Zhao Xuan wasn't shocked simply because the wild boar had awakened Armament Haki.
What truly stunned him was the fact that the creature was only a Tier 3 beast.
In truth, there were countless beasts across the world capable of using Haki.
Some even possessed Devil Fruit–like abilities.
The internet was flooded with reports about animals awakening Haki—each story more unbelievable than the last.
However—
every single one of those "Haki beasts," without exception, was at least Tier 4 or higher, the kind of creatures humans referred to as Land Kings.
But a Tier 3 boar awakening Haki?
That was unheard of.
"Something's definitely wrong with this pig… very wrong."
His eyes flickered with a sharp glint as a bold, almost absurd theory suddenly formed in his mind.
"Could it be… there's an undiscovered natural relic nearby?"
The moment the thought appeared, his excitement spiked.
"It makes sense! Even for us humans, awakening Armament Haki isn't easy—it requires external catalysts or rare awakening aids. For a beast to awaken it on its own… it must've been exposed to the power of a relic!"
He clenched his fists.
"Yes! That's it! This Ironhide Boar must've stumbled into a natural relic, and that's how it awakened Armament Haki!"
"There's no other explanation! None!"
His gaze grew determined.
"The only question is—where exactly is this relic? If it's somewhere in this forest, then that's fine—I can search the whole area. But if it's deeper… that'll be tricky."
Zhao Xuan frowned, deep in thought.
At that moment, the wounded Ironhide Boar seized its chance—
it staggered to its feet, snorting in pain, and bolted deeper into the forest.
By the time Zhao Xuan realized it, the creature's shadow had almost disappeared.
"Wait—of course!"
His eyes lit up. "If that pig's really connected to the relic, then it'll head straight there now that it's injured. Relics contain natural energy—it'll want to heal itself inside!"
A grin spread across his face.
"That's perfect. I'll just let it lead me right to it."
He immediately took off, following the beast's trail.
However, he deliberately held back his speed—keeping just far enough behind to make the boar think it could escape.
And so, man and beast raced through the forest.
One chasing.
One fleeing.
The deeper they went, the thicker the forest became.
Ten minutes later, Zhao Xuan realized they had reached a place where human presence was nearly nonexistent.
At first, he occasionally spotted a few Tier 1 or Tier 2 creatures.
But now—
Tier 2 beasts appeared regularly, sometimes even multiple at once.
The world was vast, and though humans were strong, beasts were not far behind.
The stronger beasts preferred isolation, dwelling deep within mountains, jungles, or hidden valleys.
In those remote places, mid- and high-tier Land Kings were as common as weeds.
Likewise, in the endless seas, Sea Kings reigned supreme.
"This isn't good," Zhao Xuan muttered, watching the Ironhide Boar dash even deeper.
"At this rate, we'll reach the territory of Tier 3 beasts soon."
He was confident in his strength—
but he wasn't arrogant enough to think he was invincible among Tier 3s.
This world was far too vast; there was always something stronger lurking in the dark.
Just as Zhao Xuan hesitated on whether to keep following the boar deeper—
It suddenly vanished.
Completely gone.
One blink, and its presence disappeared as if it had never existed.
For a split second, Zhao Xuan froze—then his heart leapt with excitement.
"I knew it! A natural relic—there really is one here!"
His eyes blazed with joy.
He sprinted forward, following the faint traces the boar left behind, and arrived at the spot where it disappeared.
Then he began to search carefully, scanning every inch of the area.
A few minutes later—
He found it.
Buried beneath the soil were several weathered stone tablets, only their tops visible above the dirt.
"So it's here…"
He looked up.
Not far away stood a massive, ancient tree.
At its base was a dark hollow, half hidden by tangled roots.
Through the faint light filtering inside, Zhao Xuan could just make out the shape of a round sphere embedded within.
A slow smile crept across his face.
"So this is it—the relic entrance."
"If even a Tier 3 Ironhide Boar could gain power from within, that means this must be a low-tier relic. For me, that shouldn't pose much danger."
Without hesitation, Zhao Xuan crouched down and reached into the hollow, placing his hand on the orb.
The instant his fingers made contact—
Whoosh!
A blinding light flashed—
—and Zhao Xuan's figure vanished from the forest.
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