Heart-wrenching cries echoed through the cavern as Lee Irons' family tearfully took away his lifeless body. Yet, most people remained, their gazes shifting meaningfully towards Ryan Carter.

  Dylan Ross leaned in with a mischievous grin, whispering loudly, "Hey Ryan, my advice? Just give in already. Tiger Girl's not messing around—if she really throws you over her shoulder, you're done for."

  "Shut up," Ryan muttered, slugging Dylan lightly on the arm. He sighed, seeing Tiger Girl already approaching him purposefully through the murmuring crowd.

  "Tiger Bro, hang in there! I've got your back!" a young voice shouted jokingly from somewhere in the back.

  Laughter erupted. In this harsh underground life, even a fierce, towering girl like Tiger Girl was irresistible entertainment. Soon, everyone was joining in:

  "Ryan! Time to man up or sweat it out!"

  "Hey, Ryan, step aside! I'll marry her for you!"

  Even Captain Harris stood at the side, hands folded comfortably across his chest, quietly enjoying the scene.

  Ryan cleared his throat, attempting diplomacy: "Tiger Girl, listen... I really think we're better off as bros."

  "Brothers, husband and wife—same difference!" Tiger Girl stared him down impatiently. "Quit stalling and come with me already!"

  With startling speed, her huge hand whipped out to grab Ryan's shoulder. If not for his recently acquired fourth-level Five Tigers Blade Technique and today's life-or-death experience against the worms, he would never have dodged it.

  Tiger Girl's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Oh, you've learned some new moves, huh? Still won't save you today!"

  Growling, she lunged again—both hands like iron clamps, reaching for his shoulders. Ryan swiftly executed Mountain Leap, smoothly retreating a dozen meters.

  Tiger Girl lost her temper completely. With a roar, she executed the same Mountain Leap—though her version was powerful and explosive. When she landed, the cavern ceiling shook, dirt raining down.

  "Enough!" Harris finally stepped forward, blocking Ryan's escape. "Both of you, settle down! Fighting inside the settlement is strictly forbidden by the Overseer."

  Tiger Girl rolled her sleeves up defiantly. "Fine, Harris. Then tell me how we settle this. I've got dinner waiting—it's getting cold!"

  The crowd burst into laughter again.

  "Ryan, the food getting cold is fine—but don't let Tiger Girl's heart cool down!" someone shouted.

  Dylan Ross, holding an attractive older woman by his side, smirked wickedly, "Hey buddy, hurry up! Let's have sons at the same time, make them become sworn brothers!"

  Ryan sighed inwardly. Dylan sure knew how to rub salt in a wound.

  Harris coughed, proposing, "How about an arm-wrestling match? Winner gets their way." He glanced sympathetically at Ryan. "That's the best I can do for you. You might hate me now, but you'll thank me when you have a bloodline warrior son."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Thank you, my ass! Ryan cursed silently. Tiger Girl was clearly stronger physically; even with his fifth-level Iron Body Technique, he doubted he could match her brute strength. Without a Skill-Stealing Card ready, what options did he have?

  Energy: 76

  Stamina: 35/36

  Strength: 20/21

  Spirit: 16/16

  Skills:

  - Iron Body Technique Lv.5

  - Five Tigers Blade Technique Lv.4

  Ryan stared at his status, mind racing. His only hope was to outlast her stamina somehow.

  He suddenly put on a serious face, saying earnestly, "Tiger Bro, you're all about fairness, right? But testing pure strength against you hardly seems fair. How about giving me a handicap—just half an arm?"

  Everyone burst out laughing. Usually, men offered handicaps when competing against women. Ryan shamelessly flipped the script.

  "You coward! Have you no shame?" Dylan jeered loudly.

  Tiger Girl waved dismissively, impatiently plopping her muscular arm onto the stone table. "Fine, half-arm handicap! Now hurry up—the food's turning to ice!"

  Ryan hesitated theatrically. "Actually, Tiger Bro...maybe two hands would be fairer."

  Dylan spat mockingly, his pretty companion giggling uncontrollably. Tiger Girl glared furiously, snapping, "Quit whining like a little girl and start already!"

  As Ryan grasped Tiger Girl's rough, calloused hand, he felt like he'd grabbed an iron vice. Thankfully, his enhanced Iron Body Technique prevented pain.

  "Ready?" Without waiting, Tiger Girl exerted tremendous force.

  Ryan's arm immediately tilted downward. Gritting his teeth, he summoned every ounce of strength, barely stabilizing his arm. Muscles bulged visibly beneath his skin; veins popped out along his forearms. Across from him, Tiger Girl's body seemed to swell with raw power.

  One minute passed, then two. The noisy crowd fell silent. Everyone stared in shock—Tiger Girl's brute strength was legendary. Even some bloodline warriors avoided pure strength contests against her. Yet now, Ryan—once considered weak—matched her evenly.

  "Has Ryan really awakened his bloodline?" Dylan whispered enviously.

  Captain Harris's eyes shone with excitement. Ryan himself, however, felt his strength rapidly fading.

  Energy: 76

  Stamina: 15/36

  Strength: 11/21

  Spirit: 13/16

  Ryan immediately began transferring energy to replenish his stamina and strength. These points were precious, harvested from killing the earthworm, but none of that mattered compared to avoiding marriage with Tiger Girl.

  Tiger Girl, face red with exertion, stared incredulously at Ryan, who seemed surprisingly calm and steady. "Enough!" she roared again, pouring everything she had into a final burst of power—but Ryan remained immovable as a mountain.

  Tiger Girl's advantage vanished rapidly. Inch by inch, Ryan forced her hand downward until—

  Bang!

  Tiger Girl's hand slammed against the table. Cheeks flushed brightly, she snatched back her hand, scowling fiercely. "Damn it, Ryan! You slippery little brat—fine, you win this round! But don't think I'll give up. Everything Tiger Girl wants, she gets eventually!"

  With a final threatening glare, she stormed off proudly.

  Dylan rushed to Ryan's side immediately. "Bro! Did you really awaken your bloodline? What's your secret? Teach me, quick!"

  Ryan had no secrets to share; thankfully, Harris intervened smoothly, "Ryan awakened his bloodline barely escaping death against the earthworm. Feel free to try that yourself, Dylan."

  Dylan's enthusiasm instantly deflated. His companion, a sultry woman named Clara, gently comforted him.

  Recovering quickly, Dylan introduced her, "Ryan, meet your sister-in-law, Clara. Clara, Ryan here is my best pal—introduce him to one of your pretty friends!"

  Clara hesitated, glancing nervously. "I'd love to help, but Tiger Girl's already declared Ryan hers. No woman around here would dare cross her."

  Relief flooded Ryan—he had zero interest in a rushed marriage.

  Suddenly, Captain Harris's voice cut through clearly: "Ryan, since you're skipping your wedding night, come with me. Let's test your bloodline and see exactly what you've awakened."

  Every eye in the cavern instantly locked onto Ryan, brimming with curiosity and anticipation.