“In a one-on-one fight, I could gain the upper hand within ten breaths and kill it within thirty,” Shi Kun replied with a furrowed brow.
“Oh? What if three or four, or even a dozen of such shadow beasts appeared before you at once?” Liu Shui’er asked with a faint, knowing smile.
“If they all had this level of strength, I wouldn’t be confident of victory against more than three. Against five or more, I’d certainly lose. Against ten or more, I’d flee without hesitation,” Shi Kun admitted reluctantly, his lips twitching slightly.
“Exactly. From what I know, the Shadow Beast Forest is home to tens of thousands of shadow beasts, and their abilities vary greatly. According to ancient records, the one we just encountered was slightly weaker than an average adult shadow beast—otherwise, it wouldn’t have struggled so long against that serpent. Beyond ordinary shadow beasts, there are two higher-tier variants. One is the Three-Eyed Shadow Beast, which is far more powerful than the average and possesses a third eye that can unleash a sinister beam. If struck, the victim’s body instantly turns to withered wood—a formidable threat. The other is the King-Class Shadow Beast, whose fur is not black but pure gold. Its true strength is unknown, but legends say that only one senior cultivator in the past ever glimpsed it leading hundreds of adult shadow beasts in a stampede through the forest,” Liu Shui’er explained gravely.
“I’ve read similar records. Against a Three-Eyed Shadow Beast, I estimate I could handle one, but two would be uncertain. As for the golden shadow beast, if it commands entire packs, its power must far surpass even the Three-Eyed variant. Even if we joined forces, we’d likely be no match. But given its rarity, we probably won’t be unlucky enough to encounter it. No need to worry excessively,” Han Li said calmly.
“That makes sense. We never intended to provoke such creatures—just to sneak through the forest over the next month. It’s a pity we can’t fly overhead; that would let us cross in just days. Traveling on foot will take ten times as long,” Liu Shui’er sighed.
“We can afford the time, and we have no other choice. Flying would mean facing dozens, if not hundreds, of shadow beasts at once,” Han Li said with a wry smile.
“I’m well aware. According to past experiences, shadow beasts are weakened by half during the day, so the forest is heavily guarded then. Many Three-Eyed beasts patrol deliberately in daylight. At night, their strength surges, but vigilance relaxes, and high-tier beasts return to their caves to cultivate and rest,” Liu Shui’er nodded slightly.
“So we travel at night and rest by day? I assumed it’d be the opposite!” Shi Kun sounded surprised.
“I agree with Liu Shui’er. Besides high-tier beasts being active in daylight, our concealment methods are also weakened by a third then. It’d be hard to evade detection by Three-Eyed beasts—multi-eyed creatures often have innate abilities to see through illusions. Even if shadow beasts are weakened by day, being surrounded by hundreds would be no different from night. Better to travel under cover of darkness,” Han Li reasoned after a moment’s thought.
“Ah, your arguments make sense. Very well, we’ll move at night,” Shi Kun conceded, his opposition fading.
“Since neither of you object, we’ll set off soon. The sooner we leave this forest, the better. By the way, do you have suitable concealment methods?” Liu Shui’er nodded in satisfaction before posing a sudden question.
“What do you mean? Do you have a superior method to aid us?” Han Li, ever sharp, instantly grasped her implication.
“Brother Han is astute. Before this journey, I borrowed three *Thousand Illusion Veils* from my master. These treasures can transform the wearer into any desired form. Unless someone deliberately scans with divine sense, detection is impossible unless we act. I’m sure you both have your own concealment methods, but for blending in seamlessly, this is ideal. Even if spotted, we can deceive other shadow beasts,” the cloaked woman chuckled, producing three shimmering silver masks from her palm.
“*Thousand Illusion Veils*! I’ve long heard of these! They’re a unique treasure of your master’s making. If you’re lending them, I won’t hesitate!” Shi Kun’s eyes lit up as he snatched one eagerly, examining it closely.
Han Li, having spent little time in Cloud City, had never heard of them. But Shi Kun’s excitement spoke volumes.
Expressing thanks, Han Li also took one, studying it curiously.
The so-called *Thousand Illusion Veil* was as thin as silk yet oddly cool to the touch. Even Han Li couldn’t identify its material.
More striking were the silver runes etched on its surface—varying in size, each no larger than a bean, yet profoundly intricate.
Upon seeing them, Han Li’s expression flickered slightly, unnoticed by most but caught by the cloaked woman.
“Brother Han, have you seen this before?” she asked, surprise coloring her tone.
“Since it’s Senior Cai’s exclusive treasure, how could I have?” Han Li replied smoothly, masking his unease.
“Then why did you—” she pressed.
“The material is peculiar. I pride myself on broad knowledge, yet I can’t place it. A bit embarrassing,” Han Li deflected with a light smile.
“Ah. My master once mentioned these are crafted from the hides of seven rare spirit beasts, fused into one. No wonder you couldn’t recognize it!” Liu Shui’er seemed to accept his explanation, offering a gentle clarification.
“I stand enlightened,” Han Li feigned ignorance, tracing the silver runes with his fingers while his mind raced.
These runes were unmistakably the *Silver Script* from the *Golden Jade Tome*. Their presence here shocked him.
*If this treasure is Cai Liuxing’s exclusive creation, does she possess a page from the tome too?* he mused silently.
Just then, Liu Shui’er spoke again:
“Though miraculous, this treasure doesn’t transform instantly. To mimic a living creature, you’ll need some of its flesh, blood, or fur. A complete pelt ensures flawless transformation.”
“Fur? Easy. We’ll hunt a few lone shadow beasts. That one earlier would’ve been perfect—it couldn’t have gone far,” Shi Kun grinned darkly. Yellow light flared at his feet as he sank soundlessly into the ground.
Liu Shui’er hesitated but didn’t stop him. Soon, Shi Kun vanished without a trace.
“Letting him go alone—is that wise?” she murmured to Han Li.
“You didn’t object, so you must deem it safe. I agree. I’ve scanned the area—no other shadow beasts within a hundred *li*. With Shi Kun’s ambush tactics, he’ll succeed,” Han Li said coolly, eyes narrowing.
Liu Shui’er fell silent.
Half an hour later, yellow light flashed where Shi Kun had disappeared. He emerged, tossing a shadow beast’s pelt onto the ground.
“Will this suffice for my transformation?” he asked proudly.
“Not a single wound! Perfect. I’ll teach you the incantation. You can test it now,” Liu Shui’er replied after inspecting it.
She tossed the pelt back and began reciting an arcane chant, transmitting it to Han Li and Shi Kun via soundless speech.
Both memorized it intently.
Once finished, Shi Kun’s eyes gleamed. He flung the pelt into the air, then hurled the *Thousand Illusion Veil* toward it.
Silver runes flared as the pelt descended onto him, enveloping his form.
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