411 - 420

Chapter 411: Shadow Purple Demon! . . .

The fragrance of this medicine is truly remarkable, unlike anything found in earthly remedies. Han Feng, though familiar with medicinal pills, had never laid eyes on a Tianpin pill before. Yet, as he observed the pill in Hu Xiaodie's hand, he couldn't shake the suspicion that it was indeed the coveted Tianpin.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Han Feng teased, "We're hardly acquainted, yet you boldly display such a treasure. Aren't you afraid I might snatch it away?"

Hu Xiaodie's pallid face softened into a smile. "Given that you saved me instead of pilfering my magic core, I doubt you'd stoop to pillaging my medicine."

"Even if you did," she added, "this pill holds no value for humans. It's tailored for our kind. Ingesting it would only lead to an explosive demise. Besides, it's merely a healing potion."

Content to mend her wounds, Hu Xiaodie settled herself and began the refining process right then and there.

Han Feng found himself at a loss for words. He had placed an unexpected amount of trust in her. Should he express gratitude?

His primary concern, however, was gaining insights into the monster world.

After what seemed like an eternity, Hu Xiaodie stirred from her reverie, her injuries completely mended.

True to its reputation, the Tianpin pill had worked wonders, healing her within a mere two hours.

Rising to her feet, Hu Xiaodie brimmed with renewed vigor. "I sustained injuries and barely tapped into half my charm."

"Now, with my strength restored, I could easily ensnare you."

Han Feng blinked incredulously. "..."

Unfazed, Hu Xiaodie began to disrobe.

Panic surged through Han Feng. "What on earth are you doing?"

Hu Xiaodie's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Repaying kindness with my body, of course."

Frantically waving his hands, Han Feng protested, "I have no need for such repayment, let alone through such means. And using charm to repay kindness? Surely there's a more honorable way."

"Just tell me about the monster you encountered."

Hu Xiaodie let out a disappointed sigh and shook her head. "It's rare to meet someone truly generous these days..."

"You're adamant about refusing my gratitude?"

Han Feng nodded firmly.

At this, a flicker of something crossed Hu Xiaodie's eyes.

She had toyed with the idea of offering her body in gratitude, but it was merely a test. The outcome, it seemed, was favorable. Yet, she had no intention of parting with her virtue so easily. As a princess of the demon fox clan, with her celestial fox heritage, her purity was paramount until she attained sanctity. 

Dispelling any misconceptions about demon foxes and charm, she resumed her tale of the encountered monster.

"It's a seventh-level behemoth, possessing formidable magnetic abilities. Within its vicinity, the magnetic field disrupts energy flow, rendering martial techniques futile."

With that, Hu Xiaodie proceeded to describe the creature in vivid detail.

Han Feng narrowed his eyes, the images of various common monsters from the Mirror of Death bestowed by Jiang Feng flashing through his mind. It didn't take long for him to pinpoint the culprit.

"It's the Shadow Purple Demon," he declared.

As he recollected Jiang Feng's descriptions from the jade slip, Han Feng elaborated, "The Shadow Purple Demon is just a run-of-the-mill seventh-level monster, akin to an average seven-star warrior in strength. It surpasses the Dark Dragon in physical might but has its limitations."

"But its dark magnetic field ability is quite the challenge."

"With that magnetic field, there's a 50% chance that any energy attack will fail. Not only does it fail to harm the Shadow Purple Demon, but it also backfires, causing severe damage to the attacker."

"In addition, within the dark magnetic field, the aura of death is potent. Those below four stars at the ground level will succumb to its erosion within minutes, their bodily functions compromised."

"In severe cases, it stunts future strength enhancement."

"The jade slip revealed that many exceptionally talented students at the Northern Capital Academy stalled at the pinnacle of the heavenly rank due to this, failing to reach sanctuary level before their demise."

"Only those at the later stages of the seven-star level can easily resist the deathly grasp of the dark magnetic field."

"As for mid-stage practitioners, depending on their cultivation, the weakest may endure half an hour, while the strongest barely an hour."

Pondering his own abilities, Han Feng mused, "With my Celestial Fire Combat Body infused with Canglan Profound Fire, and nearing a five-star level, I might last over forty minutes."

"If Canglan Profound Fire absorbs the breath of death, perhaps I could endure beyond fifty."

"Within that timeframe, the battle must conclude."

"I wonder if I can unleash the Skyfire Fighting Fist safely under Canglan Profound Fire's protection."

"The aura of the Golden Dragon Blade seems to resist the deathly air. If my assumptions hold true, dealing with this Shadow Purple Demon shouldn't be insurmountable once the dark magnetic field is neutralized."

Interrupting his thoughts, Hu Xiaodie waved a hand in front of him.

Straightening up, Han Feng raised an eyebrow. "You mean... you want to come along?"

"Are you suggesting we team up?"

"Of course! It's perilous to go alone. With my assistance, you'll have a better chance," Hu Xiaodie asserted.

"At the very least, I can outrun danger with my speed. And if you're incapacitated, I can whisk you away."

"Besides," she added with a determined expression, "I seek vengeance. The one who harmed me deserves no mercy!"

Han Feng's heart stirred at her words. "If my assessment is mistaken, having Hu Xiaodie with me would indeed provide a safer escape route."

"Moreover, with Hu Xiaodie leading, I won't have to scour for the Shadow Purple Demon's whereabouts."

Contemplating, he voiced his doubts, "Really? If you can flee so swiftly, how did you sustain such injuries?"

This puzzled Han Feng. After all, the Shadow Purple Demon lacked potent attack methods, unlike the Dark Dragon's long-range assaults.

Hu Xiaodie winced, admitting, "It was my oversight."

"I intended to employ charm to sway the monsters, then ensnare them with illusions."

"I never knew monsters could be so dense, unable to appreciate the allure of a lady like myself!" Hu Xiaodie's resentment grew with each word.

Rolling his eyes, Han Feng couldn't help but think that her bitterness stemmed from her grievous injury inflicted by the Shadow Purple Demon. Yet, the root cause seemed to be her underestimated charm.

Caught by Han Feng's scrutinizing gaze, Hu Xiaodie's embarrassment flared, prompting her to blurt out, "If you're suggesting an alliance, let's discuss it!"

With a soft chuckle, Han Feng replied, "What's on your mind?"

...

On the eastern side of the mountains, a towering figure cloaked in purple fur prowled about. Suddenly, the figure's demeanor shifted to one of excitement as it emitted a thunderous roar.

"We're still over a thousand meters away from the Shadow Purple Demon, yet it's already detected us." Han Feng's expression betrayed surprise before contorting with discomfort as a strange magnetic field enveloped him.

Simultaneously, a faint aura of death sought to infiltrate his being.

Though the feeble deathly aura posed no threat to Han Feng, he allowed Canglan Profound Fire to course through his veins, incinerating the weak taint of death.

"It's indeed a dark magnetic field. Its reach spans nearly two kilometers," Han Feng concluded inwardly.

Raising his gaze, Han Feng locked onto the Shadow Purple Demon in the distance, his eyes narrowing as they landed on its right side. "That's..."

"The Death Fruit!"

"Adorned with hues of purple and black, with a subtle hint of crimson, this is a top-grade Death Fruit!"

Han Feng's excitement bubbled over. Encountering a Death Fruit of such quality in this locale was unexpected and fortunate!

Hu Xiaodie observed Han Feng with suspicion, puzzled by his sudden elation. As a beast, she remained unaware of the Mirror of Death's most coveted treasures: the Death Fruit and the Death Flower!

...

The Shadow Purple Demon charged forth on massive claws.

"Skyfire Armor, manifest!"

"Skyfire Combat Body, manifest!"

Han Feng's power surged instantly.

In that moment, Han Feng noticed a destabilization in his true essence, yet signs of the Skyfire Combat Body's restoration emerged.

"Canglan Profound Fire, converge!"

Once more, Han Feng bellowed, blue flames erupting forth.

Though the impact persisted, it weakened significantly.

A smirk played across Han Feng's lips. "Just as I anticipated, my Canglan Profound Fire boasts resistance against the deathly air."

"This dark magnetic field is essentially concentrated deathly aura."

"As Canglan Profound Fire can withstand it, so too can the Golden Dragon Aura."

Hu Xiaodie transformed into her larger form, her five tails whipping about furiously.

This time, Hu Xiaodie refrained from employing charm, exhibiting utmost caution.

Boom!

The clash between Hu Xiaodie's tails and the Shadow Purple Demon's claws reverberated, sending the latter hurtling backward, carving deep furrows into the earth. Hu Xiaodie's tails suffered numerous lacerations.

Brandishing the Golden Dragon Blade, Han Feng roared, "Golden Dragon's Fury!"

The Huanglong composed of golden aura thundered forth.

Sensing imminent danger, the Shadow Purple Demon quickened its movements, eluding the relentless pursuit of the Huanglong.

Soon, the Huanglong dissipated.

Frowning, Han Feng muttered, "Is this Shadow Purple Demon comparable to a seven-star level? Its speed is astonishing."

"Then... Bloodthirsty Huanglong Assault!"

The Huanglong swelled in size.

At this moment, the Bloodthirsty Yellow Dragon Blade had reached its peak, and Han Feng's Bloodthirsty Huanglong Assault was on par with a seven-star pinnacle Earth-Order technique.

"Alright... a formidable attack!"

Hu Xiaodie, her five-tailed celestial fox form, widened her eyes. "Such power doesn't require my assistance at all."

"Wait, why isn't the shadow magnetic field affecting him?" Hu Xiaodie finally pinpointed the anomaly. In this darkness, she was limited to physical attacks like tails and claws, while Han Feng seamlessly executed martial arts techniques!

Chapter 412: Kill the Shadow Purple Demon! . . .

Performing martial arts once was enough, but twice in a row? It couldn't be chalked up to mere luck; it spoke volumes about the limited impact of the dark magnetic field on Han Feng.

Cursing inwardly, Hu Xiaodie thought, "This is too abnormal. How is he managing this?"

"If it weren't for the restriction on energy usage, or the risk of self-harm with energy-based attacks, I wouldn't struggle against ordinary seventh-level monsters, let alone ones not particularly potent."

The Golden Dragon Aura streaked forth even faster than before, closing in on the Shadow Purple Demon in the blink of an eye.

Startled, the Shadow Purple Demon leaped backward in a panic, but the Huanglong pursued relentlessly.

Terror gripped the Shadow Purple Demon, its fear giving way to fury as it emitted a deafening roar.

Roar!!

Hooo!!

Hohoho!!!

At that moment, the vibrations of the shadow magnetic field surged like boiling water.

Boom!

In an instant, the ferocious Huanglong exploded, unleashing waves of devastation. From the epicenter of the blast, a massive crater hundreds of meters in diameter emerged. The surrounding area felt the impact, reducing countless black boulders and deadwood to ashes.

Han Feng spewed blood repeatedly, collapsing as if struck by lightning.

Startled, Hu Xiaodie exclaimed, "Oh no, the magnetic field's power spiked several times over in an instant."

Reverting to her human form, Hu Xiaodie rushed to Han Feng's side. He coughed up another mouthful of blood, managing a bitter smile. "Look at the Shadow Purple Demon... the shadow magnetic field's power surged so suddenly."

"Increased several times in an instant, rendering Canglan Profound Fire and Bloody Qi useless."

Han Feng couldn't help but consider himself fortunate. The martial arts he relied on were tied to the Bloodthirsty Yellow Dragon Blade, not himself. After all, his own techniques weren't as potent as the Bloodthirsty Yellow Dragon's most powerful move.

Otherwise, employing a martial art on par with the Bloodthirsty Yellow Dragon's might would likely leave him with only a fraction of his life after the backlash.

"Quickly, take this pill," Hu Xiaodie urged, producing a heavenly-grade remedy.

Han Feng was taken aback. "Are you truly willing to part with such a precious pill?"

"These are mere spoils from my father's conquests in other human kingdoms. To me, they're average, nothing too valuable," Hu Xiaodie explained nonchalantly.

Han Feng twitched the corners of his mouth, nearly forgetting that she hailed from a demon fox family, likely boasting strong Sanctuary or even Grand Sanctuary connections. A mere Tianpin pill was indeed inconsequential.

Without hesitation, he swallowed the pill, feeling a warm stream of energy enveloping his body, nourishing him from within.

As the aftermath of the explosion waned, a figure emerged from the haze, swaying unsteadily. One of its arms seemed to droop, possibly broken.

Suddenly, both Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie were jolted alert. They sensed the movement within the shadow magnetic field. Peering in its direction, they discerned the Shadow Purple Demon's attempt to flee.

"Miss Hu, stop the Shadow Purple Demon!" Han Feng commanded urgently.

Transforming into her true form, Hu Xiaodie unleashed her five tails.

Under normal circumstances, capturing the Shadow Purple Demon solely with her tails would be impossible. But weakened from the recent battle, the Shadow Purple Demon succumbed easily.

Hu Xiaodie fumed, "Accursed creature! It's ruined the beauty of my tails!"

Enraged, she tightened her grip, eliciting more desperate struggles from the Shadow Purple Demon, causing its white hairs to fall in abundance.

"The blasted monster has the nerve to mar this lady's elegant tails," Hu Xiaodie seethed, tightening her hold even more.

As the Shadow Purple Demon roared, the fluctuations of the shadow magnetic field intensified, though not as fiercely as before. It was akin to simmering water gradually losing its fervor.

Han Feng remained vigilant against any tricks the Shadow Purple Demon might pull, refraining from using martial arts. Hu Xiaodie relied solely on physical attacks, impervious to the weakening influence of the shadow magnetic field.

Roaring with determination, Han Feng finally commanded, "Release your grip, Miss Hu!"

"Bloodthirsty Huanglong Assault!"

The Bloodthirsty Yellow Dragon Blade unleashed its ultimate technique with a thunderous roar.

Houhou...

Almost immediately after Hu Xiaodie released her hold, the colossal, aura-infused Huanglong engulfed the Shadow Purple Demon.

Hu Xiaodie's eyes widened in awe. "Such speed, such power. Good thing I released quickly; otherwise, my tails would have suffered severe damage."

Rumbling...

The ground trembled for an extended period, and when the dust settled, a jet-black light shot skyward, splitting into two rays that descended upon Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie.

A seventh-level monster typically scored 15 points. Han Feng secured 8.5 points this time, while Hu Xiaodie earned 6.5 points.

"Eight point five minutes, adding to the previous twenty-eight point four minutes, makes a total of thirty-six point four minutes," Han Feng calculated.

"Great job, keep up the effort," he encouraged himself.

Though Hu Xiaodie only scored six point five points, she smiled nonetheless. Turning to Han Feng, she asked curiously, "Hey, what's your score now?"

Han Feng countered, "Where's yours?"

"I asked first," Hu Xiaodie retorted, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"In that case, I reserve the right not to answer," Han Feng replied, evading the question.

Rolling her eyes, Hu Xiaodie sighed, "You're so cautious. Fine, I'll share mine first. I'm at 26 points."

With Hu Xiaodie revealing her score, Han Feng found it prudent to disclose his. "Thirty-six point four minutes," he declared.

Hu Xiaodie exclaimed in excitement, "Awesome! I'm one point ahead of you, at 37:4!"

Han Feng sighed inwardly, realizing Hu Xiaodie's cunning. "So sneaky!"

"Why do you have so many points?" Han Feng couldn't help but feel envious of Hu Xiaodie's good luck.

Grinning, Hu Xiaodie explained, "I happened upon a skirmish between second and third-level monsters when I was teleported here. After getting killed, I earned nearly 20 points. The rest I gained along the way. Plus, there's the six and a half minutes from before."

Han Feng shook his head helplessly. It was clear that Hu Xiaodie's fortune far surpassed his own, plunging straight into a group of lower-level monsters upon arrival. No wonder she amassed so many points in this secluded locale.

...

Unfurling the wings of the Flame Dragon, Han Feng swiftly ascended to the highest mountain range. However, he couldn't help but notice Hu Xiaodie by his side. "Miss Hu, you've already defeated the Shadow Purple Demon. There's no need for you to keep following me."

Beside him, Hu Xiaodie spread her pure white wings, her speed neither fast nor slow. Observing her relaxed demeanor, one might surmise she was faster than even the Yanlong Wings!

Hu Xiaodie raised an eyebrow. "Since when was I following you? We just happen to be headed in the same direction."

Ignoring Hu Xiaodie's response, Han Feng propelled forward with a powerful flap of his wings, increasing his speed.

...

First delivery! Seeking feedback!

In the days that followed, a familiar drowsiness crept over me, accompanied by a pervasive sense of lethargy.

Chapter 413: Dark spirit monster! . . .

"Trying to shake off this lady? Not happening!" Hu Xiaodie's wings flickered behind her as she effortlessly kept pace with Han Feng.

Han Feng let out a soft snort. "Miss Hu still insists she's not tailing me?"

Hu Xiaodie grinned, changing the subject. "Anyway, we teamed up to take down a run-of-the-mill Level 7 monster. That makes us practically bosom buddies. From now on, call me Xiaodie. Being addressed by 'Miss' feels so odd."

Truth be told, Han Feng didn't mind Hu Xiaodie tagging along. Perhaps her joining them would bolster their strength against stronger monsters, making it easier to accumulate points.

"Alright, I'll comply with the princess's wishes. How could I dare not follow your orders?" Han Feng replied with a light smile.

He was well aware that Hu Xiaodie wasn't just any princess; she was a valuable five-tailed celestial fox and a princess of the demon fox clan. Her status carried more weight than princesses from the Great Jin Kingdom or even the Fourth-Rank Empire, and certainly rivaled those of weaker Third-Rank Empires. With her innate talent as a five-tailed celestial fox, she likely surpassed ordinary princesses from third-tier empires.

After all, in this world, cultivation reigned supreme. Even among siblings, those with extraordinary talents received far better treatment than their ordinary counterparts.

...

The duo flew continuously, occasionally pausing to rest.

These breaks served two purposes: replenishing expended true energy and mitigating the effects of death energy on their bodies.

At such moments, Han Feng couldn't help but admire Heavenly-ranked powerhouses. Their flight seemed effortless, requiring negligible true energy. In essence, their bodies naturally recovered true essence faster than they expended it while flying.

Unless a Heavenly-ranked powerhouse employed a secret method to fly at full throttle, they could maintain flight without exhausting their true essence.

...

During one of their breaks, Han Feng voiced his curiosity. "Xiaodie, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't Tianhus non-flying beasts? What's with the wings?"

"And isn't it said that Warcraft can't learn human martial arts?"

Given their heritage, Warcraft could naturally acquire corresponding abilities once they attained sufficient strength.

Hu Xiaodie responded lazily, "That's a misconception on your part. I can indeed learn such skills from my inheritance."

"In other words, I simply choose not to learn human martial arts, not that I'm incapable of it. Got it?" Hu Xiaodie clarified, shedding light on her abilities.

Han Feng suddenly realized the truth behind her statement. It wasn't that Warcraft couldn't learn human martial arts; rather, they often chose not to, finding such practices beneath them.

After a brief pause, Han Feng rose to his feet. "We're getting close to the core of the death mirror in our area. As we approach, the number and strength of monsters will undoubtedly increase."

Hu Xiaodie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Exactly. Our current scores are still too low. If we encounter a formidable monster, how about we join forces again?"

"Absolutely!" Han Feng agreed with a smile, a shared determination shining between them.

...

During their journey, Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie encountered several powerful monsters, the most formidable being the dark dragon monster. With their combined efforts, dispatching such creatures became effortless.

As they neared the highest mountain range, both Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie's scores approached fifty points.

"It's truly deserving of being close to the core of our North District in the Mirror of Death," Han Feng remarked, admiring their progress. "Yesterday's toil yielded only twenty points, but in less than half a day, we've garnered over twenty more. With the mountain range ahead, we may even surpass sixty points soon."

Suddenly, a heart-stopping presence surged nearby, its force akin to a tempest shooting into the sky.

Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie exchanged alarmed glances. This aura could only belong to a ninth-level monster, and likely not just any ordinary one.

With grave expressions, they spread their wings and took flight.

...

Atop the mountain, a lone figure confronted the monstrous presence.

Whether human or monster, both emanated an overwhelming aura.

"It's... Zhan Fu Yu!" Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie exclaimed as they drew closer, recognizing the figure.

Only Meng Yaqing and Zhan Fu Yu among all the geniuses could face off against a ninth-level monster. Yet, while Meng Yaqing exuded a cold temperament, Zhan Fu Yu's demeanor was ice-cold, distinctly different in its chilling intensity.

The contrast between Meng Yaqing's warm-hearted demeanor and Zhan Fu Yu's icy demeanor was stark. As they approached, a bone-chilling aura greeted them, not merely from the cold weather but from an innate frigidity that exuded dominance and menace.

It was unmistakably Zhan Fu Yu.

Aware of Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie's presence, Zhan Fu Yu remained fixated on the ninth-level monster before him, showing no acknowledgment to Han Feng.

Han Feng's gaze shifted to the ninth-level monster, and he inhaled deeply. "That's the formidable ninth-level monster Jiang Feng mentioned."

"The Dark Spirit Monster, the apex predator among ninth-level creatures. It's rumored that even an ordinary tenth-level monster might fall to the Dark Spirit Monster by chance."

"To think that Zhan Fu Yu is facing this..."

Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie retreated instinctively. They knew better than to engage with a creature of such caliber. A clash with such a monster would leave them with no recourse but to flee. Failure to escape meant certain demise.

Han Feng's fists clenched with frustration. "My cultivation base is still too weak. If I were at the fourth star of the underground level, I might stand a chance!"

Worry creased Hu Xiaodie's brow. "Who do you think will prevail, Fu Yu or the monster?"

Taking a deep breath, Han Feng replied, "Despite the Dark Spirit Monster's might, don't underestimate Fu Yu. He's an eight-star pinnacle cultivator with a talent score of 120. Fu Yu could likely handle an ordinary eleventh-level monster, let alone a mere ninth-level one."

Compared to the Dark Spirit Monster, Zhan Fu Yu was the greater threat.

Han Feng kept his gaze fixed on Fu Yu, eager to witness his victory and discern his innate abilities.

...

The Dark Spirit Monster eyed the figure before it warily, sensing an aura of imminent peril emanating from him. Yet, paradoxically, the scent wafting from the person was tantalizingly delicious.

The creature harbored a belief that consuming this individual would propel it beyond the confines of ninth-level existence, ascending it to the realm of tenth-level monsters, a much safer domain atop the highest mountain.

Driven by instinct, the Dark Spirit Monster yearned to devour Zhan Fu Yu, anticipating the taste of even mightier prey awaiting it at the mountain's summit.

...

With a deafening roar, the Dark Spirit Monster could restrain itself no longer. Its purple wings unfurled, revealing numerous apertures across its humanoid form.

Swish...

Dozens, nearly a hundred black beams of light erupted from the Dark Spirit Monster, resembling tentacles as they sought to ensnare Zhan Fu Yu.

"Humph," Zhan Fu Yu snorted coldly. "Cross Exorcism!"

With a swift motion of his arms, a radiant white cross streaked forth from his fingertips.

The black tentacles recoiled as if repelled by an unseen force, a palpable fear emanating from them. They retreated in panic, their darkness dissipating as they made contact with the luminous cross, crumbling into ash.

Echoes of distant screams echoed faintly in the aftermath.

Chapter 414: Gather on . . .

Han Feng's uncertainty lingered as he observed the black beams emitted by the dark spirit monster. "Could it be that they're still imbued with life?" he pondered aloud.

Meanwhile, the dark spirit monster, infuriated by Zhan Fu Yu's contemptuous demeanor, let out a wild roar.

Yet Zhan Fu Yu remained unfazed, his sneer deepening as he gazed upon his adversary.

With a swift retreat, the dark spirit monster opened its maw, summoning forth a massive black orb condensed from the thick death aura that permeated the air.

The ominous sphere emanated a deadly aura, causing Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie to involuntarily quicken their breaths. Cold sweat trickled down their foreheads as they realized the peril of facing such an attack head-on.

But Zhan Fu Yu's countenance remained composed, his demeanor unyielding.

In the blink of an eye, the death orb exploded, causing chaos in the surrounding death-infused air.

"God of War Protection!" Zhan Fu Yu's voice resonated with power as he invoked a protective barrier of energy, encasing himself within a towering figure of the War God.

The colossal entity emitted strange sound fluctuations, causing Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie to grimace in discomfort, their blood roiling within them.

While taking cover on the ground, the pair observed from a safe distance. Despite their distance, they could still discern the unfolding spectacle with clarity.

...

Seeing Zhan Fu Yu's resilience against its onslaught, the dark spirit monster roared in frustration.

Zhan Fu Yu's expression remained stoic as he declared, "Now, it's my turn to strike."

"The Sword of the War God!"

Suddenly, a colossal sword materialized in the grasp of the War God's energy form. Its form was indistinct yet exuded a palpable sense of dread.

With a mighty swing, the sword cleaved through the air, unleashing a dazzling cascade of swordlight.

Even from their distant vantage point, Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie felt as though they were being sliced by the blade's edge.

"Thank the heavens we're out of harm's way now," Hu Xiaodie remarked, relief evident in her voice. "Zhan Fu Yu clearly has no concern for our well-being in this battle!"

Han Feng sighed in resignation. "We chose to be here; why should Zhan Fu Yu be burdened with our safety?"

"If two strangers suddenly appeared while I was fighting a monster, I'd probably feel the same," Han Feng remarked, contemplating the situation.

The dark spirit monster's agonized scream echoed through the air as it was effortlessly cleaved in half by Zhan Fu Yu's formidable attack, leaving behind billowing clouds of black smoke.

Witnessing the sheer might of Zhan Fu Yu's prowess, Hu Xiaodie couldn't help but gulp nervously, her eyes wide with awe.

Ignoring the duo, Zhan Fu Yu calmly retrieved the black light and departed, leaving Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie in awe of his power.

"A ninth-level monster, that's worth thirty points!" Hu Xiaodie exclaimed, her voice tinged with envy.

Han Feng offered a reassuring pat on her shoulder. "Don't let greed cloud your judgment. We're not equipped to take on level 9 monsters. Let's move on."

Reluctantly, Hu Xiaodie acquiesced, following Han Feng away from the scene.

...

Near the base of a mountain adjacent to the highest peak, Wang Qingcang grimaced, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his complexion pale from exertion.

In hot pursuit were the Taixu brothers, Yuanzheng and Yuanan.

Hara Masao taunted, "You'd be wise to surrender. Alone, you're no match for the two of us."

Wang Qingcang scoffed defiantly. "Face me alone if you dare."

Unfazed, Yuanzheng and Yuanan pressed on, undeterred by Wang Qingcang's bravado.

The brothers exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the futility of facing Wang Qingcang alone. Even individually, they stood little chance against him.

Yuan An urged impatiently, "Enough talk. Let's finish him off quickly."

"Jiuyou Meteor!" Yuanzheng unleashed a devastating attack resembling a purple meteor descending from the heavens.

"Dou Zhuan Streamer!" Yuanan countered with a punch that seemed to warp space, creating a swirling streamer of energy.

Summoning his resolve, Wang Qingcang invoked his most powerful technique. "Sword Intent—Void Slash!" he cried, unleashing a slash infused with formidable sword intent.

The clash of techniques sent shockwaves rippling through the air, leaving the brothers astonished by Wang Qingcang's heightened prowess.

"His sword intent has grown stronger!" Yuan An observed, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Yuanzheng concurred, feeling a surge of urgency. "We must combine our efforts!" he declared, rallying his resolve to face Wang Qingcang's formidable onslaught.

The unity of the Taixu bloodline significantly augmented Yuanzheng and Yuanan's strength, imbuing them with newfound power.

Simultaneously, their palms quivered in unison as they unleashed their combined attack: "Too Empty Palm!"

Wang Qingcang's potent sword intent collided with their strike, only to be repelled by an impenetrable barrier. Helplessly, he watched as his attack dissipated into scattered starlight.

The force of the impact sent Wang Qingcang hurtling backward, blood spurting from his lips as he crashed to the ground, battered and defeated.

Summoning every ounce of his resolve, Wang Qingcang staggered to his feet, his expression etched with determination and defiance. Despite his injuries, he refused to yield, ready to face whatever came next.

"Still clinging to life, huh? You're like a persistent roach," Yuan An taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.

Unfazed, Wang Qingcang met their scorn with steely resolve. "Even if it costs me my life, I will stand and fight. Come at me!"

His defiant words reverberated through the air, underscoring his unwavering determination.

Yuanan couldn't help but feel a begrudging respect for Wang Qingcang's unyielding spirit, despite the dire circumstances. His mockery softened, replaced by a grudging admiration for his adversary's resilience.

In contrast, Yuanzheng's frustration simmered beneath the surface. "Enough of this!" he declared, his patience wearing thin as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

But before he could strike, a sudden warning from Yuanan halted him in his tracks. "Yuanzheng, watch out!"

Reacting swiftly, Yuanzheng evaded just in time, narrowly avoiding a devastating attack that obliterated the ground where he once stood.

"Sword Spirit?"

Yuan An's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze scanning the area for the source of the unexpected intervention.

Emerging from the shadows were two figures, one remarkably corpulent and the other exceedingly slender—two polar opposites.

Recognition dawned on Yuanzheng's face. "It's you!"

The newcomers revealed themselves to be none other than Shi Tai and Shi Jun, the eccentric duo known for their peculiar appearance and enigmatic abilities.

Standing among the elite top ten out of over 9,000 contenders, Shi Tai and Shi Jun's reputation preceded them. Yet, their unexpected intervention in Wang Qingcang's confrontation with Yuanzheng and Yuanan sparked curiosity and suspicion.

Wang Qingcang's vision blurred from his injuries, but he managed to discern the distinctive figures of Shi Tai and Shi Jun. His astonishment mirrored their own perplexity; why would these strangers come to his aid?

An undercurrent of wariness gripped Wang Qingcang as he pondered their motives. Were they truly acting out of goodwill, or did they harbor ulterior motives?

Yuanzheng's voice cut through the tension, tinged with a mix of anxiety and irritation. "Are you planning to interfere in our affairs?" he demanded, his gaze flitting between Shi Tai and Shi Jun, searching for any hint of deception.

Chapter 415: Gathering . . .

Stay's accusation pierced through the tense atmosphere like a sharp arrow, aimed directly at Yuanzheng's conscience. His words cut deep, exposing the underhanded tactics employed by the Taixu brothers to gain an advantage in their hunt for level 6 monsters.

Yuanzheng's retort was dismissive, a testament to his ruthless pragmatism. "Naive," he scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Achieving our goal is all that matters. The means are irrelevant."

Shi Jun's silence spoke volumes, betraying his tacit agreement with Yuanzheng's philosophy. However, his younger brother's vehement disapproval of such tactics was palpable, driving a wedge between them and the Taixu brothers.

Sensing the tension mounting, Yuanan's apprehension grew. Shi Jun's pitying gaze was not lost on him, triggering a foreboding sense of impending danger. As Stay's body ballooned into an immense sphere, Yuanan's instincts screamed a warning.

The earth-shattering attack launched by Stay left Yuanan and Yuanzheng reeling, their survival instincts kicking into overdrive. Wang Qingcang, too, found himself paralyzed by the sudden onslaught, unsure of how to react amidst the chaos.

"Darn it, Yuanzheng, combine forces!" Yuanan barked, his voice laced with urgency.

Summoning their collective strength, the Taixu brothers unleashed a powerful counterattack, their united Taixu bloodlines pulsating with raw energy. Despite their formidable resilience, the ferocity of Stay's assault threatened to overwhelm them.

Shi Tai's formidable strength notwithstanding, his mastery of his bloodline power remained in its nascent stages, limiting the potency of Stay's onslaught to a level slightly surpassing that of a seven-star. Despite their intense effort, the combined strike from the Taixu brothers barely held its ground against Stay's ferocious attack. Beads of sweat trickled down the brothers' foreheads as they grappled with the overwhelming force, their reserves of true yuan rapidly depleting with each passing moment.

Observing the unfolding battle, Shi Jun seized the opportunity to intervene, his resolve fueled by the pressing need to expedite their hunt for monsters. Time was of the essence, and lingering over their adversaries was a luxury they could ill afford. With a swift surge of his sword intent, Shi Jun reinforced the Taixu brothers' faltering defense, his own determination driving him forward in their shared quest.

Meanwhile, Wang Qingcang's gaze honed in on Shi Jun's sword intent, a glimmer of recognition sparking within him. The prospect of encountering a kindred spirit filled him with newfound hope, igniting a determination to further hone his own swordsmanship once he had recovered from his injuries. Though the nuances between their respective sword techniques might differ, Wang Qingcang remained convinced that through mutual discourse, he could refine his own sword intent to new heights.

As the illusory palm shattered under the combined assault, panic seized the Taixu brothers. Realizing their precarious position, Yuanan's urgent cry urged them to retreat, his voice laced with a palpable sense of dread. Reluctance gnawed at Yuan Zheng's heart, but he knew that their only recourse was to flee while they still had the chance. With a heavy heart, the brothers turned tail and bolted, their steps hastened by the looming specter of defeat.

Meanwhile, Stay's frustration boiled over, his anger fuelling his relentless pursuit of the fleeing adversaries. Despite his formidable strength, his speed paled in comparison to the united Taixu brothers, who surged forward with newfound velocity courtesy of their combined bloodline. With each stride, they edged closer to freedom, leaving Stay trailing in their wake, his earlier attack having exacted a heavy toll on his energy reserves.

Stay's pace gradually lagged behind, prompting Shi Jun to take action and swiftly follow him. Not one to be left behind, Wang Qingcang, with a wry smile on his lips, drew his Tianxuan sword and soared into the sky, showcasing the unique ability of a sword cultivator.

As the three groups continued their journey, a subtle heat emanated from Han Feng's body, catching his attention. Sensing the warmth of the mark on his skin, Han Feng scanned his surroundings, signaling a potential companion nearby.

Noticing Han Feng's sudden halt, Hu Xiaodie inquired, her curiosity piqued. Han Feng explained the situation, prompting them to swiftly navigate towards the source of the mark. With Hu Xiaodie's assistance, they quickly uncovered the unfolding events and the brewing conflict.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Han Feng wasted no time and swiftly descended underground, enlisting Hu Xiaodie's help in the impending showdown.

"Sky Fox Claw!" Hu Xiaodie's voice rang out as a radiant fox claw descended from the heavens, aiming directly at the fleeing Taixu brothers.

Infuriated by the interference, Yuan Zheng's anger reached its boiling point. Yet, with Hu Xiaodie's formidable attack looming overhead, he had little choice but to brace himself.

The clash between Taixu's palm and the celestial fox's claw reverberated with a deafening boom, unleashing a tempest of spiritual energy into the air.

Amidst the chaotic spiritual turmoil, a sudden sense of foreboding gripped Yuan An as he looked skyward, only to be met by the sight of a colossal blue flame fist hurtling towards them—the Skyfire Fighting Fist unleashed by Han Feng.

Realizing the impending danger, Yuan An gritted his teeth, urging his brother to unleash their ultimate technique. Hara Masa hesitated, aware of the dire consequences such a move could entail.

"Where do you think you're going? We won't let you off that easily!" Yuan An's voice echoed, filled with desperation and defiance.

Yuan Zheng, startled by his brother's outburst, finally grasped the gravity of their situation. Recognizing the urgency, the two brothers synchronized their efforts, causing the space around them to warp and distort.

In the Death Mirror, a realm of alien dimensions, spatial manipulation was not an uncommon feat. The sheer intensity of their combined power led to the emergence of a swirling vortex, a pitch-black void akin to a cosmic singularity.

The ominous vacuum greedily devoured everything in its vicinity, including the colossal flame fist hurtling towards them. However, the fiery blue inferno exhibited an unexpected resilience, fiercely resisting the gravitational pull of the voracious vortex.

Meanwhile, Shi Tai and Shi Jun, who had caught up with the unfolding spectacle, watched in awe and trepidation. Even Stay, who was no stranger to formidable attacks, couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear at the sight before him. If subjected to such an onslaught earlier, he might have succumbed to its overwhelming force.

Perplexed by the sudden appearance of such a potent attack, Stay couldn't help but wonder about its origins. Could it be that the wielders of this power had kept it concealed until now, or were there unforeseen consequences lurking beneath its formidable facade?

Chapter 416: Gather down . . .

In the sky, Han Feng's astonishment mirrored that of the others. His recent advancements, particularly the fusion of the Canglan Profound Fire with his Heavenly Fire Battle Body, had propelled his cultivation to unprecedented heights. His true essence, condensed to the level of the Earth Tier, rivaled that of a six-star practitioner.

The might of his Heavenly Fire Fighting Fist, now enhanced by the Canglan Profound Fire, surpassed that of many upper-ranking martial arts techniques. Its explosive force bordered on the power of a seven-star martial skill. This amalgamation of power pushed Han Feng's abilities beyond the confines of his current cultivation level, nearing the prowess of an eighth-star practitioner.

However, this immense power now faced an unexpected threat—the insatiable pull of the vortex. As the suction intensified, Han Feng realized the imminent danger and urgently called out to Hu Xiaodie, prompting them to retreat hastily.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Shi Tai and Shi Jun observed the unfolding chaos with growing concern. The toll of the black hole's consumption became evident as the Taixu brothers aged rapidly before their eyes. Shi Jun's shock was palpable as he recognized the grim reality—they were sacrificing their vitality to fuel the devastating attack.

As the flame giant fist was gradually absorbed into the void, Yuanzheng and Yuanan bore the brunt of the consequences, their bodies frail and weakened like elderly men. Witnessing their sorry state, Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie descended cautiously, wary of any lingering threat.

Caught in the aftermath of their own recklessness, the Taixu brothers grappled with regret. They lamented the irreversible toll their actions had taken, realizing the profound impact on their future prospects. With their vitality depleted, their aspirations of reaching the pinnacle of cultivation seemed dimmer than ever.

In a fit of anger and desperation, Yuanzheng directed his blame at Yuanan, igniting a heated exchange between the two brothers. The realization of their own folly weighed heavily upon them, their once bright futures now overshadowed by the specter of lost potential.

Yuanan's demeanor turned icy as he countered, "Without our actions, that flame giant fist would've been the death of us."

Wang Qingcang arrived on the scene, striding forth on the Tianxuan sword, only to be greeted by the shocking sight of Yuan Zheng and Yuan An, their once youthful visages now weathered and aged beyond recognition.

"This... what's happened here?" Wang Qingcang's voice betrayed his disbelief as he surveyed the transformed figures before him.

In less than a minute, the Taixu brothers had aged decades, leaving Wang Qingcang bewildered.

His suspicions turned to Han Feng, whose enigmatic nature had often left him wondering about the extent of his powers. "Han Feng, could it be you..." he began, his tone heavy with uncertainty.

Han Feng shook his head, disavowing any involvement in their plight. Wang Qingcang then turned to Shi Tai and Shi Jun, who mirrored Han Feng's denial.

Hu Xiaodie, unable to contain her frustration, recounted the events that led to the brothers' rapid aging. Wang Qingcang's disbelief was palpable as he processed the revelation, realizing the extent of manipulation by the Taixu brothers.

As he observed the brothers' pitiful state, Wang Qingcang's heart brimmed with a strange mixture of resentment and amusement. The sight of their downfall, orchestrated by their own greed, elicited a bitter laugh from him.

Though Hara Masahara seethed with fury, their diminished strength rendered them powerless to retaliate. Despite their rage, they were utterly defenseless against Wang Qingcang's scorn.

Han Feng, witnessing their helplessness, resolved to end their suffering swiftly. Drawing his bloodthirsty yellow dragon knife, he struck with lethal precision, draining the essence and life force from the two brothers.

In an instant, their once aged forms withered further, their life force drained by the relentless hunger of the bloodthirsty blade.

Wang Qingcang and Shi Tai Shijun recoiled at the grisly spectacle, their hearts chilled by the gruesome display.

However, Han Feng's demeanor remained unperturbed as he examined his blade, sensing its growing strength with satisfaction.

"It thrives on human blood," he remarked, noting the blade's eagerness for more potent offerings. "With the essence of ten Earth-level Six-Star Pinnacle humans or monsters, it will ascend to the ranks of upper-class spirit weapons."

Wang Qingcang, astonished by the revelation, couldn't help but acknowledge the depth of Han Feng's hidden power, realizing that his own Tianxuan sword might have met its match.

Han Feng arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "That's because I haven't encountered someone worthy of me yet," he remarked confidently.

Wang Qingcang pondered the statement, finding a resonance with his own thoughts.

Approaching Shi Tai and Shi Jun with solemnity, Wang Qingcang expressed his gratitude earnestly. "Thank you for your assistance. If you ever need aid in the future, count on me to stand by your side," he vowed sincerely.

Stewart, patting his belly, chimed in, "I just can't fathom the antics of those two. It's intriguing to you, isn't it?" His words carried a hint of ambiguity, earning a wry smile from Wang Qingcang.

Quick to clarify, Shi Jun interjected, "What we meant is, we sense your strength and potential far surpasses that of the Taixu brothers. It would be a travesty if they were to exploit and eliminate such a formidable opponent."

Wang Qingcang's tension eased at the explanation, though he couldn't shake off the shock he had experienced moments ago.

With a hearty chuckle, Wang Qingcang turned his attention to Shi Jun, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I've been eager to learn your sword intent," he admitted candidly.

Shi Jun extended his aged hand, proposing an agreement. "Then let's make a pact. When we reach the outer courtyard, we'll exchange knowledge," he suggested with a smile.

The prospect of a duel of Sword Intents stirred excitement in both Wang Qingcang and Shi Jun.

Meanwhile, Stewart ambled over to Han Feng, attempting to make amends. "Brother, last time you slipped away, but this time, let's stick together. We'll discuss our strategies later," he proposed, attempting to extend an olive branch.

Han Feng's expression darkened at the mention of their previous encounter, swiftly evading Stewart's attempt at camaraderie. After all, with Stewart's hefty frame, any attempt at closeness risked an unintended embrace.

"Bursting chrysanthemum? What's that?" Hu Xiaodie's innocent inquiry prompted an awkward silence, Han Feng and Shi Tai exchanging sheepish glances.

Swiftly changing the subject, Han Feng redirected the conversation. "Let's focus on getting out of here. Our companions must be getting anxious," he urged, eager to leave the uncomfortable topic behind.

While Hu Xiaodie and Wang Qingcang understood the urgency, Shi Tai and Shi Jun remained clueless. After inquiring further, their eyes sparkled with interest upon learning of the plan to join forces against high-level monsters.

"I can lead the way, but the final decision rests with my comrades," Han Feng assured them.

"If our companions agree, then we're in," Shi Tai affirmed confidently.

"Rest assured, with a charming fellow like Stewart, your companions won't refuse," Han Feng quipped, earning a chuckle from the group.

Hu Xiaodie joined in with a smile, "I believe with the charm of this lady, they won't refuse."

Han Feng's mouth twitched slightly at their self-assurance. They were certainly a confident bunch.

The group of five hurried towards the foot of the highest mountain. As they neared the mountain range, the marks on Han Feng's and Wang Qingcang's bodies grew increasingly hot.

"It's this way," Han Feng and Wang Qingcang changed their course instantly.

At the foot of the highest mountain range, in an empty clearing, six figures sat quietly. They were Jiang Feng, Jiangda, Lin Huixuan, Xuan Shentong, Lei Yurui, and Liu Yuer.

Jiang Feng suddenly opened his eyes, alert to their presence. "Someone's approaching again, and there are two of them this time."

Liu Yuer couldn't hide his excitement. "Meng Yaqing has entered the core of the mountain alone, so Han Feng and Qingcang must be coming!"

Sure enough, within moments, Han Feng and Wang Qingcang appeared within the sight of the five.

Jiang Feng stood up and welcomed them with a nod. "Han Feng, Wang Qingcang, you're here. Did everything go smoothly?" he inquired, his voice filled with concern.

Wang Qingcang nodded. "Yes, thanks to your help earlier. The Taixu brothers were quite a handful, but we managed."

Han Feng added, "Thanks to you all for paving the way and taking care of the situation."

Lin Huixuan stood up with a smile. "Glad to see you made it safely. Come, join us."

Xuan Shentong and Lei Yurui also greeted them warmly.

Liu Yuer was still brimming with enthusiasm. "Now that you're here, we can prepare to take down the high-level monsters together."

Wang Qingcang and Han Feng exchanged glances, both grateful and eager for the upcoming challenge.

Jiangda spoke up, "We've been monitoring the movements of the high-level monsters. There are several groups, but we should be able to handle them together."

Han Feng nodded in agreement. "Let's discuss our strategy and formation. It's crucial to coordinate well in taking down these monsters."

Hu Xiaodie, observing the interaction quietly, smiled to herself, confident in the strength of the group assembled.

Chapter 417: Nightmare monster! . . .

"You're finally here. I've been waiting for you," Jiang Feng stood up first, a warm smile on his face.

Glancing at the three people behind Han Feng, Jiang Feng's expression turned puzzled.

Han Feng recounted their journey and the last wishes of Stacy and Jun. Jiang Feng's face lit up with joy. "To have three strong individuals joining us is truly great. Welcome, all three of you."

Liu Yuer's face paled when he heard Wang Qingcang was injured. He looked like he wanted to strip Wang Qingcang's clothes off right then and there to check the injuries.

Wang Qingcang, on the other hand, looked as embarrassed as a young bride facing humiliation, clutching his clothes tightly. "Yu'er, can we not do this in front of so many people?" His face was a mixture of embarrassment and distress.

Liu Yuer finally shook his head, his face flushing red.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Han Feng turned to Lin Huixuan and Xuan Shentong. "How did you two end up here?"

Xuan Shentong shrugged casually. "Hui Xuan and I got lucky. We were nearby when we were teleported and soon met Brother Jiang here. Thanks to him, we're all right for now."

Lin Huixuan nodded gratefully. The highest mountain range was filled with roars of monsters, each more formidable than the last. Lin Huixuan believed that without Jiang Feng's timely help, he and Xuan Shentong would have been monster food by now.

"I'm with Sister Meng," Jiangda chimed in proudly.

Who was Meng Yaqing? She was an eight-star powerhouse at the ground level. With such a powerhouse by his side, there was no danger.

Han Feng couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He was falling behind and still alone.

"Anyway, where's Meng Yaqing?" Han Feng asked, genuinely curious.

Jiang Feng sighed. "Miss Meng left alone after sending her brother back. She's probably entered the core of the highest mountain range by now."

"It's not easy for us to keep up. With Miss Meng around, our strength is nothing more than a burden," Jiang Feng added.

Han Feng and Hu Xiaodie had seen the power of Zhan Fu Yu with their own eyes, and Meng Yaqing was probably at that level.

That kind of level was beyond their reach for now.

Han Feng thought he had a pretty good read on Meng Yaqing's character. He guessed he could get along with her, but for the others... that was absolutely impossible.

Jiangda was a young man. If he were any other male warrior around seventeen or eighteen, Han Feng believed that even if they were acquainted, Meng Yaqing would have left them behind.

But Jiangda was different. He'd been brought along and would likely be kept around for a while.

Han Feng shifted his gaze to Lei Yurui. With Lei Yurui's cultivation base and strength, as long as he was careful, there shouldn't be any problems.

Lei Yurui had been about to share his own experiences, but seeing everyone's expressions, his mood soured.

After introductions were made and everyone got to know each other, they began to focus on recovering their bodies, preparing to hunt monsters in peak condition.

After half an hour, everyone except Wang Qingcang had recovered well. Wang Qingcang's injuries were relatively serious, and it would be difficult for him to recover fully within just a few hours. The Tianpin pill he had swallowed earlier was helping, but its effects were not instantaneous.

"Everyone, I scouted ahead and found an eighth-level monster cave. Not only that, there are various weak to strong seventh-level monsters nearby," Jiang Feng announced. "Please follow me."

The group consisted of eleven people. Though the monsters were numerous, the group was small enough to ensure safety. Even if they aimed for high scores, their priority was always their own safety.

---

The cave emitted a constant stream of dark deathly air as Han Feng and the others gathered near it.

Jiang Feng spoke in a hushed tone, "Inside, there's a nightmare monster. It's among the highest level of eighth-level monsters, not weaker than an ordinary eight-star peak martial artist."

"We have plenty of people, but apart from the two who have reached the five-star level, Shi Tai, Shijun, the only others are me, Brother Wang, and Miss Hu, who are at four stars; Miss Liu is at three stars; Brother Han is at two stars; and Brother Thunder is at one star in the ground level."

"Jiang Da, Brother Lin, and Brother Xuan haven't even reached the ground level."

"In short, if we're not careful, casualties are a real risk. Don't let your guard down," Jiang Feng warned.

Jiang Da and the others smiled wryly but didn't argue. They knew they were the least experienced among the group, and they didn't make much difference in the overall power.

Luckily, their companions were supportive and willing to help. Without them, even staying in the Death Mirror for three days might not earn them ten points.

Jiang Da was young, and there might not be another chance for him next time. However, Lin Huixuan and Xuan Shentong were extremely nervous. Their success in the Beidu selection depended on the outcome of the Death Mirror examination. They were fortunate to have Han Feng with them.

Whether it was Jiang Feng, Wang Qingcang, or the two brothers Shi Tai and Shijun, without Han Feng, they wouldn't have received such attention and care.

---

Stay lazily remarked, "An eighth-level monster? Don't worry, Han Feng alone is enough to handle an eighth-level monster."

"So many of us together, we must be able to take them down!" Shi Tai's declaration caught Jiang Feng off guard, and he shot a suspicious glance at Han Feng. It was evident that Shi Tai believed Han Feng's combat prowess was comparable to or even exceeded that of an eighth-level monster.

"This... it's unbelievable. Han Feng himself is only a mere two-star," Jiang Feng muttered, struggling to reconcile the notion that Han Feng could rival such powerful monsters.

"It's no wonder everyone looks up to Han Feng. Even though Ms. Meng is strong, she can't match Han Feng's combat abilities," Hu Xiaodie remarked thoughtfully. "If Han Feng's cultivation catches up to Meng's, or even surpasses hers, Meng may not be able to match him."

Han Feng hastily waved his hand to dismiss the idea. "That was just a one-time extraordinary performance. Let's not compare me with Meng."

Jiang Feng coughed lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Alright, let's not downplay each other's strengths. When the time comes, we'll all give it our best."

"Are you all ready? I'm going to lure out the nightmare monster," Jiang Feng announced, receiving nods of readiness from everyone.

With that, Jiang Feng entered the cave.

Han Feng couldn't help but admire Jiang Feng's trust in everyone. It was this trust that allowed them all to feel assured, despite the danger they were facing.

Soon, a roar echoed from the cave, distinct from the usual monster noises. This roar was eerie, reminiscent of a ghost crawling out from hell itself.

"Attack, everyone!" Jiang Feng's voice boomed as he burst out of the cave like lightning.

"Charge!"

Instantly, everyone shouted, releasing their auras and surging true essence.

A formidable energy swept out, its pressure felt over thousands of meters.

"Lightning Body, Condense!"

"Ice Emperor's Body, Condense!"

"Golden Dragon Transformation - Dragon Body!"

"Heavenly Snake Blood, Condense!"

"Seventh Stage Heavenly Fire Battle Body, Condense!"

"Seventh Stage Heavenly Fire Armor, Condense!"

Liu Yuer burst into flames, the fire coalescing in the palm of her hand.

Wang Qingcang's sword intent spread out, filling the air around him.

Shi Tai's body instantly expanded, his muscles bulging with newfound strength. Shi Jun's sword intent surged, blasting through the air with a formidable presence.

Hu Xiaodie transformed into her beast form without hesitation. There was no need to hide her true nature now, especially in such a critical moment.

The powerful auras of the group began to converge, creating a palpable pressure that caused the nightmare monster to hesitate just as it was about to leave the cave.

Sensing the hesitation, Jiang Feng swiftly turned around, his true essence surging out of his body.

Chapter 418: Intermediate Sword Emperor Eucharist! . . .

With an assembly of powerful energies converging, the nightmare monster, renowned as the apex predator of the eighth level, sensed an imminent threat to its existence. Without a moment's hesitation, it turned and fled towards its cave, the sanctum where it felt most secure.

Jiang Feng, however, had anticipated this move. Determined to thwart the monster's retreat, he swiftly acted.

"Triple Giant Rock Gate!" he shouted, clasping his hands together. The earth responded to his command, and three massive rock gates, glowing with an earthy brown luminescence, erupted from the ground, sealing off the cave entrance and trapping the nightmare monster outside.

The nightmare monster roared in frustration and swung a powerful fist at the barrier. The first gate shattered instantly under the blow, a testament to the monster's immense strength. Despite this, Jiang Feng, with his four-star cultivation base, had prepared for this. He knew that while the triple giant rock gates weren't invincible, they would buy precious time.

As the nightmare monster battered away at the second gate, a crucial delay was created. For the assembled warriors, even a moment's pause was enough to launch their coordinated assault.

The air crackled with energy as the fighters readied their attacks. First, a powerful voice rang out, "Dragon Soul Heaven Slash!" A brilliant arc of light streaked towards the monster.

Following closely was another cry, "Crystal Rainbow Ice Slash!" A gleaming wave of icy energy hurtled forward, adding to the barrage.

"Release the Heavenly Snake Fury!" bellowed another warrior, and a serpentine blast of force joined the fray.

"Flash Blasting!" shouted a nimble fighter, sending a burst of explosive energy towards their foe.

"Unleash the True Fire Flames!" came yet another command, as searing flames roared through the air.

"Sword Intent Burst - Void Slash!" a warrior intoned with deadly focus, and a spectral blade of pure intent cleaved through the space.

Lastly, a calm but powerful voice declared, "Tianhu San!" and a serene yet deadly energy wave surged forward.

The nightmare monster, having just obliterated the second rock gate, was met with a devastating onslaught of attacks. Each attack struck with precision and force, amplifying the damage inflicted on the creature. It roared in agony and fury, realizing too late that its escape had been meticulously planned for and thwarted.

Jiang Feng and his allies pressed their advantage, each knowing that the coordinated effort was their only hope to defeat such a formidable foe. With the third rock gate holding just long enough, they poured every ounce of their power into their attacks, determined to end the nightmare monster's reign of terror once and for all.

The battlefield was a cacophony of energy and sound, but amidst the chaos, the warriors' resolve was clear. Together, they would overcome the nightmare monster, proving that even the most fearsome creatures could not stand against their combined might.

Stai grabbed the flesh from his belly and transformed it into a massive mace. With a mighty swing, he hurled it towards the nightmare monster.

Han Feng couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Despite Stai tearing away such a substantial chunk of his own flesh, his body seemed completely unaffected, remaining as robust as ever.

Shi Jun extended his right arm, his sword gleaming with a fierce energy. "Blade of the Horizon!" he commanded, and a powerful slash cut through the air.

Not to be outdone, Han Feng summoned his strength and threw a punch, shouting, "Sky Fire Fighting Punch!" A gigantic fist of blue flames descended from above.

As everyone's attacks converged on the nightmare monster, it was forced to abandon its assault on the final rock gate and turn to defend itself. A sinister voice emanated from the monster, and a black light formed an enormous spider web in front of it.

With a thunderous roar, a real dragon emerged from the attacks and collided with the web. However, the web barely budged. The black light shimmered ominously, corroding the dragon into ashes within moments.

The icy blue slash and the phantom of the sky snake followed suit but were quickly eroded and dissipated by the black light. Next, a thunderous explosion momentarily disrupted the black light, creating a brief opening.

Seizing the opportunity, a powerful and distinct fire latched onto the web, setting it ablaze. The black light and the fire began to consume each other, forming surging clusters of energy. Amidst this chaotic clash, the sword intent Void Slash pierced through, snapping several threads of the black web.

The nightmare monster's eyes widened in shock. Desperately, it spat out a black beam of light, attempting to mend the broken threads. However, as soon as the threads reconnected, nine white foxtails lashed out with terrifying force.

Boom...

One by one, the foxtails tore through the black web, breaking more threads and rendering the once dense web into shreds. Stai's mace delivered the final blow, completely destroying the black web.

Panic flickered in the nightmare monster's eyes as it released another black beam of light, creating vortexes designed to swallow all incoming attacks.

"Not so fast!" Shi Jun bellowed, charging forward with his sword.

Ordinary sword intent would never break through the black beam vortex, but Shi Jun was no ordinary warrior. He possessed the Sword Emperor's Eucharist.

"Break for me!" he roared. Shi Jun could feel his bloodline nearing a breakthrough to an intermediate level. His body began to transform, taking on the shape of a colossal sword.

Boom...

To the astonishment of everyone, Shi Jun turned into a cyan giant blade, dozens of meters long. The terrifying sword intent radiated outward, reducing nearby rocks to dust.

"Shi Jun, amazing as always!" Han Feng exclaimed, unable to hide his admiration.

The nightmare monster, now facing the full brunt of Shi Jun's power, could no longer hold its ground. The cyan giant sword cleaved through the black beam vortex, shattering it entirely.

In the aftermath, the battlefield was silent for a moment, save for the heavy breathing of the warriors. They had combined their strengths and strategies, overcoming a seemingly invincible foe. The nightmare monster, once a symbol of terror, lay defeated, its reign of fear brought to an end by their united might.

"Is it over?" Stai asked, looking around warily.

"It is," Shi Jun confirmed, returning to his human form, albeit visibly exhausted. "We've done it."

With the nightmare monster defeated, the warriors could finally breathe a sigh of relief. They had proven that no matter how daunting the challenge, their combined power and resolve could overcome anything.

The black beam vortex shattered instantly, and the cyan giant blade sliced through the air with lethal precision. A shriek pierced the night as the nightmare monster was hit. Black light flared up, momentarily holding the cyan giant blade at bay.

Just then, Han Feng's colossal blue flame fist descended from above. Joining forces with the cyan giant blade, it crashed into the nightmare monster.

The impact was catastrophic. An explosive wave of air rippled outward, forcing everyone to summon their true essence to withstand the force. Blue flames, cyan light, and black beams intertwined in a furious dance of energy.

Finally, a deafening boom resonated. The ground beneath them collapsed, rocks shattering into fragments. The warriors were thrown back, the earth trembling violently.

"Everyone, back away!" Jiang Feng shouted, though the command was hardly necessary. The warriors instinctively retreated, aware that staying meant being buried alive.

The ground continued to shake for what felt like an eternity before the vibrations began to subside. As the dust settled, they sensed the nightmare monster's aura fading into nothingness.

The cyan giant blade, poised to strike again, pierced the sky one last time before reverting to Shi Jun's form. He collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. It was evident that his recent advancement from the elementary to the intermediate level of the Sword Emperor's Eucharist had left him exhausted and unsteady.

"Shi Jun, are you alright?" Han Feng asked, concern etched on his face.

Shi Jun nodded weakly. "I'll be fine... just need a moment."

Suddenly, black light streaked through the air, transforming into eleven beams that shot into each warrior's ring. Lin Huixuan inspected his ring and sighed. "One and a half points."

"It seems the Death Mirror judged my contribution as minimal," he mused. "But even half a point is equivalent to hunting a second-level monster. Alone, I couldn't manage that."

"In general, joint hunting yields much better results," he concluded, glancing at his companions.

Everyone checked their rings. Some had more points, others less. Han Feng, having delivered a critical blow, earned 4 points out of the total 20 for defeating an eighth-level monster. Shi Jun, Stai, Jiang Feng, and Hu Xiaodie garnered substantial scores, while Wang Qingcang and Liu Yuer earned respectable amounts. Lei Yuzhe's score was comparatively lower.

Jiang Feng offered an explanation. "The final blow that ended the nightmare monster's life was Han Feng's punch. That's why he received the most points."

Han Feng looked at Shi Jun, a mix of admiration and curiosity in his eyes. "If Shi Jun had stabilized his breakthrough earlier, this might have turned out differently."

Everyone acknowledged the significance of Shi Jun's transformation. His bloodline had clearly advanced.

Stai, with a hint of envy, commented, "An intermediate Sword Emperor's Eucharist... Once you master and stabilize it, you'll be capable of standing against eighth-level monsters on your own."

"Indeed," Jiang Feng agreed. "And hunting ordinary eighth-level monsters will be within reach."

The warriors exchanged glances, a newfound respect for Shi Jun evident in their eyes. The battle had tested them all, but together, they had overcome a formidable foe. As they stood amidst the wreckage, the bonds forged in the heat of battle felt stronger than ever.

Shi Jun sneered, "If you're jealous, then break through quickly. This time, I'm ahead of you."

He continued, "Also, advancing further isn't so simple. In the Mirror of Death, I still can't hunt level 8 monsters alone. At best, I can contend with them. I still need to unite with others."

Jiang Feng, hearing these words, couldn't hide his excitement. Shi Jun's breakthrough significantly boosted their chances of success in hunting high-level monsters.

Given Shi Jun's recent advancement, the group decided to take a rest and let him acclimate to his new abilities. While the others settled down, Jiang Feng walked toward the entrance of the cave.

"Where are you going?" Han Feng asked, puzzled.

Jiang Feng smiled and replied, "Who wants to join me in searching for the Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death? I think I saw them when I lured the nightmare monster earlier."

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise. The Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death were rare and valuable items.

Han Feng, having been informed by Jiang Feng and others about the significance of these items, quickly understood. The two items were treasures from the first-rank empire, well-known to most. Only Hu Xiaodie seemed confused.

Seeing this, Jiang Feng explained, "The Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death are incredibly valuable. They can greatly enhance one's cultivation and abilities."

Hu Xiaodie, still processing the information, asked, "I noticed Han Feng picked a strange fruit after defeating the Shadow Purple Devil. Was that the Fruit of Death?"

Jiang Feng nodded. "Yes, it was. These items can provide immense benefits, especially in dangerous places like the Mirror of Death."

Han Feng chimed in, "With these items, we can strengthen ourselves and improve our chances of survival and success."

Shi Jun, catching his breath, added, "It's worth the effort. Let's go find them. But we must stay alert. There could be more dangers lurking around."

Jiang Feng led the way into the cave, and the group followed cautiously. The cave was dark and damp, with eerie echoes of dripping water reverberating through the tunnels.

"Stay close," Jiang Feng advised. "We don't want to get separated in here."

As they ventured deeper, the faint glow of the Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death became visible. The group quickened their pace, their excitement palpable.

"There they are," Jiang Feng pointed. "We need to be careful. These treasures often attract powerful guardians."

True to his words, a low growl echoed through the cave. Emerging from the shadows was a formidable beast, its eyes glowing menacingly.

"Prepare for battle!" Han Feng shouted, readying his stance.

Shi Jun stepped forward, his sword gleaming with newfound power. "Let's do this together."

The group engaged the beast in a fierce battle. Each member utilized their unique abilities, coordinating their attacks seamlessly. Han Feng's Sky Fire Fighting Punch and Shi Jun's cyan blade worked in tandem, while Stai's massive mace and Hu Xiaodie's agile strikes provided crucial support.

After an intense struggle, the beast was finally subdued. The group, though exhausted, managed to claim the Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death.

"We did it," Jiang Feng said, holding the treasures. "These will greatly enhance our capabilities."

Shi Jun smiled, "This is just the beginning. With these, we can achieve even greater things."

Han Feng nodded in agreement. "Let's rest and recover. We have more challenges ahead, but with these treasures, we are better prepared."

As they made their way back to the cave entrance, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose grew stronger. They knew that together, they could face any obstacle the Mirror of Death threw at them.

Chapter 419: Encounter a level 9 monster! . . .

Hu Xiaodie looked bewildered. "I wondered why Han Feng picked that fruit when he killed the Shadow Purple Demon. So, it was the Fruit of Death."

Jiang Feng's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Brother Han, you already have a Fruit of Death?"

In the Mirror of Death, the Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death are the most precious and extremely rare treasures. Even in the highest mountain ranges, encountering them is a rare occurrence. Most people entering the Mirror of Death, regardless of their strength, are fortunate if they find two or three during their entire journey.

Obtaining the Fruit of Death and the Flower of Death requires not only strength but also a significant amount of luck. These treasures are typically guarded by powerful monsters, but not all powerful monsters are accompanied by such valuable items.

Han Feng nodded. "Yes, I was lucky enough to find a Fruit of Death. It's not the best, but it's still quite good."

Jiang Feng couldn't hide his envy. "Even a top-tier Fruit of Death! Brother Han, your luck is truly remarkable. With this, you'll get a lot of points in the outer courtyard."

Hu Xiaodie, still amazed, added, "The first-class Fruit of Death is in high demand among the seniors in the outer courtyard."

Han Feng smiled modestly. "Let's not focus on me. There are also Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death at the cave entrance, guarded by powerful entities like the nightmare monsters. Their level must be quite high."

Jiang Feng nodded eagerly. "Exactly."

The group, now comprising Han Feng, Jiang Feng, Hu Xiaodie, and Shi Tai, ventured into the cave. They carefully searched the entrance while Shi Jun, outside, continued to adapt to his new Intermediate Sword Emperor's Eucharist.

Upon returning, Wang Qingcang, who had nearly recovered from his injuries, eagerly inquired, "How was the harvest?"

Jiang Feng beamed with excitement. "We were very fortunate this time. It seems that the cave entrance was overlooked. We found many Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death, and no one had taken them."

Han Feng explained with a smile, "The cave entrance's limited space greatly affected our abilities. Plus, with nightmare monsters dwelling there, it's understandable why no one else dared to enter."

"If it weren't for our numbers and Brother Jiang's bravery in using himself as bait, we wouldn't have been able to handle the nightmare monster," Han Feng continued, acknowledging the collective effort.

Wang Qingcang looked impressed. "That's incredible teamwork. And it sounds like we have quite a bounty."

Shi Jun, now more accustomed to his new power, joined the conversation. "The Intermediate Sword Emperor's Eucharist has been quite an adjustment, but I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Hu Xiaodie, still absorbing the events, added, "We're getting stronger, and with these new treasures, we're well-equipped for future challenges."

Jiang Feng nodded, "Indeed, we are. Let's rest and prepare for what's ahead. With our combined strengths and these new resources, we can face any obstacles the Mirror of Death throws at us."

The group settled in, their spirits high from their recent successes. The bonds they forged through battle and mutual support only grew stronger, fueling their determination to conquer whatever lay ahead.

Han Feng marveled at Jiang Feng's bravery. "It's incredibly dangerous to act as bait, yet Jiang Feng did it without hesitation. His courage and extraordinary spirit are evident. If he continues to grow at this pace, I foresee that in a few hundred years, Jiang Feng will become a legendary figure in the entire Northern Continent."

Finally, Han Feng came to a decision. "We should collect these Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death."

The others laughed in agreement. Indeed, if it weren't for the nightmare monster residing in the cave, no one would dare to provoke it, not even Meng Yaqing and Zhan Fu Yu. Their attacks were powerful, but in a narrow cave, using such strong tactics would be reckless.

Wang Qingcang, eager and excited, asked, "Quick, tell us, how much did we get?"

Jiang Feng grinned. "We found more than twenty Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death!"

Wang Qingcang's excitement waned a bit. "Only over twenty?" he said, looking disappointed.

Jiang Feng's face twitched. "And how many did you expect?"

"At least a hundred or so," Wang Qingcang mused, stroking his chin.

Jiang Feng nearly fell to the ground, exasperated. "Dream on."

"Most of the finest Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death were likely consumed by the nightmare monster itself," Han Feng speculated.

Jiang Feng nodded. "Of the ones we found, most are of inferior and medium quality, with only a few high-end ones."

They began distributing the treasures based on contributions. Those who had contributed more received higher-level and more numerous Fruits of Death and Flowers of Death. Lin Huixuan and others, who had contributed less, were content with the lower-level ones. This fair distribution was essential for maintaining harmony and friendship within the group. 

Lin Huixuan and the others understood their limitations and preferred the lower-level treasures, which would benefit them more than the high-level ones they couldn't fully utilize.

After a well-deserved rest, the group resumed their hunt. The monsters they encountered were primarily level six and seven, with few level eights. Some locations were scouted by Jiang Feng beforehand, while others were stumbled upon during their journey. Han Feng couldn't help but marvel at the abundance of high-level monsters in the core of the Northern District of the Mirror of Death. In contrast, the outskirts rarely had such concentrations, with most monsters being level one or two.

Whenever they encountered lower-level monsters, the stronger members of the group allowed Lin Huixuan and others to take the lead, stepping in only when necessary. This strategy helped Lin Huixuan and the others gain more experience and points, for which they were deeply grateful.

United and determined, time passed quickly, and soon they reached the third day. This was the final day before they would be teleported out of the Mirror of Death. Their scores had accumulated impressively, with Shi Jun leading due to his recent breakthrough to the intermediate level of the Sword Emperor's Saint Body. His strength had surpassed even Han Feng's, and he often claimed the majority of points from hunting high-level monsters.

Han Feng felt no jealousy or dissatisfaction. He admired Shi Jun's abilities and recognized the importance of each member's strengths in their collective success.

As the day drew to a close, the group gathered to reflect on their journey. Jiang Feng spoke up, "We've come a long way and achieved so much. Let's stay united and face whatever challenges await us outside the Mirror of Death."

Shi Jun nodded, "Our teamwork has been our greatest strength. With our combined abilities and these treasures, we're ready for anything."

Han Feng added, "We've grown stronger together. This is just the beginning of our adventures."

With renewed determination, the group prepared for their imminent departure from the Mirror of Death, confident in their abilities and the bonds they had forged.

His cultivation base had reached the peak of the two-star ground level. As soon as he entered the outer courtyard, he was confident he could break through to the three-star ground level after just a few days of intensive training. At that point, his strength would increase significantly, inevitably surpassing Shi Jun.

In this competitive environment teeming with geniuses, the race was relentless. Today, Party A might surpass Party B, but tomorrow, the tables could turn. This ever-present competition fostered a strong sense of urgency among all the geniuses, driving them to train with unwavering dedication.

---

"Ah, it's finally the afternoon," Jiang Feng sighed with relief, wiping sweat from his brow. "Shi Jun, Han Feng, your scores are both over one hundred now, right?" he asked, looking towards them after an exhausting day of hunting.

Shi Jun and Han Feng nodded in confirmation. At this point, only the two of them had surpassed the hundred-point mark.

The others were close behind. Even Lin Huixuan, who had initially struggled, had managed to surpass seventy points with the team's support.

Jiang Feng's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We still have the rest of the afternoon and the entire night. If we push ourselves, a few of us might reach 120 points."

Lin Huixuan and the others shared his enthusiasm. Initially, their goal of sixty points had seemed daunting, but now, they were on the verge of surpassing even the most optimistic expectations.

As they planned to take a short break before resuming their hunt, a sudden and terrifying aura descended upon them.

Han Feng's face went pale, and he shouted, "A nine-level monster!!"

The group immediately tensed, their previous excitement replaced by fear and determination.

Chapter 420: 8-legged monster! . . .

As they stood there, facing the looming threat of the level 9 monster, a sense of urgency gripped each member of the group. Shi Jun's eyes darted between his companions, assessing their condition. Despite the fatigue weighing heavy on their limbs from the previous battle, he knew they couldn't afford to falter now.

"Indeed, this is no ordinary foe we're up against," Shi Jun remarked, his voice tinged with concern. "But we've faced tough odds before. We can overcome this too."

Han Feng, his brow furrowed in determination, nodded in agreement. "Even if our strength individually may not match up, together, we're a force to be reckoned with."

The air crackled with tension as they exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. Retreat wasn't an option, not when their lives hung in the balance.

"Run away!" Jiang Feng's voice pierced through the air, snapping them into action. With a shared sense of urgency, they sprinted towards the relative safety of the mountain's base. Yet, their hopes of escape were dashed as the monstrous presence loomed closer, its ominous aura casting a shadow over their fleeing figures.

"It's gaining on us!" Wang Qingcang exclaimed, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he pushed himself to keep pace.

Han Feng's eyes narrowed as he assessed their situation. "We can't outrun it forever. We need to stand our ground."

His words echoed in the tense silence that followed, each member grappling with the gravity of their predicament.

"But how did we attract such a powerful creature?" Jiang Feng's voice held a note of desperation, his mind racing for a solution amidst the chaos.

"Now's not the time for questions," Wang Qingcang interjected, his voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at his insides. "We fight, or we perish."

A silent agreement settled over them as they braced themselves for the impending clash. Jiang Feng's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and fear as he surveyed their adversary.

"It's an eight-legged monstrosity," he relayed through their telepathic link. "Its speed rivals that of a ten-star ground-level beast."

Their gazes fixed on the looming figure of the eight-legged monster, its monstrous form casting a shadow over their resolve. With a deep breath, they steeled themselves for the battle ahead, knowing that their only chance of survival lay in facing the beast head-on.

Observing the creature with a mix of awe and dread, they took note of its peculiar features: the white eyes that seemed to pierce through their souls, the pointed mouth adorned with menacing fangs, and its disheveled mane of hair that added to its eerie appearance. But what truly caught their attention were its arms—or lack thereof. In the place where hands should have been, razor-sharp mantis-like blades protruded, poised to strike with deadly precision.

"Sword intent bursts—Void Slash!" Wang Qingcang's voice sliced through the air as he unleashed a powerful attack, channeling his swordsmanship into a devastating force that cut through the very fabric of reality.

The eight-legged monster reacted with surprising agility, effortlessly deflecting Wang Qingcang's assault with its mantis-like appendages. The impact reverberated through the air, but the creature remained unfazed, its stoic demeanor mocking Wang Qingcang's efforts.

A tense silence enveloped the group as they braced themselves for the creature's next move. Suddenly, the monster emitted an eerie sound, a prelude to its retaliatory strike. With a swift motion, it unleashed a barrage of black blades, slicing through the air with deadly accuracy.

"Protect me!" Stay's booming voice filled the air as his massive form surged forward, intercepting the deadly projectiles aimed at his companions. But even his formidable defenses proved inadequate as the black blades tore through his flesh, leaving gaping wounds in their wake.

The sight of Stay, usually invulnerable to harm, writhing in agony sent shockwaves through the group. For the first time since their journey began, they witnessed one of their own fall prey to the relentless onslaught of their enemies.

"Darn it!" Shi Jun's fury ignited like a flame as he witnessed Stay's grievous injuries. Without hesitation, he transformed into a colossal sword, hurtling towards the monstrous foe with unparalleled speed and precision.

"Quickly, tend to Stay's wounds!" Han Feng's command snapped Lin Huixuan and the others into action. With urgency coursing through their veins, they rushed to Stay's side, their hands glowing with healing energy as they worked to staunch the flow of blood and mend his battered form.

Meanwhile, Hu Xiaodie's massive frame shimmered with a radiant aura as she prepared to lend her strength to the fray. Jiang Feng's hands danced through intricate seals, drawing upon the earth's essence to bolster their defenses.

In the sky above, a cyan giant knife materialized, poised to strike at the heart of their adversary. But the eight-legged monster was not to be underestimated. With jaws unhinged, it lunged forward, its razor-sharp beak poised to tear through the very fabric of reality itself.

Together, everyone had witnessed the immense power of the cyan giant knife more than once. They had lost count of how many level 7 and level 8 monsters had been either slain or severely injured by its fearsome blade. 

Now, however, the foul-mouthed monster not only bit the cyan giant knife but also left visible cracks upon its surface.

"Not good!" Han Feng exclaimed, alarmed. He swiftly activated his Heavenly Fire Fighting Body and the Seventh Realm of Heavenly Fire Armor, merging with the Canglan Profound Fire. 

With a sudden thrust of his fist, he unleashed the Seventh Realm of the Heavenly Fire Fighting Fist, also fused with the Canglan Profound Fire. 

At the same time, Hu Xiaodie swiped her claw through the air, summoning a white celestial fox energy claw that cut through the void. 

Jiang Feng shouted, "Stone Ape Strike!"

The ground before them shattered, and a mass of earth elements converged, forming a colossal stone ape. Its fists were enormous, radiating an incredibly menacing power. Due to being in the Mirror of Death, the stone ape was tinged with purple and black hues, with faint traces of death energy drifting from it.

Both the celestial fox claw and the stone ape charged toward the eight-legged monster.

In the sky, the monster spat out the cyan giant knife and swallowed the blue flame giant fist in one gulp. After a few bites, the flame fist disintegrated into ashes.

Taking advantage of the distraction, the cyan giant knife returned to Han Feng and transformed back into Shi Jun, who was panting heavily and visibly shaken.

"If the giant knife had been completely bitten apart, it wouldn't have just affected the knife itself. I would have felt immense pain," Shi Jun said, clasping his hands in gratitude. 

"Thank you," he added sincerely.

Han Feng managed a wry smile. "I am almost the strongest among us, and yet all I did was make it chew a bit."

At this moment, the celestial fox claw and the energy stone ape reached the eight-legged monster. 

The stone ape raised its massive fists and brought them down with tremendous force. 

In response, the monster swiftly moved its mantis-like swords, slicing through the celestial fox claw in an instant. The stone ape, from its fists to its entire body, shattered into pieces, which then fell to the ground as mere rocks, disintegrating completely.

Everyone was stunned by the sheer might of the ninth-level monster.

Against such a formidable foe, they felt incredibly fragile and hopeless.

"It's so strong..." Han Feng's voice was tight with tension. He realized that if this continued, they would be utterly exhausted.

Only by personally experiencing the terror of the ninth-level monster did Han Feng truly grasp the power of Zhan Fu Yu and Meng Yaqing. 

The eight-legged monster inhaled deeply, its monstrous mouth gaping wider, and grinned at the group menacingly.

But just then, Han Feng noticed a glimmer of hope.

The eight-legged monster, lacking intelligence, couldn't understand why Han Feng displayed such an expression, but its instincts told it that it didn't like the look on his face.

"Roar..."

The monster bellowed and was about to continue its attack when suddenly it felt a searing heat that filled it with fear. It quickly dodged to the side, and the spot where it had been standing melted into a deep pit.

Meng Yaqing had arrived and attacked!

"Lady Meng!" Jiang Feng and the others exclaimed in relief and joy. In their desperate situation, Meng Yaqing's arrival felt like a ray of hope, easing their anxiety.

Although ninth-level monsters were formidable, Meng Yaqing was more than capable of handling them.

Han Feng also relaxed, exchanging a glance with Meng Yaqing and smiling. The coldness in Meng Yaqing's eyes softened slightly as she looked at him. Han Feng, oblivious to subtle emotions, didn't notice the change in her gaze. However, Hu Xiaodie, as a perceptive woman, observed this and watched them with knowing eyes, occasionally flashing mischievous smiles.

The eight-legged monster screamed at Meng Yaqing but hesitated, wary of her power.

Meng Yaqing smirked coldly. "A ninth-level monster dares to challenge me."

"Two Heavens of Ice and Fire!!!"

Meng Yaqing didn't resort to any complex martial arts. She simply combined two different flames and directed them at the monster. The fusion of these opposing forces created an overwhelming wave of energy that surged towards the creature.

The eight-legged monster roared in defiance, but its movements were sluggish, and it couldn't avoid the incoming attack. The scorching heat and biting cold struck simultaneously, engulfing the monster in a maelstrom of destructive power. 

The ground beneath the monster cracked and splintered as it tried to withstand the onslaught. Its cries grew weaker until, finally, it collapsed, overwhelmed by the combined forces of ice and fire.

The companions watched in awe as the monster fell. Meng Yaqing stood tall, her presence commanding and reassuring. 

"We are saved!" Jiang Feng cheered, and the others echoed his sentiment, their spirits lifted.

Han Feng approached Meng Yaqing, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Meng Yaqing. We were almost done for."

Meng Yaqing nodded, her expression softening. "We're in this together. We must stay strong and support each other."

Hu Xiaodie glanced at the two of them, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Looks like we have more than just monsters to deal with," she teased quietly.

As they regrouped and prepared to continue their journey, the bond between them felt stronger. The challenges ahead were still daunting, but with allies like Meng Yaqing, they felt a renewed sense of hope and determination.