Amidst the desolate land, dense energy mist seeped continuously from the ground, eventually enveloping the boundless terrain. In one part of this expanse, two figures slowly materialized, their eyes scanning the somewhat disheveled surroundings before subtly sensing the environment, their brows slightly raised.
“Traces of an Eight-Star Energy Body, it seems they were slain by the two Soul Cliff warriors. It appears that Soul Zeal’s strength has fully recovered, otherwise they wouldn’t have dealt with them so swiftly,” Yan Xiao said, picking up a handful of dirt, rubbing it between his fingers.
“A dozen or so days is enough for him to recover, but not his severed arm. His combat power has diminished significantly,” Yanran said, her beautiful eyes flickering with vigilance as she scanned the area. “Time-wise, we are gradually approaching the third layer.”
“Mm, these two, like strayed hounds, ran for over a dozen days. I’m curious to see where they think they can escape to,” Yan Xiao said, standing up, his voice laced with a cold laugh.
Yanran nodded slightly.
“High-level Energy Bodies in this area are becoming denser. Rarely seen Eight-Star Energy Bodies are also appearing occasionally. Moreover, to the northeast, I sense a veiled pressure of energy,” Yan Xiao said, his gaze turning to the northeast, his brow furrowing.
“Mm, if an Energy Body can make us feel a slight pressure, I suspect it might be a Nine-Star Energy Body. It looks like we’re dealing with a big fish now, Yan Xiao gege. Should we make a move?” Yanran smiled, her face radiant.
She shared a similar feeling, though it was far weaker than his. The nine-grade energy core within such bodies was highly attractive to both of them, as they had been in the Heavenly Tomb for half a year without obtaining a single one.
“Why not? Nine-grade energy cores aren’t easily found in the second layer,” Yan Xiao smiled, his eyes gazing into the distance. “This time, let them run. There will always be a next time… Let’s go.”
With that, Yan Xiao turned and quickly moved towards the direction of the sensed energy. Yanran closely followed.
The area with the energy pressure was a fair distance away. After flying for nearly twenty minutes, their speed gradually slowed. Seven-Star and even Eight-Star Energy Bodies could now be seen, but they were scattered, seemingly guarding something.
“Nine-Star Energy Bodies possess some intelligence. They are the lords among Energy Bodies, capable of controlling other Energy Bodies. This area is likely their territory,” Yanran said, peering from behind a large rock at the Energy Bodies floating in the mist.
Yan Xiao nodded, asking, “Is anyone else around?”
“Just the two of us,” Yanran replied with a smile.
Relieved, Yan Xiao said, “Then let’s sneak in. With our abilities, it shouldn’t be hard to avoid detection by these Energy Bodies.”
“Mm,” Yanran agreed.
Yan Xiao smirked, his body flashing as he disappeared. Seeing this, the space around Yanran also twisted, her form becoming ephemeral.
Two breezes silently slipped into the energy mist, disturbing the air slightly. The patrolling Energy Bodies, though sensing the movement, lacked the intelligence to investigate further, returning to their aimless wandering.
The breezes quickly approached the area’s center, revealing two figures.
“We’re here!” Yan Xiao looked ahead. Standing on a massive stone in a field of strange boulders was a figure clad in black armor, radiating a thick, steady aura. Beneath the black armor, its eyes were hollow, but a closer look revealed a lively essence.
“A Nine-Star Energy Body!” Yan Xiao’s eyes flashed with gravity. Though Energy Bodies were weaker than their true forms, they were still formidable, especially with some of their previous intelligence and combat skills.
“Who dares enter my domain! Show yourselves!” As Yan Xiao and Yanran observed, the black-armored figure erupted with blinding light. A massive axe appeared in its hand, cleaving down with a force that tore through space, hurtling towards them.
“Sharp senses…” surprised, Yan Xiao and Yanran quickly dodged the fierce blast, which obliterated a boulder behind them, leaving a long trench on the ground.
“Attack!” Mid-air, Yan Xiao reappeared, a shout echoing. Silver light flashed on his feet, and he appeared in front of the black-armored figure, hands forming seals.
“Mountain-Splitting Seal! Sea-Churning Seal!” Two fierce attacks struck the black-armored figure, forcing it to retreat.
“Dare to provoke me!” The black-armored figure roared, swinging its axe like a windmill, aiming for Yan Xiao’s head.
As the axe descended, a golden spear shot out from behind Yan Xiao, intercepting the blow. Meanwhile, Yan Xiao, grinning, slammed his heavy scale into the figure’s chest, sending it flying.
“Roar!” The black-armored Energy Body raged, bursting with energy, shattering nearby boulders. It charged again, roaring, towards the two.
“Quickly end this!” Yan Xiao shouted, dashing forth, clashing with the giant.
“Earth-Splitting Axe!” The energy within the black-armored figure surged, its axe expanding and rising, splitting the surrounding space.
“Yan Xiao, be careful!” Yanran, seeing the potent attack, warned, her face pale.
“Die!” The black-armored figure’s roar echoed, its axe slicing down with a terrifying force.
Yan Xiao met the attack with his heavy scale, but was immediately knocked back, white-faced. At the same moment, Yanran appeared behind the figure, stabbing it with her golden spear, engulfing it in flames.
Grinning, Yan Xiao, who had been sent flying, saw the scene, but his smile faded as the ground suddenly exploded. Two dark figures shot out, striking Yan Xiao.
“Hehe, Yan Xiao, remember not to get distracted when hunting. Hunter and hunted can easily switch roles,” the voice mocked, revealing pale faces—the very Soul Cliff duo they had pursued.
Painfully struck, Yan Xiao’s face went deathly pale, but a strange, unsettling smile formed on his face.
“I thought you two would hide forever!”
“Boom!” As Yan Xiao’s voice faded, his form exploded into nothingness.
“Trapped!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage