A straightforward soul meets a simpleton.

At that moment, the great tiger also saw Xie Wuji. This scorpion-tailed tiger, surprisingly perceptive, cast a pleading look toward Xie Wuji. Its fur was soaked in blood, yet the sadness and helplessness in its eyes moved him deeply.

He thought back to when his girlfriend left him in search of someone new. Wasn’t he just like this tiger then? Sad, helpless, powerless to stop her. He had neither money nor connections and could only watch as she walked away. Though he’d always known Zhu Feifei was materialistic, who could truly control the whims of the heart?

Moved by the tiger’s gaze, Xie Wuji made up his mind—he would help the scorpion-tailed tiger. But Song Xiaoyu tugged at him, trying in vain to pull him away. “Brother Wuji, let’s just keep going. Don’t get involved in this mess!”

“Have you ever felt that sorrow—the yearning to stop something, yet being powerless to do so?” Xie Wuji said quietly. “I want to help this tiger.”

“What? But it’s a man-eating beast!” Song Xiaoyu exclaimed in alarm.

Xie Wuji shook his head. “If this tiger comes out only at dusk to hunt, that means humans know its habits and rarely run into it. It’s not intentionally harmful. If it truly wanted to hurt people, with so many villages nearby, why wouldn’t it descend the mountain to prey on humans? No—right now, it’s only trying to protect its cub. Look at that bald young man; the tiger cub on his back was clearly stolen, and only then did the scorpion-tailed tiger give chase. Even wounded and battered, it still wants to save its child. As a mother, does it deserve to die for that?”

Hearing Xie Wuji’s words, Song Xiaoyu suddenly thought of her own mother. Her mother had starved to death, giving Song Xiaoyu the last bowl of rice soup before she passed. Back then, she’d been too young to understand, hadn’t even left a sip for her mother. Her father was away on business, and her mother, sick and hungry, died within days. Even in her last days, when Uncle Zhong brought food, her mother would always insist she eat first. Remembering this, Song Xiaoyu’s eyes filled with tears. “Alright, I’ll help you.”

Just then, the disciples of Azure Cloud Sect spotted the pair. The one with the spear barked, “You two, get lost! Don’t interfere, or if the tiger eats you, it’s not our fault!”

“Forget it,” sneered the bald youth carrying the tiger cub. “Just a couple of ignorant villagers—if they die, so be it. Their lives are worthless. Third brother, let’s deal with this tiger. Once we cut off its tail, we’ll make a name for ourselves back at the sect!”

The spear-wielding youth snorted and charged at the scorpion-tailed tiger. “Wretched beast, let’s finish you off first!”

The three continued their assault, while the tiger, overwhelmed, gained fresh wounds, blood spurting and staining the earth beneath its claws.

Seeing the tiger’s misery, Xie Wuji had already gathered spiritual power into his fists, which now glowed with a golden aura, ready to strike.

“Brother Wuji, you may not know this,” Song Xiaoyu said, glancing at him, “but this scorpion-tailed tiger is a top-grade beast of the Human Class, quite formidable. Otherwise, my father and the others would have captured it long ago.”

“Top-grade of what class?” Xie Wuji asked.

“Ah, so that old trickster didn’t tell you. Beasts are graded into Heaven, Earth, and Human classes. Earth is the lowest; Heaven is the highest. And between you and me—your Phoenix Spirit is a low-grade Heaven-class beast, which is extremely rare. That’s why my father and the others were so surprised. Someone like you, with little cultivation, could subdue a Phoenix Spirit—no wonder they were amazed.”

Xie Wuji clenched his fists. “What about your beast? What grade is it?”

“Low-grade Human Class…” Song Xiaoyu flushed, a little embarrassed. Her talent wasn’t exceptional, nor was it poor—she was average.

At that moment, the disciple with the spear shouted at Xie Wuji, “Hey bumpkin, if you don’t want to die, stay out of our way!”

“Hold on!” Xie Wuji took a step forward. “Do you even know who rules this mountain?”

“And who are you supposed to be?” sneered the disciple.

“Me?” Xie Wuji laughed heartily. “You’ll be shocked to hear it—I’m the wandering hero of Greenhide County, known as Lone Walker Xie Wanli, always standing up for justice. This mountain is under my protection. Even the infamous Ma brothers from Ma’s Stronghold give me respect. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard my name!”

He dared not reveal his real identity—otherwise, disaster would befall Wildman Village. Azure Cloud Sect was, after all, the most powerful faction in Greenhide County; crossing them would mean the end of any hope for his sect’s rise and might drag innocent villagers down as well.

The spear-wielding youth burst into laughter. “And here I thought you were someone important! Lone Walker? You’re no different from the mountain bandits of Ma’s Stronghold. Do you even know who we are? We’re disciples of Azure Cloud Sect, and I, Huang Tianci, am the sect master’s own son!”

“Oh? If this were your territory, perhaps I’d be more discreet, but don’t forget—your father isn’t here!” Xie Wuji stomped his foot, playing the part of a righteous avenger.

The other two disciples leaned in, whispering to Huang Tianci, “Young master, maybe we should let this go. The world is full of strange people. The sect master warned us not to stir up trouble outside—just hunt some beasts and be done with it.”

“Scared of nothing!” Huang Tianci snapped. “In Greenhide County, my father is emperor! I don’t believe anyone here would dare cross me. Even the county magistrate bows and scrapes when he sees me!”

Xie Wuji mimicked a highwayman from a drama, lively and animated, “This tree was planted by me, this road belongs to me! If you want to pass, pay the toll! If you break a single tooth, I won’t care if you live or die! Cross this bridge and you’ll never return!”

Song Xiaoyu was so amused by his performance that she shook with laughter.

The three disciples were stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing as well. Huang Tianci glanced at the injured tiger and said coldly, “That tiger is crippled—we’ve cut its tendons. Let’s finish off this fool, then bring the scorpion-tailed tiger back to the sect.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Xie Wuji was highly alert. In a flash, he sized up his opponents. Huang Tianci was about his equal, both at the third stage of Core Formation, while the other two were at the first stage.

This could be troublesome, Xie Wuji thought. He’d hoped to scare them off, but these youngsters were too bold, charging in without hesitation. If they’d been more cautious, they might have backed down, but Huang Tianci was clearly a hothead, immune to threats.

He hadn’t paid enough attention to their abilities before—now he might be at a disadvantage. Taking a beating was one thing, but Song Xiaoyu was with him. If she saw him humiliated and spread the word, his reputation as sect leader would become a laughingstock.

With this in mind, Xie Wuji grew cautious. He didn’t attack immediately but quickly surveyed his surroundings. Spotting a nearby log bridge, he came up with an idea. He grabbed Song Xiaoyu’s hand and led her onto the bridge, placing her behind him.

Xiaoyu was puzzled. “Brother Wuji, what are you—?”

“Just watch.” Xie Wuji smiled.

The three disciples were momentarily confused. Huang Tianci recovered first and laughed, “So you’re scared now? Since you’re frightened, I’ll spare your life this time. But remember, the Azure Cloud Sect is not to be trifled with!”