The half-moon blade aura, condensed with highly refined energy, swept toward the Golden Core Rainbow Bird with a howling sound as it tore through the air. At the same time, a bold, sky-shaking shout came from Brian Carter: “Let’s both have a taste of this Golden Core Rainbow Bird’s meat!” The last two words, “meat taste,” were practically roared out, echoing several times through the valley.

“Roar!” Blake Carter, king of all beasts, would never show weakness before Brian Carter. Its own aura surged explosively as it leapt at the Golden Core Rainbow Bird in midair, spitting out three white energy spheres from its mouth. Clearly, it was going all out.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!” A white light shield suddenly appeared in front of the Golden Core Rainbow Bird, repeatedly struck by several energy blasts. The shockwaves radiated outward like a gale, tearing up the nearby grassland.

“You thieving bird, taste my Xuan Yue!” In midair, Brian Carter twisted his body, resisting the powerful impact even as the Rainbow Bird’s sharp claws left a wound on his abdomen. Blood spurted out. Yet Brian Carter seemed not to feel it, as Xuan Yue transformed into a fierce blade light, slashing toward the Rainbow Bird’s neck.

At the same time, Blake Carter also leapt behind the Golden Core Rainbow Bird, using both its claws and fangs in a desperate assault.

Boom. The Golden Core Rainbow Bird dodged Blake Carter’s attack, but couldn’t escape Xuan Yue, which struck its chest. Although the blade light was blocked by its powerful true energy, the entire bird was still flung several meters through the air. It let out a sharp screech, clearly having suffered a minor injury. Now, it glared at Brian Carter with even greater fury, refusing to let go.

The battle was extremely fierce, the difference in strength vast. In just a few short exchanges, both Brian Carter and Blake Carter were covered in wounds. Yet, with their desperate efforts, the Golden Core Rainbow Bird was also in agony. Its once flawless body was now riddled with dents and pits, and its long, elegant tail feathers had been severed by Xuan Yue, leaving it a bald-tailed bird.

Two Innate-level beings managing to batter a Golden Core beast to this state—if word got out, it would be enough for both man and tiger to be proud.

The three clashed again, massive energies colliding and scattering them in all directions. The Golden Core Rainbow Bird was truly formidable—even two against one, it was only knocked back a few meters. But Blake Carter and Brian Carter weren’t so lucky. Blake Carter’s massive body was slammed to the ground by the powerful impact, letting out a miserable howl. Brian Carter was sent crashing heavily into the water, nearly all the bones in his chest broken.

Forcing himself to hold on, he crawled out of the water, soaked through, and stood side by side with the equally unsteady Blake Carter, staring at the Rainbow Bird floating in midair. Brian Carter burst out laughing: “Brother Tiger, looks like this time next year will be the anniversary of our deaths. Too bad, apart from each other, we have no friends. I doubt anyone will come to pay respects.” At this, Brian Carter couldn’t help but think of his master—the old man who tricked him into this godforsaken place. Maybe, a thousand years from now, if he returns, he’ll be disappointed in me.

Blake Carter also forced itself to stand, its tiger head showing no sign of weakness as it proudly stared at the Rainbow Bird in midair. With a tiger’s roar, Brian Carter understood its meaning: even in death, it would not die in humiliation. They would keep their last shred of dignity.

“Alright, as Brother Tiger wishes.” A trace of resolve flashed in Brian Carter’s eyes as he said boldly, “Let’s go for one last strike. I hope in the next life, we can be brothers again.”

Chapter 13: The Challenge

At this moment, the Golden Core Rainbow Bird no longer showed any arrogance as it looked at the man and tiger. Seeing them gather their strength once more, its eyes changed color, and it let out several clear cries. After giving them a deep look, it turned and flew away.

Seeing the Golden Core Rainbow Bird leave just as the outcome was decided, Brian Carter and Blake Carter looked at each other in confusion. Yet, having escaped death, the feeling of surviving against all odds washed over them. The aura they had built up dissipated, and neither had the strength to remain standing.

Brian Carter collapsed to the ground, pain flaring from every wound on his body—especially the broken bones, which were excruciating. He gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down as he cursed the Rainbow Bird’s ancestors. Blake Carter lay prone, letting out a low growl, eyes full of anger.

Brian Carter gave an awkward laugh and quickly sat cross-legged to heal. After all, this life was a gift, and he wasn’t afraid of the Rainbow Bird coming back for a sneak attack.

These wounds were the worst Brian Carter and Blake Carter had ever suffered. After much back and forth, feasting on the delicious meat of those two Innate beasts, it took nearly a month for their injuries to fully heal. Originally, Brian Carter wanted to sneak away with Blake Carter once they were half-recovered, but after only a few miles, the Golden Core Rainbow Bird drove them back.

Helpless, they could only stay by the pool to recover—until today.

“That damned bird, who knows what it’s thinking.” Munching on a fat, roasted fish, Brian Carter looked into the depths of the peach grove and cursed, “It won’t kill us, but it won’t let us leave either.” Twice now, whenever they tried to leave, the Rainbow Bird had driven them back.

“Could it be that damned bird is in heat and wants one of us as a consort?” Brian Carter gave Blake Carter a sly look and laughed, “Brother Tiger, looks like you’re in luck. That bird is beautiful—if it ever takes human form, she’ll be a real beauty.”

Blake Carter, who had been eating fish contentedly, was so enraged it leapt to its feet with a furious roar.