Lizarius eyed the shimmering barrier with cold calculation. It's just like the talisman that human used to block my attack, he thought, recalling that brief, frustrating encounter.
> System Analysis: Defensive Talisman – Mortal Grade, Mid-Tier. Capable of withstanding the attack of a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The strength of a mid-stage cultivator... His golden eyes glowed fiercely. So I just need to keep hitting it until it breaks.
Still invisible, Lizarius hovered beside the barrier, lightning crackling across his scales. Energy surged, gathering along the gleaming golden scales of his tail. With lethal precision, he swung.
CLANG!
The tail struck with the sound of iron crashing against iron. But the barrier didn't even flicker—untouched.
Inside, Elder Sun Qian's gaze narrowed. He turned sharply, scanning his surroundings. Stretching out his divine sense, he searched—but found nothing.
There's nothing here... yet the barrier was clearly attacked. A chill crept down his spine. Unless the attacker is invisible... and can avoid my divine sense. He clenched his fists. There might be more than one of that demonic beast. Or worse—it survived. If it's still alive, I have to warn the others.
Outside, lightning danced again along Lizarius's scales. He coiled his tail, condensed the crackling energy, then struck once more.
This time, the barrier cracked. Then—
SHATTER.
It broke like glass under a hammer blow.
Elder Sun Qian spun around, alarm flashing in his eyes. His gaze locked on the poisoned elder, still seated cross-legged. But his eyes were wide and lifeless now, and a deep, bloody hole gaped in his throat.
Behind him stood Lizarius—his golden eyes glowing, his body slowly fading into view.
He's alive! Elder Sun Qian's heart pounded.
Lizarius yanked his tail from the corpse, which collapsed to the floor with a dull thud. Without pause, the beast lashed his tail again, flinging a volley of golden scales toward the surviving elder.
Sun Qian reacted instantly. He swung his arm, and a massive palm made of spiritual energy surged forward, slamming into the incoming projectiles. The clash sent sparks flying— deflecting the scales.
I need to get away—fast! he thought, already retreating. I'm only in the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment. I'll die if I try to fight it head-on! Just blocking its scales was lucky enough!
But Lizarius wasn't done.
Lightning crackled furiously along his form. With a powerful beat of his wings, he launched himself forward, moving like a thunderbolt across the battlefield.
Just need to stay out of reach until the other elders arrive—
That thought was cut short. Lizarius was suddenly there, right in front of him. Jaws wide open.
It's fast! Elder Sun Qian froze. Didn't even sense it move! Too late to dodge—
The beast bit down on his neck—but was stopped.
A transparent, glass-like barrier had wrapped around the elder's body, glowing faintly. The talisman had activated.
Lizarius's eyes narrowed, his fangs grinding against the shield. He let out a low, rumbling hum.
Good thing I had a defensive talisman on, Sun Qian thought, hope flaring. It's just a low-tier one, but it'll buy me a few seconds—enough to escape!
Lightning surged down Lizarius's body, focusing in his jaws.
He bit down harder.
CRACK.
The shield fractured—then shattered.