Chapter 106

Whoosh!

Sharp claws swept horizontally, easily shattering several huge boulders into dust, while leaving extremely deep claw marks on the ground.

If this had struck an ordinary Aperture Opening Realm cultivator, they would have been mortally wounded even if they didn't die.

Meng Zhangqing executed the Sword Step, vanishing from his spot, and reappeared behind the Iron-Plate Flame Lion.

But the Iron-Plate Flame Lion reacted quickly as well.

Its thick tail swept across like a heavy hammer.

Meng Zhangqing raised his eyebrows slightly.

He stepped back a few paces, appearing slow yet actually very fast.

He narrowly missed the tail by a hair's breadth.

"Truly a Level Two Peak Beast. Whether strength, speed, or reaction time, it far surpasses those wolf beasts from before."

Meng Zhangqing moved like a graceful goose, dodging every killing move of the Iron-Plate Flame Lion.

And among Level Two beasts, this Iron-Plate Flame Lion was considered one of the very top tier.

It was not something an ordinary peer-level Aperture Opening Realm cultivator could handle.

Unfortunately, although strong, it was not yet enough to make him feel troubled. The reason he hadn't killed it immediately was mainly to observe the attack methods of these beasts.

After all, he had mostly fought humans before.

He rarely faced beasts.

Roar!

Seeing his attacks miss time and again, the Iron-Plate Flame Lion grew even more agitated and furious, and the flame in its mouth reached its peak.

It opened its mouth directly toward Meng Zhangqing's position!

Flame Breath!

Boom!

Rolling magma poured out like a flood!

Covering the mountains and forests, burning all things, thick smoke filled the air!

Within a hundred meters in every direction, everything became a domain of fire!

The Iron-Plate Flame Lion closed its mouth.

Its blood-red eyes scanned the surroundings.

The repulsive scent seemed to have vanished; that one must be dead.

But very soon.

It suddenly looked forward.

There, an ancient tree still stood tall.

Cold air surrounded it, blocking the flowing magma.

And atop the ancient tree, a human figure stood.

Holding a long sword.

White robes brighter than snow, black hair dancing lightly.

It was precisely that human from just now!

He actually didn't die!

Roar!

The Iron-Plate Flame Lion roared again and charged forward fiercely.

The scales on its body quickly turned crimson, radiating an aura of invincibility.

It had obviously activated its second innate talent 【Iron Plate】!

"Since we cannot be friends, then I must send you to your grave."

Meng Zhangqing murmured.

The testing ground was nearly sufficient.

In terms of pure strength, the innate talents of beasts were indeed terrifying; they were born with them, imprinted in their bloodlines.

They needed no cultivation of any technique.

Once their level was reached, they would naturally awaken one by one.

In contrast, humans mostly underwent a struggle from nothing to something.

However, every race has limits of upper and lower bounds.

Although the lower bound of beasts is high, their upper bound is clearly inferior to that of humans.

Otherwise, they would not have lost in the racial wars of ancient times.

He calmed his mind.

Meng Zhangqing gripped the sword hilt with his right hand, holding the sword horizontally before his eyes, while his left hand's two fingers brushed across the blade.

At this moment, his originally blazing vital energy instantly became extremely icy and cold!

Faintly, it even formed the shape of a crescent moon behind him!

"Lingering Cold Moon Sword Sutra"!

High-grade Mystic Rank sword technique!

Although he had obtained it some time ago, Meng Zhangqing had never used it before.

The reason was simple.

For now, no one could force him to reveal this trump card!

The Iron-Plate Flame Lion before him was no ordinary beast; its strength was formidable.

Although relying solely on the Wind and Thunder Sword Art could still secure victory, given the boost from sword intent, the battle would undoubtedly be protracted.

Yet he was not one who enjoyed seeking out suffering.

If it could be resolved with ease, why engage in a grueling fight?

"Lingering Cold Moon? Ice Seals the Nine Provinces!"

Meng Zhangqing vanished instantly from the treetop, charging straight toward the Iron-Armored Flame Lion.

His footsteps shifted wildly.

It was the Sword Step!

Simultaneously, a sharp, peerless momentum surged within his body!

Like an unrivaled divine sword drawn from its sheath!

Under these various enhancements,

the chill of the blade grew even more intense!

Wherever he passed, frost covered everything; even the scorching lava froze solid!

This strike represented the peak of Meng Zhangqing's current power!

Overwhelmingly formidable!

So much so that even the Iron-Armored Flame Lion felt deep unease and a throbbing dread.

It knew clearly that this strike was beyond its ability to block.

Yet the hostility and instinct within its bloodline prevented it from stopping; instead, it intensified its demonic energy, continuously boosting its defense!

Attempting to resist!

Boom!

The two finally collided.

Terrifying cold instantly engulfed the Iron-Armored Flame Lion.

Its massive body froze in place.

This was not mere cold; its essence was sword intent, infinitely sharp, easily seeping through the gaps in the scales and plunging into the body!

Freezing all the internal organs solid!

It was a truly astonishing sight: the Iron-Armored Flame Lion stood frozen like an ice sculpture, the lava in its mouth still flickering with light.

But the luster in its eyes gradually faded.

Its life had been frozen as well.

Swish!

Several sword lights flashed, and the Iron-Armored Flame Lion was torn to pieces.

As a second-tier demonic beast, many materials on its body were highly valuable.