Chapter 531

Chapter 531: As if no one has a celestial tool

Xiong Li’s battle intent, once ignited, was instantly snuffed out at the sight of the Swordsman Puppet.

"I just finished a mission and was heading home when I bumped into Senior Xiang Yun," Following Shadows said, his voice cool yet respectful.

"Forget it, go ahead and make your move. It’s no fun now that you’re here," Xiong Li said with a hint of helplessness. With someone guarding him, what difference did it make from before?

"You two little rascals of the human race, do you really think a puppet can save you?" a sharp voice taunted again.

In the sky, a massive phantom of a giant bird appeared.

"Following Shadows, it’s your show now," Xiong Li declared.

"Seniors, just watch from the sidelines," the Swordsman Puppet said before transforming into a phantom and disappearing.

With a resonant Sword Sound, a Sword Shadow seemed to cut through time itself, and in a flash, a sword light sliced through all the Akimura birds.

Before the sword light could fade, Following Shadows maneuvered the puppet to reappear beside the two.

Whether they were Void Refinement stage or Transformation stage Akimura birds, all were frozen in midair for a moment before their heads and bodies separated, plummeting to the ground, their beast blood staining the earth.

"Every time I see Following Shadows in action, I feel utterly useless," Xiang Yun exclaimed in awe.

"In just under one hundred years’ time, not even considering the power of the puppet, the swordsmanship it embodies is something I can only admire."

"See, it’s not just you who feels that way," Xiong Li said with a smile, shrugging his shoulders.

A mournful cry echoed through the sky, then silence fell over the land.

"Seniors, shall I escort you home now?" the Swordsman Puppet Following Shadows offered.

"Let’s go; we’ll just have to continue the mission next time," Xiong Li agreed with a nod.

Just then, a fierce killing intent washed over them.

Both men’s faces changed instantly; this aura was far beyond the Core Formation stage.

A Golden Giant Tiger approached them and the puppet.

"I didn’t expect to stumble upon something so intriguing while wandering the Human Realm," the Golden Giant Tiger said. "Is that humanoid puppet wielding a sword being controlled by someone?"

The tiger’s words carried a commanding presence that could force those with weaker wills to their knees.

"The Golden Devourer Tiger, one of the top powerful families in the demon race, boasts at least three Invincible Beast Kings within the clan," Following Shadows explained calmly.

"Seniors, you go ahead; I’ll cover the rear," Following Shadows stated.

At this moment, Xiong Li finally caught on.

"Wait, if you’re here, then Grape must be around too," Xiong Li said.

"Correct, but only a squad of Core Formation stage puppets accompanied me; they likely can’t suppress this Golden Devourer Tiger," Following Shadows replied, as ten Core Formation stage puppets descended from the sky to stand guard around him.

“Human cultivators, I’m just passing through the Human Realm to see what your so-called geniuses are made of. No need to worry, I’m not here to kill,” the Golden Devourer Tiger said coldly, its tone dripping with arrogance, as if it couldn’t be bothered to lie to anyone.

“Following Shadows, we’re heading out. You handle this,” Xiang Yun said, tugging Xiong Li along as they prepared to leave.

“Safe travels, seniors. Once I deal with this Golden Devourer Tiger, I’ll catch up,” Following Shadows replied.

The Golden Devourer Tiger didn’t move, simply watching as Xiong Li and Xiang Yun walked away.

“Now that those two distractions are gone, we can finally have a proper fight,” the Golden Devourer Tiger said, taking slow, deliberate steps forward.

Following Shadows gripped his Spiritual Sword tightly, his expression hardening as he transformed into a streak of sword light, charging straight at the Golden Devourer Tiger.

Meanwhile, Xu Fan, who was busy refining a railgun, frowned as he watched the battle unfold on the light curtain.

“This must be one of the beast race’s prodigies, here to test the waters. Acting so bold means it’s got something up its sleeve,” Xu Fan muttered, still working on the railgun.

“Grape, keep the railgun on standby. It’s fine to wound, but don’t kill,” Xu Fan said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

He had already gathered intel on the Golden Devourer Tiger clan from Grape. With at least three Invincible Beast Kings in their ranks, Xu Fan knew better than to provoke such a powerful clan.

But since it had come to him, there was no avoiding it.

“Understood!”

On the light curtain, the battle ended abruptly as the Golden Devourer Tiger shattered Following Shadows’ Swordsman Puppet with a single swipe of its claw, not even losing a single hair in the process.

Xu Fan clapped his hands, summoning a temporary avatar to take over the refining work.

“Looks like I’ll have to step in,” Xu Fan said.

At that moment, a special Core Formation Stage Puppet, one of Xu Fan’s personal creations, appeared in front of the Golden Devourer Tiger.

“Another one here to die?” the Golden Devourer Tiger sneered at the new arrival.

“I heard you’re here to challenge the human race’s so-called geniuses.”

“You’re just a Core Formation stage beast. Even with your clan’s backing, you’re pushing your luck,” Xu Fan said, eyeing the Golden Devourer Tiger.

“I’ve passed through countless sects and holy lands, met human race elders, even faced invincible respected elders, and yet I’ve always walked away unscathed,” the Golden Devourer Tiger boasted.

“I have the Golden Devourer Tiger clan’s leader’s word—no killing, just sparring with human talents.”

As it spoke, a phantom materialized behind the Golden Devourer Tiger, radiating the aura of an Invincible Beast King. The message was clear: fight fair within the same realm, but if anyone tried to bully it, they’d face dire consequences.

Two tiger fangs floated around the Golden Devourer Tiger, glowing faintly, their effect similar to the Avatar Jade Talisman Xu Fan possessed.

“My father is the Grand Elder of the Golden Devourer Tiger clan, one of the Invincible Beast Kings,” the Golden Devourer Tiger added casually, glancing at Xu Fan.

“So, you’re just here to challenge human geniuses?” Xu Fan asked.

“Exactly. They say the human race and beast race are evenly matched, but in all my travels through the cultivation world, I’ve yet to meet a human who can beat me,” the Golden Devourer Tiger said, a flicker of disdain in its eyes.

“What happens if you win? And if you lose?” Xu Fan asked, intrigued.

He had seen the Golden Devourer Tiger’s strength firsthand—it had effortlessly defeated Following Shadows, who had just advanced to the 7th rank Tian Puppet Master. Its talent and fighting strength were unmatched among all the beings Xu Fan had encountered.

Compared to Su Rantian and Ning Dao, both at the Core Formation stage, the Golden Devourer Tiger was in a league of its own. Even Xu Gang, if he reached the Core Formation stage, might only manage to hold his own for a few moves—nothing more.

A jade plate appeared beside the Golden Devourer Tiger, emanating a faint celestial energy.

“Celestial tool: Celestial Spirit Dao Plate. If you win, it’s yours.”

“If I win, I’ll take your most valuable treasure, and you’ll swear never to attack my Golden Devourer Tiger clan,” the Golden Devourer Tiger said coolly.

“Who do you think you’re looking down on? As if I don’t have a celestial tool of my own,” Xu Fan shot back. The Spirit Breaking Rod appeared beside him, radiating its own celestial energy.

Behind Xu Fan, a massive phantom of a colossal rod materialized, towering over the scene.

“Your Celestial Spirit Dao Plate? It’s not all that impressive,” Xu Fan said, smirking at the Golden Devourer Tiger.

The way it flaunted its celestial tool, acting like no one else had one, grated on Xu Fan. He had no patience for show-offs.