The Frenzied Mountain Bear was dead. A Xiantian demonic beast of such formidable power had been slain just like that, its skull shattered and brains splattered, leaving everyone present in a daze, unable to utter a word for a long time.
At this moment, the figure of the youth was so conspicuous, drawing the gaze of everyone present, unable to look away for a long while.
Everyone's gaze was filled with awe and complexity. Just who was this youth? He had consecutively killed two Xiantian demonic beasts without a scratch on himself. His strength was truly astonishing, enough to inspire reverence.
When had such a stunningly talented young prodigy appeared in Xia Feng Kingdom? He was only sixteen or seventeen years old, even far more formidable than elite disciples like Vivian from the Heaven-tier Academy of Xia Feng Academy. Why was he unheard of in the world?
Once such a peerless prodigy emerged, news would inevitably spread across the land at an astonishing speed. Just like Ye Chen back then, who achieved the Xiantian realm at thirteen, shocking several great kingdoms. Even the Tian Du Academy in the central region of the Tian Du Continent heard of it and went out of their way to recruit him, breaking the rules. That was how significant it was.
So why had they never heard of this youth?
Actually, it wasn't their fault for not recognizing Ye Chen. Because Ye Chen had left Xia Feng Academy two years ago. Moreover, he was in his growth period and had changed greatly, shedding much of his childishness. Coupled with the awakening of his past life causing a transformation in his temperament from the inside out, the only prominent mark, the Moon Mark, was faint and indistinct, difficult to discern without careful observation. Therefore, even former students of Xia Feng Academy who had seen Ye Chen before would mostly fail to recognize him now.
However, Ye Chen paid no heed to the awed gazes of others, focusing on his own tasks. He proceeded to extract the Xiantian demonic cores from the skulls of the Xiantian Giant Crocodile and the Frenzied Mountain Bear. When those two Xiantian demonic cores, each the size of an infant's fist, were taken out, almost everyone's gaze couldn't help but fixate on them, burning with intense desire.
Some even harbored outright greed.
Xiantian demonic cores—only Xiantian demonic beasts could condense these cores. They contained potent and formidable Xiantian energy, incredibly pure and abundant, far surpassing the ambient spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Especially for Xiantian experts, possessing a single Xiantian demonic core and absorbing the Xiantian energy within could accelerate cultivation speed many times over. It was a treasure many Xiantian experts dreamed of.
If sold, each one could absolutely fetch a sky-high price of over two hundred thousand gold coins—no exaggeration—and they were often priceless and unavailable on the market.
Unfortunately, Xiantian demonic beasts were difficult to hunt. Whether in speed, strength, or agility, they surpassed human Xiantian experts of the same realm. Thus, obtaining a Xiantian demonic core was not easy.
Now, this mysterious youth possessed two Xiantian demonic cores all by himself. If word got out, it would surely cause a huge sensation, drawing the attention of countless people across the land.
"Xiantian demonic cores... and two of them at that. Selling them would fetch an astronomical sum."
"So lucky. This guy got two Xiantian demonic cores in one go. He's hit the jackpot."
"Indeed. A single Xiantian demonic core can sell for over two hundred thousand gold coins, and they're priceless and unavailable on the market."
Both the people from Xia Feng Academy and the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group stared covetously at the two Xiantian demonic cores in Ye Chen's hands. These were priceless treasures. Whether sold or used for personal cultivation, they were absolutely invaluable and unavailable on the market. Who wouldn't be tempted?
"If only I could get one of those Xiantian demonic cores..." The leader of the Snow Wolf Mercenary Group looked at the two Xiantian demonic cores in Ye Chen's palm, his gaze growing much more fervent, even giving rise to thoughts of greed.
But at that moment, Ye Chen's gaze swept lightly over everyone present. It was like a bucket of icy snow water being poured over their heads, chilling to the bone all those who harbored any improper thoughts.
This gaze was filled with indifference and detachment, like a lofty king looking down upon insignificant ants, not deigning to spare them a second thought.
Everyone firmly believed without a doubt that if any of them dared to try and snatch the Xiantian demonic cores from the youth's hands, the youth would surely strike with thunderous force, directly killing the perpetrator without exception.
They had no doubt the youth possessed such capability.
A long time later, when everyone had calmed down, they couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, unable to settle for a long while. Their gazes towards the youth held even greater reverence.
By now, Ye Chen had already stored away the two Xiantian demonic cores. He took out a sharp small knife and skillfully began to skin one of the two Xiantian demonic beasts—the Frenzied Mountain Bear.
At this moment, everyone remained silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Or rather, they simply didn't dare disturb Ye Chen, fearing that this mysterious youth, fierce enough to easily slaughter Xiantian demonic beasts, might get angry and casually kill them all. That would be a truly unjust death.
Suddenly, Vivian stepped forward, her heart filled with trepidation, and approached Ye Chen.
"Vivian, don't get close—"
A group of friends from Xia Feng Academy were worried, sweating bullets for Vivian. After all, this mysterious youth was no ordinary person and was incredibly powerful. They feared he might attack Vivian.
But Vivian gave them a reassuring look and approached Ye Chen. A gentle breeze blew, outlining her exquisite, curvaceous figure. She parted her red lips, her voice pleasant as she spoke, "Young master, this humble girl is Vivian. Might I boldly request your assistance with a matter? I promise generous compensation."
Ye Chen glanced indifferently at the great beauty before him. To be honest, she was even more beautiful than Ye Zimei, comparable to Yang Yi, and her temperament was even more approachable and gentle, like a lovely girl from a modest family. She was an exceptionally outstanding beauty, enough to captivate countless men.
However, his eyes remained clear, utterly unswayed by the girl's beauty. His words were concise, uttering only a single word: "Speak!"
Vivian was slightly taken aback. She considered herself a great beauty, with both family background and cultivation talent being top-notch. Wherever she went, she was the center of attention, pursued and admired by countless outstanding young men of her generation. Yet, she had hit a wall with this youth. Although she didn't place much importance on such external things herself, she couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
Then she lightly shook her head, casting aside the distracting thoughts in her heart, and said, "Young master, I hope you can sell me one of these two Xiantian demonic beasts. Not the demonic core, just the carcass. I can offer a high price. I wonder if you would agree?"
Her eyelashes were long and curved, her clear eyes like pools of clear spring water as she gazed at the youth, filled with hope.
The task given to them by the academy was simply to enter the Demonic Beast Mountain Range and hunt a Xiantian demonic beast. It didn't specify whether they had to kill it themselves; bringing one back was sufficient.
Naturally, the academy wouldn't claim the Xiantian demonic cores. They only needed to confirm the mission's success.
"How much?" Ye Chen got straight to the point, without any beating around the bush.
Vivian was slightly startled, then said, "Young master, the price is negotiable. Please feel free to name it."
Ye Chen thought for a moment and raised two fingers.
"Twenty thousand gold coins!" Vivian took one look and breathed a sigh of relief, even feeling a small surge of delight.
Although the flesh of a Xiantian demonic beast wasn't as precious as its demonic core, it was definitely worth more than just twenty thousand gold coins.
Leaving aside whether the meat was delicious enough, merely the name 'Xiantian demonic beast' was enough to make many wealthy merchants willing to spend a fortune to taste the flesh of this terrifying creature that struck fear into countless hearts.
The others were also pleasantly surprised. They had thought this mysterious youth would make an exorbitant demand, but it was only twenty thousand gold coins. For elite disciples like them, once they returned to the academy, if they wanted to sell it, they could easily fetch several times that price.
After all, there were many people in the royal capital willing to spend a hefty sum to taste the fresh meat of a Xiantian demonic beast.
"Twenty thousand?"
But Ye Chen shook his head, refuting their assumption. "I think you've misunderstood. Not twenty thousand, but two hundred thousand gold coins!"
"Two... hundred thousand!?"
Everyone was dumbstruck!