Chapter 38: The Startling Appearance of a Bronze-Level Monster

When the monster drew closer, they finally caught a clear look at its true form. Its appearance left everyone stunned.

The audience in the live broadcast room was also filled with shock; even through the screen, they could feel the crushing pressure radiating from the creature. It was as large as a small car, covered in a coat of golden fur that exuded a majestic, primal aura, reminiscent of a beast from the dawn of time. Its tail flicked like a sharp whip, its body was marked with black tiger stripes, and its neck was adorned with magnificent, lion-like fur, interweaving gold and black in a display of awe-inspiring power. The "king" character marking on its forehead was striking, and its teeth, resembling those of a prehistoric saber-toothed tiger, featured two massive fangs like those of a vampire, appearing both grotesque and terrifying.

Qin Chuan and Shangguan Ruoyun stared at the monster, and information quickly appeared before them:

[Monster Name: Golden Tiger-Lion]
[Quality: Bronze]
[Strength Rating: Three Stars]
[Talents: King's Might, Might, Bite, Golden Wave]
[Note: Killing a monster of Bronze quality or higher grants additional mysterious rewards.]
[In the Forbidden Land, monster qualities range from lowest to highest: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, King, Emperor, Holy Beast, Divine Beast.]
[For every tier the monster's quality increases, its strength more than doubles!]

Utter astonishment! No one expected such a monster to appear in the Forbidden Land. Countless viewers looked at the tiger-lion; just by meeting its gaze, they felt a sense of trembling fear. This creature was too terrifying. It commanded the scene like a monarch. Even Shen Gongbao was trembling so violently that he nearly collapsed to the ground. This was the pressure of a beast king; lesser creatures were helpless against such authority emanating from bloodline and soul.

The Golden Tiger-Lion did not roar. Its eyes were filled with arrogance, looking at them as if they were mere prey, a playful, mocking expression in its gaze. Even Shen Gongbao possessed a fair amount of intelligence, let alone this much higher-tier Golden Tiger-Lion. In its eyes, the two humans and the leopard before it were already snacks.

"This is a three-star monster. Why does it feel several times more terrifying than the Azure Dragon Lizard? My hands won't stop shaking."
"Its gaze is too scary. Those red pupils look like a demonic tiger from hell. How could such a horrifying creature appear in the Forbidden Land?"
"Qin... Qin Chuan, can he... can he handle this?"
"Even though Qin Chuan has defeated three-star monsters before, this one is just too terrifying. It’s like a boss in a game; just its presence makes me feel like I’m facing a legendary beast."
"And this is only Bronze! What if there are Silver or Gold ones? Does this National Fortune game want to see humanity destroyed?"
"Can we really complete the final task of the Forbidden Land? I’m starting to doubt it."
"How could such a terrifying monster appear at this stage? It’s forcing the lucky ones to their deaths. I finally realize how difficult it is to be a chosen representative. Qin Chuan, Miss Shangguan Ruoyun, you must hang in there!"
"We can only watch, unable to help at all. I feel so useless!"

Bingbing, knowing she couldn't let the citizens fall into despair, quickly spoke up: "Compatriots, have you forgotten the miracles Qin Chuan has created before? Look at Qin Chuan, look at Shangguan Ruoyun. They show no fear at all. Do you think they aren't afraid?"

"They are human, just like you, people of our Yanhuang nation. But they also know that if they were to become afraid, to retreat or cower, then Yanhuang would be finished."

"Keep going, Qin Chuan, Shangguan Ruoyun!"
"Keep going!"

Everyone was cheering for the two representatives. Even though they faced an invincible, primal beast, they could not give up. Even if they died once, what of it? The representatives still had one revival chance left, didn't they?

"Qin Chuan, I’ll hold it back; you run!"

Shangguan Ruoyun watched the monster. The "King's Might" radiating from the Golden Tiger-Lion made not only Shen Gongbao tremble but also filled them with deep terror. However, she could not show it—she could not let the monster see even a hint of weakness. She had to protect Qin Chuan. He was more skilled than she was; if she could just hold the creature off, Qin Chuan would surely be able to escape.

It was better for one to die than for both to perish. She chose herself without a moment's hesitation. This sight moved countless Yanhuang citizens to tears; this was the very model of a Yanhuang soldier.

"Run?"

Compared to the fear felt by others, Qin Chuan appeared remarkably calm. He stood there as if he didn't know what fear was, looking curiously at the strangely shaped Golden Tiger-Lion. He even pointed at it and said, "Sister Shangguan, this tiger-lion’s fur is beautiful. It would make a great broom."

Yanhuang viewers: "..."

The viewers were speechless. They knew Qin Chuan was strong, but they didn't believe he could defeat this monster. It was a powerful Bronze-tier giant beast. With the Bronze title and the fact that it was a three-star monster, its strength was double that of a typical creature at the same level. They only hoped Qin Chuan would run away.

Shangguan Ruoyun was also rendered speechless. She had told him to run, and he was talking about how pretty the monster's fur was. "Qin Chuan, I'm not joking. I'll hold it back, and you take the chance to escape. You are strong and the pride of Yanhuang—you must live on. I still have one revival chance, so don't worry about me."

Shangguan Ruoyun held a dagger in her right hand and patted Qin Chuan's small head with her left, her expression grave and her voice firm. No matter what, she would find a way to help him escape.

Qin Chuan shook his little head like a rattle and replied, "Don't be afraid, Sister Shangguan. This little tiger just looks fierce; it's not actually that scary."

Qin Chuan started to walk forward, which terrified Shangguan Ruoyun. She had told him to escape, not to fight the beast! Qin Chuan dodged her hand as she tried to stop him, turned back, and smiled. "Don't be afraid, Sister Shangguan. Watch how I teach this little tiger a lesson."

Qin Chuan trotted up to the tiger-lion, his small frame standing tall. He tilted his head up and glared at the much larger Golden Tiger-Lion, saying, "Little tiger, what are you acting so fierce for? I, Qin Chuan, am not afraid of you!"