Lin Bai approaches a powerful beast forced to haul excrement for the Qian Family. Recognizing the beast from its past as the "Sword Demon Mask," Lin Bai offers it a chance to leave with him and reclaim its lost dignity and humanity. As four young martial artists intervene to stop Lin Bai, the beast appears to finally understand.
"Hahaha, you're scared stiff, aren't you!"
"Since you're scared stiff, go ahead and die!"
The four young martial artists viciously advanced on Lin Bai. Witnessing Lin Bai's lack of resistance, they immediately burst into laughter. Their combined attack was moments away from striking Lin Bai.
Lin Bai observed the Beast, remaining motionless.
And precisely at the moment the four young martial artists' combined fists were about to impact Lin Bai.
Suddenly!
An astonishing spectacle unfolded!
Without warning, a colossal black shadow descended from the heavens directly in front of Lin Bai, eclipsing the sunlight and materializing before him, shielding him from behind.
The unified punch of the four collided with the black shadow instead.
With a resounding boom.
The four young martial artists' synchronized strike impacted the black shadow. Far from shattering the shadow, the force of the rebound propelled all four warriors backward.
The impact felt as if their fists had struck a solid iron plate, nearly shattering their own arms!
All four were sent hurtling hundreds of meters, landing on the ground, only to quickly rise and face the shadow.
"Beast, what are you doing!"
"Do you intend to rebel?"
"Do you desire another whipping? I shall grant it!"
Upon recognizing the shadow as the Beast, the four warriors spoke with chilling coldness. One even produced a whip from his storage bag, his gaze fixed menacingly on the Beast!
The Beast, having intercepted the punch for Lin Bai, turned to face Lin Bai directly.
The Beast stood exceptionally tall, exceeding three meters, positioning itself before Lin Bai and casting him within its shadow.
Lin Bai tilted his head back, observing the Beast's disheveled mane from which a pair of earnest eyes emerged.
"Good..." The Beast strained to open its mouth, managing to utter a single word comprehensible to Lin Bai.
Lin Bai understood the immense effort it took for the Beast to articulate this word!
Lin Bai offered a slight smile, gently patted the Beast's sturdy musculature, and declared with calm resolve, "From this moment forth, you shall accompany me!"
"And effective immediately, your designation as 'Beast' is rescinded!"
"Your name is... Lin Ye!"
"Remember this name; you are not called Beast, you are Lin Ye!"
Lin Bai stated firmly to the Beast.
A flicker of bewilderment crossed the Beast's eyes.
Lin Bai mused internally: He likely doesn't grasp my words.
Lin Bai gazed past the Beast's form towards the four young martial artists, announcing, "Henceforth, he is no longer a warrior of the Qian family. Return and inform your Qian family manager!"
"His name is not Beast; it is Lin Ye!"
"From now on, he is my sworn brother, Lin Bai!"
"Instruct your Qian family Elder to ensure the Qian family keeps its distance from him, or else... I shall annihilate the Qian family!"
Lin Bai's voice resonated coldly as he addressed the four warriors.
"Lin Ye, let us depart!" With his declaration, Lin Bai turned and began to walk away.
The Beast paused for a brief moment before adhering to Lin Bai's stride, not casting a single backward glance at the four warriors!
"Do you truly believe you can simply take the Beast, underestimating our might?"
"We are warriors of the esteemed Qian family!"
"We are powerful cultivators of the Yin Saint Realm!"
"Whelp, surrender your life!"
The four bellowed in unison, charging Lin Bai with all their accumulated force.
These four were not imbeciles; they understood that the Beast, despite its limited intellect, was a formidable asset within the Qian family. Its loss would be difficult to explain upon their return.
Thus, after a swift exchange of glances, the four resolved to eliminate Lin Bai.
They reasoned that by killing Lin Bai, they could then reclaim the Beast!
The four unleashed their full might upon Lin Bai.
Four potent killing intents materialized behind Lin Bai.
This development caused Lin Bai to halt his movement.
The instant Lin Bai stopped, the Beast abruptly pivoted to confront the four, its eyes blazing with fierce intensity, poised to intervene!
At this critical juncture, Lin Bai silently turned back, fixing his gaze upon the four.
Upon perceiving Lin Bai's eyes, the expressions of the four contorted into shock. Their bodies were violently propelled away, collapsing onto the ground, spewing blood, and teetering on the brink of death.
It was as if four razor-sharp blades had erupted from Lin Bai's gaze, impaling them!
With a mere look, he incapacitated the four warriors, rendering them incapable of rising.
"Hmph, relay my words to the Qian family, precisely as I have stated!" Lin Bai sneered coldly, turning his back once more.
The Beast followed closely.
The four remained prone on the ground for an extended period. Their senses gradually returned about thirty minutes after Lin Bai and the Beast had departed. They looked back in Lin Bai's direction with utter dread, exclaiming, "What level of expert is he? We couldn't even perceive his cultivation!"
"With a single glance, he inflicted grievous injuries upon all four of us, and we are Yin Saint Realm powerhouses!"
"That's not the most pressing issue; the critical point is that he absconded with the Beast... How shall we provide an explanation upon our return!"
The four sat on the ground, their faces pale with terror, gazing towards the direction Lin Bai and the Beast had vanished.
...
Lin Bai proceeded ahead, with the Beast cautiously trailing behind him.
Throughout their journey, Lin Bai guided the Beast back towards the Tang family's designated guest quarters.
Upon reaching the courtyard, Lin Bai happened upon Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty, who were also just returning.
"Beast..." Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty voiced in surprise, their gazes fixed on the imposing figure accompanying Lin Bai.
Lin Bai offered a laugh, inquiring, "Uncle Ban Ye, Uncle Fatty, what are you two up to?"
Ban Ye stated calmly, "We've concluded the handover for the guest quarters and are now packing our belongings to depart from the Tang family."
Uncle Fatty added in a low tone, "Brother Lin Bai, why is the Beast accompanying you?"
Lin Bai glanced back at the Beast, a soft chuckle escaping him as he corrected, "His name isn't Beast; it's Lin Ye."
"Lin Ye?" Uncle Fatty and Ban Ye exchanged looks, a clear sense of confusion on their faces.
Lin Bai elaborated with a smile, "I bestowed that name upon him. From this moment forward, he will be by my side."
Ban Ye paused for a moment before earnestly asking, "Did the Qian family willingly permit their prize asset, the Beast, to depart?"
Lin Bai responded with a laugh, "Is their permission necessary? If they consent, that's wonderful. If they refuse, then... the Qian family will cease to exist!"
"Uncle Ban Ye, Uncle Fatty, please proceed. I will take Lin Ye to get cleaned up."
Lin Bai led Lin Ye further into the courtyard.
The Beast positioned himself in a corner near the courtyard wall, his eyes reflecting a deep-seated fear as he watched Lin Bai.
He behaved much like a loyal, albeit fearful, watchdog.
Meanwhile, Lin Bai was occupied with preparing a bath for the Beast.
Pausing his preparations, Lin Bai approached the Beast and inquired softly, "When you were with the Qian family, did you always remain crouching by the entrance?"
A flicker of confusion crossed the Beast's eyes, as if he didn't quite grasp Lin Bai's question. Nevertheless, after a moment of contemplation, he gave a slight nod.
Lin Bai's expression hardened as he finally understood the Beast's true standing within the Qian family.
The Qian family had never viewed him as an equal, but merely as an animal, a mere brute!
"From this day forward, there is no need for you to crouch in a corner. Within this humble courtyard, you are free to sit whenever you wish, to drink whenever you desire, and to feast on meat whenever you please..." Lin Bai stated with a warm smile.
"Come now, the bath is ready for you. Let's get you cleaned up first!"
