so there won't be any more chapters today but you should expect at the very least, 2 if not more tomorrow.

Well, without further ado. enjoy!

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Philip popped a beast bead into his mouth and munched on it, crushing it with his teeth.

One could tell by the bloody claw mark on his cheek, he was at a severe disadvantage.

He radiated a strong killing intent towards what stood in front of him a couple of metres away. His face was grim yet he had a look of calmness. He understood that useless thoughts would only impede him, slowing down his reaction time which could very likely, turn him into a useless corpse.

The opponent this time was a late rank three baneful hound. Baneful hounds often hunted in packs. But were at the same time often only found in deeper parts of the wilderness, considering its ability to even threaten early rank four beasts.

Luckily, this one was ahead of its pack and believed it could handle him by itself, therefore it had not yet called for its pack for aid.

He called upon star energy from his mind world. After a while it covered his body like a brown dark red armor, able to be seen through.

*cha cha*

The energy made sound as it manifested and increased in intensity. Philip and the beast looked at each other and then, at the same time, they moved.

The hound pounced towards him trying to swipe its claws to shed blood yet again. Its fierce eyes showed only the thirst for blood. The hound gave of a baleful aura, befitting its name.

*bang*

He threw a solid fist out, smashing into the paw of the hound. Sadly, the paw contained a larger strength than his fist and he was tossed aside like a ragged doll.

He could barely stand up before the beast came into his view again. This time, trying to bite him.

Philip put force into his right leg, narrowly dodging to the right.

Countless of thoughts flashed by in his mind.

Am I really going to end like this? Is this all I can amount to? Will I not stand upon the summit of the cultivators?

As the hound charged towards him, time stopped. Everything became still.

As if, as if it all was a picture drawn by a painter.

A majestic, soft yet hard voice erupted like a volcano from within his mind, “Brat, do you want me to lend you my power? At the same time, booms echoed from within his body, violent energy surging about. At last, he had broken through to the third rank.