Chaos reigned in the city as terrified civilians flooded the streets, fleeing from the violent clash shaking the heavens above the Li estate. In the midst of the stampede, a lone fox moved with eerie calm, slipping effortlessly through the crowd.
With a single, graceful leap, the fox landed atop a nearby rooftop, its sharp eyes fixed on the estate. From its elevated vantage, it observed earth spears and spiritual swords suspended in the air, aimed at the center of the battlefield.
> "Hmm… looks like killing that many Foundation Establishment cultivators is beyond its strength," the fox mused, eyes narrowing in mild disappointment. "And that mid-stage cultivator isn't even joining the fight? Pity."
It flicked its tail, sighing.
"I was hoping to sneak in during the chaos and loot their treasury. A cultivator family like the Li's must have all kinds of treasures."
But seeing the tide of battle turning, the fox gave a resigned shrug.
"Oh well. Looks like it's already decided. Better vanish before someone notices me."
---
The Demonic Beast's Return
Back at the Li estate, the battle raged.
Li Feng Wei soared through the sky, his blazing sword roaring with power. With a fierce cry, he unleashed the Second Form of the Blazing Dragon Three Form Blade, swinging downward. A colossal dragon made of fire surged forth from his blade, roaring with fury as it hurtled toward the beast trapped below.
In unison, the other elders launched spiritual swords and earth spears, each weapon infused with immense spiritual energy. The fiery dragon dove like a living creature, jaws wide open, ready to consume its prey.
The combined attacks struck true, erupting in a deafening explosion that shook the entire city. Buildings crumbled under the pressure, smoke and debris blanketing the sky as a massive crater formed in the center of the estate.
Hovering in the air, Elder Li Zhao Ling frowned as she looked down at the devastation.
> "Fighting a demonic beast in the middle of the city… probably not the best idea," she muttered.
"We should have lured it out first."
Li Feng Wei laughed triumphantly.
> "Hahaha! Maybe—but it's too late now! That thing's finished!"
But then, a sickening wet cough broke the momentary silence.
Everyone's gaze snapped downward—only to see Lizarius slowly materializing behind the poisoned elder. His tail was already piercing through the elder's neck. With a flick, he withdrew it, letting the corpse crumple to the ground.
Shock spread across the elders' faces.
---
Unscathed: The Core's Destruction
(A few seconds earlier...)
Inside the Mountain-Suppressing Formation, Lizarius struggled to move. The powerful Weight of the formation bound his physical form, keeping him grounded. His body trembled as spiritual energy flared within.
Tiny sparks of lightning flickered across his scales.
> "Hmm..." he thought, recalling what the system had told him earlier. "This formation suppresses only physical objects… but not
Elements. That means I can still use lightning."
Golden eyes glowing.
His claws dug deep into the earth as he forced himself upright. Lightning surged more violently across his scales, each spark building in strength and intensity. The attacks from above neared—flame dragons, swords, spears, all converging on his location.
And then—
CRACK!
A blinding bolt of lightning erupted from Lizarius's horns, arcing through the air It struck the formation Core flags dead-on, obliterating it in an instant.
The formation shattered. The bindings vanished.
With no time to spare, Lizarius spread his wings and burst into motion. A streak of light and shadow, he vanished just as the elders' combined attack slammed into the crater, missing him entirely.
Invisible now, lightning still crackling along his scales, he darted toward the poisoned elder still sitting cross leg meditating within Elder Sun Qian's shimmering protective barrier.
He hovered for a heartbeat, curious.
> "Hmm… What is this?"