The Water Python Magical Beast thrashed its head wildly, trying to dislodge the intense pain. It could clearly feel its life rapidly draining away, which left it both terrified and enraged!

As a dominant force in the Penzes Swamp, this water python had lived for over a hundred long years. During that time, it had lost count of how many humans it had devoured. In short, it felt nothing special for those little creatures, who were even more fragile than Beastmen. They were nothing more than an appetizer before a meal!

Its favorite meal was juvenile Swamp Demons. Devouring them was what made it feel truly satisfied. So, to the Water Python Magical Beast, both Beastmen and humans were nothing more than light snacks.

It never imagined that today, it would fall at the hands of a mere appetizer!

Ling Xiao’s body was as steady as a mountain. One hand gripped the Demon Blood Red Lotus Sword embedded in the Water Python Magical Beast’s body, and he remained completely unmoved as the enormous creature thrashed and rolled wildly.

From within the Water Python Magical Beast’s massive body, blood from its countless vessels surged madly toward the Demon Blood Red Lotus Sword. Even Ling Xiao was taken aback. ’I never knew this sword was so bloodthirsty!’ The Demon Blood Red Lotus Sword had tasted blood before, having even slain powerful experts like a Demon Sword Master! But back then, Ling Xiao hadn’t noticed any signs of it absorbing blood. He never expected that upon encountering this Magical Beast, it would seem intent on draining it completely dry!

The Water Python Magical Beast was already suffering from a potent poison; otherwise, Ling Xiao would not have pierced the hardest part of its skull so easily. After more than half its blood had been frantically drained, the massive creature had already died. Its enormous body, however, still twitched occasionally, preventing the distant Beastmen from daring to come any closer.

’How terrifying! This human actually managed to slay such a powerful Magical Beast all by himself!’

’Even among the Beast Race, probably only the Clan Leader and the High Priest possess this kind of power! And we’ve only heard stories; we’ve never actually seen the Clan Leader or the High Priest in action.’ Witnessing such valor today, they were all stunned by the power Ling Xiao had displayed—so stunned they didn’t even dare to flee.

Although human society also respects the strong, humans are far too sinister and cunning. All manner of schemes and plots grow right alongside one’s power. Therefore, in the world of humans, it isn’t a simple matter of the strongest individual being able to stand at the very top.

The Beast Race, however, was different. They had a much greater reverence for strength. As long as you possessed power, you could earn the respect of the Beast Race!

This held true even for humans, a race they had always looked down upon!

After a long moment, Ling Xiao felt the suction from the Demon Blood Red Lotus Sword in his hand weaken, and he effortlessly pulled the sword from the Water Python Magical Beast’s head. When he looked at the blade, it seemed even more vibrant and dazzlingly red. Spiritual Qi appeared to flow across the entire sword, and a crimson, hazy gas enveloped it, making it look more like a living creature!

Ling Xiao pointed his sword to the sky and let out a long roar that carried far into the distance!

In the azure sky, a white speck appeared in the distance. The speck grew larger and larger until it was directly above Ling Xiao, and clown descended, flapping its wings. The sight of such a majestic Flying Magical Beast struck even more fear into the hearts of the Beastmen!

clown first glanced at the massive Water Python Magical Beast and let out a few excited cries. Then it looked again, puzzled, and cawed twice in displeasure. It seemed to be wondering, ’This big fellow obviously just died, so how is all its blood gone?’

The Leopard-headed Beastman with the deep-set eyes mustered his courage and stepped out from his hiding place. He approached Ling Xiao cautiously. When he was about thirty meters away, he grinned at Ling Xiao, baring his fangs. The white ruff around clown’s neck suddenly bristled, and its eyes flashed with a vicious light as it stared intently at the Leopard-headed Beastman.

The Leopard-headed Beastman froze in fear, not daring to move. He patted the beast hide around his waist with both hands, then patted down the simple leather he wore, indicating that he carried no weapons.

Ling Xiao patted clown’s head, signaling for it to calm down. clown tilted its head to glance at the Leopard-headed Beastman, then with a powerful beat of its wings, soared high into the air once more and flew off toward the depths of the swamp. It had been stalking a strange-looking Magical Beast and had only returned when it heard Ling Xiao’s call. clown figured the other beast wasn’t very strong and planned to have it for dinner.

"Hah! Human? I, Leopard People! Mad Leopard!" Mad Leopard was his name. Not many among the Beast Race had names, so when he spoke the two words "Mad Leopard," the Beastman seemed very proud!

Then, the Leopard-headed Beastman pounded his large, furry hand against his chest, making a loud THUD. He then lowered his head slightly. This was how the Beast Race showed goodwill. Pounding one’s chest was a display of strength, while slightly lowering one’s head was an admission of inferiority. For the warlike Beast Race, this was an incredibly difficult act; even when outmatched, they would not easily lower their proud heads.

Ling Xiao didn’t understand Beastman customs, but by sensing the Spiritual Power emanating from this Beastman, he could feel not the slightest hint of malice.

So, Ling Xiao smiled at the Beastman and pointed in the direction where the water python had thrown the other two. "Your companions!"