The iron sheen galloping through the sky sketched a sharp angle. Leveraging its exaggerated muscular strength and Yu Step techniques, it brutally defied the laws of physics. It bore nearly double the pressure from acceleration in an instant before springing backward.
It charged straight toward the giant owl that had just flickered into existence from the sky!
Its speed didn't slow in the slightest. On the contrary, by breaking through its original inertial potential, its velocity erupted anew, surpassing all previous limits.
Using sprints or retreats to build momentum—this was the perfected Yu Step technique: Crow Sits on the Airplane!
In the reflection of the giant owl's suddenly contracting pupils, Huai Shi's long tail swayed, and his Great Sword ripped through the air, spurting burning radiance.
With the Wolf Beast's howl, it cleaved downward again.
"You're a disgrace! Get lost!"
Drummer!
The Heaven Drums in the void seemed to be struck in that instant, exploding with thunderous roars.
Simply by relying on his absurdly powerful muscles, and despite his own crude technique, Huai Shi unleashed astonishing explosive power comparable to Luo Lao's.
The force of his entire body concentrated into a single sword strike, causing the blade to instantly vibrate like a bee's wings.
It was a mere sweeping pass. The deformed giant owl stood dumbfounded. It looked down in astonishment, finding itself seemingly intact. Could its phase shift just moments ago have been successful? Then, it noticed the thick, metallic taste of blood welling up in its lungs. From its nostrils and mouth, a sharp, iron light erupted, expanding from the inside out.
It burst apart.
Blood spurted from its perforated body, staining the entire Giant Wolf blood-red—a One-shot kill!
Then, a hidden arrow struck in ambush! Just as Huai Shi claimed victory, a silent arrow burst from the shadows. It rushed toward his face, perfectly seizing his brief moment of vulnerability. After accumulating power for an unknown amount of time, the arrow tore through Huai Shi's scales and embedded itself deep in his neck.
It was incredibly close to Huai Shi's carotid artery!
Well, about twenty centimeters away. Just about the distance for a premium membership perk.
A real pity.
The blood-soaked, ferocious Wolf Beast had already detected the arrow's origin. With the projectile still lodged in its neck, it turned its head emotionlessly to look towards the other end of the battlefield, at the Centaur who thought she had succeeded.
Huai Shi cracked a 'benevolent' smile. His lips parted, silently greeting her.
"I see you," he mouthed.
Instantly, the massive Centaur was terrified. She turned to flee into the city behind her. A Legion of Elves with pointed ears, clad in Armor, sheltered her within their ranks, recklessly throwing themselves at Huai Shi to provide cover.
But no matter how one looked at it, they were bound to be effortlessly crushed by the Giant Wolf, right?
The Centaur didn't care how many Elves would be lost; it wouldn't matter if they all died. She just wanted to escape, because the bone-chilling horror felt like it was drawing nearer and nearer, a feeling like a tumor clinging to her bones. Dropping her cumbersome greatbow, she forged ahead, hooves pounding as she charged toward the open city gate.
If only I can make it inside, I'll be safe, she thought.
But cries of agony suddenly erupted from behind her, then just as suddenly, they ceased. So quickly.
Silence reigned once more.
A chill born from her own consciousness froze her on the spot, paralyzed. Fear, like a creeping reptile, crawled up her spine.
Then, a bone-chilling greeting sounded by her ear.
"Well, well, little sister…"
A wolf's head peeked out from behind her shoulder, its human-head-sized eyes glaring at her with amusement. "Who were you aiming for, hmm?"
"Huai Shi, we're all part of the Astronomical Society! We're on the same side, don't attack!"
At the critical moment, Emperor Penguin Shuangyue finally rushed over, frantic. "Don't kill her! I can offer you critical information in exchange!"
Several Great Spirits followed close behind, their murderous intent coldly fixed on Huai Shi, pressuring him to make a decision.
"What information? I'm quite interested," Huai Shi said, turning to look at Emperor Penguin Shuangyue. He seemed to be reconsidering, then grinned. "But... I much prefer killing one of our own..."
Shuangyue's expression changed instantly. He triggered his Psychokinesis, clashing with Fu Yi in the void, but it was too late to stop what was coming.
Huai Shi took a deep breath.
Second Five's Breath · Nine Stages!
Metal Spit!
One of the most terrifying breath attacks among all Explorer Skills, it instantly engulfed the Centaur, turning her into a charred corpse coated in a thin film of metal, leaving no time for even a scream.
Then, blood spurted from Huai Shi's own body. He threw his head back and let out a long howl to the heavens.
In that brief moment, Huai Shi once again underwent an evolution.
A sudden trance overcame him, and darkness flooded his vision. It was as if a rift leading to the Abyss had opened before him. Pairs of malevolent eyes stared at Huai Shi. Wherever their gazes passed, deep-seated resentment and darkness surfaced from within Huai Shi's Soul, afflicting him with new deformities.
An overwhelming tide of despair, pain, and madness flooded into Huai Shi's Soul.
"BURP~"
Huai Shi let out a contented groan, gazing expectantly into the Abyss.
Is there more?
More More!
The countless eyes within the Abyss hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly averted their gaze.
Mom, there's a freak here!