The Fourth –  Arrogant Fool 

A while later, the group could inhale something like urine, except that it was more unpleasant than a human’s.

“Everyone, be cautious. We should be entering a beast’s abode,” Loro said as he focused on his senses.

The whole group was on alert. Despite the fact that the Ginyan Forest housed low-ranked monsters, there was also a possibility that there were hidden monsters who wielded strength that could wipe out an army of Generals. Therefore, they couldn’t be too carefree.

*Roar!*

Just then, a roar sounded out from the middle of the forest. It was followed by rumbling footsteps that were heading towards their direction.

“Great. We have a huge enemy ahead!” Loro grunted.

As everyone unsheathed their weapons and surrounded the client in a protective circle, a voice lazily called out.

“That should be a Giant Gold Ant. Based on the stench of urine in the surroundings and the furious roar earlier this should be a part of its territory. As a beast belonging to the race of Ant King, it is very territorial and can go berserk once enraged. It should be a four-rank beast.”

When everyone turned to look, the one who spoke was the peculiar hooded figure.

Hack’s eyebrow twitched. Just based on little information, he was able to deduce all that?

Hmm. So he’s either a hidden expert or a spoiled young master with some knowledge. Either way, his presence should be advantageous to the group.

“Hmph. The empty bark of a scared dog. Just how hollow is your bark?” The slim, handsome man with a sword on his waist remarked indignantly.

The rest of the group remained silent. They didn’t know the hooded man’s identity so they didn’t dare to offend him. That was how they normally behaved; they didn’t dare talk back to anyone whose background they couldn’t confirm.

As for the slim, handsome man, his identity should be quite high if he dared to just look down on any stranger.

With a shrug, the hooded man revealed a light smile. “Whether you believe me or not is none of my concern. I merely wanted to inform.”

The slim and handsome man snorted and replied, “I’ll have you know, I am the son of Grandia City’s Castle Lord. My name is Kyle Grandia. You better remember it!” He puffed his chest proudly with a mighty aura.

The surrounding people were mostly shocked awake. Grandia City was one of the top six cities in the Sky Continent. It was a majestic city with tons of experts as its citizens. There was also a rule that only the visitors who are Master rank and above are allowed to stay at the city. Those ranked below the cut off line can visit during the day but when night falls, they have to leave or they would be subjected to disciplinary punishment. Naturally, this rule does not apply to the citizens but every two years, they would host a competition for the young ones where the bottom ten would be sent out of the city to fend on their own. Those who are thrown out can only return after they reach at least the Master rank.

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It was a prime example for a world where only the strong survives. Of course, despite the cruel rules, many are attracted to visit the city because it houses lots of beautiful spots for sightseeing and entertainment. Not to mention that the City Castle houses a terrifying figure in the martial path. The Caste Lord is said to be at the pinnacle of the Grandmaster rank.

In this continent, practitioners are divided into different ranks: Apprentice, General, Master, and Grandmaster. These are further divided into sub ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond.

Being at the pinnacle of the Grandmaster rank meant that the Castle Lord would be at the Diamond Grandmaster stage.

Good heavens! The surrounding people couldn’t help their hearts from trembling in fear.

In a world where cultivating reigns, it doesn’t also equate to lots of experts. Cultivating was a very difficult task. Ordinary practitioners would need at least six years to advance in rank from Bronze Apprentice to Silver Apprentice. Excellent practitioners would require at least four years advancing. Geniuses, on the other hand, would need at least two years. Furthermore, almost everyone can only start cultivating when they reach ten years old, when their bodies are firm and can handle absorbing the Energy of the Earth.

Actually, a practitioner can only advance in rank when they have absorbed enough Energy of the Earth and turned them into his own. But because of the shortage of resources, only those who have a formidable background can steadily increase their ranks; others can only hope to get their hands on some resources before they can resume their cultivation.

This was why they were shocked. It was because of the astonishing power that the Grandia Clan holds. Another reason is because of the frightening number of supreme experts under their control.

The hooded man raised an eyebrow in reply. With a gaze containing nothing but laziness, he stared at Kyle.

This action astonished the surrounding people. To do such a thing, this hooded figure was either someone with a powerful background equal to the Grandias, or an arrogant fool who has seen nothing of the world. Of course, there was also the possibility of him being a supreme expert who is not tied down by human rules. But they disregarded that because it was highly unlikely.

Kyle sneered at him. If it weren’t for the arriving dilemma, he would have already beaten this fool to death. With a snort, he turned his head and focused his attention at the rumbling noise. The origin of the noise seems to be about a few hundred meters away from them now.

With a smirk, he thought to himself, I’ll see if you can back your arrogant words. Hmph. A Giant Gold Ant. No one would know if you were to be accidentally killed by the beast, right?