King of Beasts

“Alright, I’ll teleport over to take a look in a bit.”

Lu Ran was very satisfied with the intelligence provided by Manager Ying.

He then turned to Gu Qingyi.

Didn’t Dr. Gu just say there was something she needed to tell him?

“It’s about the Fishman Empire.”

Gu Qingyi took a sip of tea and continued:

“While investigating the Fishman Empire deep in the ocean, powerful members from the international beast taming alliance encountered the Fishman King!”

“Hmm?” Both Lu Ran and Manager Ying perked up.

“The Fishman King is the commander of the Fishman Empire.”

“According to further intelligence, it belongs to an upper overlord species, water type, and is a special ocean species of level 61.”

“In an environment like the deep sea, beastmasters from the international alliance had almost no power to resist.”

“In just an instant, they were completely wiped out.”

“That’s…” Lu Ran was shocked. “Was it that bad?”

“It’s lucky you didn’t go, Dr. Gu.”

Gu Qingyi nodded. Even if she had gone, the situation probably wouldn’t have turned around.

The power of the Fishman King far exceeded that of a Level 5 Legendary Secret Realm boss.

Besides, in the deep-sea environment, even beastmasters adept at maritime warfare wouldn’t fare well against the Fishman King.

“So, did all those people die?” Manager Ying asked.

If they all died, it would be huge international news.

“No, the Fishman King just defeated them and then let them go.”

“Let them go?” Manager Ying didn’t understand.

“Could it be that the Fishman Empire is a peace-loving species?” it asked.

“Or maybe it just saw humans as weak ants, not worth the kill,” Lu Ran said.

“Just like when humans catch a grasshopper, admire it for a moment, and then release it back into the grass.” He had indeed done something like that before…

Gu Qingyi looked at Lu Ran and said, “It’s not as ridiculous as you think. The Fishman King seems to be quite ‘wary’ of humans, although I think, currently, humans have no means to counter it.”

“On the surface, Manager Ying seems to be more accurate in its guess. The Fishman King stated that it has no interest in occupying the land but also doesn’t want the ocean to be disturbed by terrestrial life.”

“It hopes that humans and the Fishman Empire can form an alliance through marriage, ensuring peaceful development for both.”

Manager Ying and Lu Ran: ???

“Marriage???!” Lu Ran and the cat raised their voices.

“Mermaids, fishmen, and humans can do that?” Lu Ran clapped his hands.

“But why bring this up specifically with the lad?” Manager Ying frowned and said, “Do you want to send him for this marriage alliance?”

Gu Qingyi glanced at Lu Ran and said, “The Fishman Empire has specific requirements. Not just any human can marry into the Fishman Empire; they need ‘high-quality’ humans, meaning ‘superhumans.’”

“I certainly don’t want Lu Ran to take any risks, but doesn’t this request seem a bit suspicious?”

Lu Ran and Manager Ying fell into deep thought.

Lu Ran said, “Judging by history, the Fishman Empire’s desire for a marriage alliance with humans likely means that the Fishman King is still in the stage of conquering the ocean and doesn’t have the capacity to simultaneously fight terrestrial creatures.”

“But it’s also concerned that terrestrial creatures might see it as a threat, so it wants to show goodwill.”

“But once the Fishman Empire completely dominates the sea region, will it still love peace? That’s uncertain.”

“Exactly,” Gu Qingyi said. “So, the international alliance is currently divided into two factions. One wants to strongly suppress the rise of the Fishman Empire and hopes to fight back against the Fishman King by detonating nuclear weapons in the deep sea. The other faction doesn’t want significant conflict and supports the marriage alliance to understand more about the Fishman Empire.”

“And what’s our stance?” Lu Ran asked.

“We’re currently neutral.”

Lu Ran: “…”

“Why does the Fishman Empire insist on superhumans for marriage alliances…” Manager Ying asked suspiciously, “Are you suggesting they might know the secrets of superhumans?”

“Yes,” Gu Qingyi said. “Superhumans have been mysteriously targeted and are suspected to be related to legendary creatures. Now, the Fishman Empire also specifically demands superhumans as marriage partners.”

“No one can say for sure what secrets superhumans hold, but I worry that even if the Human Alliance decides against a peaceful marriage alliance with the Fishman Empire, the Fishman Empire won’t give up on superhumans.”

“There’s a chance that they might take matters into their own hands and abduct superhumans from the land.”

“So, I came to warn Lu Ran to be extra cautious. His conflict with the Fishman Empire might escalate beyond just ‘coastal waters disputes.’”

“Lu Ran himself is very likely to become a target of the Fishman Empire.”

“Especially now, with Lu Ran having evolved into a middle overlord, I suspect it will be hard for him to avoid attention. He might face scrutiny from both human nations and marine empires…”

“Damn,” Lu Ran cursed under his breath.

It felt like an impossible situation.

If the Fishman Empire wanted to capture him to marry the Mermaid Princess, he wouldn’t be that worried. But what if they wanted to turn superhumans into superhuman fish food?

“I feel like reality is becoming increasingly dangerous for me,” Lu Ran mused, stroking his chin. “Maybe I should avoid reality for a while, stay in the Infinite City until I level up past 60, and then return…”

Gu Qingyi and Manager Ying shook their heads but didn’t object.

If Lu Ran really had the resolve, it might actually work out for him.

…

Not long after, Lu Ran found himself back at the Teleportation Plaza in Infinite City.

The issues with the Fishman Empire were still too remote for immediate concern.

At the current stage, the Fishman Empire likely didn’t want to provoke humans just yet.

After all, it wouldn’t be a wise choice to antagonize humans before fully conquering the ocean.

Besides, for Lu Ran, becoming stronger was the best way to ward off future threats.

He planned to first conquer the legion-type Legendary Secret Realm.

For someone like him, the King of Green Sea and the village chief of LuJia Village, mastering legion-type abilities could bring about a qualitative change in his power.

He might even catch up to the second generation’s level.

“Unfortunately, Manager Ying doesn’t have in-depth intelligence, only surface-level information.”

To avoid someone else beating him to it, Lu Ran teleported directly from Antarctica’s Infinite City to the high seas’ Infinite City.

Upon arrival, he immediately activated the secret realm pillar platform.

[Name]: Ubilias Island

[Level]: Level 2

[Difficulty]: Legendary

[Secret Realm Introduction]: Ubilias Ants are a species that evolved and mutated due to special celestial phenomena. The queen ant has the ability to command the Ant Colony and transform into an ant demon.

When humans discovered these creatures, they had already set foot on the Star-Moon Continent.

Eventually, after the ant colony had devoured several cities, they were exterminated at the cost of the life of a legendary warrior.

Ubilias Island is the birthplace of the ant colony, and here, you will face an undeveloped colony of Ubilias Ants and experience their terror.

(Ubilias Ants, Metal and Rock dual types, lower supernatural upper commander species, levels 1~30.)

(Ubilias Queen Ant, Metal and Rock dual types, lower overlord species, level 30.)

(Ant Demon, Metal and Rock dual types, data depends on the size of the ant colony.)

[Challenge Crystal Coins]: 0

“Hmm…” Lu Ran stared at the information, slightly taken aback.

He felt that this secret realm might be a bit troublesome.

If it were just a one-on-one fight against a lower overlord-level boss of the same level, it wouldn’t be a problem-he would just go for it.

After all, his Sudden Death King is already a middle overlord. Even if the opponent has a stronger foundation, he has the Divine Deer Pendant on his side.

Lu Ran wasn’t one to back down.

However, if this lower overlord had a bunch of underlings, then its threat level would be far beyond that of a simple lower overlord.

Mastering a legion skill, even if just commanding a group of low-ranking soldiers, could make it possible to fight beyond one’s level!

“For a typical beastmaster, solo-clearing a Legendary Secret Realm is incredibly difficult.”

“Each level seems harder than the last.”

Lu Ran shook his head.

In fact, after him, a person from the Eagle Federation also solo-cleared a Legendary Secret Realm.

However, that person’s situation was hard to replicate.

To accomplish the solo clear, he had five contracted pet beasts, and four of them died. It was suspected that he used inhumane methods to pass.

People could hardly understand what he was thinking.

Even though he was also hailed as the strongest second generation after Lu Ran, this kind of behavior wasn’t widely accepted and was called crazy by many beastmasters.

Was sacrificing four pet beasts for a solo clear of a Legendary Secret Realm really worth it?

After all, unlike beastmasters on the Star-Moon Continent, beastmasters on Blue Star cannot contract a new pet beast in the original contract slot if an old one dies.

Of course, as with any hot topic, there’s controversy. Some people believe there’s nothing wrong with his actions.

Many beastmasters focus on nurturing a single pet beast, concentrating all their resources on it so that it can take on multiple opponents at once.

Eliminating weaker pet beasts and concentrating resources to enhance just one to its maximum potential is also a valid strategy.

Therefore, most people think that after losing four primary pet beasts, this “crazy” beastmaster not only won’t get weaker, but his power might actually increase.

“For safety’s sake, let’s have the Sudden Death King accumulate some ‘Domineering Energy’ first.”

Lu Ran didn’t rush into the Legendary Secret Realm. Instead, he turned to the training secret realm.

He planned to have the Sudden Death King endure some hits to get into its “optimal state.”

Another reason was that the Sudden Death King had just evolved, and Lu Ran wasn’t yet familiar with its capabilities.

Entering an unknown secret realm without understanding the strength of his pet beast would be irresponsible and could easily lead to poor decisions.

…

Inside the training secret realm.

Lu Ran stood on the lawn.

Three cards revolved around him, emitting light. The figures of the Sudden Death King, General Ha, and the dark crow appeared.

The massive Sudden Death King materialized behind Lu Ran, while General Ha and the dark crow stood to his left and right.

The three generals had arrived!

Compared to the current Sudden Death King, which stood several meters tall, General Ha and the dark crow, though not small, seemed relatively weaker.

In reality, this wasn’t just a feeling. Compared to the Sudden Death King, General Ha and the dark crow were indeed weaker.

“Roar!” The Sudden Death King spread its wings and roared, causing the grass and trees in the secret realm to sway.

However, its pride was short-lived. Lu Ran’s next words plunged it into an icy abyss.

“Alright, Sudden Death King, we’re going to challenge a Level 2 Legendary Secret Realm later. First, you need to accumulate your Domineering Energy.”

“General Ha, dark crow, attack the Sudden Death King with all you’ve got. Don’t hold back.”

Sudden Death King: ???

“Woof!!” Upon hearing Lu Ran’s command, General Ha displayed a sharp expression and turned slightly to face the Sudden Death King, which had previously looked at it with disdain.

“Roar!!!” The Sudden Death King felt wronged; Lu Ran had instructed it to act that way.

“Caw!” The Dark Crow General narrowed its eyes, feeling that the Thunder Dragon General was overly domineering and needed to be humbled. Otherwise, the Dark Crow General would never have its day to shine.

It wanted to turn the Sudden Death King into a pig!

“Roar!!!” With that, General Ha and the Dark Crow General began attacking the Sudden Death King, which wore an expression of stomach-churning unease!

General Ha swung its head, a sword grass clutched in its mouth, and unleashed a Dragon Slayer Sword Qi.

The sound of the sword qi slicing through the air was as if a thousand dragons were wailing.

The mighty and unparalleled sword qi swept across the ground like a hurricane, overturning everything in its path as it headed straight for the Sudden Death King.

“Caw!” The Dark Crow General cast a pig transformation curse, an attack shrouded in mystery. No one could discern how it executed the curse.

Boom!!!

In the past, such a Dragon Slayer Sword Qi would have left the Sudden Death King howling in pain and shattering its scales.

But this time, facing General Ha’s attack, the Sudden Death King quickly brought its wings together, using them as a shield. The sword qi disappeared into the shield without a trace, not even leaving a scratch.

As for the Dark Crow General’s pig transformation curse, it seemed to have no effect on the Sudden Death King, as if the powerful Dragon Soul of the Sudden Death King was immune to the curse’s distortion.

Seeing the Sudden Death King cautiously defending itself yet completely unharmed, both General Ha and the Dark Crow General were stunned.

After a brief moment of surprise, the Sudden Death King moved its wings aside.

It pondered briefly, analyzing the situation…

Then, it calmly looked at General Ha and the Dark Crow General.

“Wow ka. (Such a terrifying attack. If I had not evolved, I would have surely met a sudden death.)”

General Ha and the Dark Crow General: ??

Seeing their perplexed expressions, the Sudden Death King’s excitement grew. Finally, it had achieved an invincible defense.

“Roar!!”

The Sudden Death King patted its belly, indicating for General Ha and the Dark Crow General to hit harder.

Did they not eat breakfast?!

“Awooooo!!!!”

Facing the increasingly arrogant Sudden Death King, General Ha could no longer tolerate it. Clenching the sword grass in its mouth, the contours of its teeth began to blur and twist. With a snap, several teeth shattered simultaneously as General Ha turned into a shadow, launching a close-quarters attack on the Sudden Death King with the sword grass.

Buzz!!

General Ha moved in a flash, but the Sudden Death King still shielded itself with its enormous wings. When the slash landed, all it left was a nearly imperceptible white mark on the wing, which quickly faded away.

General Ha turned back, sword grass in its mouth, eyes wide with disbelief. It was hard to imagine how tough the Sudden Death King had become post-evolution.

Blood trickled from its mouth, a self-inflicted measure, and yet it still failed to break the Sudden Death King’s defense. This realization caused General Ha to feel a pang of frustration.

While General Ha had explosive measures, the dark crow remained silent. Hurting itself would only increase its scouting range, but with the Sudden Death King right in front of it, even the pig transformation curse was futile. It had no other means to affect the Sudden Death King!

“This is what it means to be an overlord.” Watching the scene, Lu Ran felt reassured. Even General Ha’s Dragon Slayer Sword Intent, combined with the sword grass and energy compression, couldn’t break through this defense. It was invincible.

“You two!”

“Don’t attack its wings. Look for other weak points,” Lu Ran instructed.

At Lu Ran’s prompting, General Ha and the dark crow’s eyes focused, launching another round of attacks.

The Sudden Death King, however, remained unfazed, sitting calmly on the ground and watching its teammates’ efforts with an amused expression.

After a flurry of attacks…

The Sudden Death King was still sitting in the same spot.

General Ha and the dark crow, utterly exhausted, had only managed to make the Sudden Death King extend a clawed arm, scratch its mouth, and yawn.

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