Chapter 123: I Will Cover the Rear!

Inside the cave, it was pitch black. Bai Feiyu and his companions lit torches to illuminate their surroundings.

They proceeded cautiously, every step measured and careful.

They had no idea what kind of monsters might dwell within the cave; all they knew was that this expedition was a dangerous gamble.

Armed and alert, Bai Feiyu and the others pressed forward.

After advancing about a hundred meters, they suddenly heard heavy breathing echoing through the cavern.

The breathing was deep and labored, but clearly, only one beast was present.

Liu Xuan, eager to impress the Fourth Princess, boldly stepped ahead to lead the way. Before moving forward, he threw a provocative glance at Bai Feiyu, his attitude unmistakable.

“You’re just a better archer, that’s all. In this world, archery is but a minor skill. A man must possess true cultivation and strength to stand firm.”

Bai Feiyu couldn’t help but smile inwardly at this fool. He had no intention of engaging with such a petty character.

People like him, inflated with undeserved pride, must be living in some grand delusion.

Unfortunately, some individuals are destined to be nothing more than clowns, unfit for the real stage; Bai Feiyu didn’t even bother paying him any mind.

When they were about forty meters from the source of the breath, the beast seemed to sense their presence. It let out a roar and opened its eyes, which glowed an eerie green—like ghostly flames in the darkness, chilling to the bone.

“Don’t be afraid, I’m here!” Liu Xuan declared to everyone, sneering as he faced the beast.

After all, he had come seeking excitement and the thrill of capturing this monster; he was well prepared and intended to show off in front of the Fourth Princess.

“I have a bad feeling about this... my right eyelid won’t stop twitching,” muttered one of the followers uneasily.

“Shush, don’t be ridiculous. We’re here to explore. If you’re afraid, you can turn back now.”

“Relax. What kind of beast could possibly be in here?”

Many tried to bolster their courage, though the situation felt undeniably eerie.

“Heh, monster, just come at me,” Liu Xuan laughed loudly, spouting some dramatic nonsense, eager to prove himself.

Bai Feiyu only sneered quietly. If this fool wanted to steal the spotlight, so be it—it would shield Bai Feiyu’s own brilliance from the Fourth Princess’s attention.

After all, it wouldn’t do if the princess fell for him because of it.

“Roar—”

At Liu Xuan’s challenge, the beast erupted in fury, advancing toward Bai Feiyu’s group.

“A Guan Bear?”

As the creature drew near, everyone finally glimpsed its form. Their expressions instantly turned grim.

An adult Guan Bear is comparable to a second-tier Level of Shackles cultivator.

They hadn’t expected to encounter one here today.

Among them, the strongest was only a first-tier Level of Shackles—no match for a second-tier.

Now, the appearance of the Guan Bear filled them all with dread; this was far beyond what they could handle.

Regret swelled in their hearts—they should never have ventured so deep into the cave for this adventure.

Though this was the royal domain, it still harbored many formidable beasts.

They had truly run into a brick wall.

“Damn it! Everyone, run!”

Seeing the dire situation, Liu Xuan gritted his teeth, unleashing a divine skill before turning tail and fleeing.

Having recognized the beast as a Guan Bear, he no longer entertained thoughts of fighting; escape was his only goal.

Chaos erupted as everyone scrambled for the exit, but the Guan Bear was relentless.

The divine skill Liu Xuan cast was swallowed whole by the beast’s gaping maw, which then roared fiercely and charged after Bai Feiyu’s group.

Within just a few strides, the Guan Bear caught up, slapping a man at Level Nine of the Hao Qi Realm with a massive paw, sending him flying with a scream.

“Help me!!!” the man cried in terror, his fear palpable.

Yet Liu Xuan, always hungry for attention, ran ahead without a backward glance, ignoring the plight of his comrade.

The Fourth Princess frowned, disdain flickering in her eyes toward Liu Xuan. Where was his bravado now, the fire he showed when trying to upstage Bai Feiyu?

But she had no time to reproach him; she rushed to the fallen man’s side.

“Die, beast!” the Fourth Princess shouted, hurling a volley of darts that streaked through the air toward the Guan Bear.

Bai Feiyu turned sharply, gripping his War God Spear as he charged the beast.

He knew well that the darts alone could not harm the Guan Bear; its thick hide was impervious to ordinary hidden weapons.

If the Fourth Princess overestimated her darts, she might soon find herself wounded by the beast.

“Roar—”

The Guan Bear bellowed and swung a massive paw at the princess, furious at this human who dared challenge it.

But Bai Feiyu intercepted the blow with his spear, the beast’s paw impaled by the spearhead. Blood oozed from the wound.

“Get back! This Guan Bear is tough!” Bai Feiyu shouted fiercely, pressing the attack.

Though difficult to handle, Bai Feiyu knew he had to slay the beast quickly. The others were no match; only his strength could rival the creature’s.

Still, he wished to conceal his true power.

If he revealed it, the Fourth Princess would surely look at him with new eyes—a dangerous prospect, as little princesses like her were known to indulge their whims.

“Fourth Princess, I’ll protect you. Let’s run. Bai Feiyu and the others will cover our rear,” Liu Xuan called as he returned, suddenly thinking that rescuing her now might earn her admiration.

Liu Xuan’s motives were always self-serving; he cared nothing for the injured man beside the princess.

All that mattered to him was his own future and securing a marriage with the Fourth Princess.

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