“Kill all these cattle and sheep, then toss their bodies onto the main road. Avoid getting blood on you—or you’ll be next.” An adventurer shouted. Given the situation, it was the only option.

“Yes!” The adventurers pinned down by the animals swiftly drew their weapons, slashed the beasts’ throats, and hurled the breathless, motionless bodies onto the road. The scene turned grimly bloody.

“Damn them…” Luo Lie and the beastmen muttered, watching the cattle and sheep writhing in their death throes on the ground. Their faces darkened with distress—after all, as beastmen, they still held a trace of affection for these creatures.

“The weak exist only to pave the way for the strong. If I were in their place, I’d do the same. Had they not killed the animals, both sides would’ve perished. They made the right call.” I said calmly to Luo Lie.

“I… I get it. Still… fine.” Luo Lie fell silent and stepped back.

ROAR~~

At that moment, a colossal monster burst from the forest, snatching up the carcasses and devouring them ravenously—as if starved for years.

Long, sharp purple scaled horns. A crocodile-like snarling head. Terrifying fangs. Powerful limbs. Eyes glowing with alternating red and blue light. Undeniably, a formidable magical beast.

“Not bad… for a bug.” I couldn’t help but remark.

Bug???

The beastmen were too speechless to even protest. But by now, they’d grown used to Mister Ling Xie’s blunt phrasing.

“Brothers, charge!!” The adventurer who’d lured out the monster Juelian roared. Everyone surged forward.

Blazing Light Slash!

Heavenly Fire Strike!

Arc Lightning!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Spell after spell slammed into Juelian’s hide. The beast merely glanced around dully—as if the attacks barely registered.

ROAR~~

Spotting a mage hovering midair with flight magic, Juelian swiped a massive paw, seized him, and stuffed him into its maw.

What?!

The adventurers froze in shock. They hadn’t even seen Juelian move—yet their comrade vanished without a trace.

“Don’t panic! Fear gets us killed. Juelian devours every attacker. Doubling Magic—Object Amplification!” A bearded elder bellowed, his scythe swelling rapidly in size.

“Right! We’re Gold-rank and Diamond-rank mages! Running would bring shame. Unleash your strongest spells! Blade Line Magic—Razor Edge!”

At the black-eyed-patch man’s shout, countless hair-thin, razor-sharp lines shot from his surroundings, slicing toward the monster.

“All melee mages, with me! Close combat on Juelian. Others, cover us!” A youth drew a giant crimson sword, channeling fierce magic into the blade.

“Got it!”

“No problem!”

At his command, melee mages stepped forward, weapons gleaming.

Surprisingly united. Honestly… starting to look decent. I thought silently.

“I’ll step in if they’re about to fall.” As if sealing a resolve, I spoke aloud.

“Mister Ling Xie… why? Weren’t you waiting to reap the spoils? Did you… soften?” Luo Lie asked, puzzled.

“Hahahaha~~ Overthinking it. Truth is—if all these adventurers die, my position gets… delicate. How do I explain to the Guild Master why only you returned? Don’t worry—they’ll pay. Just not yet. And not all of them are innocent.” I replied evenly.

“I see… Your foresight humbles me. I overlooked too much.” Luo Lie bowed slightly, admiration clear.

“Exactly. This is the perfect chance to make the adventurer ‘Platinum God of Heresy’ renowned across the kingdom. Gold-rank and Diamond-rank adventurers hold weight nationally—even globally.” My eyes gleamed with quiet, unwavering resolve.