Just like humans, zombies also undergo evolution when stimulated by life energy and viral energy.
However, due to the differences in the physical condition of infected individuals, ordinary zombies evolve into different forms. Among them, the one most feared by bounty hunters is the "Licker" in front of Chu Xun. This terrifying killing machine possesses incredible speed and deadly destructive power.
Unlike ordinary zombies, the Licker has completely abandoned its poor vision during the evolution process, making its sense of smell and hearing much sharper. The most terrifying predator of them all can even detect prey from up to five kilometers away.
All bounty hunters know that when facing a Licker, the only option is to fight in groups with all their might. This might give them a slim chance of survival. Because if you try to run away, this terrifying creature, with its strong muscles, streamlined body, and a top speed exceeding 150 km/h, will catch up with you in the shortest time possible and tear you apart.
"Master, is there really no need to start off this desperately..." Chu Xun muttered as he looked at the Licker, which was less than five meters away from him.
Though confident in his own strength, the Licker was no pushover. If he was hit by its sharp 40 cm claws, even if he didn't die, he'd be severely wounded.
"Stop talking nonsense. With your strength, as long as you fight normally, dealing with this little guy will definitely not be a problem!" Chu Kuangren glanced at Chu Xun and then took two steps back, speaking in a low voice. "Get ready, the fight is about to begin!"
The moment his words fell, the immense aura that had been radiating from Chu Kuangren suddenly vanished. His breathing, heartbeat, and even his body temperature began to drop rapidly, soon reaching a point where it was almost imperceptible.
"Roar!"
The Licker, unable to see, had lost track of Chu Kuangren's presence once his aura disappeared. Now, its senses were solely focused on Chu Xun.
More importantly, without the oppressive presence of Chu Kuangren, the Licker's bloodthirsty instincts began to awaken. It could hardly wait to savor the fresh blood and flesh right in front of it.
"Death comes for all, but if I don't die today, I'll live forever. Let's do this!" Knowing the fight was inevitable, Chu Xun lowered his body slightly, clenched his fists, and got into a battle stance.
At the same time, his sharp claws shot out from his fingertips, emitting a faint metallic shine.
"Roar!"
The standoff was quickly broken. With a hoarse roar, the Licker's powerful hind legs pushed against the ground, launching itself forward like a red flash, charging straight toward Chu Xun.
At the same time, its bright right claw was raised high, aiming to strike down on Chu Xun with the force of a lethal blow!
This was the Licker's most ferocious and terrifying attack method. It relied on its astounding speed to create powerful impact forces, knocking down its prey before tearing it into pieces with its razor-sharp claws.
"Come on!"
However, when Chu Xun saw the Licker charging at him, he wasn't scared—he was excited. A flash of exhilaration passed through his eyes.
The Licker's main evolution focused on speed and attack power, but its strength had not been greatly enhanced. For Chu Xun, who specialized in raw power, this kind of direct confrontation was exactly what he loved.
With that in mind, Chu Xun lowered his body slightly, stabilized his center of gravity, then pushed off the ground with his right leg, his body twisting as his right hand, shaped like a tiger's claw, lashed out at the Licker's right claw!
The sharp claws, originating from alien genes, would now clash with the Licker's claws, evolved through biochemical viruses. The result of this collision would soon be revealed!
**Bang!**
In an instant, the sound of metal clashing rang out, followed by a spark erupting between Chu Xun and the Licker.
Under Chu Xun's overwhelming force, the Licker, which had been charging at full speed, was sent flying, its speed decreasing significantly. Clearly, the Licker's power was no match for Chu Xun.
However, the Licker proved itself to be a formidable predator. In mid-air, it suddenly twisted its body and landed smoothly on the ground. Immediately, it crouched low, facing Chu Xun, and became alert again.
"Such hard claws!"
Chu Xun squinted, observing the Licker's claws, now showing visible cracks and noticeable gaps. His pupils contracted slightly, and he frowned.
Before the special training, his destructive power had already reached an H2 level, and after mastering the techniques, his power had grown immensely. Yet, even with all his might, he couldn't break the Licker's claws in one strike. This showed just how sharp and durable its claws were.
However, he was relieved to see that despite the claws not breaking entirely, the Licker's right front limb was clearly twisted, and its bones seemed to have been damaged.
"With this injury, it should be much easier to deal with..."
Chu Xun felt a little more at ease when he saw the Licker's right claw had been injured.
But what he failed to realize was that he had seriously underestimated this terrifying predator!
The Licker's most dangerous trait wasn't just its speed and power—it was its terrifying combat instincts!
**Whoosh!**
After taking a heavy blow in the direct confrontation, the Licker quickly realized that Chu Xun's strength far exceeded its own. So, instead of charging head-on again, the creature suddenly changed tactics. It leaped and shot toward a large tree to Chu Xun's right.
"Right side?!"
Seeing the Licker darting toward the tree, Chu Xun's face changed drastically, and he quickly turned in that direction to prepare himself.
However, just as he thought the Licker was going to attack from that position, the creature leapt again, this time speeding toward another tree. The red figure kept flashing between the trees, moving faster and faster, making it impossible for Chu Xun to track its exact location.
The surrounding trees began to shake violently, and through the dense branches, Chu Xun could always catch glimpses of the red figure, adding to the pressure of being surrounded.
This tactic—using incredible speed and the complex terrain to rapidly change direction, confusing its prey's vision, and delivering a sudden, fatal strike—was the Licker's most terrifying fighting technique: the **Multi-Directional Killer Strike**!
This was also a key skill for agility-based superhumans to master!
**Whoosh!**
Facing this new tactic, Chu Xun, lacking sufficient battle experience, was clearly caught off guard and began to panic. He spun around, desperately trying to spot the Licker's trail.
At that moment, while Chu Xun was struggling to find the Licker's location, the creature leaped out from behind a tree and shot at him like lightning!
Luckily, although Chu Xun's combat experience was lacking, his reflexes were fast enough. Almost the moment he heard the air being sliced, he reacted.
He turned sharply, swinging his fist backward.
His quick response saved his life. Though he was still knocked down by the Licker, at least he had managed to turn in time and face the creature head-on. Just before being knocked down, his punch also slammed into the Licker's claw, knocking it aside and avoiding the fatal blow.
**Thud!**
With a muffled sound, Chu Xun was knocked to the ground, and intense pain shot through his right hand.
Though his punch had deflected the Licker's claw, preventing it from piercing a vital spot, the claw still deeply tore into his fist, leaving several bone-deep gashes.
But at that moment, he couldn't care about the pain because the Licker's massive body was pressing down on him. The creature raised its claw again, preparing to tear him to pieces.
"Get off me!"
In a desperate moment, Chu Xun pushed out with his left hand and struck the Licker's incoming claw with all his might. He heard a sharp crack, and the Licker's already injured right claw was *severed*!
With the Licker's right claw broken, Chu Xun quickly bent his knees and pushed with all his strength to kick the creature away.
**Thud!**
The Licker, unable to withstand such incredible force, let out a howl as it was sent flying into a nearby tree, crashing into it with a massive impact.
Having taken repeated losses, especially after its favorite tactic failed and its claw was destroyed, the now smarter Licker finally began to retreat. It struggled to its feet and turned to escape.
"Think you can run?"
At this point, Chu Xun was enraged. After all, it was the Licker that had hurt him first, and he would never let it escape. He turned cold, and before the Licker could fully move, he leapt onto its back. Raising his bloodied right fist, he aimed to crush the Licker's brain.
The Licker's most vulnerable spot was its unprotected brain. Destroy it, and the creature would die!
However, just as Chu Xun swung his fist, he made a fatal mistake.
Meanwhile, not far behind, Chu Kuangren sighed and muttered under his breath, "Idiot!"
As the saying goes, "Survival of the fittest"—the Licker had evolved after being exposed to the virus, making it more perfect than ever. So why had it lost its skull, leaving such an obvious weak point?
The answer was simple: it was not