Chapter 107: The Minotaur Guardian of the 500th Layer

As they delved deeper, the absence of his father's aura troubled Li Yang. While it indicated the resilience and prowess of his father, it also added an air of mystery. What challenges had his father faced? Did he confront the same guardians or different ones?

Upon reaching the 500th layer, Li Yang was met with an imposing sight. The guardian of this layer was a creature of myth and legend - Alistar, a Minotaur with a massive human body but with the head of a bull. The Minotaur's broad chest heaved as he gripped a massive axe, its blade gleaming ominously in the dim light of the chamber. The ground shook slightly with each step he took, a testament to his immense strength and weight.

Lion-Eagle, with its newly acquired wisdom and speed of an eagle, knew better than to take the Minotaur head-on. Alistar's strength was evident, but so was his bulk and presumably slower speed. The strategy was clear: to leverage speed and agility against brute force.

The battle commenced with Alistar charging headfirst, hoping to use his sheer strength to overwhelm the duo. The ground trembled with each of Alistar's thundering steps, and his axe cut through the air with deadly precision. However, each of Lion-Eagle's evasive maneuvers further frustrated the Minotaur.

Taking advantage of Lion-Eagle's agility, Li Yang directed it to hover just out of Alistar's reach, darting in and out of his attack range, effectively tiring out the guardian. The Minotaur's swings became progressively slower, his breaths more labored. Each missed attack by Alistar provided Lion-Eagle with an opportunity. Quick aerial dives allowed it to strike at Alistar's vulnerable areas, using its talons to inflict damage gradually.

One particularly swift maneuver saw Lion-Eagle slashing a deep gash across the Minotaur's back. Roaring in pain, Alistar staggered, his strength waning. The battle was intense and long, with Alistar's resilience and power pitted against Lion-Eagle's speed and strategic attacks. However, as time wore on, the advantage clearly shifted in favor of the agile duo.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, one last coordinated strike between Li Yang and Lion-Eagle brought the mighty Alistar to his knees. The final blow was delivered with precision, and the Minotaur guardian was defeated.

Exhausted but triumphant, Li Yang and Lion-Eagle approached the magical formation of this layer. The formation this time was designed to boost strength. As they stepped into it, a surge of energy coursed through both Li Yang and Lion-Eagle. Their muscles bulged, and they felt an overwhelming sense of power.

With their combined wisdom, speed, and now augmented strength, the journey ahead seemed slightly less daunting. The 600th layer awaited, and the duo was more prepared than ever to face its challenges.