Chapter 8: King Tiger
Deep within the stone cave lay a modest plaza, roughly half the size of a basketball court. On either side stood rows of lesser demons. Yet, Yu Qiye’s gaze was fixed on the farthest recess of the cave.
There, carved from rock, was a colossal stone throne. Seated upon it was a towering black figure—immense and imposing. His body was covered in jet-black fur, with the form of a man but the head of a tiger. Four gleaming steel-white fangs protruded from his maw, and his golden eyes shone brightly. At a glance, he exuded an overwhelming aura of terror.
[Race: Tiger Demon Variant]
[Rank: Demon General]
[Attributes: Tiger’s Roar of the Mountain Forest (Red), Iron Bones and Steel Muscles (Purple), Tiger’s Majesty (Purple), Master of Blade Arts (Purple), True Form’s Might (Blue)...]
The intense demonic energy seemed almost tangible, weaving behind him into a vast shadow that enveloped the entire cave, oppressive and suffocating.
“Granny Crane, what does the little fox say?” the Tiger King’s voice rumbled low.
“Reporting to the Great King, Granny Crane says that the little fox has agreed,” the excited toad spirit replied.
“Really?” The Tiger King’s expression shifted to one of surprise and joy.
“Yes, Great King,” Yu Qiye echoed, then shifted his tone. “But she has made a request.”
“What request?”
“She wishes the King to grant her three years to prepare.”
“Very well, three years is nothing; we can wait,” the Tiger King laughed heartily, glancing at Yu Qiye. “Granny Crane, make sure to prepare for me—after three years, I will marry the little fox.”
“Yes, Great King,” Yu Qiye responded before promptly taking his leave.
...
Troublesome. Very troublesome.
The terror of this Tiger Demon far exceeded imagination. Though the realms in this world didn’t strictly dictate absolute power, this was a tiger demon—born fierce and relentless. Moreover, he seemed to be a variant, whose strength likely surpassed that of ordinary tiger demons.
“No wonder he reigns supreme nearby,” Yu Qiye thought, abandoning his earlier plan.
He had intended to transform into Granny Crane to approach the Tiger King and seize an opportunity to strike. But now, it was clear that a sneak attack would be unwise—chances were slim, and it would only reveal himself.
...
“The best choice is to ascend to Demon General.”
With this realization, Yu Qiye admired his own cunning—turning the conversation at a critical moment not only secured three years for Qingqiu Xue but also bought himself the same time.
Three years...
Enough time to break through to Demon General.
By then, no matter how ferocious the Tiger King was, what had he to fear?
...
Time flew like a fleeting horse.
Two and a half years passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Yu Qiye had maintained the form of a white crane, blending within the Black Tiger Cave, occasionally sparring with other demons, including the scorpion spirit he had initially targeted.
Luck favored him: he managed to acquire the scorpion spirit’s red attribute—Reverse Tail Poison Sting (Red).
[Reverse Tail Poison Sting (Red) — The body harbors a rare toxin that, once delivered in a strike, causes unbearable pain and agonized screams, damaging both body and soul.]
“With this rare poison, my lethality will increase significantly,” Yu Qiye thought as he transformed into human form and entered a secluded valley.
The place was silent and deserted.
Raising his right claw, he carefully observed the purple glow trickling from his fingertip—this was the rare poison nurtured by the Reverse Tail Poison Sting.
If Yu Qiye’s right claw wounded an enemy, the poison would seep into their body through the wound, inflicting excruciating pain and uncontrollable screams. Even the most resolute will would be distracted, offering Yu Qiye more opportunities.
With a smile, he retracted his claw and ventured deeper into the valley.
Today,
He intended to break through to Demon General!
...
“Ribbit, ribbit...”
One cry after another echoed from the valley’s depths.
At that moment, those paying attention would notice a massive black bird several dozen feet long spreading its wings, unleashing a tremendous storm.
Thunder rumbled, and the entire valley trembled.
Vines tore apart, turning to dust.
The pool at the valley’s bottom surged like a dragon’s whirlpool, rising tens of feet into the air.
At this instant, the black bird suddenly emitted a terrifying suction force.
Boom!
Countless spiritual energies flooded toward the bird as if it were a small black hole absorbing everything.
Until... at a certain moment...
“Crack...”
As if something shattered, the suction force surged dramatically.
More spiritual energy poured in rapidly.
Even more astonishingly, a surge of demonic energy soared into the sky, dyeing the pure white clouds a deep black.
Demonic energy surged, black clouds obscured the sun.
...
“What is that?”
A sudden exclamation escaped as a silver-white fox lifted her head, gazing westward.
There, a terrifying demonic energy soared into the sky.
Faintly, one could see countless strands of demonic energy intertwining to form a giant winged bird, soaring heavenward.
“Has it broken through?”
In these two and a half years, Qingqiu Xue and Yu Qiye had contacted each other several times.
Knowing Yu Qiye had secured three years for her, she felt both joy and worry.
Joy, because she had gained a reprieve of three years.
Worry, because the three years would eventually end.
And when that time came, how would she face the Tiger King?
But now...
She finally understood his intent.
“Do you have confidence to advance further within these three years?” Qingqiu Fox’s eyes were complex.
At the same time, deep within Black Tiger Cave,
The black giant tiger, which had been absorbing spiritual energy, suddenly let out a long, earth-shaking roar.
“Roar...”
The roar stunned the other demons.
“How dare you break through in my territory?”
The black giant tiger spoke human words, his face fierce, and suddenly lunged toward the cave entrance.
...
Breaking through was easier than imagined.
Or rather,
Yu Qiye’s accumulation was more profound than expected.
Everything fell into place naturally.
“Ribbit...”
“Ribbit, ribbit...”
Amidst the continuous cries, the black bird folded its wings and took human form.
Upon closer inspection, there were subtle changes from his former human appearance.
Still human-bodied with wings,
But no longer bird-headed.
Instead, a human head appeared.
A youth’s visage, with a hint of defiance and coldness.
His eyes resembled blood moons, glowing with a chilling, eerie light.
“No wonder I felt such oppression when I saw the Tiger King,” Yu Qiye murmured in awe.
Previously, as a white crane, he had met the Tiger King several times.
Each time, he sensed a soul-deep trembling fear and dread.
Now, he understood.
After stepping into the realm of Demon General, not only had his demonic energy surged severalfold within, but his body had undergone a qualitative transformation.
This was a comprehensive upgrade.
Moreover, a transformation of the highest order.
[Notification: Upon stepping into Demon General, your body has undergone a demonic energy baptism and transformation. Your blue attribute—Iron Body—has upgraded to purple attribute—Adamantine Body.]