Fire talent represented devastating offensive enhancement—the exact type of genetic advantage that transformed manageable opponents into lethal threats.
Wind Wolf's squad faced their worst nightmare: creatures whose supernatural abilities multiplied base capabilities beyond conventional countermeasures. Such beasts commanded premium prices precisely because hunting them approached suicidal difficulty.
"Judging from its aura, this remains low-level fierce beast classification. At least that's encouraging."
Wind Wolf's forced optimism couldn't mask the team's collective tension. Everyone had retreated into defensive positions with expressions reflecting genuine fear.
"Ye Tian, you identified this creature—what can you tell us about its flame capabilities?"
"Inferior flame talent level," Ye Tian replied with clinical accuracy.
"Inferior classification means double attack power through flame enhancement. The beast is predictably stupid with limited tactical options—we can eliminate it if we coordinate properly. Early-stage Martial Artists withdraw immediately! You cannot contribute meaningfully here."
Several warriors retreated to safe distances as Wind Wolf's tactical assessment demanded. Their strength levels would create liability rather than assistance.
Combat Initiation
Wind Wolf led the assault with cautious probing attacks.
The Charizard responded with direct physical confrontation rather than supernatural flame projection—massive jaws seeking to crush rather than incinerate.
BOOM!
Steel met bone as Wind Wolf's blade collided with scaled teeth. The impact launched the creature backward while dislodging dental fragments.
Ye Tian's tactical analysis processed the exchange.
"Nine thousand pounds base strength. Flame-enhanced attacks reach eighteen thousand pounds. Wind Wolf approaches twenty thousand through Yuan Force amplification—sufficient margin for victory with proper technique application."
Wind Wolf's capabilities appeared adequate for the challenge. No reason to expose his true Elite classification prematurely.
"ROAR!"
Pain finally triggered the Charizard's supernatural abilities.
BOOM!
Concentrated flame formed a massive fireball that streaked toward Wind Wolf with devastating velocity.
"Slash!"
Yuan Force-enhanced sword technique generated cutting energy that split the air. The projectile sliced through supernatural flame before continuing toward its target.
BANG!
Steel carved through scales as the Charizard sustained additional wounds.
Ye Tian and the other mid-stage warriors joined the assault, coordinated attacks overwhelming the creature's defensive capabilities.
Minutes later, the fire-breathing lizard collapsed in death.
Dangerous Overconfidence
"Is that all? Talented fierce beasts aren't so terrifying after all!"
One warrior's celebration revealed exactly the complacency Ye Tian had feared.
"Don't assume this was the only specimen. The valley likely contains multiple Charizards."
His warning struck Wind Wolf like cold water. Victory euphoria dissolved into tactical realization.
"Ye Tian's assessment is correct. We encountered this creature immediately upon entry—the interior probably contains an entire colony."
Understanding ignited fury in Wind Wolf's eyes.
"Damn the Lin family! They assigned territories without proper reconnaissance, giving us specialized predator nests to 'clear' without adequate intelligence!"
But complaints were useless. Retreat meant mission failure and potential consequences. Advance meant probable death.
"Maximum alertness going forward."
Escalating Opposition
The second Charizard appeared within minutes. Another brutal engagement, another dead creature.
Then two appeared simultaneously.
Desperate combat nearly overwhelmed the squad. Minor injuries accumulated as they barely managed dual elimination through coordinated sacrifice of defensive positioning.
By the valley's periphery, exhaustion had crippled their effectiveness.
"This entire valley is a Charizard nesting ground. Dozens of creatures minimum. Continuing forward guarantees casualties."
Wind Wolf's tactical honesty was devastating. His Yuan Force reserves approached depletion while physical stamina had degraded critically. Individual Charizard elimination was no longer feasible.
"Strategic withdrawal for recovery."
But escape proved impossible.
Trap Closure
Twelve Charizards blocked the valley entrance in coordinated ambush formation.
"We're finished."
Despair crushed Wind Wolf's remaining optimism. Their squad could barely handle single opponents—twelve represented mathematical impossibility.
"Emergency assistance request!"
The communication device transmitted desperate appeals across all available frequencies.
Silence answered every transmission.
"Elite teams within range are ignoring our calls deliberately!" Wind Wolf's anger carried bitter understanding.
"Captain Wind Wolf, abandon hope for external rescue. No assistance will come."
"I suspected as much, but desperate optimism dies hard. Seems I underestimated human selfishness."
Final Gambit
Twelve Charizards approached with predatory confidence. Their speed matched mid-stage Martial Artist levels—Wind Wolf could potentially escape alone, but abandoning his teammates meant condemning them to certain death.
Over ten years of shared battles had forged bonds stronger than tactical calculation. Abandonment was impossible.
"If only Xiao Yue were here. Her archery skills could provide containment while we created escape opportunities."
But Xiao Yue—the Wind Wolf Hunting Squad's talented archer—remained safely protected by her influential family. They'd never permit such dangerous mission participation.
Wind Wolf had deliberately excluded her from this operation specifically to ensure her survival.
Sacrifice Decision
"I'll hold the creatures here. Everyone else escape through the valley interior!"
Heroic resolve blazed through his exhaustion as leadership demanded ultimate sacrifice.
"Captain, we fight together!"
"Death before abandonment!"
Loyalty answered his offer with unified rejection—except for the newest team member, who bolted toward the valley's depths while shouting apologetic justifications.
"Coward!"
Contempt followed the deserter's retreat.
Wind Wolf focused on Ye Tian specifically.
"Brother Ye Tian, your talent deserves better than death in this forgotten valley. Save yourself while escape remains possible."
Ye Tian's response carried quiet confidence that shocked everyone present.
"No one needs to die here. They're just fire-breathing lizards."
Elite Martial Artist aura erupted from his position like compressed lightning.
The revelation paralyzed Wind Wolf completely.
[End of Chapter 29]