Chapter 8: The Fire Cloud Demon Lion

Outside the Forest of Death, in the Adventure Town, stands Old Man Huck's tavern.

Muttering, "Is the seventh-tier beast really that weak?" He shook his head vigorously and replied dryly, "It's not that the Fire Cloud Demon Lion is too weak, but rather that the black-haired youth is too strong. Who would have thought that at such a young age, he has already surpassed the strength of a seventh-tier warrior? What will he achieve in the future?"

Yes

Kens stared blankly at Liu Feng, who appeared before him, and asked foolishly, "Is it over?"

In a distance of over ten meters, in the blink of an eye, the iron sword in hand, accompanied by the sound of breaking wind, swiftly pierced into the gaping mouth of the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion," emerging from the top of its head.

In the blink of an eye, this series of events has already been completed

Of course, if you don't charge me, why would I come? I will take the lead and leave first

"Hehe, alright, young Liu Feng, just call me Xiao Feng from now on," Liu Feng said with a cheerful laugh

Looking at the genuine smile radiating from Old Harker, Liu Feng felt a surge of warmth in his heart, yet he retorted without losing his composure: "As the young master, my martial arts are unparalleled. I can punch the Northern Mountain Demon Tiger and kick the Deep Sea Dragon. It is rare to find a match for me among mortals. How could I possibly be devoured by a mere beast?"

Seeing Ken's hesitant expression, Liu Feng angrily said: "Uncle, I see you are also a man, how can you be so indecisive in your actions? You should think not only for yourself but also for the brothers who have passed away and their families. They might be the only ones in their households who can earn a living"

Watching the increasingly fast "Fire Cloud Demon Lion" behind him, Kens felt a wave of despair. He gripped tightly with both hands, throwing the two people behind him forward, and shouted in a sorrowful voice: "Run quickly, I will hold it off." After saying this, he ignored the calls from behind and turned to face the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion."

I need to return home first, to the "Blazing Tavern" in the small town. You can come find me if you need anything said Liu Feng with a smile

As he gazed at the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion" charging towards him like a colossal mountain, Kens closed his eyes in despair

"Enough nonsense, hurry up. Sigh... forget it... don't run away, it's coming. We can only die together, little brother." Ken, who still wanted to persuade Liu Feng to leave, could only shake his head and sigh as he saw the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion" getting up from the ground and staggering over.

Although Liu Feng is confident in countering the large-scale magic of the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion," he is still concerned about Kens being nearby. Large-scale magic typically affects a wide area, and in order to prevent collateral damage, he must stop the spell from being cast.

"Is that what you mean by 'uncle'?" Liu Feng pointed to a giant monster in the distance

After a while, Kens, who was puzzled as to why the attack had not yet arrived, suddenly heard a roar filled with pain and anger. Immediately after, a somewhat childish laughter came from behind: "Uncle, how much longer are you going to stand here?"

At the crossroads, Kens asked, "Xiaofeng, I am going to the Mercenary Guild to hand over a mission. Where do you plan to go?"

Well, little brother... Oh, Xiaofeng, let's go back first. I don't want to stay in this haunted forest for even a moment.

Seeing Kens so insistent, Liu Feng was taken aback for a moment. He then took out two fifth-tier magical beast cores from his pocket and said to Kens earnestly: "Uncle, since you find the seventh-tier magical cores too expensive, I will let it go. However, I noticed that several of your companions just died, and you must need to pay for their funerals and take care of their families. So please accept these two fifth-tier magical cores."

Ken, momentarily stunned, quickly regained his senses and urgently said to Liu Feng: "You rascal, why aren't you running? Can't you see there's a seventh-tier magical beast, the 'Fire Cloud Magic Lion,' here?"

A flurry of hurried footsteps quickly echoed in the tavern, and a smiling, aged face came into view; it was Old Man Huck.

"Alright, little brother, I, Kens, would like to thank you on behalf of my deceased brother. In the future, if there is any way I can be of assistance at www.hetushu.com, whether it be through fire or sword, just let me know. I will frown slightly, and I will be forsaken by the gods, eternally falling into hell." Kens finally agreed, but still solemnly swore an oath to Liu Feng.

"Hey, Ah Feng, you little rascal, it's been so long since you came back; I thought you had been eaten by a monster," Old Man Hack said with a laugh.

Alright, uncle, stop daydreaming and take this." Interrupting Ken's moment of distraction, Liu Feng handed him the magic core of the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion."

The figure quickly vanished, leaving behind a lingering shadow in its place. The hand revealed by Liu Feng made Ken's heart race wildly from the sidelines

Hey, Old Man Hack, I'm back

Liu Feng infused his true energy into the sword, unleashing a sword aura that extended one inch long, which carved a deep wound visible to the bone across the head of the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion," causing hot blood to surge forth.

Hehe. Liu Feng chuckled twice, stepped forward, and, with an arm around Old Man Huck's shoulder, swayed as they walked toward the tavern

Kens murmured, "Is this still a human?"

Alright, but that will cost money, haha

Seeing the fierce battle from the sidelines, Kens shouted, "Hey, little brother, that beast is about to unleash a large-scale magical spell, hurry and stop it"

Draw the sword and retreat swiftly

Ah... come back... you silly boy. Ah..." Kens shouted anxiously, only to be so shocked by the scene before him that his eyes fell to the ground.

Watching his rapidly diminishing companions, Kens felt tears streaming down from the corners of his eyes, while the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion" behind him was leisurely trailing along.

Kens understood that with the speed of the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion," it could have easily annihilated them all long ago; it was merely toying with them now. When it grew tired of this amusement, it would be the moment of death for the four.

Liu Feng found his expression amusing, shrugged his shoulders, and replied: "It's over"

Haha, I didn't expect that the tavern is run by your family. I should go and have a couple of drinks when I have the chance

Watching Ken disappear around the corner of the street, Liu Feng smiled with satisfaction and said, "He is truly a remarkable person, combining boldness with attentiveness, and is worth befriending"

Watching the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion" being forced into a state of disarray by an ordinary iron sword wielded by a young man, Kent suddenly felt that the world around him had become strangely unfamiliar.

A stirring in the heart: Gale Step... activated

Looking at the seventh-level magic crystal radiating a red glow before him, Kent's expression changed repeatedly, his mind in turmoil. After a long while, he finally reached out to push it away and said earnestly, "Little brother, do not be so hasty. The defeat of the Fire Cloud Demon Lion and the acquisition of the magic book are entirely your achievements. We not only contributed nothing but also relied on your rescue. How can we accept this?"

"Haha, you little rascal, your tongue is still as slippery as ever," Old Man Hack shook his head and chuckled

Good

The "Fire Cloud Demon Lion," struck by this blow, immediately let out a mournful roar, spewing several scorching fireballs from its mouth. Taking advantage of Liu Feng's defense, it swiftly retreated a few steps, its massive jaws opening and closing continuously as it rapidly gathered the nearby fire elements

"Hehe, uncle, don't be afraid. Watch me deal with this beast." Liu Feng smiled at Kens, his tone as relaxed as if he were about to slaughter a chicken, as he brandished his iron sword and stepped forward to confront the "Fire Cloud Demon Lion"

Kens opened his eyes and turned to look at the owner of the voice, a slightly frail-looking young man. Although his body was weak, he emanated an aura of harmony and nature. His appearance was ordinary, yet his pair of black eyes was as deep as the stars, drawing one in irresistibly. With short black hair that showcased the unique vitality of youth, it was Liu Feng, who had hurried over upon hearing the cry for help.

Kens looked at the two magic crystals placed before him, feeling conflicted. It would be a lie to say he didn't want them; their mercenary group was in dire need of funds at this moment, otherwise they wouldn't have risked their lives to hunt magical beasts. Although he wanted to accept them, how could he have the face to do so after they had just saved his life?