Chapter 117: Closing In On the Winged Tigers

Could it be that they couldn't cultivate the Purple Demon Eyes because their bloodline tier is too low? And Du Bai can do it with the Celestial Fox Vision's higher tier? It would make sense....

This was a distinct possibility, and also a pretty favorable situation. If the Purple Demon Eyes could help Du Bai continuously enhance his spiritual power, and considering that Tang San confirmed that the Celestial Fox Transformation was able to devour spiritual power to improve, then it was actually possible for Du Bai to use this method to break through.

After breakfast, the group couldn't stay put. Wu Bingji and Tang San were aware that the mayor was following them secretly. They set off again, heading deeper into the jungle.

According to the map, they had about a day's journey left to reach the habitat of the Winged Tigers.

Along the way, whenever they encountered lonely demonic beasts, even the usually cautious Wu Bingji didn't stop them from engaging. Right now, demonic beasts were the best targets for practice.

Even Cheng Zicheng was no longer just scouting; she used her freshly practiced and somewhat clumsy Golden Wing Wind-Splitting Slash, coordinating with everyone in the attack.

As a beginner, facing fifth-order demonic beasts was somewhat scary. But with Tang San and Wu Bingji by their side, there was naturally no danger. Moreover, the most significant advantage of Gu Li's Chrono Croc Transformation was that it allowed a great margin for error.

Whenever the Disorder Wind Splitting Hammer failed to connect, he could immobilize the opponent briefly and start over.

Today, their gains were even greater than the day before, and they managed to take down seven or eight demonic beasts. Among them was one at the peak of the fifth order, on par with the Fissure Lizards.

All their faces showed nothing else but beaming smiles. This outing had not only improved their strength and battle experience but also yielded many demonic beasts. It was indeed a bountiful gain!

"Little Tang, make sure to call me for future missions! I’ll be at your beck and call!" In his great mood, Gu Li became much more active. The thought of beating Zhang Zebin after mastering the Disorder Wind Splitting Hammer technique brightened his spirits like nothing else.

Tang San smiled. "Sure! This kind of practical training is really great for everyone's strength progression. If we train, cultivate, and then train again, then we’ll get much better much faster."

Wu Bingji cautioned them, "We must not be careless. The Kali Mountain Range is extremely dangerous. According to the academy's records, this trail that leads to the habitat of the Winged Tigers is relatively safe. This area lacks precious herbs and other natural treasures because the environment is not good for them. We would have encountered stronger demonic beasts if we had taken a different direction. We can't let our guard down just because we had a couple of victories. Also, we are about to enter the territory of the Winged Tigers. From this point on, the danger will increase. Everyone, please remain vigilant.”

"Yes," the others responded in unison. They knew that they were nearing the border of the Winged Tigers' habitat.

Wu Bingji said in a serious tone, "Let's find a place to rest and recover early today. We'll enter the Winged Tigers' territory tomorrow, when we’re fresh. Gu Li, Tang San, and I will take turns keeping watch tonight. Don't work on your new abilities for now; just stay in top condition."

"Yes," everyone agreed again.

When they set out that morning, Wu Bingji also shared their mission target, informing the other three. Unexpectedly, Gu Li, Cheng Zicheng, and Du Bai showed no particular reaction to the possibility of facing a seventh-order Winged Tiger. Cheng Zicheng even suggested strategies for intercepting the Winged Tiger in the air.

At that moment, Wu Bingji realized that his younger fellow students were getting overconfident due to their previous smooth progress.

They had quickly overcome peak fifth-order demonic beasts. Wu Bingji was at the sixth order, and Tang San, while not there yet in cultivation, was comparable in strength. Their team cooperation made them feel confident even against a seventh-order demonic beast.

This was the mindset of the other three. Wu Bingji was worried, but when he looked at Tang San, he saw that the latter didn't show any particular emotion either. It then occurred to Wu Bingji that the mayor was secretly following them, so he calmed down as well.

Tang San's thought was actually simple: you don’t know reality until it punches you in the face. These young people needed a good jolt. A heavier blow would be more beneficial for their improvement. He didn't feel the need to warn them now; when danger struck, reality would teach them a harsh lesson.

With his experiences from a past life, he was well aware of the circumstances that best stimulated potential. Actually, his companions were not the only ones who needed this catalyst; he also did.

They chose a spot on higher ground, ate something simple, and then everyone went to sleep early.

Wu Bingji took the first watch while the other four rested in the trees.

The sky gradually darkened utterly. Although they were on a hillside, the giant trees above obscured the light of the stars and moon, making their surroundings quite dim.

As time ticked by, the four in the trees were immersed in meditation.

Suddenly, Tang San opened his eyes, and they flashed with faint light. His enhanced spiritual power significantly improved his perception, and he sensed something!

He looked down; Wu Bingji below hadn't sensed anything yet and was just sitting there, paying attention to the surrounding noises.

Just then, a howling wind rose in the mountains, the chilly mountain breeze bringing cold waves.

Wu Bingji shivered and stood up, instantly on high alert. His nose twitched, and he seemed to be sniffing something.

The next moment, he froze. He stood like that for a second or two, then he slapped the large tree behind him with his palm.

The shock woke everyone meditating on the branches.

"

Aaaah!

" cried out Du Bai. He was the one with the poorest control of his own body, and he nearly fell from the tree due to the shock.

Tang San quickly grabbed him, stabilizing him on the branch.

"Hold tight to the branch, stay up here, and don't come down," Tang San advised him, then leaped down to join Wu Bingji.

Gu Li followed Tang San, jumping down from the tree. Cheng Zicheng didn't descend but immediately activated her Golden Roc Transformation, her arms turning into golden wings spread at her sides. Her sharp gaze focused on the ground below.

"Senior brother, what's wrong?" Gu Li asked Wu Bingji.

Wu Bingji replied, "There's a scent of blood in the wind; a demonic beast might be approaching. It probably smelled us."

Most demonic beasts had an acute sense of smell, and they were especially quick to notice blood and unfamiliar scents. To them, the scent of humans was not only foreign, but actually rather enticing.

"Prepare for battle," Tang San said softly. The next moment, a swirling green light surrounded him.

Gu Li had also activated his Chrono Croc Transformation. His body was encased in thick scales, his long tail slightly raised, and the tail hammer gently swaying.

Facing the potential arrival of a demonic beast, his mood was somewhat excited. After two days of practicing the Disorder Wind Splitting Hammer, he had grasped some of its mechanics. His initial three strikes were stable, ensuring each blow was more potent than the last. He was eager for an enemy to arrive to give him a chance to practice.

Whoosh~ whoosh~

Another strong gust of wind blew. Indeed, there was a faint scent of blood within the mountain wind. It had to be said that Wu Bingji's sense of smell was incredibly sharp.