Chapter 253 – Good Fortune Arrives in Pairs, the Unrivaled Temple Master - Part 1
The Holy Tree Temple’s city stronghold was divided into three gates. Though the first gate was the least affluent, it was still where the relatively wealthy with some background made their homes.
Leading five massive ebony marquises on leashes, Li Yuan strolled casually down the street. Now that he had decided to reveal his status as a sixth rank beastmaster, he no longer bothered hiding in the shadows.
Unfortunately, once people recovered from their initial shock at this sight, all that appeared to remain was raw fear.
“Mommy, those dogs are so scary!” On the street, a young child who had been walking with his parents jumped in fright at the sight of five towering silhouettes. He hid behind his parents, who themselves went pale, their mouths turning dry.
Wherever Li Yuan and his dogs passed, crowds scattered in tense silence, pushing and shoving to get out of the way. His good-natured and respectable reputation as the Cui Clan’s weaponsmith no longer mattered. Now, he was only someone to fear. The brutal aura of those five demonic beasts made everyone’s heart pound.
Suddenly, a little girl let out a sharp cry. She had accidentally locked eyes with one of the dogs, who focused on her with a savage, bloodthirsty, and almost predatory gaze. Terrified, she fell to the ground, her white legs getting muddied as her plaid skirt fanned out around her.
“D-don’t come any closer...!” the little girl cried out. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the five fierce beasts draw nearer, the chill of their presence prickling her skin.
Li Yuan glanced at the girl, who was about the same age as his own daughter. He gave one of the ebony marquises a swift slap on the head and scolded, “No scaring people!”
The ebony marquis let out a whimper, then stuck out its tongue with an almost silly, dog-like pant.
Stepping forward, Li Yuan gently pulled the girl to her feet. “Don’t be afraid,” he said with a reassuring smile. “They just look big, that’s all.”
Still trembling, the girl tried to shrink away, but Li Yuan caught her hand and pulled her closer. “If you don’t believe me,” he added, “Try touching it. It won’t hurt you.”
She was clearly terrified, but curiosity gradually overtook fear. Seeing her hesitate, Li Yuan hoisted her up and settled her onto the back of one of the ebony marquises. Frozen stiff at first, the girl slowly realized the dog’s fur was soft, its body radiating a comforting warmth. Bit by bit, her tension eased, and she began to glance around curiously from her new perch.