The merchants paled instantly, realizing "it" referred to the tiger demon. Though terrified beyond measure, Ji Yuan maintained outward composure.


    He closed his dry eyes, focusing on the approaching paw-steps - heavy yet precise, crunching leaf litter with predatory grace. Night birds fell silent as unnatural winds whipped through temple cracks.


    "Roar!!!"


    The ground-shaking growl sent merchants collapsing to their knees. Sweat soaked Ji Yuan''s rags as he confronted reality - against this supernatural predator, their survival seemed impossible.


    The tiger''s voice rumbled like subterranean thunder: "We dwelled apart, never crossing paths. Why intervene?"


    Ji Yuan''s heart hammered. This was no ordinary beast. Steeling himself, he adopted an authoritative tone: "Though our domains never overlapped, I owe Zhang Shilin for his kindness. His life stays under my ward."


    Silence stretched. When the response came, it carried bestial frustration: "For weeks your stench reeked of death. Why now breathe vitality?"


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    Ji Yuan''s mind raced. Three truths crystallized:


    The original beggar''s body had neared death


    His transmigration revived it


    The tiger perceived this metaphysical shift


    Summoning memories of cultivation novels, he answered slowly: "Facing oblivion, I found rebirth through epiphany."


    Outside, claws tore earth. The tiger recalled the heaven-rending lightning strike days prior - celestial wrath that nearly crushed its demonic core. Now realizing the thunder''s source, awe tempered its hunger.


    "Master..." The title emerged unbidden, "This humble Mountain Lord Lu has cultivated a century without guidance. Might you... impart wisdom?"


    Ji Yuan nearly choked. Fifty-three human lives confessed through gritted fangs! Yet he pressed on: "How many have you devoured?"


    "Fifty-three." The admission came reluctantly. "But only sturdy adults, never children or elders! Just as humans hunt beasts!"


    Merchants whimpered. Ji Yuan''s legs trembled, yet his voice held firm: "True cultivation requires temperance. Cease human consumption henceforth."


    The tiger''s growl deepened. "And if I refuse?"


    Ji Yuan gambled everything on bluster: "Then our waters shall mix - with heavenly lightning as the flood."


    Silence. Then - scraping claws retreating. Winds shifted as the predator withdrew, leaving final words: "This Mountain Lord Lu... will contemplate your teaching."


    As dawn''s first light breached the temple, eight merchants and one half-blind immortal collapsed in shared tremors - alive through borrowed celestial authority.