"Qin Tian, use the War Tree to bind the Trial Puppet with Root Strangulation!"
Qin Tian is undoubtedly one of Kyoto's top talents.
As soon as Gu Xing gave the command, Qin Tian promptly directed the War Tree to launch an attack.
"War Tree, deploy Ironwood Barrier to enhance root strength! Then use Root Strangulation, target the puppet's limbs!"
The War Tree's dark, thick roots burst from the earth like massive pythons, tightly wrapping around the Trial Puppet's limbs just as it began to form.
The metallic sheen of these layered roots enveloped the puppet airtight.
While Qin Tian took action, Gu Xing was not idle either.
Almost simultaneously, Liu Li was engulfed in crimson flames as she fully entered her Blazing Angel Form.
She transformed into a fiery streak, shooting straight toward the puppet, distorting the air in her path.
Gu Xing turned to Ying Bing, "Ying Bing, let the Ice Phoenix unleash a Frost Storm! Freeze its joints!"
"Understood!"
The Profound Frost Ice Phoenix let out a clear cry and rose from Ying Bing's shoulder.
With its wings spread, its form expanded rapidly, and in moments it returned to its true self over two meters tall.
It flapped its wings, and a biting cold rush flowed toward the puppet, forming thick ice crystals at the joints entwined by roots.
Gu Xing's gaze remained locked on Liu Li.
This was currently the only way he could think to defeat the Trial Puppet.
If the Trial Puppet were to activate its Stable Barrier, its defense would further strengthen.
Their chance to kill this Trial Puppet would be exceedingly slim.
Therefore, they had to resolve it before the Trial Puppet could react.
"Judgment!"
Liu Li's momentum soared as she flew, leaving a dazzling trail of fire with the Blazing Angel's Wings behind her.
As she approached the puppet, the flames enveloping her became as bright as the rising sun.
Upon seeing this, Qin Tian and Ying Bing's eyes flickered with joy.
They could clearly sense that Liu Li's current aura was comparable to that of the Trial Puppet.
As long as their control remained steady...
They would definitely pass this trial!
However—
Gu Xing's expression was somewhat grave at that moment.
His gaze was firmly fixed on the Trial Puppet, with a rising tide of unease in his heart.
It's too easy!
Everything was proceeding far too smoothly!
According to his expectations, Qin Tian and Ying Bing's success in controlling the Trial Puppet was less than thirty percent, but the reality was...
They had managed to bind it almost effortlessly!
Something was off!
At the moment when the red light in the Trial Puppet's eyes surged, Gu Xing's heart tightened sharply, and a strong sense of crisis overwhelmed him.
"Liu Li, retreat immediately!"
Upon hearing Gu Xing's shout, although Liu Li was puzzled, she did not hesitate to follow her master's orders.
She swiftly retracted the Blazing Angel's Wings, retreating at high speed!
"Boom—!"
Almost simultaneously—
The War Tree's roots crumbled inch by inch!
The ice from the Profound Frost Ice Phoenix instantly melted!
The Trial Puppet clenched its fists and slammed them into the ground like a meteor!—
"Realm-Breaking Hammer!"
"Boom—!"
The violent shockwave swept out, cracking the ground and sending shards flying!
Liu Li narrowly dodged the blow, though the edge of the Blazing Angel's Wings was brushed by the aftermath, causing the blazing flames to flicker intensely.
Liu Li was shocked within:
"If I had been half a second slower..."
With the Trial Puppet's terrifying power of 340 points, plus skill amplification...
Even in her Blazing Angel Form, this strike would have gravely injured her, bringing her near death!
Upon seeing Liu Li successfully avoid the attack, Gu Xing sighed in relief.
But soon enough, looking at the situation on the field, his heart tensed once again.
He guessed correctly!
This Trial Puppet...
Is not a lifeless object, but possesses combat wisdom!
The Trial Puppet's initial target was Liu Li.
That's why it feigned being controlled by the War Tree and Profound Frost Ice Phoenix.
The purpose was merely to lure Liu Li closer, then launch a surprise attack.
To eliminate the strongest threat on the field.
"Roar—!"
Missing its strike, the Trial Puppet's scarlet mechanical eyes swiftly turned toward the War Tree!
"Qin Tian! Quickly have the War Tree retreat!"
However—
Too late!
The Trial Puppet's speed was as fast as lightning; almost as Gu Xing spoke, it turned into a blur charging at the War Tree!
"Realm-Breaking Hammer!"
The War Tree hastily raised an Ironwood Barrier, but the huge attribute gap left it unable to defend—
"Bang—!"
Amidst the dull sound of impact, the War Tree was hurled away like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into the circular hall's wall, its fate unknown!
"Puff—!"
Qin Tian's face turned pale, spitting blood and then fainting.
A Beast Master's spiritual power is linked to the Guardian Beast; with the War Tree critically damaged, he could not escape harm.
The Trial Puppet's gaze shifted again, this time—
It locked onto the Profound Frost Ice Phoenix!
"Liu Li! Save the Ice Phoenix!"
Gu Xing shouted sharply.
If the Profound Frost Ice Phoenix suffered further damage, this trial... could be declared a failure.
Fortunately, Liu Li's Speed Attribute at that moment was nearly 50 points higher than the Trial Puppet!
She turned into a scarlet stream of light, pulling the Profound Frost Ice Phoenix out of danger before the Trial Puppet's massive fist slammed down!
"Swish—!"
The Blazing Angel's Wings stirred up a scorching gust, and Liu Li landed steadily beside Gu Xing with the Ice Phoenix.
Then she spread her wings, shielding the two people and the beast behind her, vigilantly watching the distant Trial Puppet.
The battle situation had taken a drastic turn!
Qin Tian was unconscious, and the War Tree lost combat power.
The original plan to encircle and kill collapsed in the face of this Trial Puppet with instinctive combat awareness!
Ying Bing's expression was grim, turning to Gu Xing and speaking in a low voice:
"Gu Xing, what should we do now?"
Gu Xing did not immediately answer.
His mind was racing as his gaze swept back and forth between the Trial Puppet and Liu Li.
"Awakened 8th Rank strength, crushing-level attributes..."
Unless using Liu Li's Finishing Technique, it's nearly impossible to defeat it head-on!
But if that happens, his only Guardian Beast will enter slumber, and Liu Li's growth rate will undoubtedly be greatly delayed.
As he weighed the pros and cons, Ying Bing suddenly spoke in a deep voice:
"If I can control it, can you guarantee a kill?"
Gu Xing turned sharply, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Noticing the skills of the Ice Phoenix, he immediately grasped Ying Bing's intent.
Profound Frost Ice Phoenix's Finishing Technique!
Although it would also leave the Guardian Beast weakened, the cost was far smaller than Liu Li's!
Gu Xing's gaze returned to Liu Li, then without hesitation, he nodded:
"As long as you can control it, Liu Li can certainly resolve this Trial Puppet."
Ying Bing heard his words, and fighting spirit ignited in his eyes!
"Profound Frost Ice Phoenix, unleash Frost Ring Imprisonment!"
...
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