Chapter 23: The Wolf Spirit Guardians

The ancient, massive structure stood like a threshold between two worlds—one lush and green, alive with rolling grasslands; the other barren and endless, a sea of golden desert stretching into the horizon.

Cracks snaked across the weathered stone walls, each fissure a whisper from the past. The eroded stones bore silent witness to centuries long gone, their surfaces carved by time and wind, telling stories no one could read but everyone could feel.

The ruins themselves were both primitive and awe-inspiring—massive stone columns rose like sentinels, archways adorned with intricate carvings that still hinted at forgotten rites. Though battered by sandstorms and age, the air around them hummed with an eerie, ancient energy.

【Wolfspirit Ruins: Purple. High-risk zone. Contains powerful enemies and rich resources. Defeat the strongest creature within to unlock an additional treasure chest. (Note: This hidden realm will vanish in one month.)】

“Purple-tier ruin…”
Chen Zhuo’s expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he weighed the odds.

“This is clearly a dungeon-style resource node. If I can clean it out completely, I’d walk away rich.”

If this were just blue-tier, he wouldn’t hesitate—he’d have charged in already.

His gaze shifted back to the creatures outside the ruins:

【Wolfspirit Guardian: Blue. Elite force guarding the ruins. Eliminate intruders approaching the site.】
【Wolfspirit Guardian: Green. Core defensive unit. Eliminate threats near the ruins.】

Now the problem was clear: even these three “gatekeepers” outside had two Blue-tier specimens among them. That made any reckless move suicidal.

“According to the system, there’s likely a single Purple-epic monster inside.”
“I know nothing about epic-tier beasts. Walking in blind could get me killed before I even see the first room.”

But then—
“Still… those three guards out here? They’re fair game. Right now, they’re spaced 100 to 200 meters from the ruins. Fast takedown. Quick exit.”

With a sudden burst of power, Chen Zhuo kicked off the slope. His body soared through the air, twisting mid-flight before landing with perfect balance on the flat ground below.

No cover. No shadows. No hiding.

Instantly, the three Wolfspirit Guardians spotted him.

Up until now, every creature with a rank had been little more than a wild animal amplified—faster, stronger, fiercer. But these? These were monsters.

Towering and broad-shouldered, their bodies bristled with thick gray fur. Muscles rippled beneath their hides like coiled springs. Their limbs were built for power—claws sharp as daggers, glinting under the sun.

Their faces remained wolf-like, but their eyes burned with unnatural gold—cold, calculating, cruel. Wide nostrils flared with each breath, exhaling the scent of wild prey and bloodlust.

Unlike ordinary wolves, these creatures walked upright. Standing nearly eye-to-eye with Chen Zhuo, they moved with unsettling grace—dangerous, deliberate, predatory.

Just standing there, they radiated dominance.

One let out a low, guttural growl—warning, threat, challenge all in one. Its gaze locked onto Chen Zhuo like a predator sizing up its meal.

For now, they weren’t attacking. Not yet. He hadn’t crossed their boundary.

But Chen Zhuo wasn’t here to be polite.

He wasn’t some soft-hearted fool who pitied monsters.

Without hesitation, he drew an arrow from his quiver, nocked it to his bow with practiced ease.

A heartbeat later—release.

The arrow shot forward like lightning, screaming through the air, aimed straight for the heart of the nearest guardian.

The Wolfspirit didn’t recognize the weapon. It stood frozen, watching the man draw the bow—until the arrow tore through the air toward it. Only then did it react.

Too late.

It leapt sideways—just barely clearing the path of the bolt.

Faster than expected. Too fast.

The arrow whistled past, missing by inches.

That miss ignited their fury.

All three lunged forward in unison.

Six claws slashed through the air, aiming to tear him apart. Even with reflexes honed by survival, Chen Zhuo was overwhelmed—dodging, parrying, barely staying alive.

This wasn’t training anymore. No more playing around.

He drew his iron sword and swung hard—cutting through the air with a metallic *shink*. The blade forced all three back, their momentum broken.

“Huff…” He exhaled sharply, sweat already forming on his brow.

“Not crimson-tier, but three of them at once? Still tough.”

“Gotta take them down one by one.”

His eyes locked onto the weakest—the Green-tier guardian.

Among the three, it was the easiest target. The opening was right there.

Decision made.

He turned and ran—full sprint.

The one he’d just pushed back fell behind instantly, left scrambling in the dust.

But rage fueled the others. They dropped to all fours and gave chase.

Distance grew. With 18 speed stat, Chen Zhuo pulled ahead. For a moment, they were just chasing shadows—straining, panting, falling behind.

He didn’t stop. Arrow after arrow flew from his hunting bow, peppering the fleeing beasts.

They had to dodge arrows *and* run—exhaustion creeping in fast.

Especially the Green-tier one. Its pace slowed. Legs wobbled.

Meanwhile, Chen Zhuo? Human endurance was legendary—even after point allocation, he wasn’t even breathing hard. Calm. Focused. Alive.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw it—the weaker one lagging, stumbling.

*Perfect.*

He spun on his heel—suddenly reversing direction.

The two chasing wolves, caught off guard, instinctively jumped aside.

But Chen Zhuo wasn’t aiming for them.

He surged straight toward the straggler.

The tired guardian froze—surprised, but not afraid. It bared its fangs, claws slashing forward, aiming to tear into his chest.

Back when it was three-on-one, Chen Zhuo had been on defense. Now? One-on-one? He wasn’t retreating.

Right hand blocked the claw. Left fist exploded forward—punching straight into the beast’s temple with all his strength.

***Thwack!***

Bone cracked. Blood sprayed. The Wolfspirit’s head snapped sideways. Its eyes rolled back. A final gurgle escaped its throat—then silence.

The creature collapsed, lifeless, at Chen Zhuo’s feet.

The remaining two arrived too late.

They stared at their fallen comrade—slain in an instant.

Their faces twisted with rage. Lips peeled back in snarls, revealing jagged, dripping fangs. Saliva dripped from their jaws. Eyes narrowed into slits.

“Woooorrrrlll…” The growl rumbled deep in their chests—low, threatening, full of hunger.

Then—both charged.

One lunged first, claws outstretched.

Chen Zhuo sidestepped—lightning quick. The second claw swiped past, deflected by the edge of his iron sword.

At the same time, his left foot shot out—kicking the beast’s rear leg, sending it sprawling.

The first wolf hit the ground hard, rolling awkwardly.

Chen Zhuo raised his sword—ready to finish it.

But—

In that split second, the second wolf—waiting in ambush behind—leaped into view.

A blur of gray fur. A snapping jaw. A claw aimed at his neck.

And the bite came—fast, furious, deadly.

“**Ssssssshhhh!**”