Chapter 32: Burned Bridges

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Two extremely large beasts at least 3 times the size of Apollo entered his view. One of such beasts was a panther entirely scarlet in color. However, around its ankles were clumps of fire while its whiskers were infernal embers. On the flip side, its opponent was an azure wolf beast.

Around its neck was a gathering of blueish azure energy forming the shape of a crown. Furthermore, traveling down its spine was a streak of white fur. It generated a stream of air which distorted the area around it. Yet, this wasn't the most shocking aspect; each beast was radiating aurae Apollo had never seen before!

[So it's a battle between beasts indeed. Perhaps they're competing for something. Examine your surroundings and tell me if there's anything out of the ordinary. Typically, a beast such as them wouldn't venture out of their way unless they seek something beneficial to them.

"Let's see…" responded Apollo while slowly inching closer amongst the treetops. It wasn't long before he soon spotted the object of interest. It laid in wait behind the combative beasts.

"I see a type of plant of some sort. Its shape is weird, it looks more so like a root rather than a plant. It's red in color carrying small spots of purple," described Apollo before receiving a response from Azridan.

[So that's what it is! It sounds like it should be something known as Blood Tempering Ginseng. It's extremely useful when it comes to the aspect of the body. It can strengthen your inner talent by fortifying your spiritual blood. If you can, I suggest you get your hands on it. Unlike many spiritual herbs, it doesn't need to be processed to refine it.]

"How do you suppose I do that?" asked Apollo while his gaze remained glued on the Blood Tempering Ginseng. If he could snag it, it would definitely benefit him in clearing his quest in the fastest time possible.

[Capitalize on the moment. Learn to plunder. Wait for the opportune moment and strike. If you strive to succeed, you will need to learn how to be ruthless and deal with this world. After all, if you aren't capable of protecting yourself who will? If you show no benefits, not even your own family seeks to protect you.]

Listening to Azridan's words, a cold glint flashed through Apollo's eyes as his fists clenched. His words were true, due to him being of weak potential and useless to the family's future, they didn't expend any efforts to help him.

"I'll accomplish this," muttered Apollo with a look of certainty in his eyes. Thoughts of the events his counterpart was subject to always served to incite his desire to garner strength.

Calming his breath and making his presence minute, he inspected as the battle unfolded. It took place on a completely different level than expected. In fact, he'd be lying if he said their impacts didn't diminish his confidence. After all, their ranks were something he was completely incapable of handling.

Monster Name: Scarlet Flame Panther

Cultivation: Middle Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast

Health: 6,400/7,500

Chance of Defeat: 0.0013%

Monster Name: Zephyr Wolf

Cultivation: Middle Stage Rank 3 Spirit Beast

Health: 6,310/7,300

Chance of Defeat: 0.0007%

'Boom!' 'Bang!' 'Fwooosh!'

'Hmm? Why is the chance of defeat significantly lower for the Zephyr Wolf? Does this mean it will win between the two? Or perhaps…' pondered Apollo while lost in thought for a short moment. Meanwhile, the battle between the two ferocious beasts continued to unravel.

The Zephyr Wolf being of the wind element was many times faster than its opponent. However, while the Scarlet Flame Panther lacked in the speed department, it made up for it in wide-area attacks. Its flames threatened to incinerate the area. Luckily, the presence of natural Essence changed the layout of the world.

Trees, while susceptible to fire; now possessed a certain threshold that needed to be passed in order to burn it or damage it in any way for that matter. Needless to say, them being the rank they were, they could be considered beasts of destruction and were capable of this.

Their blows splintered the base of trees. Even the winds the Zephyr Wolf wielded was capable of blasting a hole through a seemingly thick tree. This scene opened Apollo's eyes to what cultivator could possibly be capable of in this world.

"There's a plethora of realms above the one they are currently. If I'm not mistaken they're on par with a Zul Knight. If it's like this… I don't want to think about what Generals are capable of," muttered Apollo.

Showing no signs of backing down, each beast continued to engage in battle. Wounds appeared at the site of contact where brutal attacks dealt large amounts of damage. It was the survival of the fittest. They found no use in existing if they were unable to continue advancing! In the life of this world, every day wasn't guaranteed at any moment a beast stronger than then could appear and conquer their territory.

'Their healths are dropping rather quickly. Is this plant worth that much to them?' thought Apollo. But little did he know, this was exactly the case. Like Azridan mentioned earlier. There existed something in this forest stronger than them all.

[Their aurae are weakening. Prepare to capitalize on the situation. However, don't become complacent. Even now, the risks remain unimaginable. But like they say, with great risk comes great reward.]

The battle reached its peak, fiery inferno bolstered by the strong wind attacks terrorized the area. Although Azridan said their aura was weakening from Apollo's point of view he couldn't tell. All the same, he remained hesitant.

"Awwoooo!!"

Six large crescent wind blades shoot from the wolf's mouth as it howled. Growling back the panther released a flame orb. The ensuing matter was a conflict of forces! The wind blades and orb of flames caused a massive explosion. Unfortunately, it didn't come without implications.

The explosion was augmented due to the elements feeding off of each other. In its wake, Apollo bore the brunt of the attack's aftereffects. The base of nearly all the trees within a 30-meter radius was nearly torn asunder and incinerated.

Widening his eyes, Apollo frowned as his mind began to race, 'Oh crap! This is no good… I'll end up being too close.'

During his thought process, both the tree he stood on and the ones he thought to retreat towards were in the process of collapsing. It had to be known, those two attacks carried with it at least 10% of the total essence in the Spirit Beasts bodies. It was no small amount.

'Crap...crap...crap!' repeatedly thought Apollo as he noticed a small change in the events of the battlefield. Retrieving the Vantablack Knife, he acted on a whim attempting to remove himself from the situation—only he mindlessly underestimated the extent of these beasts' senses.

[Retreat! NOW!]