Deep underground, mist flowed over a subterranean river, and the crimson glow of magma lit up the entire cavern.
Just as the four of them focused on the Earthcore Fire Lotus, a piercing wolf howl and a domineering tiger roar rang out.
"Awooo..."
"Roar..."
Xie Jinghan and the other three snapped back to their senses. Their expressions changed sharply as they turned toward the sounds.
On the rocks lining opposite banks of the river, two enormous beasts faced each other down.
One was the Azure Wolf Xie Jinghan had encountered before, the one that possessed considerable intelligence.
Its azure fur gleamed coldly in the magma's red light. It stood tall, its pupils glowed dim green, and faint streams of azure energy curled around it.
Facing it was a White Tiger, snowy white from head to tail.
The White Tiger's coat was pure and flawless, without a trace of any other color. A golden mark shaped like the character for "king" shone on its forehead in the magma's glow. Its amber eyes seemed to seize the soul; no one dared meet them.
It radiated the majesty of a born king.
At the White Tiger's feet, a black python over ten yards long lay limp on the scorching rock. Its scales were shattered, its head twisted, and not a spark of life remained.
"What a magnificent White Tiger!"
"That must be the White Tiger that took Zhao Feng."
Xie Jinghan's eyes narrowed slightly as he thought to himself.
That Black Python must have been the native beast guarding this subterranean river. A pity it wasn't strong enough—the White Tiger killed it here.
He quickly scanned every corner of the underground river, but found no other figure. There was no sign of Zhao Feng.
Xie Jinghan's heart sank.
By then, the White Tiger and the Azure Wolf had noticed the four intruders.
The Azure Wolf's green slit pupils narrowed to pinpoints, and every hair in its ruff stood on end.
The White Tiger lowered itself slightly on all fours, arched its body, and parted its jaws.
Xie Jinghan stood diagonally across from the White Tiger and the Azure Wolf.
The Azure Wolf and the White Tiger each held their ground.
The three formed a triangle.
And the Earthcore Fire Lotus stood right between them.
Behind Xie Jinghan, Black Boy, Zhao Wen, and Zhao Wu were already rigid with fear, drenched in cold sweat and hardly daring to breathe.
"Fall back. Now. As far as you can."
Xie Jinghan's expression grew grave as he gave the order.
He reached back, took down his sword case, and tapped it lightly.
"Hum..."
Seven Moonlit Night Swords flew out, their gleam as clear and bright as moonlight.
They raced into position in midair, forming the Seven-Star Big Dipper Sword Formation in an instant.
The formation surged with power, facing the two mighty beasts head-on.
The Azure Wolf and the White Tiger both turned their heads. Two pairs of savage eyes fixed on Xie Jinghan, brimming with violence.
Boundless ferocity!
Even from a distance, Xie Jinghan could feel the savage intent pouring from them.
Standing within the sword formation, Xie Jinghan remained composed. He made up his mind:
Treasures belong to those capable of claiming them. How could I hand over a wonder like this?
All three sides bristled with aggression, their auras clashing.
Xie Jinghan, the White Tiger, and the Azure Wolf each held their ground. None would yield.
Battle could erupt at any moment!
Suddenly, the Earthcore Fire Lotus swayed, and its petals opened fully.
The half-open petals spread wide, sending a hazy crimson radiance soaring upward.
Pure spiritual energy from deep underground filled the air.
The Earthcore Fire Lotus had finally ripened!
A snowy-white blur shot through the air. It moved too fast for the eye to follow and reached the Earthcore Fire Lotus in an instant.
It was the White Tiger. Its jaws opened wide, its sharp fangs flashing coldly as it prepared to swallow the Earthcore Fire Lotus in one bite.
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