Putting an end to the sudden quarrel of the two top factions' leaders, a high pitched shrill shook the valley originating from the foot of the mountain.
'Hmm? This… sounded not like a beast but instead…' Aiden's expression changed as he frowned. "[Reptilian] Could it be…"
*Waaaah!*
The next moment, the high-pitched strangely human-sounding voice turned shrill once more and piercing. Many of the weaker martial artists could not handle it and groaned as they clutched their ears, bending over.
The figure of a terrifying-looking beast appeared under the illumination near the Ancient Burial Ground ruins. It had nine heads, it resembled a hydra as it opened its mouths and cried like infants.
"T-that… That's a Nine-Headed Hydra! That's… That's impossible, they are long since gone extinct!" The Elderly Uncle of the Azure Myst Sect exclaimed with a shocked expression.
*Pssst!* *Hiss!*
Before the cries of the disturbingly human-like shrill cry could subside, a series of strange sounds came from the other side, resembling the hissings of a snake.
However, the sound was really loud. Looking over subconsciously, everyone was shocked and took a deep breath of cold air!
There was truly a snake beneath the mountain range!
It wasn't an average, run-of-the-mills snake either. It was humongous!
The gigantic snake coiled up from the ground and stretched its upper body, revealing a height over a thousand feet tall and scales the size of a basin!
The snake's head could almost reach the top of the sky as it looked down at everyone with cold and vicious eyes, twisting the clouds with every breath!
*Swoosh!*
An evil gust of wind blew by and the gigantic snake swayed its forked tail that looked like a pair of hooks. They glistened coldly and emitted a foul smell – it was obvious that they were highly poisonous, coated in lethal toxins.
The long tail swept across the ground and the hooks at its tip pierced the bodies of nearly a hundred figures, causing blood to flood.
Many of those martial artists reacted quickly and managed to activate their respective defensive artifacts first. Some relied on their sects and clans' insignias whilst others used strange talismans that they kept on their bodies, -around their necks or hanging in their ears-, at all times.
However, the magical protection these undoubtedly high priced and precious artifacts were able to provide were like thin paper against the hooks of the gigantic snake and could not even withstand a single casual blow!
Many of the caught up figures hung on the hooks with blood dripping down in a ghastly sight. They struggled and yelled as they were slowly sent into the mouth of the gigantic snake.
With a squirm of its throat, the gigantic snake swallowed almost a hundred powerful figures in one big gulp!
"[Reptilian] That's another pure-blooded peak Martial Grandmaster-stage ancient beast… The Thick Scale Serpent!"
Now, even Aiden's expression was turning slightly grim.
The current situation was obvious. If they wanted to get to the Ancient Burial Ground ruins, they would not only have to fight a way out from the beast stampede, but get through the defenses of the pair of pure-blooded ferocious beasts as well!
Furthermore, all of the pure-blooded ferocious beasts they were gazing at were clearly at peak Martial Grandmaster realm with only just an opportunity away from breaking through to the Quasi-Demi rank and had terrifying strength; this was far beyond what Aiden had expected.
It would be difficult if he wanted to kill all of the pure-blooded ferocious beasts given his current strength.
Well, that is, if he wanted to retain his current form.
If he were to shed it away and assume his Ancient Draconic default appearance allowing his [Draconic Heritage] to run full course for once, Aiden would become an extremely powerful existence that was even more terrifying than the pure-blooded ferocious beasts!
*Screech!*
All of a sudden!
A high-pitched cry pierced through from far above at the horizon.
A massive bird soared through the skies with its golden body that was extremely piercing in the night. It was like the bright sun that many of these underworld dwellers have never even seen.
The creature had two horns on its head and spread its hundred feet wide wings, looking down with a sharp gaze.
With a swoop, the bird opened its sharp claws and tore two martial master stage fighters apart, splattering their meat and blood everywhere!
All the martial artists who entered the fog infested valley were completely defenseless against the pure-blooded ferocious beasts!
After killing dozens of martial artists, the horned golden-feathered bird screeched again, looking excited with its cruel gaze.
"[Reptilian] Oh my… what is that?!"
"[Reptilian] C-Could that be another pure-blooded ferocious beast?"
A pair of Azure Myst Sect cultivators asked with a trembling voice.
The Elderly Uncle standing beside Tai Liu nodded and gulped. "That should be the legendary Devil Bird, one of the ancient pure-blooded ferocious beasts. It's said that its golden feathers are a feature of the oldest known bloodline of this world… The Golden Roc! It is said that it's blood flows within it!"
Tai Liu took a deep breath to compose herself and said slowly with a somber tone.
"[Reptilian] That's the third pure-blooded ferocious beast."
The Elderly Uncle whispered into her ears.
"[Reptilian] Young Master, please retreat! Even if I have to give up my life, I'll make sure you get to escape!"
Previously, the old man did not waver even against the beast tide formed by the ancient remnant beasts.
However, upon seeing the three pure-blooded ferocious beasts, he finally had the intention to retreat. Nobody in their group was a match for the pure-blooded ferocious beasts. Even if they could break free from the obstructions of the pure-blooded ferocious beasts, it would be a miracle if even a fraction of their current surviving numbers could survive!
Tai Liu looked hesitant and turned towards Aiden instinctively.
Sighing, the old man lamented internally at this.
"[Reptilian] Although that lad's methods are sharp and powerful, he isn't a match for the pure-blooded ferocious beasts still. At least not for that many at the same time."
At that thought, he urged again.
"[Reptilian] Young Master, we have a chance to escape now that the pure-blooded ferocious beasts haven't turned their attention towards us yet. If…"
*Dong!* *Dong!* *Dong!*
Before he could finish, the old man was interrupted by a series of dull sounds. It was mighty and strong, as if someone was beating the heavenly drums!
The next moment, a gigantic silver-furred ape leaped out from behind the mountain range. Over a hundred feet tall, its massive red feet stomped heavily on the ground, giving off deafening bangs and shaking the ground itself.
The ground was torn asunder and revealed a series of dark ravines!
Rearing its head and roaring, the gigantic ape drummed against its chest with its fists, giving off the dull sounds. Right after, its gaze turned straight towards the group from Azure Myst Sect, baring its fangs in a bloodthirsty manner!
"[Reptilian] Oh no…" The elderly uncle was alarmed.
It was probably too late even if they wanted to retreat now. They had already been targeted by a pure-blooded ferocious beast!
This was the fourth pure-blooded ferocious beast that appeared one after another!
"Roar!"
The gigantic silver-furred blazing crimson-foot gorilla roared in the direction of Azure Myst Sect and suddenly extended a massive palm, smashing the mountain range near it.
Instantly, the mountains collapsed and the earth cracked!
Everyone was dumbstruck.
That was the power of a pure-blooded ferocious beast!
It could crush mountains and split the earth, swallowing rivers with its mighty strength! Hugging a gigantic mountain top with both arms, the gigantic silver-furred blazing crimson-foot gorilla flung it towards the area where Azure Myst Sect was!
Although the mountain top did not seem huge against the massive figure of the gigantic ape, it seemed to cover the skies as it was thrown over.
That was no mountain top… it was an entire mountain!
Everyone merely felt their vision turn dark as the gigantic mountain crashed down towards them with a mighty aura, filling the skies with debris!
Even ancient remnant beasts would turn into sludge if they were crushed by that mountain.
"[Reptilian] Hurry and run! Run for your life!"
Unable to withstand the pressure, someone shrieked and turned to run, wanting to get out of the radius of the mountain before it landed.
Tai Liu wanted to retreat but she realized that Aiden was rooted on the spot, looking at the descending mountain with a raised head as though he was scared stiff.
"[Reptilian] Hurry up! Let's go Aiden!"
Feeling her heart clench, Tai Liu hurriedly advanced and grabbed Aiden by the arm, wanting to drag the latter away.
Suddenly!
*RAAAAAWR!"
Aiden let out a loud, bestial roar and the sound of a thunderstrike roared from within his body.
Tai Liu froze in her tracks and her expression changed slightly.
Channeling his [Soul Power], Aiden stomped on the ground heavily before leaping up, welcoming the descending mountain with both arms!