King of Beasts

Chapter 284: The Approaching Battle

On the Divine Tree Continent, within the breakthrough secret realm, Lu Ran, after witnessing the effects of numerous ferocious plants, conceived the idea for Dark Crow to study the power of these ferocious plants and investigate plant curses.

In fact, Dark Crow had been researching them all along, but the results were sparse-only one success over a long period.

The red dandelion, a type of ferocious plant, when its downy seeds land on a living organism, creates a parasitic effect, causing red hair to grow all over the body. This red hair strongly disrupts the body’s energy flow, making it difficult for the organism to release skills.

At first glance, it doesn’t seem particularly powerful. However, the red dandelion is renowned in the world of ferocious plants because, despite not being inherently threatening, it serves as an excellent ally to other ferocious plants, often making it hard for prey to resist when they work together.

Amongst all the ferocious plants in the ruins given to Dark Crow for study, the red dandelion turned out to be the most compatible with Dark Crow. Its fundamental curse effect is also focused on disrupting the enemy’s spirit, making their overall effects similar.

Currently.

The curse, combined with the lock, caught Manager Ying off guard, causing a momentary disruption in its energy. Taking advantage of this moment, Chouniu’s eyes lit up, and with a roar, he swung a hammer towards the red-haired cat.

With a “bang,” the mental power shield, no longer controlled by Manager Ying, shattered under Chouniu’s blow, and the resulting shockwave sent Manager Ying flying out of the factory.

This cooperation across such a great distance left everyone present momentarily stunned. But the next moment, they felt a terrifying pressure rising.

“Damn Crow.” Though hit for the first time, Manager Ying didn’t seem injured, just a bit disheveled and covered in dust.

Fueled by anger, Manager Ying found a way to dispel the curse. Although the curse was strange, the Flock of Crows seemed insufficient to affect Manager Ying for long. After a moment of influence, it successfully stabilized the energy flow, enveloping itself in flames to burn away the parasitic red hair.

Simultaneously, it glared at Chouniu.

Chouniu appeared to be pulled into a trance-like state, standing dazedly as the effects of various skills on his body gradually disappeared…

Seeing this, Lin Nian and the many Twelve Branches exchanged glances.

“It’s settled then, there’s absolutely no doubt about Manager Ying’s strength,” Gu Qingyi spoke up.

“Yes, being able to overpower and instantly defeat Chouniu, that level of strength is unquestionable,” Lin Nian added. “Additionally, at this moment, Lu Ran is currently with Xugou in Green Sea City.”

“Even though Chouniu couldn’t do anything against Manager Ying, Lu Ran’s Pet Beast Legion could still interfere with Manager Ying from such a long distance. Their strategic value is clear now, right?”

A simple clash had everyone present from the Twelve Branches trusting Manager Ying’s strength.

At that moment, Zishu jumped down from the rooftop, looked at the proud Manager Ying, and said, “As expected from Manager Ying, it seems we’re all set.”

“Shall we proceed as planned then?”

…

A few days later.

The deadline spoken by Black Dragon was approaching fast. Although the Xia Country government repeatedly assured the public, anxiety could not be completely allayed.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

According to the original plan, Gu Qingyi, acting as bait, arrived on an island far from Xia Country. She released the Vast Sea Azure Dragon, allowing its breath to spread as much as possible, in an attempt to lure Black Dragon to come and resolve the issue here directly.

Besides Gu Qingyi, many First Generation members had also arrived, though they remained in Infinite City, waiting to come out and engage in a righteous group battle once Black Dragon appeared.

Apart from the First Generation, on the island, there was also an interdimensional space created by Manager Ying. Inside, ancient Iron-Eating Beast and ancient Red-crowned Crane were quietly watching the cat before them.

In the end, these two ancient creatures were persuaded by Xia Country to participate in the battle.

Initially reluctant to join in, the ancient Iron-Eating Beast and ancient Red-crowned Crane were convinced to come over because Xia Country had assured them they wouldn’t need to serve as the main force; they just needed to exert pressure on the Black Dragon.

Of course, the main reason they agreed was due to Manager Ying. Using some form of intelligence, Manager Ying managed to coax the ancient Iron-Eating Beast and ancient Red-crowned Crane into taking action.

“Don’t look so worried, have a little confidence,” Manager Ying said, shrugging at the two of them.

“After all, it’s a level 70 Dragon King overlord,” the ancient Iron-Eating Beast clicked its tongue. “In ancient times, tribes would avoid such beings if they could. You guys are actually thinking of hunting it.”

“Can’t be helped; it poses a threat to a great nation. No self-respecting force can accept such a threat,” Manager Ying responded.

“Hmph, let’s hope everything goes smoothly,” the ancient Red-crowned Crane uttered in a cool female voice, understanding human language just as Manager Ying did.

Outside World.

Gu Qingyi, dressed in a white trench coat, sat atop the Vast Sea Azure Dragon, gazing across the sea region, and let out a gentle sigh.

The Black Dragon, having possessed at least two dragon pearls, was highly sensitive to their aura. Back when Gu Qingyi and the Vast Sea Azure Dragon were active in Shanghai for an extended period, the Black Dragon had locked onto their location. Now, with Gu Qingyi and the Vast Sea Azure Dragon deliberately revealing themselves and continuously emitting their aura, the Black Dragon would certainly be aware of their presence.

In the Depths of the Sea.

A massive form moved swiftly through the water.

After some time.

The ocean surface began to tremble.

Whirlpools, waves, dark clouds, thunder, and hurricanes – various anomalies emerged, accompanied by a Dragon Roar. A massive form appeared from the sea, causing Gu Qingyi’s expression to change as she looked at the colossal creature.

“Roar-“

At that moment, the enormous Black Dragon cast its cold gaze upon Gu Qingyi and the Vast Sea Azure Dragon beneath her, and let out a sinister chuckle.

[It seems the dragon pearl is indeed here, but drawing me here implies you don’t intend to hand it over easily.]

[Are you trying to lure me here to ambush and kill me?]

Unexpectedly intelligent, the Black Dragon King quickly discerned that the Xia Country beastmasters intended to lure it to this location rather than surrender the dragon pearl.

“A ferocious beast, but quite clever,” Gu Qingyi remarked coldly.

Indeed, for this Black Dragon to have grown to level 70, its intelligence was not inferior to that of humans.

Xia Country hoped to lure the Black Dragon to an uninhabited area to launch a group attack. However… Gu Qingyi took a deep breath, as the Eye of Data revealed to her that the Black Dragon before them was not the true Black Dragon, but an energy clone!!!

[I have given you opportunities, but since you refuse them, don’t blame me for being unkind,] the Black Dragon snarled.

[From now on, just having the dragon pearl is not enough. If you don’t compensate me with 2 epic resources, I will flood the continent!!]

At present, with the Black Dragon’s clone further threatening them, Gu Qingyi was convinced that the Black Dragon craved more than just the dragon pearl; it had long coveted the land. The situation was moving in a direction everyone found particularly troublesome.

“Die!!!”

There was no room for further threats from the Black Dragon’s clone. A powerful wave of mental power appeared out of thin air, crashing down on the clone and forcibly crushing it.

Manager Ying emerged from the void and looked at Gu Qingyi, saying, “As expected from our analysis, the Black Dragon’s initial goal was to threaten Xia Country and extort more resources.”

“The dragon pearl was merely a start.”

“The fact that it can send a clone shows it doesn’t intend to engage us directly. Instead, it’s aiming to use the millions of people in Shanghai as hostages to coerce Xia Country into submission, demanding even more resources.”

The Black Dragon understood the soft spot of human nations – their responsibility to protect countless ordinary people. It was certain that Xia Country would be extremely reluctant to battle near Shanghai, as the collateral damage from the conflict could easily claim millions of lives.

The Black Dragon’s plan was to exploit this factor to prevent Xia Country from daring to engage it in battle.

Even though Xia Country might have the ability to severely injure the Black Dragon, it believed there was no way to drive it away without paying a price.

The Black Dragon wasn’t foolish; it knew how to leverage favorable conditions to acquire resources. However, Xia Country anticipated this possibility and considered the scenario where the Black Dragon wouldn’t take the bait and directly invade Shanghai.

As the Black Dragon expected, Xia Country was indeed extremely unwilling to fight or eliminate the Black Dragon near Shanghai.

Any damage to Shanghai would be unacceptable to the Alliance, as guarantees had already been made to the people of Shanghai.

“Manager Ying, it looks like we’re counting on you,” Gu Qingyi said, her expression serious.

“Understood.” At that moment, Manager Ying’s figure faded away as they performed a space teleportation.

At that very moment.

The ocean trembled greatly. Scouts from the Fishman Empire, who were collaborating with Xia Country, were alarmed to discover dozens of terrifyingly powerful sea beasts swimming from the deep sea toward various coastal cities in Xia Country.

Additionally, the most frightening aura of all was heading straight for the outer sea near Shanghai.

Boom!!!

The sky over the Shanghai sea region was once again covered with thick clouds and constant thunder. Terrifying energy waves raged across the heavens. Witnessing this change, the people of Shanghai turned pale with immediate panic, realizing the Black Dragon might be making another appearance.

Fortunately, the Alliance had anticipated this situation. Official personnel stationed throughout Shanghai quicky maintained order, preventing widespread chaos.

However, if the greatest threat-the Black Dragon-was not resolved, maintaining order would prove futile. Once a battle broke out, Shanghai would still risk becoming a wasteland.

“Roar!!!!”

As the enormous Black Dragon approached Shanghai, the internet in Xia Country and international forums exploded with activity.

The Black Dragon was coming!

But… what stunned both the global audience and the Black Dragon itself was a suddenly appearing enormous figure on Shanghai’s beach, blocking the path of the Black Dragon into Shanghai.

“Meow-ow-“

A loud cat cry echoed across the entire city, leaving many beastmasters stationed in Shanghai bewildered.

“What’s happening?”

While it was certain that Xia Country would have someone to stop the Black Dragon as it neared Shanghai-possibly the First Generation, Ancient Iron-Eating Beast, Red-crowned Crane, or even the divine deer-that piercing cat cry left everyone puzzled.

Who was it?

Judging by its sheer size alone, this creature seemed even larger than the Black Dragon. The beastmasters defending Shanghai hadn’t yet caught a glimpse of its main body. Instead, they first saw nine magnificent and breathtaking long tails waving around in the clouds like mountain ranges!!

“Nine tails??? Nine-tailed cat???”