For four consecutive days, Xiao Tianyang was either challenging soul beasts or on the run.
The former was to accumulate lottery points.
Although the numbers he obtained each time were not particularly impressive, the sheer volume made up for it.
Moreover, each fourth-level lottery attempt cost a significant amount, so Xiao Tianyang had no choice but to work hard.
As for the latter, Xiao Tianyang had likely miscalculated.
He underestimated the tenacity of a 10,000-year soul beast.
When the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast attacked again, it nearly scared him into fleeing the Star Dou Forest entirely. However, after a few encounters, he began to notice something.
Although the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast appeared to have recovered from its injuries, it was not at its full strength.
It no longer possessed the overwhelming dominance it once had, nor could it obliterate Xiao Tianyang in a single strike.
This gave Xiao Tianyang the opportunity to play a game of cat and mouse with the beast. When it approached, he fled; when it chased, he ran. It was an endless cycle of evasion.
But this wasn't just for fun. Xiao Tianyang had received a side quest based on this situation.
Side Quest Triggered: [Survivor].
Objective: Survive the hunt of the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast for four days.
Reward: Soul power level +1!"
As the sun set in the west, Xiao Tianyang, crouched among the treetops, allowed a faint smile to creep onto his lips.
The frustration of failing to locate the Titan Giant Ape over the past few days was instantly swept away as he gazed at the quest notification on his system interface.
"A soul power level increase? What a generous reward," Xiao Tianyang murmured.
He glanced ahead, where the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast was rampaging like a headless chicken.
He couldn't help but shake his head. "It seems the beating from the Flame Magma Soul Beast last time really messed up his brain. Not only has its strength weakened, but its intelligence has also taken a nosedive."
Of course, if the beast's strength and intelligence hadn't declined, Xiao Tianyang might have seriously considered fleeing for good. Instead, he found himself watching this almost comical scene unfold.
But then, a thought struck him.
He rested his chin on his hand, rubbing it thoughtfully. "The system predicts it will leave in four days. Why is that? Is it because of recurring injuries? No, judging by its current state, it seems more like it's reaching the end of its endurance and needs to retreat within four days."
Boredom led Xiao Tianyang to ponder this question further. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"Could it be that it's being ordered by someone, or perhaps it can't leave the core area for too long? Yes, that must be it. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense!"
Just as he figured this out, the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast, hundreds of meters away, went completely berserk. Flames erupted wildly, as if it intended to turn the entire area into a sea of fire.
Of course, this was unrealistic. After all, this was the home of soul beasts.
As one of them, it wouldn't truly destroy its own habitat. Despite its demonic nature, the Sky-Swallowing Demonic Beast wasn't an alien like the Flame Magma Soul Beast.
Moments later, the beast ceased its fiery outburst and instead roared skyward. After venting its rage, it left reluctantly.
Ding! Congratulations, host! Side Quest [Survivor] completed!
Reward: Soul power level +1!
A gentle surge of soul power flowed into Xiao Tianyang's body, refreshing him immensely.
Unlike the overwhelming force of absorbing a soul ring, this increase was smooth and soothing, like soft hands gently massaging his meridians.
He checked his system interface again and saw that his soul power level had risen to 44. All his previous doubts vanished, and his mood lifted significantly.
"Keep being arrogant for now. Sooner or later, I'll turn you into my soul ring," Xiao Tianyang muttered with a smirk, glancing at the beast's retreating figure before turning away.
However, after walking a short distance, he paused.
"In three more days, it will be time to meet Qian Renxue. I'd better not break that promise."
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Tianyang reluctantly pulled out a compass from his storage ring.
Item: Jack Sparrow's Compass
Function: Points to what the user desires most in their heart.
Description: A legendary treasure from a distant sea.
"Ah, well. It's just a one-time treasure from a second-level lottery draw. Maybe I'll get a permanent one in the future," Xiao Tianyang consoled himself.
He focused his mind, recalling the image of the Titan Giant Ape. After a while, the compass activated, its needle pointing westward.
Xiao Tianyang smiled faintly. "I might not be able to handle other 100,000-year soul beasts, but the Titan Giant Ape? Hehe, that's a different story."
With that, he activated his movement technique, vanishing in a blur and covering a hundred meters in an instant.
…
Six hours later, night had fallen.
"Roar!"
A deafening roar shook the surrounding trees, causing leaves to rain down.
In the next moment, a massive, furry palm appeared out of nowhere, uprooting a towering tree that would take five or six people to encircle.
"It seems both apes and monkeys have a thing for sticks," Xiao Tianyang remarked with a hint of amusement as he observed the enraged Titan Giant Ape.
After some time, he had finally located his target. And after their initial clash, Xiao Tianyang wasn't disappointed.
Although he was still no match for the Titan Giant Ape, it wasn't easy for the beast to defeat him either.
Using his speed and various treasures, Xiao Tianyang had managed to toy with the Titan Giant Ape, much to his delight.
He carefully reviewed the mission requirements.
If the objective was to kill the target, it would be straightforward. But since it was to defeat the target, there were many loopholes to exploit.
For instance, breaking the opponent's will and forcing them to admit defeat without facing their full fury head-on.
This was the strategy Xiao Tianyang employed.
Whether it would work remained to be seen, but he didn't mind the wasted treasures.
Over the years, he had drawn many items from the first and second-level lotteries, some of which were inconspicuous but proved surprisingly useful in combat.
Like now, for example. Despite being far stronger, the Titan Giant Ape couldn't lay a finger on him.
"Swish!"
The Titan Giant Ape, its eyes bloodshot, swung the massive tree trunk like a club, aiming to crush Xiao Tianyang.
But at that moment, Xiao Tianyang smirked, pulling out two talismans—one red, one black—which disintegrated into ashes.
In its rage, the Titan Giant Ape failed to notice this subtle action.
It swung the tree trunk down with all its might, but at the critical moment, its footing slipped, causing its body to stagger to the right.
The attack missed Xiao Tianyang entirely, sending debris and dust flying.
Xiao Tianyang stood up, raising a finger triumphantly. "It's my luck today and your misfortune. Come on, hit me!"
"Damn human! You infuriate me!"
The Titan Giant Ape roared in human language.
Regaining its balance, it gripped the tree trunk and swung it horizontally, aiming to sweep Xiao Tianyang off his feet.
…
If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:
patreon.com/DarkLord621
📖 Explore my fanfiction collections:
🔹 Douluo: Infinite Lottery System - 262+ Chapter
🔹 Douluo: Peerless Gu Master - 172+ Chapter
🔹 My Disciple Are All Dou God - 84+ Chapter
Thank you for your support!