Formidable Monster

The earth quivered under the immense, robust feet of the colossal creature as it touched down, sending tremors through the ground. Renxian and Siuxa, who stood frozen, felt beneath them shudder. The monster's skin bore an eerie, reddish pattern on its black hide, evoking an aura of mysticism and ritualistic significance.

Before arriving at the Imp's lair, the two cultivators had come across a multitude of odd artifacts scattered in the environs, including a totem resembling the colossus beast. Such mysterious worship practices left them bewildered, hinting at an unfathomable culture.

The depth of this belief became even more apparent as the Imp's devoted followers began to bow in reverence. They raised their head towards the creature as if in prayer, uttering incomprehensible incantations that sent shivers down Siuxa's spine. It was the most unsettling scene she had ever witnessed.

[The Enraged Imp had earned its veneration after a remarkable resurgence. In the past, it had been nothing more than the Fat Imp, a creature ridiculed by a cultivator. This farce had shoved the once-unremarkable beast to the brink, leading to its furious transformation into the fearsome form.]

"Cursed be it! That fool of a cultivator! Why won't they die off creating new monsters with their arrogance!" Renxian muttered under his breath in frustration.

[This creature is categorized as the intermediate A-tier beast within the Mystical Beast class. Exercise caution.]

Aware of the seriousness of the situation, he turned to Siuxa, who still clutched her blade with trembling hands. "What about her?"

[Ask her.]

"Siuxa, it might be best for you to step back," Renxian instructed, his concern etched across his face.

Despite her fear, Siuxa summoned her courage and spoke. "No, I will stand by your side! Isn't this a chance for me to rise stronger?"

Renxian was taken aback by Siuxa's determination, realizing she was resolute in her commitment to fight alongside the rogue cultivator. He nodded in acknowledgment and turned his eyes back to face the threat. "Alright, but don't overexert yourself. I don't want anything to happen to my companion."

Hearing his words, Siuxa blushed, her cheeks betraying her emotions. Renxian's concern shattered the misconception that he was the heartless figure many had believed him to be. It was a small but significant moment of connection between the two cultivators.

The Enraged Imp now loomed right in front of them, with its thirteen meters high, its massive form shadowed the sun's rays as it raised its formidable mace overhead. In a split second, Renxian and Siuxa sprang into action.

"Watch out!" Renxian's scream came in the nick of time, and both of them escaped the strike that pulverized the floor with cataclysmic force. The earth quaked in response to the tremendous impact, sending debris to shatter around and hit his kin - a testament to how lethal its attack was.

Renxian lunged at the monstrous creature, delivering fast, precise strikes that drew crushed howls from the beast. Siuxa was far from a mere spectator; she entered the battle with a barrage of spinning attacks to its face, marking the advent of their united effort to subdue the formidable foe.

As the monstrous Enraged Imp teetered on the brink of collapse, Siuxa landed, her movements like a dancer's, but her triumph was short-lived. A shocking turn of events unfurled before her eyes as the colossal mace swung with horrific intent, unleashing a devastating strike that shattered the earth once again.

Siuxa's instincts served her well, allowing her to avoid the initial blow. However, in the heart-stopping moment that followed, she remained unaware that the colossal mace would continue its arc with speed, tracking her. It was an unforeseen turn of events that thrust her into the shadow of death.

But within a mere fraction of a second, Renxian's abilities came to the forefront. He moved in the blink of an eye, snatching Siuxa and pulling her into his embrace, narrowly evading the fatal arc of the colossal mace.

The sheer force of the monster's attack sent shockwaves through the forest as if nature itself fluttered in response. Several colossus trees, once steadfast sentinels of the woods, were uprooted and toppled in chaotic descent.

The sheer devastation of the impact left Renxian fighting to regain his foundation. He was thrown by the tremendous force of the attack and collided with a robust trunk, still shielding Siuxa within his sculpture. The collision elicited a sharp moan from Renxian, his breath coming in rough gasps.

As the dust clouded their vision, they found themselves shrouded in an impenetrable haze, unable to see what was ahead. Siuxa coughed and tried to assist Renxian, who leaned against the tree, every breath a laborious effort.

"Renxian, I'm so sorry!" Siuxa lamented, her expression filled with dread.

[Side Quest (Siuxa): Hunt Forest Imp with her. (Completed)]

[Increased Siuxa's trust: 10%]

[Side Quest (Siuxa): Protect her from Enraged Imp.]

"What does that mean?" Renxian wondered to himself. "Do I have to defeat this monster?"

[No, you don't have to. Whether the Enraged Imp dies or you escape from it, it doesn't matter as long as you save Siuxa.]

"So be it," Renxian said with a faint smile, leaving Siuxa somewhat stunned by his composure. "This beast won't let loose its intent. It might follow us and create new issues."

[The Enraged Imp's main power is in its mace. Make both of its hands neutralized.]

With his man bun hair now disheveled down to his shoulders, Renxian lifted his face to meet Siuxa's. For some inexplicable reason, she appeared attractive despite the dust that marred her fair skin. The chaotic circumstances seemed to accentuate her inner strength and resilience.

"I'm fine," Renxian said as he attempted to stand. "We can't retreat this time; we have to face it here and now."

Siuxa, her eyes filled with admiration for Renxian's resolute determination, nodded and stood by his side. "But first, you have to drink this."

The tied-back, black-haired woman, reached into her waist satchel and withdrew a small crimson bottle. "This elixir will aid you recover from the ache."

Siuxa was different now. Since they had met, she had not allowed herself to hold Renxian's cerulean stare for too long. But at this moment, something shifted within her, and she found herself drawn to his sights.

As Renxian consumed the elixir, he could feel its revitalizing effects through his veins, easing the distress from the last impact. Gratitude filled his heart as he looked back at Siuxa, whose kindness had taken him by surprise. With a nod of acknowledgment, he regained his focus on the looming threat as the Enraged Imp reemerged from the dust.

"We'll target both of its hands and execute alternating attacks," Renxian stated, detailing their scenario.

[It should work. You need to utilize all your abilities if Siuxa can't disable the Enraged Imps.]

The monstrous Mystical Beast emerged from the dust cloud, its visage twisted and fearsome, like a ravenous demon fixated on its mark. Both Renxian and Siuxa knew that this was their moment to demonstrate their strength and coordination.

The Enraged Imp raised its mace again, keen to strike at the two cultivators. Renxian and Siuxa moved in time, dodging the blow. Renxian veered to the right while Siuxa darted to the left, both leaping to initiate their synchronized attack.

Their movements flowed, a testament to their cooperation. Siuxa executed her signature spinning technique, her blade slicing through the air toward the Enraged Imp's hand, still not enough to make the behemoth let the mace off.

Renxian played a vital role in the success of the plan. With a few steps, he closed the distance and set himself beside the Enraged Imp's hand. At a breathtaking speed, he unleashed his Blinding Slash skill, moving too fast for the eye to follow. The blade severed the monster's fingers from its hand, forcing it to release the mace.

The Enraged Imp howled in torment, staggering backward and struggling to maintain its balance as despair surged through its mangled hand. But Renxian wasn't finished. He sprinted toward the beast as it touched the earth, intent on delivering a final, devastating attack.

With remarkable talent, he leaped high into the air, reaching a spot directly above the Enraged Imp's head, inclined to execute his next move.

With a powerful shout that resonated with the immense energy he was about to unleash, Renxian sliced through the air. For a few tense seconds, there seemed to be no immediate effect. Then, a delayed detonation echoed through the area, and the force of the attack struck the Enraged Imp with a resounding impact.

The monstrous creature crumpled, its colossal form buried under the trees, causing an earthquake-like tremor to ripple through the area. Renxian descended, turning to glance at Siuxa, her long black hair billowing in the wind.

He couldn't help but exclaim in his thoughts, his heart brimming with satisfaction. "What kind of strength have I accomplished now?"

He then turned with a soft smile as he approached Siuxa. "Is this what it feels like in those cultivation stories I've read? They always walk away so cool after defeating their foes. I never thought I'd be doing something like this!"

[It's not over.]

"Huh?" Renxian's eyes widened in surprise, as he heard something from behind. It turned out the Enraged Imp was rising once again. The creature hopped very fast and high, right above Renxian and Siuxa. It was undeniable that something had changed about the monster that made it even more ominous.