Li Feng Wei narrowed his eyes.
"Hmph... dual elements. It can use fire as well."
One of the elders from the 2nd layer quickly leapt forward, raising his hand.
A massive earth wall erupted from the ground, just in time to intercept the oncoming flames. The fire struck, exploding against the wall with a thunderous crash. Though it held for a moment, the wall shattered under the force, sending jagged stone fragments flying in all directions.
Suddenly—
Lizarius, now completely invisible, appeared beside Li Zhao Ling, golden eyes glowing with deadly intent.
Lightning crackled along his tail, which was already mid-strike, aimed directly at her neck.
> "This one's the strongest of them. Kill it, and killing the rest will be easy."
—Lizarius thought coldly.
His tail struck—
—but was blocked by a sudden shimmering barrier.
Li Zhao Ling's eyes widened. She hadn't sensed a thing—no sound, no hint of killing intent. And yet she was already under attack.
She reacted instantly, swinging her sword with precision.
Clang!
The blade met Lizarius's wings. Though he managed to block, the force of the blow sent him flying backwards.
As he skidded back, now partially visible, Lizarius spread his wings and came to a controlled landing. His glowing eyes locked onto the elders.
Smoke and dust filled the battlefield.
Li Zhao Ling stood firm, her sharp gaze cutting through the haze. Her heart pounded.
> "What kind of beast is this?" she thought, teeth clenched. "I didn't even sense it approaching—not a sound, not a flicker of killing intent. Even when it attacked, my divine sense failed to detect it. I only reacted after the blow had already landed..."
She touched the talisman on her chest.
"If not for this defensive talisman... I would've died just now."
She turned to the others.
(Sound Transmission)
"If you don't want to die, you better get serious. That thing almost killed me—and I didn't even sense its presence until its attack hit. It vanished, only to reappear the moment it struck."
Li Feng Wei stepped forward, eyes narrowed.
(Sound Transmission)
"Yeah... and it can use both fire and lightning elements."
Li Zhao Ling glanced at her sword, remembering the impact.
(Sound Transmission)
> "And that defense... even my Earth-Grade weapon couldn't scratch its scales."
One of the elders added grimly,
( Sound Transmission)
"It went straight for Elder Li Zhao Ling, the strongest among us. If it had gone for any of us instead—it would have killed us instantly. This thing's not just strong... it's intelligent."
Lizarius's eyes narrowed slightly what was that as a voice echoed in his mind.
> "A defensive talisman capable of blocking a strike from a late-stage Foundation Establishment ?"
Another elder spat,
"A demonic beast like this can't be allowed to live. We end it here and now."
Li Feng Wei smiled, releasing a burst of spiritual energy.
Gripping his blade tightly, he stepped into his stance.
"Then let's not waste time."
He raised his sword, flames erupting along its edge.
"Blazing Dragon Three Form Blade—First Form: Scorching Ember Slash!"
In a flash, he vanished, reappearing before Lizarius in the blink of an eye.
"Let's see if it can handle this!"
He swung his sword in a wide, flaming arc straight toward the beast.