The ethereal rift suddenly closed, as if it had never appeared.
When Huai Shi opened his eyes, he heard a continuous, sharp crackling sound. From his back and limb joints, metallic Sharp Blades sprung out one after another, making him resemble a suit of Armor covered with barbs and blades. He had become a living, breathing Killing Machine.
"PTOOEY!"
Huai Shi spat on the ground. Smoothing it out with his hand, he made a makeshift mirror. He looked himself over and clicked his tongue in admiration. "Ah, I've gotten even more handsome! As expected of me!"
With that, the immense wolf head slowly rose. He looked coldly at the surrounding Giant Beasts, his gaze landing on Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's face. "Hey, kid. Want a screen protector? Free of charge—"
Without a word, Emperor Penguin Shuangyue took to the sky and quickly retreated behind his teammates. From Huai Shi's utterly empty-looking skull, Shuangyue read unmistakable ferocity and murderous intent, as well as an indescribable malice. It was as if the Abyss itself had opened before him.
"Attack!" Shuangyue roared.
"Alright." Huai Shi nodded. Instantly, he executed a Space Break. His tail lifted, the Great Sword swung in a full circle, and came chopping down at Shuangyue's skull!
CRASH!
Invisible Psychokinesis forcibly stopped the sword, but the Axe of Anger's degrading effect on Source Substance still struck Shuangyue unerringly. It felt as if someone had smashed a hammer into his forehead with all their might.
Emperor Penguin Shuangyue fell from the sky, blood seeping from his mouth, nose, and the corners of his eyes. As for his ears... well, I have no idea where a penguin's ears are, Huai Shi mused.
Ignoring the other Giant Beasts' onslaught, Huai Shi seized the opportunity—striking while the iron was hot. He swung his tail with the Sword Blade again. CHOP!
At the critical moment, a Pterosaur-like Giant Beast lifted its wings, blocking the Sword Blade like a Tower Shield. Sparks flew, and the Pterosaur's eyes twitched wildly. The membrane of its wings was instantly punctured, a large hole torn through it as easily as piercing kraft paper. More fatally, it felt its blood being continuously siphoned by that sinister Great Sword, becoming part of the ornate engravings and decorations on the blade's spine. Breathing became difficult.
Ignoring the attacks from a giant bull and a tiger, Huai Shi swung his Sword Blade again. CHOP!
Half a wing flew into the sky as the Pterosaur screamed in agony.
And Huai Shi took another deep breath.
Damn it! Why does this bastard's breath attack cool down so quickly?! everyone thought in horror.
Everyone recoiled, only to see Huai Shi let out a contented burp, bare his teeth, and flash a mocking smile at them. "Don't worry, just kidding," he said.
The Wolf Beast stepped forward—Four-fold Yu Step!—and swept out with its Sword Blade!
The winged White Tiger let out a mournful cry as blood erupted from it. Then, invisible Psychokinesis pierced its eye socket, instantly penetrating its brain. Dead.
Immediately after, Huai Shi, now bathed in the White Tiger's blood, was upon the Pterosaur in an instant! The Pterosaur roared and charged at him, spitting a rain of dark green acid. The corrosive liquid hissed and bubbled even on steel. Before its mouth could close, Huai Shi forcefully pried it open again.
"You like to spit, huh?" Huai Shi said, studying its throat. He expertly opened his own mouth—HOCK... PTOOEY!!!
Between his Iron Claws, the Pterosaur's mouth was forced shut. The beast struggled frantically as smoke rose from its features... actual thick smoke, as if its flesh were burning.
When Huai Shi casually tossed it to the ground, half of its head was thoroughly cooked, exuding an appetizing aroma. Unfortunately, no crying child from next door was around to enhance the atmosphere, he thought. But having a penguin cry out a few times wouldn't be bad either.
Huai Shi gazed with amusement at Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's shocked expression, slowly approaching step by step. Other ferocious beasts wanted to intervene, but they were repelled by the Wolf Beast's glare. The vast battlefield around them was now eerily empty in this spot. Invisible Psychokinesis manipulated the surrounding air, forming sharp spikes that blocked Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's escape routes, cornering him.
"Wait a minute, Huai Shi, let's negotiate!"
Emperor Penguin Shuangyue wasn't panicked. He remained composed in the face of danger and said, "I'm willing to exchange information about this Witch's Dream, if only you'll listen! Information about the 'Destructive Element'—don't you want to know?"
"Oh, the Ranch Owner, is it?" Huai Shi moved forward indifferently. "You're not trying to trade that for your life, are you?"
"Being killed here just means withdrawing and starting over. You can't truly kill me, so what's this talk of trading for my life?" Emperor Penguin Shuangyue answered calmly. "But what if I told you this involves more than just the Ranch Owner? Would you still be willing to listen then?"
Huai Shi paused for a moment, stunned.
This bastard wouldn't be trying to fool me, would he? He knew that Abyss Evolution Theory could be connected to the Ranch Owner, but how could a Witch's Dream involve another Destructive Element? There are twenty-four Destructive Elements in total, and one mere experiment involves two of them? Are Utopia's Creators really that bold?
In that instant, Huai Shi suddenly felt his Death Perception activate. A chill spread throughout his body. Without hesitation, he turned and bolted, charging straight for the Lizard Man's city walls. He ignored everything else, warily scanning his surroundings. He had no idea where this sense of impending death came from.
Emperor Penguin Shuangyue was also taken aback. Although he didn't understand why Huai Shi would suddenly turn and leave without even hearing the information, Shuangyue's first reaction after his narrow escape was also to quickly retreat to the city.
Just as he took a step, he heard it.
A distant song resounded from high above.
The deep, heavy cries were like a song—melodious yet hoarse, filled with pain and sorrow.
A somber song arose from the Vault of Heaven.
Suddenly, it descended upon the battlefield!