As the night deepened, the flickering firelight cast long shadows across the camp. To ensure their safety, the clan members had gathered ample wood to keep the flames alive.
After preparing a meal of blood rice and dried wild beast meat, the group savored the unique flavors by the fire. Several Body Tempering Realm clan members leaned against trees, their breathing steady as they settled in for rest.
Although the green wolves had yet to make an appearance, Chen Tianjing and the others took no chances. Rotating watches were set to guard against any surprises.
A chilling howl suddenly broke the silence, snapping everyone to attention. Eyes darted toward the sound, faces tense with alarm.
The initial cry was soon joined by others, the howls echoing ominously from the darkness, some uncomfortably close to the camp. Those who had begun to relax quickly rose, their bodies taut with readiness.
"Everyone, be careful," Chen Tianjing cautioned, his tone steady. "The green wolf isn’t afraid of us; it’s planning a night attack."
The clan members exchanged glances, their expressions calm yet alert. Despite the sudden development, they were prepared. They were the hunters tonight, and their strength was bolstered by an Innate Realm warrior among them.
"They're here," Chen Qingyu announced, his voice calm as his eyes remained fixed on the shadows.
Rustling sounds reached their ears, and glowing green eyes began to emerge from the darkness. As the wolves approached, their forms became discernible in the firelight—sleek creatures with blue-green fur, sharp features, and ferocious eyes.
A dozen green wolves encircled the camp, their numbers bolstered by howls echoing in the distance. These weren’t ordinary wild beasts; even the weakest among them were fierce creatures in the Body Tempering Realm, unbothered by the flames.
The clan quickly tightened their formation, the lower-ranked members—Chen Qinghe and Chen Qingmeng—positioned at the center for protection.
Chen Tianyu scanned the surroundings. His expression darkened as he noted the absence of the Innate Realm green wolf or even a Blood Coagulation Realm member of the pack.
"They’re testing us," he muttered, his voice low. "The Body Tempering Realm wolves are here to wear us down. Stay vigilant." He turned to Chen Qingyu. "Your target is the Innate Realm green wolf. Don’t act until it shows itself."
"Understood," Chen Qingyu replied, his gaze never leaving the shadows.
Nearby, Chen Qinghe’s breathing was uneven, his hands trembling slightly. It was his first experience facing such danger, but the protective wall formed by his clansmen gave him a sliver of courage.
"When the fight begins," Chen Tianjing said sternly, "I might not be able to watch over you. Be careful. Dodge when you can. If you can’t, guard your heart and head."
"Yes, Father," Chen Qinghe replied, his voice steadier now. Beside him, Chen Qingmeng nodded solemnly.
Another piercing howl shattered the stillness. The wolves began to prowl restlessly, their bodies shifting as they searched for weaknesses in the formation.
"Be ready—they're going to attack," someone warned.
The next moment, a green wolf leapt from the shadows, aiming straight for Chen Tianyu.
The attack triggered a chain reaction. The other wolves surged forward, their movements swift and coordinated.
In quick succession, several wolves were struck down by the outer circle of Blood Coagulation Realm fighters. Their mastery of Taizu Long Fist proved effective against the charging wolves.
However, to everyone’s shock, some of the fallen wolves began to stir. Their resilience was unnerving; only the wolves felled by Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing stayed down for good.
Before the group could fully regroup, another wave of green wolves launched themselves into the fray.
"Don’t aim for their heads or backs—strike their waists!" Chen Tianyu shouted above the chaos.
The reminder was crucial. These weren’t ordinary beasts. Their tough skulls made them difficult to kill with a single blow, even for warriors of higher realms.
Despite knowing the wolves’ weak points, landing precise strikes amidst the chaos was easier said than done. Adding to the challenge, the green wolves were cunning, exploiting their strengths while guarding their vulnerabilities.
Chen Tianyu, after dispatching the wolf before him, surveyed the battlefield. His brows furrowed. The relentless attacks were sapping the group’s strength, and the eerie glow of more green eyes emerged from the darkness.
The pack seemed endless, and the clan’s vital energy was finite. If this continued, their formation would crumble, and their plan would fail.
Chen Tianyu was still lost in thought when another wolf lunged at him. Reacting instinctively, he unleashed a palm strike, a radiant white light erupting from his hand.
This was the Bright Moon like Frost combat technique inherited from the Liu clan, which now belonged to the Chen clan.
The Innate Realm combat technique was a devastating counter, killing the wolf instantly. However, it consumed far more energy than Yellow Level techniques, making it unsustainable for prolonged combat.
Realizing the need for a more efficient strategy, Chen Tianyu called out:
"Use the Heart-Breaking Palm Technique!"
The reminder sparked recognition among the clan members. The mid-level Yellow technique had been overshadowed by their recent focus on Taizu Long Fist, but it was perfect for this battle.
Heart-Breaking Palm targeted internal weaknesses, bypassing the wolves’ tough exteriors. While less powerful than Taizu Long Fist, its simplicity and effectiveness made it ideal for dealing with these relentless foes.
The clan members quickly adjusted, channeling their vital energy with renewed focus. As the wolves pressed on, the tide of battle began to shift.