a furious roar, violently repelling the elder and swiping at the purple-robed youth…

“Hmph, do you think I don’t exist?”

The elder flashed forward, blocking the youth and facing the Demonic Tiger…

Lin Cheng noticed the Demonic Tiger was growing anxious. Perhaps the exposure of its cub left it unable to cope. Alone, it could retreat if outmatched, but now it had no choice.

Fight to the death!

Only by defeating these two could the Demonic Tiger cub survive!

“Roar… roar… roar…”

Protecting its cub, the Demonic Tiger let out deep growls. Blood-red light flickered in its eyes. Dark smoke began to rise from its black body, flames flickered, and its form grew larger…

“Not good… It’s entering demon transformation…”

Seeing the Demonic Tiger’s state, the elder dared not be careless. He quickly formed seals, and his natal spiritual weapon appeared in his palm.

“Demon Subduing Mirror…”

The Demonic Tiger’s eyes had turned pitch black. Watching the elder attack with his natal weapon, black flames erupted from its gaze as it struck out with its paw…

A figure was sent flying, dragging the purple-robed youth with him, both crashing heavily to the ground!

Seeing the demon-transformed Demonic Tiger leap up again, the elder’s eyes flashed with unwillingness.

With a wave, he took the youth and soared away, vanishing like a rainbow.

Hiding behind the rock, Lin Cheng, curling up and barely daring to breathe, witnessed all this. He had wanted to slip away, but his legs trembled so badly he dared not move.

“Human, come out!”

Hearing the Demonic Tiger speak suddenly, Lin Cheng’s heart skipped—was there someone else? He held his breath, tense.

“It’s you… Human, come out! I noticed you earlier…”

The Demonic Tiger looked toward the giant rock where Lin Cheng hid, black flames flickering from its nostrils.

Realizing the beast was referring to him, Lin Cheng knew there was no escape!

Alas!

He was done for!

Resigned, Lin Cheng emerged from behind the rock.

In fact, when the Demonic Tiger entered demon transformation, it had discovered a third person here. But seeing that this person’s cultivation was weak and posed no threat, it had other thoughts.

“Um… Senior Demonic Tiger, I was merely passing through. I have no other intentions… Please, spare me…”

Lin Cheng forced a nervous smile, gazing anxiously at the Demonic Tiger.

His mind was made up—in front of this mighty beast, he had not even a chance to flee.