The collision was so violent. Feathers burst into the air, and Luo Chen screamed in pain as Hu Yanâs claws tore into his shoulder.
He tried to twist away, but Hu Yanâs fury was uncontrollable.
With one powerful swipe, Hu Yanâs claws caught his wing and tore it clean through.
A horrible cry ripped through the night. Luo Chen fell, his body spiraling down, blood spraying in the air as one of his wings shattered.
He hit the ground hard, rolling and crashing through the trees.
Hu Yan landed right after him. He rolled down on the ground before standing up in a few seconds like the fall didnât even matter to him. His breathing was heavy, but his golden eyes looked like molten lava as the killing intent shone in them.
He stalked toward the fallen owl beastman, his claws dripping with blood. "Where is she?" he growled, his voice shaking with rage. "WHERE IS MY FEMALE?"
Luo Chen hissed, his face twisted in pain as his eyes fell on his fallen wing, which was torn apart. His blood soaked the dirt beneath him, but even in agony, he refused to speak.
He glared up at Hu Yan, hatred burning in his eyes.
Hu Yan didnât wait. He pounced again, grabbing Luo Chen by the throat and slamming him against a rock. "Say it! Where did you take her?!"
Luo Chenâs sharp beak opened, but no words came out. He just let out a harsh screech... not of fear, but of defiance.
He couldnât speak. If he did, Hu Yan would know him.
Hu Yanâs claws dug deeper. "You think you can hide?!" he shouted. "Iâll tear you apart until you talk!"
Luo Chenâs eyes flashed coldly. His pain turned into rage. Even injured, his power flared; a violent gust of wind burst from his body, throwing Hu Yan back several meters.
Hu Yan flipped midair and landed on all fours, growling deeply. "Youâre strong," he said through his teeth. "But I wonât stop until you tell me where she is."
Blood dripped from both of them. The ground around them was already stained dark red.
Luo Chenâs breath came out ragged. "Fool..." he hissed under his breath, barely audible. "Youâll die before you find her."
Hu Yan lunged again, and the two beasts clashed once more... claws against talons, blood against blood.
Their roars echoed through the forest, shaking the trees.
Neither of them showed mercy.
The fight between them was wild and fierce; it was born from the desperation that burned through the night.
And as they battled under the moonlight, the scent of blood grew stronger, spreading far across the forest...
Luo Chenâs body trembled with pain. Blood poured down from his torn wing, soaking the ground beneath him. Every movement burned like fire.
Hu Yan wasnât giving him a moment to breathe. The golden-striped beastman charged again, his claws flashing in the dark, eyes full of killing intent.
Luo Chen blocked with another wing, but Hu Yanâs strength sent him flying backward. He hit a tree hard, his back scraping against the bark.
"Enough!" Luo Chen screeched in a strange voice. His feathers bristled, his face twisting in rage.
He could feel his strength slipping. The pain from his wings was spreading through his whole body. He couldnât fight like this for long.
But he refused to die here at the hands of this stupid, lovesick fool.
He clenched his fists tightly, blood dripping from his claws. "Iâll kill you... before you ruin everything."
Hu Yan growled, his golden eyes burning. "Try it."
He lunged again, his speed blinding. The ground cracked under his feet as he leapt forward, claws raised to strike.
Luo Chen blocked again, but Hu Yanâs strength was overwhelming. His shoulder split open from the impact, and he stumbled back, coughing blood.
His vision blurred. His breath came in gasps. He had to escape... now.
His mind raced as Hu Yan came again, unstoppable like a storm. Luo Chenâs instincts screamed at him... if he stayed one more moment, he would die here.
Hu Yan roared again, "WHERE IS MY FEMALE?!" His voice echoed through the whole forest, making the leaves tremble.
Luo Chen didnât reply. His sharp eyes flickered coldly.
He bit down hard, forcing himself to focus. The blood flowing down his arm glowed faintly, and then, slowly, his aura started to fade.
The surrounding ferocious beasts who were watching from afar froze. The air went still. Even the faint scent of his blood began to vanish.
Hu Yan blinked as he was suddenly attacked by a powerful wind that made his eyes close for a brief second, but when he opened them again, there was nothingâno sound, no scent, no heartbeat, no presence.
The entire presence of the owl beastman disappeared like he had never been there at all.
Hu Yan froze mid-step, his claws still raised. "What...?" His golden eyes darted around, but there was nothing to see.
The trees swayed quietly. The bloodstains on the ground were still there, reminding him of the bloody battle from a few seconds ago.
Impossible, he thought, baring his fangs. He was right in front of me!
Hu Yan inhaled deeply, trying to catch even the faintest scent. But there was none. It was like the wind itself had turned against him.
Far away, high above the forest, Luo Chen moved silently through the shadows. His breathing was shallow, his face pale, but his eyes glinted with triumph.
The ancient hidden technique of the owl clan had saved him once again.
No beast could sense him now. Not even one with Hu Yanâs sharp instincts.
He looked down at the forest below, a grim smile forming on his face despite the pain. "Rely on your senses all you want," he whispered coldly. "But youâll never find me that way."
He spread his one good wing weakly and stumbled from one tree to another silently. Behind him, the furious roar of Hu Yan shook the forest, but there was no one left to hear it.