Chapter 46: The Betrayal of Fire Dance Academy

“Xiong Chen, do you know what kind of demon beast this is? What abilities does it possess?” Chimu asked curiously, pointing at the creature.

Xiong Chen pondered for a moment, then answered respectfully, “Young Master, this demon beast resembles a crocodile, but its hide is covered with a thick layer of fur. It looks very much like the legendary Duer Mirage Croc. However, the Duer Mirage Croc only appears in legend—they have long since vanished from the world. I cannot say for certain if this giant beast before us is truly one of them.”

Chimu shot Xiong Chen a glance. “If that’s the case, then you and your men should first test the waters. Find out what abilities this creature has.”

Xiong Chen cupped his fists in acknowledgment and led a subordinate at the Spirit Connection Yellow Stage to attack the guardian beast. The two of them, weapons in hand, descended from the sky and struck the Duer Mirage Croc with all their might.

The Duer Mirage Croc, seeing the attack from above, betrayed a look of disdain in its eyes. It lifted its head to meet the blow. With a resounding clang, Xiong Chen and his companion managed to land a hit on the beast’s head, but at the same time, were flung away by its counter. They landed heavily and were forced to stagger back dozens of steps. The guardian beast merely shook its head, entirely unharmed.

Chimu stared in astonishment at the Duer Mirage Croc. The beast let out a low growl, as though mocking them. Xiong Chen, flushed with shame and anger, unleashed a martial technique at the creature. The Duer Mirage Croc roared—a deafening, continuous sound. Xiong Chen and his subordinate dropped their weapons, clutching their heads and screaming in pain as they staggered backward, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths.

Chimu, watching their pitiful state, sneered. “Hmph! Xiong Chen, you’re truly useless! Just look at your brothers, Xiong Huang and Xiong Di—aren’t they all far stronger than you? What a disgrace!”

The people from Fire Dance Academy burst into laughter at the sight of the demon clan’s misfortune. Hidden in the shadows, Yao Ye also mocked them quietly. “Hmph! Overestimating themselves.”

Hearing the merciless laughter from Fire Dance Academy, Chimu’s expression darkened. “You on the other side—did you think you could reap the benefits without lifting a finger? Or do you want us to deal with you first? If you don’t join us in fighting, we’ll wipe you out before anything else!”

“Hmph! You’ve already provoked the demon beast. Do you think it will let you go? As for wiping us out—I doubt you even have the strength!” As Chimu charged toward the Fire Dance Academy members, he shouted, “Domain: Blood Sea Tide!”

The people of Fire Dance Academy were instantly trapped in a pool of blood conjured by the domain, unable to move, their faces turning ashen. “Stop, stop! We agree to your proposal—we’ll join the attack!”

Chimu eyed them with contempt. “Hmph! You refuse a toast and prefer the punishment instead. Now it’s too late. Attack the demon beast for me, or I’ll destroy you first!”

Faced with such overwhelming power, the Fire Dance Academy members went pale; there was nothing they could do but grit their teeth and comply. Their leader stepped forward and cupped his hands to Chimu. “Very well, we’ll deal with the beast. Please withdraw the domain and release us.”

Chimu snorted coldly. “Want to be released? Fine. Open your minds and allow me to plant a mark on your souls.”

“No! If we open our minds and let you plant a mark, won’t we become your puppets?”

“A Parade of a Hundred Ghosts!” Without warning, Chimu struck at the one who spoke, killing him instantly. “Did you think you had any other choice? I’ll say it one last time: open your minds and submit to me!”

Hidden in the shadows, Yao Ye and his companions looked on, secretly delighted. The Fire Dance Academy members’ expressions shifted again and again, but none dared act.

“Fine. Since you refuse to submit, then die!” Chimu raised his ghostly claw once more. The Fire Dance Academy members hastily cried out, “All right, all right! We’ll open our minds and submit to you! Please, spare our lives!” Having said this, they all lowered their heads.

“If you’d done so sooner, you wouldn’t have suffered. Why must you learn the hard way?” Chimu then planted the soul marks in each of their spirits.

Once the marks were set, Chimu withdrew the domain. “Now that I have marked your souls, you should understand—if you defy my orders, I need only a thought to end your lives. Now, attack the demon beast for me. Xiong Chen, you and your men will assist them!”

“Yes, Master! Yes, Young Master!” The group cupped their fists and, exerting all their strength, launched themselves at the demon beast. Chimu, meanwhile, flew alone toward the Earthheart Lotus.