Chapter 106: The Serpentine Guardian of the 400th Layer

As Li Yang and Lion-Eagle continued their descent, their enhanced strength and heightened bond made them a formidable pair. Each layer posed its own challenges, but nothing they couldn't handle. Before they knew it, they had reached the 400th layer. However, the guardian awaiting them here was unlike any they had faced before: Cassiopeia, a creature with a human head and a snake's body.

The moment they set foot on this layer, Li Yang could sense the difference in the atmosphere. The air was dense with a sinister energy, and the temperature dropped several degrees. Slithering from the shadows, Cassiopeia unveiled herself, her cold eyes fixing on the duo.

The battle commenced with Cassiopeia proving to be an agile and swift adversary. Her movements were fluid, and her tail strikes came at a blinding pace. But what was even more perilous was her venomous saliva. During one of their intense exchanges, Lion-Eagle was caught off guard and was struck, the venom quickly spreading to its left leg which started turning a dark shade of purple.

Li Yang's heart raced. Every second counted as he watched the venom creeping, threatening to engulf Lion-Eagle's entire body. But amidst the crisis, Li Yang remembered the antidote ring he possessed. Swiftly activating its detoxifying powers, he managed to extract all the venom from Lion-Eagle, turning the tide of the battle.

Cassiopeia's strength lay in her venomous attacks. With Li Yang's ring acting as a perfect counter to her toxic abilities, the challenge was to find an opening in her defenses. Due to their heightened bond, Lion-Eagle and Li Yang were in perfect synchronization. They soon detected a slight stiffness in Cassiopeia's movements each time she dodged an attack. Exploiting this vulnerability, they launched a combined assault, landing a critical blow that defeated the serpentine guardian.

The battle was arduous, filled with near-death experiences and intense moments. They faced the relentless barrage of tail strikes, avoided pools of venom that Cassiopeia spat, and maneuvered through the layer, always on the move, always strategizing. It was a test of their endurance, agility, and wit.

Victorious, Li Yang and Lion-Eagle stumbled upon another magical formation post-battle. This formation was unique as it aimed to enhance Lion-Eagle's wisdom. Stepping into the formation, beams of light enveloped Lion-Eagle. Li Yang watched as a serene expression washed over its face, indicating the transfer of knowledge. The process seemed to instill ancient wisdom and insights into Lion-Eagle, preparing it for the challenges ahead and potentially unlocking evolutionary paths.

Emerging from the formation, Lion-Eagle's eyes gleamed with intelligence and understanding. With this newfound wisdom and their successful conquest of the 400th layer, the duo was more determined and equipped than ever. Their sights were now set on the next significant milestone: the 500th layer.