Two Days Later, Gang Zhao's Lair
Ashen stood atop a jagged cliff overlooking the clearing below. The wind tugged at his robe, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and blood. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the army gathered beneath him—massive beasts with sleek, metallic claws gleaming under the morning sun.
He turned to Gang Zhao with a faint smile."Impressive, Gang Zhao. It seems your influence is much higher than what I gave you credit for."
Gang Zhao couldn't suppress the proud grin that crept across his face."Thank you for your praise, my friend."
Of the five Tiger Kings, Gang Zhao was the only one who hadn't formally submitted to Ashen. As such, he addressed him as an equal—for now.
But Ashen's gaze sharpened slightly."Gang Zhao, in front of humans and other cultivators, you'll need to address me as your master. I can't let them know that you haven't submitted to me."
Gang Zhao inclined his head in acknowledgment.It was a small matter. The pretense served a purpose, and he understood the necessity. In truth, he didn't mind; the other Tiger Kings already referred to Ashen as their master. A little formality was a small price to pay.
The two stood in silence, surrounded only by the rhythmic breaths and low growls of the massive beasts that filled the valley—Gang Zhao's Steel Claw Tiger army. Their armor-like fur shimmered under the light, and their collective presence exuded a quiet menace.
Ashen's gaze swept over the sea of tigers, counting was futile, but curiosity remained."Gang Zhao, can you tell me how many tigers have you gathered exactly?"
Without missing a beat, Gang Zhao straightened, his voice filled with pride."I have gathered 1,019 Steel Claw Tigers. 59 Core-Formation realm, 800 Origin realm, and the remaining at Nascent Soul realm."
Ashen hummed in thought, fingers lightly tapping the hilt of his blade."Hmm. It's a large army. It appears we will need a large amount of food to feed the Origin and Nascent Soul realm tigers."
He cast a contemplative glance over the army. Core-Formation and King Realm beasts had transcended mortal needs, able to survive on qi alone. But those in the Origin and Nascent Soul realms still required sustenance—less frequently than mortals, but consistently nonetheless.
Origin Realm beasts could go nearly a month without food, drawing upon ambient qi. Nascent Soul beasts, however, needed to feed every three days.
As Ashen considered logistics, a distant rumble echoed through the lair—like thunder rolling across the earth. The sound grew louder, closer, until the very ground trembled.
A smile curled Ashen's lips as figures emerged from the forest, surrounding the clearing.
To the front, Diyu Moyun, the Infernal Flame Tiger King, led his fiery legion with a regal stride. Flames flickered beneath the paws of his beasts, their presence hot and heavy.
To the left came Du Ya, the Venom Fang Tiger King. His army slithered forward like a toxic tide, their fangs glistening with venom that hissed in the open air.
To the right, the NightHowl Tiger King, Hao Anye, arrived with a pack that moved like shadows. Their presence was silent, but every step dripped with killing intent.
And from the rear came the Abyssal Tide Tiger Queen, Hu Shuyi. Her tigers moved like water—graceful yet deadly—carving a path forward with oceanic majesty.
The four kings and queen strode ahead of their armies and knelt in unison before Ashen.
"We greet our master!"
Ashen gave a satisfied nod, his gaze first settling on Moyun, the Infernal Flame Tiger King.
"Moyun, tell me, how many have you managed to bring under your command?"
"Master, I have managed to gather 1,203 Infernal Flame Tigers. Among them, 64 are at Core-Formation realm, 913 at Origin realm, and the remaining are Nascent Soul realm."
Ashen's nod was one of approval."Hmm, you have done well. You can be proud."
His eyes moved to the next in line—Du Ya.
"Du Ya, tell me. What about you? How many have you brought?"
Du Ya's voice was crisp and respectful."Master, I have brought 980 Venom Fang Tigers. Among them, 65 are at Core-Formation realm and the remaining 915 are at Origin realm."
Ashen raised an eyebrow. The numbers were slightly lower—but the composition told a different story.Fewer, but stronger.
"So you have left the Nascent Soul realm tigers out?" he asked.
Du Ya bowed his head."Yes, Master. I came to the conclusion that Nascent Soul realm tigers would only be cannon fodder without being of any help to you. Moreover, they require food more frequently than the others."
Ashen gave a small nod of approval."Hmm. Good thinking. Color me impressed."
He moved down the line, turning to Hao Anye, whose dark eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Anye, it's your turn. Tell me about your harvest."
"Master, I have managed to gather 990 NightHowl Tigers, of which 70 are at Core-Formation realm, 812 at Origin realm, and the remaining are Nascent Soul realm."
Ashen's lips curled in approval."Hmm, 70 Core-Formation… well done, Anye."
Fewer in number, but with a concentration of power that could shatter formations.
Finally, Ashen turned to the elegant Hu Shuyi, the only queen among kings.
"Hu Shuyi, what about you?"
"Master, I could only gather 789 Abyssal Tide Tigers. There are 40 Core-Formation realm, 600 Origin realm, and 149 Nascent Soul realm tigers among them."
Ashen's expression soured. He turned away without a word of praise.
His tone was sharp."I want you all to send the Nascent Soul realm tigers back. I agree with Du Ya's reasoning. They would only be a burden." Updates are released by N()velFire.net
"As you wish, Master."
Without hesitation, the orders rippled through the armies, and the Nascent Soul realm tigers turned away, retreating into the forest.
Ashen folded his arms, asking authoritatively."Now… what is the total number of tigers left?"
Du Ya stepped forward without delay."It's 4,338, Master."
"And how many of them are at Core-Formation realm?"
"It's 298, Master," Du Ya replied.
"Almost 300 then. It's more than enough." Ashen murmured under his breath before relaying his order to the five tiger Kings:
"It's time to put my plan into motion. Moyun and Gang Zhao, follow me. Rest of you are to wait here until I return."
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(A/N - Thanks for reading. ^..^)