After a tense standoff, the giant tiger's restraint eased.
Already injured, its legs trembled, blood flowing from the wound. Continuing this standoff would only make it more vulnerable.
In an instant, the tiger's eyes flashed with murderous intent. Its legs coiled like a spring, and its massive body launched itself at Chen Qingyu.
The tiger's explosive power could easily crush him; becoming its prey was not an option.
However, Chen Qingyu's reflexes were faster than the tiger's speed. As the tiger lunged, he rolled away and narrowly avoided its bite.
As Chen Qingyu dodged, the tiger's hindquarters came into view.
"An opportunity!" Chen Qingyu's eyes gleamed. Without hesitation, he rushed forward and aimed for the tiger's injured hind legs. If successful, this strike would make the late stage Blood Coagulation Realm tiger less formidable.
He quickly closed the distance, but just as he prepared to strike, a howling wind reached his ears.
Startled, Chen Qingyu retracted his fist and stepped back. Despite his speed, the wind grazed his cheek, leaving a stinging sensation.
The wind died down, and a tree as thick as a bowl collapsed.
Chen Qingyu wiped the fresh blood from his face and finally realized the tiger's cunning move. It was the tiger's strong and powerful tail that had struck him.
Had he not retreated quickly, his cheek would have been more than just injured - it could have cost him his head.
This attack served as a wake-up call. He hadn't noticed the tiger's tail before, and now it was clear that the tiger had deliberately hidden it.
The vulnerability it had just revealed was undoubtedly a trap, luring him into an ambush. If he hadn't reacted quickly, he might have become the tiger's meal.
Undeterred, Chen Qingyu faced the tiger once again. Although he had been at a disadvantage in their first clash, a determined glint now shone in his eyes.
This time, he wouldn't be passive; he would take the initiative.
Gathering his Qi and Blood in his legs, he swiftly moved to the tiger's side.
The tiger sensed his intention and turned around, denying Chen Qingyu an opening.
But Chen Qingyu was undaunted. He circled inside the dense forest where the trees obstructed the tiger's movement.
The tiger's massive body and injured hind legs worked against him, making it difficult to maneuver among the thick trees. This was Chen Qingyu's chance!
Amidst Chen Qingyu's frequent position changes, the tiger struggled to defend itself. In a moment of carelessness, Chen Qingyu landed a powerful blow on the tiger's flank.
After successfully striking, Chen Qingyu didn't linger. He quickly retreated, avoiding any possible counterattack from the enraged tiger.
Though the blow hadn't caused any serious damage, it made the tiger visibly angry.
Driven by anger, the tiger launched a fierce attack. Trees and rocks in the vicinity shattered under its immense strength.
However, these attacks failed to hit the agile Chen Qingyu. Instead, they created openings for him, allowing him to land additional strikes that left scars on the tiger's massive body.
Soon, the tiger stopped its attack, seemingly realizing that it couldn't hurt this angry martial artist. Continuing the fight would only exacerbate its disadvantage.
With a thunderous roar, the tiger expressed its frustration, the sound echoing through the surrounding forest.
Chen Qingyu's expression shifted, now tinged with caution. However, in the next moment, he saw the wounded tiger retreat without even looking back.
This surprised Chen Qingyu. Realizing that the tiger was trying to escape, he gave chase. After wrestling with the tiger for so long, how could he let it escape now?
Despite its injured legs, the tiger was still struggling to move. Chen Qingyu unleashed his full power and quickly closed the gap.
Just as he was about to catch up, the tiger's tail swept towards him again. This time, Chen Qingyu was ready. He dodged the tail whip and grabbed both hind legs.
With his entire body filled with Qi, Chen Qingyu spun the fleeing tiger in mid-air, executing a half-circle. He successfully knocked the tiger back down.
Stunned, the tiger's eyes sparkled with stars. Before it could react, Chen Qingyu seized the opportunity and rained down heavy blows on its head.
The tiger's solid skull numbed Chen Qingyu's fists, but he didn't give up. His attack intensified.
Under the relentless attacks, the tiger's breath weakened and it lost all resistance.
Chen Qingyu's stern face broke into a faint smile. Despite the unworthy victory, he had successfully hunted down this formidable beast.
Chen Qingyu released his grip on the giant tiger and prepared to catch his breath.
Suddenly, a chilling sense of doom gripped him, sending a chill down his spine.
Before he could react, a tremendous force struck him from behind, hurling him like a dragon without wings into a massive tree. He crashed to the ground, pain surging through his body.
Struggling to lift his head, he saw the familiar green wolf standing triumphantly atop the defeated giant tiger.
Its eyes fixed on Chen Qingyu with a disdainful gaze.
It was the same Innate Realm's green wolf from yesterday!
Chen Qingyu's heart sank and a bitter smile appeared on his lips.
He had believed himself the victor, but the cunning green wolf had hidden in the shadows, utterly masking its presence until now. Not a hint of his aura had given him away, catching Chen Qingyu completely off guard.
As the green wolf approached with deliberate steps, Chen Qingyu struggled to stand.
The blow he had just endured left him severely injured, his blood struggling to circulate properly.
In this weakened state, how could he possibly face this green wolf from the Immortal Realm before him?
As the green wolf approached, its sharp fangs gradually baring, Chen Qingyu inwardly sighed.
He hadn't expected to meet his end in this Chaotic Burial Mountain.
If he died, the strength of his family would be greatly diminished. Would the Chen Clan still stand a chance against their rivals, the Li Clan?
Contemplating the dire consequences, it felt as though the fate of the entire clan rested in his hands.
But giving up now was not an option!
Determination surged through Chen Qingyu.
He was still young and had a promising future. How could he surrender in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds?
But now, how could he survive?
Suddenly, a glimmer of hope flickered in Chen Qingyu's eyes.
He remembered the locust leaf he had hidden before leaving.
Although he lacked sentiment towards the ancestral tree, desperate times called for desperate measures.
He hoped that this locust leaf could provide some relief, even if it only eased his injuries slightly.