Even if Huo Lei and the others attacked together, they couldn't get close to the Tiger God. One by one, they were sent flying by the Tiger God's immense power, falling to the ground in disarray.
"Foul beast, cease your arrogance," Xiao Man said, stepping forward slowly. Each step was deliberate, and with every stride, she uttered a word, "Lin, Dou, She, Kun, Zhen, Yu..."
"Beast Taming Art!" Elder Bai exclaimed in shock. "There is hope!"
As Xiao Man advanced step by step towards Elder Bai, the Tiger God's body was slowly pushed back. "Elder Bai, Elder Yuan, quickly summon the guardian beasts. I can't hold on for long."
Elder Bai and Elder Yuan exchanged glances and swiftly drew talismans to summon their guardian beasts. The Tiger God eyed Xiao Man with suspicion, wanting to press its advantage, but Xiao Man exuded an aura that made it wary. That aura caused its very soul to tremble uncontrollably.
"Human, who are you?" the Tiger God questioned Xiao Man, "Why do you interfere in our affairs?"
"Black Tiger Village bullies the weak and arbitrarily abuses others, earning the hatred of all. Flame Tiger Village not only fails to restrain them but aids and abets their wickedness. Today's calamity is merely the consequence of their actions."
"I am the guardian beast of Flame Tiger Village. I cannot stand by while you slaughter the villagers of Flame Tiger Village. If you retreat now, I will spare you. But if you insist on attacking Flame Tiger Village, then I will not spare you."
Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on Xiao Man's forehead. Her spiritual power was useless, and she couldn't unleash her full abilities. It had been a long time since she had felt such powerlessness. Fortunately, she had been curious and taken the Beast Taming Art from Wen Ting's hands to study, otherwise, she might have perished here today!
"If everyone acted like you, bullying the weak, then eventually, someone even stronger would come to oppress you. Today, if you cease your assault, we will only kill those who deserve it, and we will not harm women, children, or the elderly. If you insist on fighting, then in the ensuing chaos, we will not be able to protect them, and the casualties will be tragic."
"Humans are indeed cunning, speaking of murder with such righteous indignation."
"So, you refuse to leave?" Xiao Man's expression grew grave. If the Tiger God refused to leave, they would have a tough battle ahead.
"I have a contract with Flame Tiger Village. Even knowing their grave sins, I cannot abandon them. However, for the bloodshed you have caused, you will also face karmic retribution."
"I accept this karma." Xiao Man produced a dagger and fiercely thrust it at the Tiger God, actually forcing it back. Simultaneously, the Wolf God and Ape God were summoned and engaged the Tiger God, buying time for Elder Jin.
Seeing the Wolf God and Ape God occupied with the Tiger God, Elder Jin seized the opportunity to land and summon the guardian beast of Golden Eagle Village. Together, the guardian beasts of their three villages would surely defeat the Tiger God.
"Xiao Man, retreat quickly." Huo Lei pulled Xiao Man back, placing her behind him. He slashed down at the charging warriors of Flame Tiger Village. Because of the Tiger God's presence, those who were poisoned could still struggle to their feet and fight.
"To be able to stand up after being struck by my Cloud Demon Incense..." Xiao Man was also somewhat surprised. Even Nascent Soul stage experts outside would be unable to get up if they were hit by her Cloud Demon Incense.
"Because of the Tiger God," Huo Lei explained. "The Tiger God blesses the villagers it protects, bestowing fortune upon them, which is why they can stand up."
"We must end this quickly. If we drag it out, the surrounding villages will react, and we will be caught between enemies," Xiao Man decided decisively. "Huo Lei, kill all who do not surrender."
Huo Lei nodded. Indeed, the longer they delayed, the more disadvantageous it would be. With the Priest holding off the Tiger God, they needed to secure victory swiftly. Otherwise, if people from other villages arrived while they were injured, it would be difficult to cope.
"Everyone, kill all who resist. Let's finish this quickly."
"Yes."
"Insolent brat, how dare you!" the Tiger God roared. However, the warriors of the three villages were fearless. Once on the battlefield, there was no turning back; it was either victory or death!
The fierce battle raged until dawn. The Tiger God finally succumbed, its massive body falling and gradually becoming transparent. Its gaze fell upon the once prosperous village, now in ruins. Tears filled its eyes, and despite its reluctance, it eventually dissipated into dust.
"Take the spoils of war back to the village and withdraw quickly," Elder Bai instructed. "The injured should retreat first."
"Priest, what about the prisoners?"
"After this battle, Flame Tiger Village's guardian beast is dead, and their main fighting force is annihilated. They are no longer capable of wickedness. They were accustomed to bullying others in the past, and even if we let them go, they won't have an easy life. Just take the spoils of war."
"Yes, Priest." The warriors immediately carried away all of Flame Tiger Village's grain and valuables. The surviving Flame Tiger Village warriors, still poisoned, struggled desperately.
"We will not forgive you!"
Huo Lei placed a foot on the chest of the speaking man. "You mean, you want us to not forgive you and to finish you all off?"
The man's face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth but dared not retort. For them now, survival was paramount. If they all perished, Flame Tiger Village would truly be finished!
"White Wolf Village, I will remember you!"
"Then you better remember well!" Huo Lei sneered. "Back then, when your Flame Tiger Village bullied us, you probably never thought this day would come, did you? We won't kill you, but from now on, you will be the ones who are bullied. You, too, will taste the bitterness of being oppressed!"
Elder Lu watched as a group of people returned to White Wolf Village in disarray, sighing.
"Why? If they had endured, it would have passed. Why must they attack Flame Tiger Village? Now they have fallen to this state, what a pity." Elder Lu shook his head repeatedly, his expression a mix of regret and sorrow.
"You... have you been defeated?" Those who remained in the village saw only a few people returning, and their hearts sank.
"No, we won. Because we were injured, we withdrew first," the remaining people quickly helped tend to their wounds.
Elder Lu listened to their words, inwardly dismissive. Flame Tiger Village's strength was such that even if these three villages joined forces, they would be no match. After all, Flame Tiger Village's warriors were equivalent to their combined numbers, and each was exceptionally brave and skilled. The consequences of today would likely mean the end of White Wolf Village, Long Ape Village, and Golden Eagle Village on the plains.
"Reckless brats."
Elder Lu had expected to soon welcome the warriors of Flame Tiger Village, but what returned were the victorious warriors of the three villages, laden with spoils. He widened his eyes in disbelief. "What is going on? Flame Tiger Village has been defeated?"
"Priest." Xiao Man called out to Elder Bai. "There is still one matter that has not been resolved."
"What matter?"
"Huddling for warmth," Xiao Man said calmly. "Our three villages are somewhat distant from each other. If other villages find an opportunity and break us down one by one, then we will still face annihilation."