In a slightly open clearing on the mountainside, a large black pot sat atop a crackling bonfire, emanating an intoxicating aroma of meat. Ethan ambled over, finding seven or eight teenagers already scattered around the fire. Among them were familiar faces: Justin, Snotty-nosed Kid, Lily, and Charles, while the rest were newcomers.Ethan caught a glimpse of Lily from the corner of his eye. To avoid the subtle awkwardness that arose when they were alone, she had visited the mountains less frequently in the past six months, only joining the group for meals. There was no need for a wealthy young lady like her to share simple meals with others, yet she did so. Why?"Hey, Ethan, you've got perfect timing! The dog meat's just cooked," Snotty-nosed Kid enthusiastically exclaimed as he pulled Ethan down to sit beside him. Over the past year, the kid had grown taller and his runny nose had subsided, though two telltale white streaks still marked the skin below his nostrils, adding a touch of hu

"Ethan!" At that moment, Lily, in the crowd, noticed Ethan, her pretty face turning pale.With his right hand resting on his knife handle, Ethan slowly approached the big cat. Behind him were the native villagers of Storm Clan's Village. Could Ethan retreat? Even if the villagers were indifferent and disdainful towards him, this was still the land where he'd been raised for thirteen years!Ethan knew that this battle would have consequences, win or lose. If he lost, he'd be devoured by the big cat. If he won, it would create more variables for future vengeance. After all, once his enemy Caleb learned about his cultivation, would he remain calm? Would he still be composed? Surely, he'd be on guard, perhaps even sending assassins after him!"Ah!"Ethan opened the wicker gate and, to everyone's astonishment, stepped inside, then bolted it shut. The big cat didn't move but coldly observed the uninvited guest entering the enclosure, its tail hanging low, sensing that this "little one" was

Determined, Ethan immediately turned and retreated at full speed. However, in the very next moment, he despaired."Whoosh"The big cat, a full fifteen meters away, leaped to block Ethan's path in a single bound. Its speed even surpassed Ethan's reaction time."Eh," Ethan gulped, staring at the unmoved big cat obstructing the road ahead. It was far too fast. Compared to the young big cat he had killed the previous night, this one was on an entirely different level. Ethan had always considered himself a top figure in Stone Town, but now it seemed that this mysterious big cat could easily swat him away with a single paw.According to ancient records, any living organism in the boundless wilderness that grew for a thousand years had the potential to evolve into a Beast Spirit. However, Beast Spirits also had innate differences in talent. Some were born with exceptional abilities or as fierce, powerful anomalies, while others gained strength by consuming rare treasures or devouring other c

Ethan's eyes grew sharper, and his right hand naturally rested on the hilt of his blade. The surrounding area seemed to quiet down, with only the occasional conversation of passersby in the distance. In Ethan's eyes, it was as if only the two of them remained in the world.Alexander was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent Ethan had faced since obtaining the Stone Bead. Renowned for many years in Stone Town, he may even have been stronger than Caleb, and Ethan dared not take him lightly. Even in a friendly spar, he had to give his all, not to be underestimated."Ha!"Suddenly, Ethan drew his blade with a flash, like a bolt of lightning, accompanied by a gust of wind, aimed directly at Alexander's waist."Haha, interesting." Alexander's eyes lit up, and at the last moment, he performed an iron bridge maneuver, narrowly avoiding Ethan's gleaming blade as it grazed past his nose."Six strikes in a single breath at such a young age—impressive!" Alexander felt the chilling sensation as

Feeling utterly helpless, Olivia looked around, tears blurring her vision. Her parents' faces were alight with poorly concealed smiles, while her brother, Victor, averted his gaze. For a moment, she felt abandoned by the world."Come, Uncle Robert, let me propose a toast with tea in place of wine," Noah said, filling his and Robert's cups to the brim. His face betrayed his smug satisfaction, for in his eyes, Olivia was as good as his."Pretending to be virtuous? Sooner or later, you'll be mine!" he thought, casting a dark glance towards the upper room.Noah's insatiable lust for women, coupled with his father Caleb's influence in Stone Town, had led to the ruination of countless innocent young girls. He had long coveted Olivia, and now that she was of age, he would not let her slip away."Young Master Noah is too kind. It's my daughter's fortune to be married to you," Robert said obsequiously, draining his cup in one gulp."In that case, Brother Robert, isn't it time to choose an ausp