Mm, I understand.
Tang Wulin wanted to say something more, but when he met Nan Fusheng's resolute gaze, he swallowed all his words.
After giving a simple reply, Tang Wulin turned and bolted at full speed. This time was earned through his companion's sacrifice—he had to make it count.
Once Tang Wulin had run off into the distance, Nan Fusheng turned his gaze forward.
"Losing a leg was worth it—I've finally found you."
Staring at the dark golden Terrorclaw Bear before him, Nan Fusheng couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Whether it had been the Flame Demon Lion pack or the Azure Bird swarm, they were all puppets controlled by his clones.
More precisely, it was his clone directing its subordinates, herding Class Zero deeper into the Spirit Ascension Platform.
The entire purpose? To draw out this very creature—the Dark Golden Terrorclaw Bear.
Every time they entered the platform, Class Zero usually stayed on the forest outskirts. They rarely ventured deep, so they'd never encountered this beast. Naturally, Nan Fusheng hadn't had a chance either.
But during the riot phase of the platform, all soul beasts became agitated. That made it the perfect opportunity for manipulation.
First, he used his Man-Faced Demon Spider clone to help the team absorb enough soul energy and clear the final exam.
Then, he had the Azure Birds scout from above while guiding the Flame Demon Lions to drive the group toward the bear's territory.
As for Xu Xiaoyan and her brother, their encounter had been unplanned. But once they appeared, he decided to take the chance to win some favor, ordering the Thousand-Year Flame Demon Lion King to send a lioness for a "surprise attack."
And the result?
The favor was gained.
The target was found.
"Parasitize."
With the activation of Nan Fusheng's soul skill, the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear—despite its terrifying strength—was instantly overpowered and taken over.
No matter how powerful you are,
You're nothing against my Parasitic Control.
Nan Fusheng quietly counted the seconds. Twenty or so should be enough. Then, putting on a show of weakness, he pressed his emergency beacon without hesitation.
As he was ejected from the Spirit Ascension Platform, the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear roared, absorbing the lingering soul energy he had left behind, and charged straight toward Tang Wulin.
Power. I can feel it—an overwhelming strength capable of rending the heavens and earth!
That was Nan Fusheng's first sensation as his consciousness took control of the bear's body.
Look at this mighty frame…
These unstoppable claws…
This boundless power…
I'm invincible!
Even if Wu Zhangkong himself showed up, I—cough, well, fine. I probably couldn't beat Wu Zhangkong. The man is a Soul Emperor, and a top-tier one at that, with battle armor to boot.
Even without using his armor, I doubt I could win.
But Tang Wulin?
A little runt like him?
I can crush him with ease.
Wulin, your "dear teammate," is coming for you.
Meanwhile…
"Damn it…"
Tang Wulin cursed under his breath. He'd heard the terrifying roar behind him. Had Fusheng made it out safely?
He didn't have time to think.
"ROAR!!"
A Flame Demon Lion lunged from the front. Tang Wulin's eyes turned sharp as his Golden Dragon Claw tore through the beast, reducing it to a swirl of soul energy.
Suddenly, several fireballs hurtled toward him. He rolled to the ground in a desperate dodge—barely avoiding a direct hit, but the resulting heat and shockwave still left him dizzy and dazed.
Despite Nan Fusheng covering his retreat, Tang Wulin hadn't gotten far before being surrounded by the lion pack, drawn by the thick aura of soul energy clinging to him.
"Screw it. I'll hold out as long as I can—I won't let my teammates' efforts go to waste."
Determination blazed in Tang Wulin's eyes as he took a "take one with me if I go down" stance and stared down the encircling lions.
Oddly, as if intimidated by his stare, the lions didn't immediately attack. Instead, they circled him cautiously.
Before he could relax, a chilling aura swept in from behind.
Turning around, Tang Wulin saw it—a towering figure walking toward him. The air seemed to darken as the oppressive aura spread.
Wherever the Dark Golden Terrorclaw Bear passed, even the bugs and birds of the forest fell silent.
"No way I'm making it out of this one…"
Knowing there was no escape, Tang Wulin gritted his teeth and charged toward the lion pack.
"If I'm going down, I'm taking one of you with me!"
He refused to activate his beacon. The more energy he absorbed, the higher the chance of the breakthrough he was hoping for.
The lion leading the pack was none other than the Flame Demon Lion King—over four meters long, its head surrounded by a fiery red mane, and its body wreathed in glowing orange flames. Its presence was overwhelming.
With each roar, it declared its dominance over the forest.
Tang Wulin charged at it. But instead of engaging him directly, the Lion King kept hurling fireballs, keeping its distance and preventing him from closing in.
Suddenly, Tang Wulin leaped and swung a Blue Silver Grass vine, shifting his direction mid-air.
Whoosh!
A streak of dark-gold light tore past—the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear had appeared.
Despite its massive frame, it moved in complete silence.
The moment it arrived, the surrounding Flame Demon Lions dropped to the ground, whining and whimpering.
Their flames died out. Their manes flattened. Their tails were tucked between their legs.
They looked less like savage beasts…
And more like a bunch of scared kittens.
Tang Wulin stood there, utterly dumbfounded by the sight.
Yet he noticed the Lion King—though trembling slightly—still stood tall. Its pride as a king wouldn't allow it to bow.
The bear ignored the groveling lions, fixing its eyes on Tang Wulin… and the Flame Demon Lion King beside him.
At that moment, the scene resembled a three-way standoff.