The monster let out an ear-splitting roar, its body trembling violently as though straining against itself.
Then, with terrifying resolve, it stabbed its own clawed hand into its abdomen.
Blood sprayed out in sickening arcs, and when the hand reemerged, it clutched a grotesque mass of blood-red crystal. The thing pulsed and shimmered ominously, veins of dark light crawling across its jagged surface like serpents.
Without hesitation, and with no dramatic pause, the monster shoved the crystal into its mouth and swallowed it whole.
Yu Xuan's eyes narrowed. He stepped to Lingluo's side and spoke in a low, steady voice. "This may be its ultimate move."
"You! Don't interfere, I can handle it!" Lingluo snapped, her aura flaring in defiance.
Yu Xuan raised his hands in surrender, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the dire situation. "Yes, yes. I know you can handle it, my amazing big sister. But we should also make sure you don't get caught in the collateral damage."
