CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: CRISIS

There are as many as twenty-three Fire Cloud Dogs, and they have already formed a siege. The only way to break out is through battle.

But with just the strength of five people, hoping to defeat this group of Fire Cloud Dogs seems almost impossible. For now, the only option is to hold on desperately.

Thinking of this, Chu Chen’s expression became extremely grim. This group of Fire Cloud Dogs seemed to be coming for them, but why would they target him?

Just as Chu Chen was puzzled, he inadvertently noticed the lamb meat in Wang Lu and others’ hands, suddenly revealing a look of realization, though this look was quickly replaced by frustration.

At this time, two members of the City Defense Army were standing on a giant tree not far away.

"Alas! What a pity, these little ones are really foolish."

"Indeed, they dared to roam around the forest with bloody food. Fortunately, this is the outer area, otherwise, we couldn’t have saved them."

"Let’s prepare for the rescue."

While the two were chatting, Chu Chen had already thought of a way to respond.

"Scholar, what should we do?" Cold Face asked, her voice somewhat trembling.

Obviously, she was frightened by the dog pack, and a fear had risen in her heart.

But this is also very normal. As a young girl facing a pack of ferocious dogs, it is natural to feel fear.

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen whispered, "Do you see the giant tree behind us?"

The four of them heard this and quickly turned their heads to look. Thirty meters behind them was a giant tree needing four people to encircle it.

"I see it, quickly tell us what we should do," Gangzi said eagerly.

"In a moment, throw the lamb meat in your hands to the Fire Cloud Dogs on both sides. If they start fighting for the food, Angry Wind Elf and Lei Yao will immediately attack the Fire Cloud Dogs behind us. Once a gap is opened, we will run to that giant tree, and Iron Armor Giant Lizard will activate defense to block the Fire Cloud Dogs’ attack. Does everyone understand?" Chu Chen said in a deep voice.

"No, I don’t understand. Why should we run over there? Even if we get there, we will still be surrounded by the dogs," Gangzi scratched his head and asked in confusion.

Chu Chen could only patiently explain, "By running there, we can have our back against the giant tree, avoiding being attacked from both sides, and we can also take the opportunity to eliminate some of the Fire Cloud Dogs, reducing the strength of the dog pack."

Upon hearing this, the four of them finally revealed a look of realization. Besides this method, they couldn’t think of any other way to break the siege, so they could only try it.

Seeing this, Chu Chen did not immediately give orders but looked around, repeatedly considering whether his method had any flaws.

After a few moments, Chu Chen said in a deep voice, "Begin."

With Chu Chen’s words, Wang Lu and the others threw the lamb meat in their hands towards the Fire Cloud Dogs on both sides.

Seeing this, Chu Chen stared intently at the Fire Cloud Dogs, his expression becoming extremely serious.

At this moment, the Fire Cloud Dogs looked at the tossed lamb meat, revealing a look of doubt, but their instinct drove them to eat the lamb meat in front of them.

Soon, the Fire Cloud Dogs on both sides began to scramble for the lamb meat.

At this moment, an angry bark suddenly came from the dog pack in front of them.

The Fire Cloud Dogs, who were initially fighting over the lamb meat, all suddenly stopped, lowering their heads like children who had done wrong.

Chu Chen looked towards the sound and saw a huge Fire Cloud Dog among the pack ahead.

Its size was twice that of the other Fire Cloud Dogs, with much more glossy and lush fur, and its aura had reached the Ninth Rank Slave Level.

Upon seeing this, Chu Chen suddenly showed a horrified expression; the giant Fire Cloud Dog in front of him was the King of the dog pack.

Chu Chen realized things weren’t good; by now, he had no retreat and could only give it a try.

"Take action," Chu Chen shouted loudly.

The four had long been prepared. Upon hearing the order, they immediately commanded their Guardian Beasts to attack without any hesitation.

Lei Yao directly unleashed Thunder Blade, slashing at the Fire Cloud Dogs behind them.

Angry Wind Elf followed closely behind, casting Wind Tornado.

The attack of Thunder Blade directly slashed three Fire Cloud Dogs into the air, one of which was directly killed.

Wind Tornado followed closely, tossing five Fire Cloud Dogs nearby into the air.

A massive gap immediately appeared in the tightly packed siege.

Seeing this, Chu Chen didn’t hesitate for a moment and shouted loudly, "Run." With that, he rushed out first.

Seeing this, Wang Lu and the others didn’t dare to linger and followed as fast as they could.

At this moment, an angry bark sounded again, and the Fire Cloud Dogs on both sides, hearing the bark, finally came to their senses.

Seeing the five escaping, they quickly gave chase.

At this moment, the Dog King, along with four other Fire Cloud Dogs, unleashed the Fire Fang skill.

Five flaming fangs rushed towards Chu Chen and the others.

Seeing this, Chu Chen’s expression suddenly changed, and he urgently said to Gangzi behind him, "Let Iron Armor Giant Lizard block it."

Hearing this, Gangzi’s face suddenly turned grim. If Iron Armor Giant Lizard wanted to block these five attacks, it would surely suffer severe injuries and even face the risk of death, greatly affecting the upcoming exam.

But if they didn’t block these attacks, they would all be eliminated, and the exam would end here.

Thinking of this, Gangzi gritted his teeth and said, "Use Iron Armor."

Iron Armor Giant Lizard heard this and quickly stopped. It let out a low roar, rapidly covering its body with a layer of solid iron armor.

At this moment, the five Fire Fangs arrived one after another, with the one from the Dog King arriving first.

"Boom," the massive Fire Fang slammed directly into the back of Iron Armor Giant Lizard.

Just upon contact with the lizard’s body, the iron armor showed signs of melting, and the impact shattered the armor entirely, sending its massive body flying.

Meanwhile, the other four Fire Fangs also struck simultaneously, accurately hitting the airborne Iron Armor Giant Lizard.

"Roar"

Iron Armor Giant Lizard let out a painful roar.

"Bang," it crashed heavily to the ground, its body bearing five different-sized bloody holes, the largest of which was the size of a volleyball, while the smallest matched the size of a human fist, with depths reaching half a foot. Scorching blood gushed out of these holes like a creek.

At this time, Chu Chen and the others had already fled to the base of the giant tree.

Gangzi, looking at Iron Armor Giant Lizard’s miserable state, grew pale, lifting his head to see Chu Chen and the others. A complex expression flitted across his eyes.

Iron Armor Giant Lizard’s injuries were extremely severe. Without timely treatment, it wouldn’t last long. Thinking of this, Gangzi couldn’t help but sigh, glancing at the communication bracelet on his wrist as if making some kind of decision.

Seeing all this, Chu Chen quickly said, "Wait, take Iron Armor Giant Lizard back for now and believe in me once more, okay?"

Gangzi looked at Chu Chen after hearing this, seeing the immense confidence in his eyes.

Delaying a little wouldn’t cost Iron Armor Giant Lizard its life, but trusting Chu Chen could gamble for another chance in the exam. If lucky enough to pass, he could enter the Elite Class, relieving worries about future cultivation resources. Only a fool wouldn’t know what choice to make.

Without hesitation, Gangzi directly brought the severely injured Iron Armor Giant Lizard back into the Soul Sea.

At this moment, only four Guardian Beasts remained on Chu Chen’s side.

On the side of the dog pack, there were still twenty-two Fire Cloud Dogs remaining, with nineteen still possessing fighting strength.

Wang Lu and the others, watching the slowly approaching dog pack, all showed expressions of despair.

Seeing this, Chu Chen couldn’t help but frown. Taking a deep breath, he shouted in a deep voice, "It’s not time to despair yet. Raise your spirits and prepare for battle."

Hearing this, the four were taken aback, the air of despair slowly dissipating, as if they had found their backbone, their eyes once again emitting fighting spirit.

Wang Lu, who had somehow moved closer, nudged Chu Chen with his shoulder and asked quietly, "What should we do without a meat shield in front now?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen said in a deep voice, "Is fighting impossible without a meat shield?"

Wang Lu couldn’t help but frown upon hearing this, unable to think of any other way to break the deadlock.