The Merits and Failings of a Lifetime

Mutated Beasts were highly intelligent.

The stronger a Mutated Beast was, the smarter it tended to be.

The Evil Bird accepted the city lord's surrender. It slowly turned toward Ji Kai, who lay at death's door in the tunnel, mischief glinting in its eyes.

It still remembered Ji Kai.

Though Ji Kai had lost their last battle, he had dealt it no small injury.

"Monster! Beast! You'll die a horrible death!"

"Lin, you dog! You don't deserve to be human! I'll kill you!"

"Everyone, attack together! Protect the ruler and get him out!"

The tunnel erupted in fury. Countless people cursed the city lord who had betrayed his own kind.

But in the next instant, lightning struck, charring dozens of people standing in front of Ji Kai on the spot.

"Fight to the death! Kill it!"

The Awakened charged out of the tunnel, but before they could get near the Evil Bird, clawing arcs of electricity struck them. One after another, they collapsed, paralyzed.

The people grew afraid.

Many trembled, wailing to heaven and earth.

Those with true courage had already fallen. The rest had merely followed the crowd; when death stood before them, their courage was not enough to make them forget it.

The Evil Bird kept its gaze fixed on Ji Kai. It was in no hurry to kill him. Instead, it used lightning to clear away everyone around him.

Whether they begged for mercy or fought back, whether they were furious or terrified, it made no difference.

Bolt after bolt fell, and everyone dropped, convulsing.

At last, the Evil Bird walked up to Ji Kai and looked down at him, its eyes full of mockery.

This human had injured it, so it would destroy everything he held dear.

It spread its wings. The dark-gold feathers blazed with