Blake Carter played for a while and finally grew a bit bored. With one bite, it snapped the deer's throat, while the raptor, seeing its companion killed, let out a mournful cry and soared into the sky. Brian Carter laughed loudly and shouted, “Stupid bird, I knew you’d try that trick.” Brian Carter had been watching for the raptor’s escape, knowing full well that its speed was far beyond what he could chase. With all his strength, he hurled the 150-pound Xuan Yue like a bolt of lightning; under the rainbow-like arc, blood rained down from the sky.

Brian Carter, seizing the moment, quickly absorbed the deer's spiritual energy. Then he leapt to the fallen raptor’s side, twisted its neck with a swift motion, and eagerly drew the dissipating spiritual energy into his body.

“That was satisfying.” Brian Carter pulled out Xuan Yue and laughed heartily, “Today I’ve eaten my fill—took down three innate beasts at once. If every day were like this, I’d probably reach the peak of the Innate Realm in less than half a year.”

Blake Carter, full of energy, carried the deer over, signaling to Brian Carter to roast it. Innate beasts, nourished by spiritual energy over long periods, had meat that was far more tender and delicious than ordinary animals. Along the way, the seven innate beasts they had taken down all ended up in the bellies of man and tiger. Unfortunately, innate beasts were rare and not something one could eat every day. Now, having gotten two at once, how could Blake Carter and Brian Carter not be overjoyed? Pity the speckled mountain chicken, which had turned to minced meat and was no longer edible.

Brian Carter was about to drag the two corpses to the pond’s edge for butchering when he suddenly froze. His face changed dramatically as he looked back toward the edge of the peach grove. Blake Carter also sensed extreme danger, letting out a series of fierce roars.

Chapter Twelve: Fight to the Death

“What a powerful aura. Could it be the Golden Core Dao?” Brian Carter thought to himself, gripping Xuan Yue tightly and focusing all his attention ahead. The immense, overwhelming aura far surpassed that of the three innate beasts from earlier. In fact, it was far beyond both Brian Carter and Blake Carter.

The newcomer was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, it covered over a thousand meters and came to a stop. Only then did Brian Carter see clearly that what floated in the air before him was a bird. In all these years, Brian Carter had never seen such a creature; it looked much like the legendary phoenix, though not as large. It also resembled a peacock, but was more slender and beautiful. Its feathers were mainly bright red, dazzling with all colors in the sunlight, and its meter-long tail plumes drifted gracefully in the wind—a truly stunning sight.

Though the bird was beautiful, it filled Brian Carter with unease. Just from the faint golden glow shimmering around its body, he could tell it had at least reached the Golden Core Dao realm. The overwhelming aura nearly suffocated Brian Carter.

The great bird glanced around, and when it spotted the corpses of the deer and raptor on the ground, its demeanor suddenly turned fierce. Its gaze shot toward Brian Carter and Blake Carter like tangible blades, a flash of killing intent in its eyes.

“Thud, thud, thud!” Brian Carter couldn’t withstand the crushing aura, his chest tightening as he staggered back several steps. Blake Carter fared no better, tumbling over itself several times.

Only now did Brian Carter understand why there had been no fighting in this place. With a Golden Core Dao monster bird here, who would dare act recklessly? No wonder the deer and mountain chicken had managed to become innate beasts.

By rights, there was a vast gulf between the Innate Realm and the Golden Core Dao. Even ten late-stage Innate cultivators might not be a match for a Golden Core opponent. Yet Brian Carter was a proud man by nature, and after years of living with the kingly Blake Carter, he had picked up some of its unruly spirit. For this bird to try to suppress them with sheer force upon arrival—how could Brian Carter not feel anger?

He gathered all his strength, gripping the 150-pound Xuan Yue with both hands. Pointing at the bird from afar, he used his growing fighting spirit to resist the bird’s overwhelming pressure. Blake Carter, worthy of its kingly title, quickly recovered from its shock, let out a furious roar, and stood in front of Brian Carter, turning its head to gesture at him with repeated tiger calls.

After years together, man and tiger understood each other well. Brian Carter naturally knew what Blake Carter meant: it would hold off the enemy so Brian Carter could escape.

Brian Carter was well aware that even together, he and Blake Carter were no match for a Golden Core opponent. Escape was the best option; though the odds were slim, if Blake Carter could delay the enemy even briefly, there was a chance. But after so many years together, their bond was extraordinary. To abandon Blake Carter and run was something he simply could not do. Besides, Blake Carter had loyalty—how could a man be heartless?

Withstanding the pressure, Brian Carter stepped forward. He swung Xuan Yue through the air and laughed loudly, “Brother Tiger, you really have a sense of humor—cracking jokes with me when the enemy is at our door.” Suddenly, his expression turned cold and he said solemnly, “Brother Tiger, though man and beast are different, our bond is deeper than brothers. I, Brian Carter, am not a heartless or faithless man! Enough talk—today, either we both die in this bird’s belly together!” With that, he strode forward and, gathering all his strength, slashed through the air.