There are countless insects with powerful genes in the world, but if there's one insect gene that Chu Xun has been obsessed with, dreaming of, and desperately wishing for, it would undoubtedly be one: the Spider Gene!
Chu Xun is a typical spider fanatic. Since childhood, after watching the classic movie *Spider-Man*, he became fascinated by these amazing creatures. His love for spiders only grew stronger as he delved deeper into their world, eventually turning him into a hardcore spider fan.
Spiders are truly incredible creatures. They are feared and loathed by most people on Earth, but there are many, like Chu Xun, who are mesmerized by their perfect body structure and almost artistic way of hunting.
Spiders are often seen as embodiments of evil, appearing as terrifying monsters in horror films and novels. However, there are also films like *Spider-Man* that portray the spider gene in a positive light. But whether viewed positively or negatively, spiders in these stories share one common trait—**power**!
A terrifying power!
A power that others envy!
This almost perfect creature possesses so many miraculous abilities. Their silk is incredibly tough, almost as hard as steel, and far more flexible. Their unique spider sense allows them to predict and avoid imminent danger.
Additionally, spiders' flexibility, explosive power, jumping ability, and near-miraculous regenerative abilities all make them awe-inspiring creations of nature!
All these traits make the spider one of the most perfect predators in nature!
At this moment, right before Chu Xun, there stood such a powerful and terrifying giant spider!
This giant spider resembled a type of spider Chu Xun had once raised, the *Costa Rican Tiger Rump Tarantula*. This spider is known for its enormous size, potent venom, and the tiger-like patterns on its tail. The reason it is called a *bird-eating tarantula* is because it has the ability to catch and eat birds!
And right now, the spider in front of Chu Xun was much larger than the one he had kept before. Its body stood about half a meter tall, but when its massive eight legs fully extended, it could cover an area of over ten meters. Its gigantic fangs, sharp legs, and the webbing spinneret that slightly opened and closed made it look like a monstrous creature straight out of a horror movie, striking fear into anyone who looked at it.
Standing next to the spider was a frail, black-clad old man. The old man seemed to lack any overwhelming presence and occasionally coughed weakly, giving the impression of being very frail.
"Look, that guy's heading straight for the poisonous spider!"
"Ha, does he really dare to provoke the poisonous spider? This old man is a Level 2 Esper, he's nothing like that Ghost Fire, Tang Qi!"
"Why not? Don't forget who's backing him—Wu Kuang!"
"Haha, right, that old man has always been arrogant and dismissive of others. Let's see how he handles this kid!"
As Chu Xun approached the frail old man, a group of onlookers among the bounty hunters began discussing amongst themselves, most of them with expressions of anticipation. Clearly, the old man had made many enemies.
However, considering that he was still alive despite having so many adversaries, it was clear that the old man's strength was no joke!
"Kid, what do you think you're doing?" The frail old man narrowed his eyes at Chu Xun and spoke in a deep voice. "Don't get too close. My little darling's temper is rather bad!"
Sss!
As soon as the old man finished speaking, the giant spider beside him crouched down slightly and let out a threatening growl. At the same time, two drops of venom dripped from the spider's fangs, corroding the ground and creating two large pits.
However, at that moment, a streak of black light suddenly shot out, landing near Chu Xun and planting its four legs on the ground. The bizarre creature, shining with a metallic sheen and an oddly beautiful design, caught the frail old man's attention. His eyes narrowed with a hint of wariness.
He had been watching the entire battle in the city and understood the strength of the strange summoning creature beside Chu Xun.
Although the giant spider was indeed strong, it had only barely touched the threshold of being a Level 2 Esper. However, the strange summoning creature that had killed the Wolf King's personal guards and the Ghost Fire, Tang Qi, was a whole different story. He wasn't sure if the giant spider would easily defeat such an opponent.
Moreover, Chu Xun himself was more dangerous than the summoning creature. With the backing of Wu Kuang, this kid was not someone to be easily provoked!
"It's nothing. I just wanted to talk some business with you, sir," Chu Xun hesitated slightly, sensing the danger radiating from the giant spider, before speaking earnestly.
"Business? Hah, I like doing business!" The frail old man's interest seemed piqued as he sneered and asked, "What business do you want to talk about?"
"I'd like to borrow your pet, sir!" Chu Xun pursed his lips and said seriously, "In exchange, I'm willing to pay the corresponding price!"
"Hahahaha! Borrow my pet? Do you know that my little darling is my life? Borrowing it means borrowing my life!" The frail old man suddenly burst into laughter. "Kid, I don't know who you are, but I suggest you forget this idea. Otherwise, not even Wu Kuang will be able to save you!"
"Is that so? What a shame then!" Looking at the old man's unyielding expression, Chu Xun furrowed his brow slightly and spoke with a serious tone. "Since we can't strike a deal, how about we settle it with a bet?"
"A bet?" The frail old man scoffed coldly. "I don't think there's anything on you worth betting for!"
"How about the *Mutant Grey Wolf King*?" Chu Xun's expression remained unchanged as he presented an irresistible wager.
"The Mutant Grey Wolf King? Isn't that Wu Kuang's possession? Do you even have the right to offer it?" The frail old man's expression shifted slightly. He seemed tempted, but he wasn't fully convinced that Chu Xun could produce the wolf as a wager.
"Master has already given me the Mutant Grey Wolf King, so of course, I can fully take responsibility for it," Chu Xun said indifferently. "My terms are simple: you and I will duel. If I win, your life will be mine. If I lose, the Mutant Grey Wolf King will be yours. How about it?"
"A duel, just you and me?" The frail old man narrowed his eyes slightly, then said coldly, "But who can guarantee that you'll keep your word?"
"I will!" At that moment, a voice suddenly came from the distance. It was Wu Kuang's voice. "I, Wu Kuang, am a man of my word. With me as a witness, you should have no problem accepting this bet, right?"
A duel is the most common way to settle disputes between Espers. Once two Espers sign a duel contract, it is protected by the highest council. Anyone who violates the contract would be hunted down by the council.
This rule was created to ease conflicts among Espers and preserve humanity's limited Esper force. After all, Espers are very rare, and even losing one is a great loss to all of humanity.
The existence of the duel rule has indeed mitigated some conflicts between Espers, though it only helps to some extent. Violence is still often the quickest and most efficient solution to problems when one party holds a significant advantage.
"Are you sure you won't intervene?" The frail old man narrowed his eyes slightly at Wu Kuang and asked, "If the famous Wu Kuang were to intervene, I would definitely be no match!"
"Do I need to go through so many hoops to deal with you? I'd slap you dead with one hand!" Wu Kuang sneered and then turned to Chu Xun. "Kid, I don't know why you suddenly want to duel with this fool, and I don't care. But I want you to understand, as a warrior, honor and integrity are of utmost importance. Since you've proposed the duel, if you lose, don't expect me to help you!"
"Understood, Master!" Chu Xun nodded lightly in response to Wu Kuang's words.
Then he turned back to the frail old man and said, "With my Master as a witness, you should be able to trust me, right? Three days from now, you and I will duel in the Fourth Satellite Town. If you win, the Mutant Grey Wolf King is yours! Of course, you can also choose to refuse."
"Fortune favors the bold, huh? Let's do it!" The frail old man hesitated for a moment before nodding and coldly saying, "Three days from now, we'll duel here. If we don't see each other, then it's over!"
With that, the old man swiftly climbed onto the spider and, with a few rapid movements, dashed into the forest, disappearing into the dense woods.
"Heh, what a cautious guy!" Wu Kuang sneered as he watched the frail old man vanish. "Spiders are best suited for mountain and forest battles. That old man must have run into the forest to avoid trouble and to use the terrain as cover."
"But even so, what's this? Does he think that I, Wu Kuang, would break my word and act against someone as weak as him?" Wu Kuang let out a cold laugh