Chapter 105: The Fallen Pegasus

For a warrior, the frailty of the horse beneath him is as significant as the food he eats—it concerns honor and dignity, and cannot be taken lightly.

The Beast Taming Hall had prepared a Flying Snow Steed for Chu Feng. If it were a tall and magnificent horse, Chu Feng would certainly be pleased. But if the horse were slender and ordinary in appearance, it would feel as coarse as a poorly presented meal, invoking only dissatisfaction from Chu Feng.

Upon hearing Chu Feng’s remark, Bai Naizhao immediately furrowed his brow.

“Chu Feng, we must speak honestly in front of the sect leader—no need to stir trouble without cause! You say the horse I prepared for you is weak and lacks quality; how could I not have noticed?”

As Bai Naizhao spoke, he carefully examined the few Flying Snow Steeds nearby and said, “Of course, you can’t compare them to the one I ride. That Flying Snow Steed is personally raised by me, and we share a deep bond. I won’t let you ride it. Even if I wanted to, it wouldn’t allow you to!”

Neigh!

As soon as Bai Naizhao finished, the Flying Snow Steed beside him lifted its forelegs, raised its head to the sky, and let out a long, resonant neigh. Then, its snowy white head gently rubbed against Bai Naizhao’s shoulder.

The horse’s behavior clearly showed its strong approval of Bai Naizhao’s words.

“Heh, Chief Bai has raised a fine horse indeed—completely understands its master’s words and shares an incredibly deep bond! Such a magnificent steed is rare, one that cannot be found even after traversing countless mountains and rivers!”

“Exactly. Raising such a splendid horse perfectly proves Chief Bai’s mastery in beast taming. He is undoubtedly the foremost expert across the Nine Mountains and Eighteen Veins! But to be fair, the horse the Beast Taming Hall prepared for Chu Feng isn’t necessarily weak.”

“Yes! Chief Bai’s own steed is indeed tall, powerful, and spirited, but the other three horses are quite similar. The one Chu Feng rides isn’t necessarily the worst!”

The attending disciples, both male and female, whispered among themselves about Bai Naizhao’s prized steed and the other three Flying Snow Steeds.

“Chu Feng, if you think the Flying Snow Steed I prepared for you is too slim, fine. You can choose any of these three horses here to ride!”

Bai Naizhao said candidly.

“Heh, aside from your horse, these three are all about the same—what difference does it make?” Chu Feng asked coldly.

“Yes! If there's no difference, then why complain that the horse prepared for you is weak?” Bai Naizhao retorted loudly.

A cold gleam flashed in Chu Feng’s eyes. Though Bai Naizhao was unremarkable in appearance, he was sharp-minded and had cleverly devised a way to undermine Chu Feng’s prestige.

At first glance, the three Flying Snow Steeds all looked about the same, making it difficult to say which was better. But if Chu Feng mounted any of them, the horse would immediately seem inferior in stature.

Two female disciples, both slender, sat perfectly proportioned on any horse. Chu Feng, broad-shouldered and large-boned, would look like an adult riding a pony on any of these steeds.

Especially compared to Bai Naizhao’s fine horse, Chu Feng’s mount appeared even more fragile. If they stood side by side on their horses, Chu Feng would look distinctly inferior, his presence naturally weakened.

This was absolutely unacceptable to Chu Feng.

“Chu Feng, if none of these horses satisfy you, then you can ride the Fire-Feathered Flying Eagle! But its speed is so great that the strong cold wind during flight might not be worth it,” Sikong Xing said, stepping forward.

“No need, Sect Leader Sikong,” Chu Feng shook his head. “Chief Bai has his Flying Snow Steed, and I have my own mount.”

“Oh? What mount is that? Bai Naizhao is eager to see!” Bai Naizhao smiled, radiating a superior air.

“Well, since you are Chief of the Beast Taming Hall, you should have a good look!”

Roar!

As Chu Feng’s words fell, a dragon-like roar shattered the sky, shrill and piercing, vibrating the eardrums of all before the hall.

Beside Chu Feng appeared a strange beast resembling a horse but larger, its powerful form crackling with streaks of lightning energy. Upon emerging, it shook its head and tail with pride, especially the fierce roar that seemed like a demon unleashed from hell, shouting defiantly at the heavens and all who beheld it.

“Heavens! What kind of beast is this, covered in lightning, with such a formidable aura?”

“Could this be the legendary Thunder King Beast only found in the Wind and Thunder Stone Caverns?”

“Yes, it’s the Thunder King Beast! Finally, a sighting! What a treat! They say its combat power is extraordinary. I wonder how its flying ability compares to Chief Bai’s Flying Snow Steed?”

“Look! Chief Bai’s Flying Snow Steed is trembling!”

Amid the crowd’s chatter, the proud Flying Snow Steed standing beside Bai Naizhao suddenly retreated like a rabbit facing a fierce tiger when confronted by the Thunder King Beast beside Chu Feng. It visibly shuddered from head to tail.

The Thunder King Beast stood its ground, its terrifying lightning-charged eyes fixed unblinkingly on the Flying Snow Steed.

The frightened steed trembled violently, while the other three horses immediately knelt obediently like camels, pressing their heads tightly against the ground, clearly terrified.

“Lieguang, calm down, don’t be afraid!” Bai Naizhao hurried to soothe his distressed horse.

Neigh!

The horse named Lieguang was so frightened it suddenly reared up on its hind legs, let out a loud neigh, then turned and bolted away.

The once proud Flying Snow Steed had abandoned its master in fear and fled.

Roar!

The Thunder King Beast emitted another roar, spreading its leathery wings with a whoosh. A giant funnel-shaped wind column shot forth like an arrow, aimed at the fleeing Flying Snow Steed.

At that moment, the Flying Snow Steed seemed to sense the danger behind it and spread its wings, taking flight.

Unfortunately, it had barely risen a foot above the ground when the powerful wind column swept over, its edge catching the steed’s right wing.

A mournful, piercing scream rang out as the horse crashed heavily onto the ground, skidding several yards.

Blood splattered, feathers scattered.

The steed’s beautiful wings had been torn off by the Thunder King Beast’s wind column, lying on the ground like severed limbs.

Roar!

The Thunder King Beast shook its head and tail, roaring again. Its lightning-filled gaze gleamed with battle excitement.

“Good heavens! Young Master Chu’s Thunder King Beast is fiercely wild—attacking without hesitation! Chief Bai’s Lieguang is a top-tier Flying Snow Steed, but in less than a cup of tea’s time, it’s been battered like this by the Thunder King Beast!”

“Indeed, Lieguang’s wings are torn off. Even if it survives, it’s a crippled steed now—worse than death!”

“Poor Chief Bai must be heartbroken. His beloved horse ravaged like a lost arm—an agony beyond words! His face has lost all honor, his dignity gone with the horse!”

“The key is that Young Master Chu’s Thunder King Beast is so ferocious. Compared to Chief Bai’s Flying Snow Steed, it’s like a fierce tiger against a lamb. The Flying Snow Steed is just a thin pane of glass, easily shattered!”

“True! I’d rather have the Thunder King Beast. Though uglier, it’s domineering and imposing—not just a pretty but useless show like the Flying Snow Steed!”

“Enough! Chief Bai’s already hurting enough. Saying more is just rubbing salt in the wound.”

“But I’m just speaking the truth! Everyone’s thinking the same…”

Hearing the crowd’s murmurs, Chu Feng’s expression remained impassive. Without a word, he reached out and patted the Thunder King Beast’s back in praise.

This Thunder King Beast really delivered, truly enhancing its master’s prestige, Chu Feng thought with satisfaction.