Chapter 270: Mind Games

This really surprised Zhang Mu.

Zhang Mu was puzzled why the second-rank white tiger would be interested in him. He had never interacted with it before, just briefly seen it from a distance. Zhang Mu was sure that the tiger had not noticed him at that time.

Zhang Mu wondered what he could possibly have on him that would make this intelligent and brave white tiger spend so much time around Luo Yang City.

Could it be his flesh? Zhang Mu thought to himself it couldn’t be like the flesh of the character Tang Monk that granted immortality. If it were his flesh, the white tiger would have attacked already, right?

Unable to predict, Zhang Mu asked the tiger, “What is it exactly?”

The white tiger, standing at four meters high, a whole meter taller than a one-story building, gazed at Zhang Mu, particularly towards his left arm.

Zhang Mu followed the White Tiger’s gaze and looked at his arm, suddenly understanding.

So that’s what the White Tiger wanted, no wonder. Everything makes sense now. When he lured the tiger group out using a Blood Lotus vine trap, he killed more than ten first-rank mutated tigers, leaving traces at the scene, which the White Tiger naturally noticed.

But why does the White Tiger want the Blood Lotus? Do mutated beasts need mutated plants?

Zhang Mu had a thought and summoned the Blood Lotus directly, surrounding himself. It seemed to sense danger for Zhang Mu and the Obsidian Beetle, so it enclosed them together.

If Zhang Mu hadn’t controlled it, the Blood Lotus would have rushed towards the White Tiger long ago. Except for those with Zhang Mu’s aura, all other flesh and blood creatures were its food. It didn’t care who the other party was, whether they were first-rank or second-rank. Its instinct was to devour all flesh containing rich energy, including the White Tiger.

“You indeed possess The Source of Wood,” the White Tiger’s voice suddenly sounded, looking at the Blood Lotus on Zhang Mu as if admiring a perfect piece of art.

The Source of Wood?

What’s that? How come he never knew that the Blood Lotus had this name? His future self didn’t have memories of this either; he always thought the Blood Lotus was just a dominant mutated plant.

Meeting the White Tiger’s gaze, Zhang Mu asked, “It’s the Blood Lotus, what does The Source of Wood mean?”

The White Tiger looked away from Zhang Mu and said, “You call it Blood Lotus? It does make some sense, but what you see is only the surface. Its true power is not that simple.

The last time you killed my Tiger clan, my anger was only because of the shame of the Tigers being killed by humans.

But I sensed a faint scent of The Source of Wood remaining in their bodies, which led me here. The siege was also a last resort.

When you unleashed the core essence just now, I finally confirmed that it is indeed it. This power is not something you can control, it will only backlash on your body. Make a deal with me, give me the core essence, and I will leave this place.”

Zhang Mu realized that there were too many things he didn’t know. This White Tiger, The Source of Wood’s Blood Lotus, and this was not the first time someone told him to give up Blood Lotus. The Era Merchant of Xi An City had warned Zhang Mu during a trade about Blood Lotus.

It was because of memories from a past life that Zhang Mu retrieved the Blood Lotus from the giant Buddha. He knew that Blood Lotus would backfire on its owner, but he thought that as long as he fed it well, there wouldn’t be a problem. Now it seemed things were not as simple as he had thought, becoming more complicated and delving into areas he didn’t understand at all.

“Blood Lotus is my companion, it has saved me many times, I will not give it up.”

Zhang Mu looked determinedly at the White Tiger, but his thoughts were not as confident as his words. If even the powerful White Tiger wanted Blood Lotus, then its importance must be much greater than he had originally estimated.

Even though Blood Lotus is still at the first level, it has been a great help to Zhang Mu.

Opportunities and risks go hand in hand. Zhang Mu wasn’t scared off by this scare and didn’t give up on this big help.

What he needs to know now is more information about Blood Lotus, The Source of Wood. When he tried to deceive the white tiger, he just spoke in a grandiose manner.

The white tiger’s front legs moved a bit, approaching Zhang Mu, completely ignoring the warning of Obsidian Beetle. And under Zhang Mu’s command, Obsidian Beetle did not make any rash moves, allowing the white tiger to come closer.

“I don’t want to harm you; I’m just trying to avoid violence, so I’m patiently explaining it to you.”

As the white tiger got closer, its deep voice resounded in Zhang Mu’s ear like thunder on flat ground, lingering for a long time.

Locking eyes with the tiger’s eyes, which were the size of his own head, Zhang Mu surprisingly felt no nervousness. He regained his cheeky look, standing tall on Obsidian Beetle’s back shell, exuding the full power of a second-rank evolver without restraint. Merging seamlessly with Obsidian Beetle’s aura, their combined presence grew even stronger.

Zhang Mu confidently replied to the white tiger, “This is Obsidian Beetle, a second-rank wind-attributed mutated beast. I am Zhang Mu, a second-rank human evolver. I’m sure you already noticed. Plus, I have the Blood Lotus you desire, which is also capable of attacking. Don’t forget it’s not just for show.

No matter how strong you are, we can’t be defeated by you. Are you really sure you can keep us here?

If you could, why haven’t you made a move yet? Everything you’re doing now is because you’re not absolutely confident in keeping me, Zhang Mu?

Do you think what I said is true or not true? This is the comrade White Tiger, with a strong sense of traditional Chinese culture.

During the confrontation with the White Tiger, Zhang Mu did not show any sign of weakening, his confidence gradually building up.

The White Tiger stared at Zhang Mu for a while, not seeing any sign of pretense on Zhang Mu’s face. He showed a very human-like smile, took a step back, and returned to his original position.

“Among humans, you are definitely not ordinary. You are right, with my current state, I indeed cannot stay to deal with you and this second-rank mutant insect clan. However, you can leave. Can your people in the city behind you also leave? My pack can continue to surround this place, and I can even pass a message to your people in the city, as long as you give me what I need, I can give up the siege.”

“So, what do you think your people will want to do when the time comes?”

Looking at the White Tiger’s smile, Zhang Mu also smiled and commented, “I didn’t expect you, this old tiger, to be so cunning.”

“It’s a pity, we are of the same kind.”

“Your people? Are they worthy? Even if I killed them all, what does it have to do with me, Zhang Mu? I can leave anytime. This world is already like this. Do you think I don’t understand the principle of self-preservation? Why should I sacrifice myself for the sake of others’ lives? Not only your mutant insects, but the human society is also very ruthless.”

“I thought you were clever to a certain extent, but you are simply ignorant.”

After hearing Zhang Mu’s arrogant words, the White Tiger restrained its expression and fell silent.

It was now a psychological battle between Zhang Mu and the White Tiger, where the more afraid they were, the more they had to act indifferent.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep