Beast Tamer Ascension

Vol 2 Chapter 52: The Demon Core Stage!

“This blood...!”

A Dragon Palace member arrived near the Blood Pool—a woman riding a muscular giant rabbit. It was none other than Ziling’er, the Dragon Palace’s exclusive alchemist. Her rabbit, long accustomed to testing experimental medicines, was highly sensitive to unusual auras. Shortly after arriving in the Cangmang Mountain Range, it had sniffed out this location.

Looking at the blood-filled pool occupied by numerous beasts, Ziling’er’s expression shifted.

“A Dragon Blood Medicinal Bath!” she exclaimed. If her Dragon-Blooded Medicinal Rabbit could soak in this pool, it could easily break through from mid-Foundation Establishment to late-Foundation Establishment. Its bloodline purity would also see a significant improvement.

“But these beasts...” In the pool were dozens of Foundation Establishment monkey demons, led by a peak-stage Foundation Establishment Monkey King. Ziling’er doubted her ability to drive them away, nor did she think they would tolerate her sharing the bath. She could already sense their unspoken warnings.

“Ziling’er, you’re here too,” a familiar voice called out. She turned to see Yuan Jing riding a massive mantis beast. Her face lit up with joy.

Yuan Jing’s mount, the Giant Saber Mantis, was a wind-elemental demonic beast, renowned for its sword-like techniques. After purchasing a Rising Dragon Pill, Yuan Jing had captured and nurtured this beast himself, even teaching it swordsmanship.

“This is the Dragon Blood Medicinal Pool. It greatly benefits both Dragon-Blooded beasts and human cultivators. We should find other Dragon Palace members to drive the monkeys away together!” Ziling’er said, now grateful for her association with the Dragon Palace. Alone, she had no hope of claiming the pool.

“So this pool was what attracted it,” Yuan Jing said, calming his restless mantis. “The pool’s allure for Dragon-Blooded beasts will draw others with similar mounts. We don’t need to search; they’ll find us on their own.”

Ziling’er nodded in agreement. They retreated a short distance to remain on guard. Sure enough, before long, more Dragon Palace talents began to arrive, drawn by the pool’s presence. After Ziling’er’s explanation, everyone quickly understood the pool’s significance.

“There are enough of us now; let’s drive out the monkeys!” Ziling’er proposed, seeing over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators and Dragon-Blooded beasts gathered.

“Drive them out? What a waste!” countered Xu Zhizhi, the Dragon Palace’s strategist. “If we can subdue these monkey demons, we’d all gain another Dragon-Blooded pet. Look at their evolved bloodlines—we’d save on Rising Dragon Pills! Even if we can’t afford to raise a second beast, we could sell them to new Dragon Palace recruits. The academy’s next enrollment year is just around the corner.”

“That’s true!” added Gao Sheng, the group’s financier, perched atop his horse. “Dozens of monkey demons—whether Dragon-Blooded or not—would still be incredibly useful armed with Mechanized Bamboo Rifles!”

The Dragon Palace members now not only sought to claim the pool but also to capture the monkeys for their own benefit. The Autumn Trial was, after all, an event focused on subduing and taming beasts. Simply seizing the pool wasn’t enough.

As the group prepared for action, another figure arrived—but not from the Dragon Palace.

“Roar!”

Wang Xiao, clad in silver armor, descended from the clouds atop his Dragon-Blooded Battle Tiger. Dust billowed as they landed heavily. Though not a Dragon Palace member, Wang Xiao had also sensed the pool’s importance thanks to his beast.

“Lin Jing...!” Yuan Jing’s sword floated upward in response to the arrival.

Lin Jing had just finished spreading his spiritual sense, instantly grasping the situation. His expression remained calm as he said, “You’re here for Ziling’er.” Turning to the Dragon Palace members, he asked, “Is Ziling’er here?”

“If I were present earlier, they might not have kept that Dragon Blood,” Wang Xiao remarked. He had long decided not to restrain his cultivation for fairness’ sake. Compromising for Lin Jing’s slower progression was unnecessary.

Wang Xiao, now at mid-Foundation Establishment, had resolved to defeat Lin Jing, compelling him to catch up rather than holding himself back.

“Wang Xiao, shall we cooperate?” Xu Zhizhi quickly suggested. “The pool is large enough for dozens to bathe together. Let’s work together to drive out the monkey demons and fend off external threats.”

Wang Xiao ignored Xu Zhizhi’s proposal, his focus shifting to the bald pet beast on Xu’s shoulder. “Is that supposed to be a Dragon-Blooded beast? Where’s its fur?”

Before Xu Zhizhi could respond, a voice echoed from above.

“A group of newcomers should stop dreaming of claiming such treasures. Leave now while you can.”

The newcomer, clad in a black robe, possessed a peak Foundation Establishment cultivation. Riding atop a Dragon-Blooded Flood Dragon, he exuded a chilling aura. His beast’s bloodline wasn’t at the king level, but it was close.

“Gu Domain’s Chu Clan—Rank 98 on the Genius Rankings, Chu Ren,” someone whispered, recognizing him.

The Chu Clan was renowned for their Nascent Soul ancestor, who raised a Dragon-Blooded Demonic King. The beast had produced countless offspring, some of which now served the clan. Gao Sheng stiffened, having forgotten about Chu Ren’s potential involvement.

Chu Ren gazed coldly at the Dragon Palace members. Since Lin Jing hadn’t sold the Rising Dragon Pill formula to him, he saw no reason to be courteous.

“What if I don’t?” Wang Xiao’s defiant voice broke the tension.

Chu Ren sneered. “So, the Wang Family’s Kirin Scion is playing house with the so-called Dragon Palace?”

“The Chu Clan’s reputation for decadence precedes you,” Wang Xiao retorted, drawing his saber. If Lin Jing wasn’t here, he would warm up by using this “bottom-feeder” of the Genius Rankings to sharpen his blade.

“Wang Xiao, you’re amazing!” Gao Sheng cheered, stoking the flames. “Take him down, and you’ll make the Genius Rankings at mid-Foundation Establishment! Such dominance!”

Chu Ren drew his magical artifact. The air grew tense, the battle imminent, when a sudden explosion rocked the area.

Boom!

A terrifying wave of energy surged from the Dragon Blood Pool, its demonic power shooting into the skies and drawing the attention of beasts across the Cangmang Mountains. The Monkey King within the pool had condensed a Demon Core, breaking through to the Demon Core Stage.

“A Demon Core-stage beast?” Lin Jing, having just finished taming the mosquito swarm, opened his eyes and looked toward the commotion.

“This Autumn Trial is terrifying...” he murmured.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!