Dark clouds churned endlessly across the gloomy sky. With a rumble of thunder, a raindrop finally leaped from the clouds, swaying precariously in the howling wind before falling before Shen Xiu.
Shen Xiu lay hidden in a patch of lush grass, like a leopard on the hunt, his eyes fixed without blinking on a deer-like creature drinking from a puddle not far away.
This was prey he had watched for quite some time—a Fire Cloud Deer, a First-Order demonic beast unique to the outer regions of Mount Da Wu.
It was named for the red markings across its body, like naturally formed drifting clouds. Fire Cloud Deer were weak attackers, but they could run incredibly fast.
He had no intention of letting it escape.
Still, the weather displeased him greatly. If it started raining and the ground became wet, his movements would clearly be restricted. One slip-up might allow the prey to get away.
The Fire Cloud Deer continued drinking with its head lowered, its two ears raised as it vigilantly scanned its surroundings, ready to flee at any sign of danger.
Shen Xiu knew he could not match its speed when it came to reacting, so he had positioned himself along the Fire Cloud Deer's unavoidable path, waiting for it to walk straight into his trap.
Previously, he might not have hunted such a swift prey so directly. He would have dug a pitfall and patiently waited for it to take the bait.
But now, there was no need.
A few more raindrops fell. The Fire Cloud Deer seemed to have had its fill. It lifted its mouth, casually bit off a mouthful of fresh green grass beside the water, chewed it, then turned and leisurely headed back.
Straight toward where Shen Xiu was hiding.
Seeing his prey approach,