Chapter 137 – Taming the Beast

Chapter 137 – Taming the Beast

The white tiger struggled several times to stand up, but ultimately collapsed weakly to the ground. The last attack had drained all its strength.

The giant python slowly slithered over to the tiger’s side. Whether it was because moving across the ground caused more pain or because it wanted to toy with its defeated opponent, the latter seemed more likely.

Flicking its tongue, the python began coiling its massive body around the tiger in slow, deliberate circles. Though the poison in the tiger’s system hadn’t dissipated, the python knew relying solely on venom to kill its prey would take too long. It decided to use its signature method – constriction.

Helpless against the python’s movements, the tiger realized its mistake in underestimating its opponent. Though it was a mutated beast, this python was no ordinary creature, especially with its deadly venom.

Their battle had been evenly matched, with both sustaining similar damage. It might have ended in a mutual retreat if not for the python’s surprise ranged attack. In desperation, the tiger had gambled everything on its ultimate skill, hoping for a decisive blow.

But the attempt failed, and now the tiger saw its fate clearly.

Just then, an ice sphere shot out from the distant bushes, striking the python’s head with perfect accuracy.

The python’s mouth gaped open before going limp, its massive body collapsing like a sack of flesh without bones.

The once-mighty python, a second-tier early-stage mutated beast, had fallen. Undoubtedly, this marked the first time a human combatant had slain such a creature.

The tiger lay in confusion, unaware of the ice sphere that had sealed the python’s fate.

Hidden in the bushes, Cheng Yang breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t expected his risky shot to kill the python instantly. The only explanation was that the python had been at death’s door after the tiger’s final attack. As a fully rule-based mutated beast, it could fight until its last breath, unaffected by injuries as long as its health remained.

The tiger’s exhaustion confirmed Cheng Yang’s suspicion – this was indeed a mutated beast. Unlike rule-based creatures whose skills relied solely on magic energy, mutated beasts operated under partial rules, with skills that consumed stamina.

Emerging from the bushes, Cheng Yang approached the wary tiger.

The tiger remained motionless, feigning ignorance.

Cheng Yang raised his mithril staff. “Don’t think about stalling. I know your stamina will recover soon. Do you think I’ll give you that chance?”

Fear flashed in the tiger’s eyes as it saw an ice sphere forming at the staff’s tip. After the intense battle and poison, its health had dropped below 100 points. Though the venom’s effects were fading, a direct hit from that ice sphere would be fatal.

“I’ll give you ten seconds. If you don’t agree, I’ll kill you. I know mutated beasts are valuable – your blood alone is essential for crafting special potions.” Cheng Yang’s gaze swept over the tiger’s body like a butcher considering where to make the first cut.

The tiger shivered, its mind racing.

“One…” Cheng Yang began counting, ignoring the tiger’s internal struggle.

“Two…” Still no response.

By the time Cheng Yang reached nine, the tiger suddenly nodded vigorously, terrified of being too slow.

A smile played on Cheng Yang’s lips. He had anticipated this outcome when he saw the tiger use its ultimate skill. Mutated beasts were smarter than their rule-based counterparts, making them more fearful of death. However, they rarely surrendered until absolutely necessary.

With the tiger’s submission secured, Cheng Yang’s joy was evident.

“In the name of Cheng Yang, I claim you as my servant! Contract, establish!” he chanted in an odd rhythm.

This was the standard pet-taming ritual. While voluntary submission wouldn’t require such formalities, this tiger clearly needed convincing.

As the words left Cheng Yang’s mouth, the tiger’s expression fell. There was no turning back now.

Though it could resist the contract’s power, doing so would mean certain death from Cheng Yang’s ice sphere.

A stream of pure energy emerged from the tiger’s mind, entering Cheng Yang’s forehead.

Focusing inward, Cheng Yang saw a miniature version of the tiger in a hazy mental space – the mark of a successful taming. This was his first pet in both lifetimes. In his previous life, he hadn’t even seen a mutated beast, let alone tamed one.

Cheng Yang knew how to communicate with his new companion. By focusing on the mental image, he could sense the tiger’s thoughts and issue commands. Verbal communication also worked, as mutated beasts understood human language.

Opening his status panel, Cheng Yang found a new pet section:

The tiger’s abilities were impressive, especially its innate skills:

Its learned skills were more conventional:

The tiger’s innate skills were particularly remarkable, as most mutated beasts lacked such abilities. The Holy Light Sphere’s triple damage potential could turn the tide of battle, though its all-or-nothing nature made it risky.

The Fatal Bite’s high crippling chance was also noteworthy. While crippling effects weren’t overwhelmingly powerful, their strategic use could be devastating, especially against vital areas.

Cheng Yang recognized the tiger’s potential. Properly nurtured, it would become a formidable ally. However, pet evolution wasn’t easy. Like human combatants, they needed to cultivate, though their natural progression was faster. Unfortunately, they couldn’t use spiritual energy to accelerate growth.

In his previous life, attempts to speed up mutated beast evolution had all failed.

After several minutes, the tiger regained enough stamina to move. Cheng Yang mounted its back, letting it carry him forward. Despite its weakened state, the massive creature had no trouble bearing his weight.

Pets weren’t just for combat. The mutated tiger could serve as a mount and possessed a transformation ability, though limited to size alteration. For now, Cheng Yang valued its fighting prowess over any cute, kitten-sized form.

PS: Extra chapters today! Second update at 1 PM, third at 7:30 PM. Please support… (To be continued)