"Junior Xiao Tian, be careful! Its berserk bloodline is activating!"
Senior Han Yue's voice rang out as she tried to pull Xiao Jietian back. But no matter how hard she tugged, he wouldn't budge.
"Senior Han Yue, stay behind me. Don't move."
Xiao Jietian gently shook off her hand, positioning her behind a golden-red shield that suddenly appeared before him. The shield radiated immense energy, a perfect barrier against the Bloodfiend Sky Ape charging at them.
The beast's claws struck the shield with a deafening screech. Sparks flew as the shield strained under the impact. Seizing the moment, Xiao Jietian's feet glowed with four-colored lightning, and he launched a brutal kick at the ape.
A dazzling explosion of light erupted as the giant ape was hurled backward, crashing into the ground with a thunderous boom, leaving a scorched patch of fur behind.
Han Yue's eyes widened as the shield transformed into Xiao Jietian's long halberd. Energy from the heavens and earth poured into it, swirling in four-colored brilliance.
"Moon Slash!"
The crescent-shaped arc of light tore through the air, slashing toward the ape. Roaring in desperation, the beast swung its massive claws, but the moon arc struck true. The creature's body split diagonally along its bloodline, and its life force faded instantly.
Xiao Jietian turned, his gaze softening as he looked at Han Yue. "You're safe now. How did you get yourself into such trouble?"
Han Yue exhaled shakily, her body still trembling from the near-death encounter. "I… I was searching for medicinal ingredients when I stumbled upon the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid. I didn't expect it to be guarded by a Tier 5 Magical Beast. I… I didn't stand a chance."
"The Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid is yours if you want it. I can keep it confidential for you." Xiao Jietian's words were calm, almost teasing.
Han Yue's eyes softened, showing no greed, only relief and gratitude. "Junior Xiao Tian… just letting me live is more than enough. The rest… I don't deserve."
Xiao Jietian smiled faintly. "Let's move. Follow me."
Han Yue hesitated. "Where? I thought you meant to let me lead the way."
"You worried I'd have ulterior motives? Your silver hair makes you look… exotic." Xiao Jietian's lips curved into a mischievous smile.
Han Yue flushed, indignant yet flustered. "I am not that kind of person! Forget it."
"Relax, I haven't taken a fancy to you yet. Full of righteous indignation, are we?" he teased, walking ahead.
Han Yue gritted her teeth, following closely behind, muttering, "I don't understand how Xun'er could fall for someone like you…"
"Twisted logic," Xiao Jietian replied over his shoulder. "Careful, or I'll tell Xun'er everything later."
The two reached a dark mountain cave at the valley's end. The entrance loomed twenty meters high, and a faint lingering aura from the Bloodfiend Sky Ape permeated the air.
Xiao Jietian handed Han Yue a moonstone. "Use this to illuminate the way."
She accepted it reluctantly, muttering about his lack of gentlemanly manners. The cave's interior was pitch-black, lit only by the moonstone's gentle glow.
After a minute of cautious walking, they reached the back of the cave. A pit lay ahead, surrounded by a pile of white fur. Han Yue's eyes scanned the ceiling, searching for hidden dangers. Nothing. Her heart sank.
Xiao Jietian's playful tone cut through the tension. "Looks like all that's left is a pile of Bloodfiend Sky Ape fur."
Han Yue pressed against the wall instinctively, a small white rabbit cornered by a predator.
"Xiao Jietian… I have no legs, no figure… surely you wouldn't be interested. Let me go first; I need to recover a bit," she stammered.
Xiao Jietian didn't answer, only raising his right hand. Battle Qi gathered around it, crackling with ominous energy.
Han Yue's eyes widened. The battle Qi pressed her against the wall; her body trembled, and she squeezed her eyes shut, realizing escape was impossible.
Xiao Jietian's grin was faint, unreadable, yet full of mischief. The dark cave echoed with the tension between them—a perfect blend of danger, teasing, and unspoken emotion.
The next move was about to unfold, the air thick with anticipation…