King of Beasts

Chapter 69: In Too Deep Now

Qingwu Lake, located north of Green Sea City, is the largest urban park in the city and also a national A-level scenic spot.

However, for the locals of Green Sea City, they prefer parks like Red Maple over Qingwu Lake.

Qingwu Lake tends to attract a large number of tourists, making it too crowded for the locals who prefer not to compete for space.

Currently, due to reports of a sea monster lurking in Qingwu Lake, many of the lake’s activities have been suspended, and officials are actively evacuating the public…

Thud, thud, thud.

As the crowd had mostly cleared, two armored trucks drove in from other parts of the city and stopped near Qingwu Lake.

Off the trucks, Lu Ran was the first to disembark… followed by a cat, two cats, three cats… and then dozens more stray cats.

The elite members of the largest group of stray cats in Green Sea City had all gathered here.

“Holy smokes, a cat tamer?” The local beastmasters responsible for maintaining order were taken aback!

“Are these the supernatural stray cats that took over the seafood market? They’ve actually been tamed!”

“Who’s the leading beastmaster? Impressive.”

“I heard it’s external support from the provincial capital. Looks young, could it be from the third generation?”

Officer Luo also got off the truck, following close behind Lu Ran, and said, “Do we… do we still need to shout?”

He looked back at the group of cats, took a deep breath, and since he didn’t know how to accommodate these stray cats and it seemed only Lu Ran could manage them, they had no choice but to keep them together for now.

And it has to be said, a group of supernatural stray cats following along does add to their presence. If they encounter other supernatural beings, this is definitely a strong force, especially the big white cat the size of a tiger.

Earlier on the truck, Lu Ran had also had a deep conversation with the stray cats.

This group of stray cats totaled 52, among which 18 had completed their initial mutation and evolution.

The one-eared white cat, which had undergone the most significant evolution, seemed to have absorbed the most natural energy during the surge of spiritual energy, potentially reaching a growth level between level 10 and level 20.

Furthermore, it even awakened an earth attribute due to the natural energy it absorbed. Indeed, it was a true earth cat.

Knowing the attribute of the one-eared cat, Lu Ran was relieved. Fortunately, the police had not directly clashed with them; otherwise, this earth cat could simply dig a hole and escape. If it sought revenge later, it would be even more difficult to handle.

It’s not the mice that dig holes that you worry about; it’s when cats start digging too. Their sense of vengeance is formidable.

Unlike General Ha, who does not hold grudges overnight, cats remember grudges for a long time.

The other 17 stray cats were not as gifted, or perhaps not as lucky. Maybe their bodies couldn’t absorb much natural energy, or perhaps the geographical location during their first natural energy surge was not ideal. In any case, their evolution varied, and overall, none likely exceeded level 10. Only six of them had awakened attributes. Sudden Death King also had bad luck, potentially missing its chance while sleeping inside during the most likely time for miraculous encounters. Its growth level was similar to the others, and without being contracted, it remained wild for now.

“Umm… I’ll try calling out first.”

Lu Ran looked towards the lush Qingwu Lake, unsure if he could actually call out the turtle given the depth of the water.

If shouting did not work, he could let a pet beast try, like throwing Sudden Death King into the water from his pocket. However, considering that Sudden Death King might actually drown, it would be more suitable to send General Ha, who was adept at swimming and diving, both skills taught by Lu Ran. A more aggressive approach would be to have General Ha cleave through the lake…

Lu Ran walked to the lakeside and gently squatted down, placing his hands on the surface of the water and slightly closing them:

“Old timer, are you there?

“Come out and chat?”

Lu Ran muttered to himself for a while.

Nearby personnel watched Lu Ran and the lake surface with utmost seriousness.

Could this really work?

It’s like he’s actually meeting an old friend!

About half a minute later, someone’s eyes widened as the surface of Qingwu Lake indeed began to ripple with waves, creating sizable disturbances.

Soon after, a giant shadow emerged within the emerald waters. Judging by its length, it seemed to reach five or six meters, similar in size to a great white shark. No wonder tourists were frightened, thinking they had encountered a water monster.

Splash!

The shadow continued to rise, followed by a burst of water spraying into the air.

Nearby beastmasters simultaneously took a step back, shocked by the giant turtle emerging from the lake.

It was truly five to six meters long, and its color had also undergone a transformation; its head and limbs had turned a deep blue, exuding an imposing aura.

“Definitely above level 10,” Officer Luo thought to himself.

Large animals aren’t necessarily strong.

But those significantly larger than others of their species are definitely powerful.

This turtle, along with that white cat, were clearly typical examples.

Both were at least upper supernatural species.

“So it really was you,” Lu Ran said, somewhat exasperated as he saw the giant turtle. He knew that if any animal in Qingwu Lake could evolve, it would definitely be this old turtle.

There was no helping it; in his view, it was among the top five in intelligence among the wildlife in Green Sea City, a rather clever creature.

The white cat was the same, not lacking in intelligence.

Although it seemed unscientific to judge supernatural talent based on intelligence, the fact was, they were indeed the luckiest and had the highest degree of evolution.

The old turtle cautiously looked around and then at Lu Ran.

The initial mutation had made the old turtle very nervous. It figured that its appearance would cause panic and then a hunt, so it had remained hidden at the bottom of the lake.

Only when Lu Ran called out did it dare to show itself. In this city of Green Sea, it only trusted Lu Ran among all humans.

“What have you experienced?” Lu Ran asked.

A strange energy surged from the bottom of the lake, overlaying my body. By the time I realized, I had transformed into this state, the old turtle said.

“The world has changed, spiritual energy has revived, and all creatures have begun to evolve… Anyway, seeing that you’ve evolved the fastest reassures me. For now, just stay quietly at the bottom of the lake,” Lu Ran said.

I don’t understand, don’t care, and as long as I’m not disturbed, I just want to live out my life in peace, it said.

“That’s tough,” Lu Ran said.

This old turtle was the longest-living animal in Qingwu Lake, simply drifting through life day by day, almost reaching the end of its lifespan. But then, a wave of supernatural evolution reverted it to its prime.

It seems it won’t be dying anytime soon.

“Could you help out? If there are other mutated beings in the lake, try to keep them under control. Don’t let them attack humans, or you might end up getting involved too,” Lu Ran requested.

The giant turtle remained silent, clearly annoyed.

It hadn’t expected that at its age, it would have to act as a peacekeeper for Qingwu Lake.

It didn’t want to get involved with other mutated creatures and then be hunted by humans; it just wanted to drift through life.

“Officer Luo, this turtle likely won’t harm anyone. Let’s just let it stay here for now,” Lu Ran said. “There are many wild animals in Qingwu Lake, all of which could potentially undergo evolution. It’s unrealistic to completely eliminate them. I’ve communicated with it, and it will help manage the local ecosystem to prevent chaos.

“I’m…” Officer Luo really wanted to curse.

He felt overwhelmed. So, with just a few words, you’ve tamed a mutated giant turtle and got it to willingly become the peacekeeper of Qingwu Lake?

It feels like Green Sea City is your own backyard, where every animal listens to you.

And none of these animals have formed a contract with Lu Ran.

“That’s fine…” managed Officer Luo verbally. His authority wasn’t high, and for now, whatever Lu Ran said went. As for how to manage these supernatural beings within the city, the higher-ups probably hadn’t come to a decision yet since everything happened so suddenly.

Just like the group of stray cats, the officials in Green Sea City weren’t sure how to handle the giant turtle either. As Lu Ran mentioned, letting it stay in Qingwu Lake seemed like the best option. Regardless, this tourist spot wouldn’t be reopening anytime soon, whether the turtle was harmful or not.

Having resolved another issue, Officer Luo breathed a sigh of relief. But before he could enjoy the moment too long, his communication device started ringing.

“Captain Luo, this is the back mountain reconnaissance team. Our drone just captured an image!”

“A flock of crows flew into Emerald Mountain, and a giant cricket did as well! It seems they’ve encountered each other!”

“No, it’s not just them. A giant red large-toothed snake has also appeared.”

“A crow, a snake, a cricket, all seem to be in a standoff around a glowing plant. Based on our assessment, this plant must have formed from being bathed in natural energy. These three highly evolved supernatural beings are likely competing for it!

“They might start fighting! Awaiting instructions!”

The voice from officer Luo’s communication equipment was clear, and Lu Ran heard every word.

“Let’s go!” Lu Ran said without hesitation.

Emerald Mountain.

A plant resembling a dandelion was furiously absorbing the natural energy around it.

Unlike a normal dandelion, its fluffy white parts now gathered two colors, white and green, emitting a soft glow.

“Ga! Mine! All mine!”

“Shh——”

Around this mutated dandelion, just as officer Luo had been briefed, three highly evolved animals were in a standoff.

In a tree, a crow leader with its wings spread wide stood imposingly, its body emitting a dark glow. Behind it, a large group of crows perched on the branches, mostly ordinary, but together they looked formidable, darkening tree after tree.

In contrast, the other two animals were on their own.

One was a giant cricket, appearing as if clad in metal armor, and the other was a giant mutated red large-toothed snake. One seemingly had awakened to metal powers, the other to fire powers, as the area around them was scorched.

At this moment, facing the increasingly tempting resource, none of the fierce beasts dared to make a move, fearing a joint attack from the others.

Rustle, rustle, rustle.

However, just then, a sound arose.

Realizing another intruder had entered, all three animals showed ferocity in their eyes.

But quickly, two of the beasts showed surprise.

Because leading the group of armed intruders was a young man with black hair.

Upon seeing him, the leader of the black crows paused, then suddenly brightened up, shouting loudly, “My King!! My King!! I’ve found a treasure for you, let’s kill them!!”

Lu Ran had just arrived and nearly stumbled.

The beastmasters from the police force following Lu Ran were gaping at the crow, which had apparently evolved the ability to speak human language fluently.

But what surprised them most was where the black crow’s gaze was directed.

It seemed to be looking at Lu Ran…

Was it calling Lu Ran just now?

“My King??” Officer Luo was taken aback. Something was definitely unusual with Lu Ran!

Supernatural stray cats obey him, the giant turtle listens to him, and now a supernatural black crow is calling him “My King.”

Meanwhile, Lu Ran’s expression darkened. He had been quite pleased on arriving at Emerald Mountain, sensing the rich natural energy here. He had thought that even without venturing into the forest secret realm, he might still be able to charge the divine deer pendant in the real world.

But this crow’s shout had just made his situation utterly complicated!

Your ability to speak has evolved quite rapidly, hasn’t it?

Why must I be made the King of Green Sea?

Damn it, of these three “ferocious beasts,” he indeed knew two of them.

“Ga, my King, say something,” the crow leader pleaded urgently for external support. Such a treasure, even if offered to the King, should not benefit that cricket or snake with a mere ninety-ten split!