Beauty Saves the Hero

Ravines on the first layer are teeming with ordinary beasts and ten-year Soul Beasts. As long as Soul Masters are cautious, they can pass through without incident.

The number of Guardian Knights patrolling this area is minimal, with only symbolic defenses stationed where poisonous snakes and other ferocious beasts are known to emerge.

What's more, Tuoba Yan's location happens to be within a grazing area for herbivorous Soul Beasts, meaning he's unlikely to encounter any patrolling Guardian Knights.

Tuoba Yan asked in a low voice, "Who are you? Why did you want to kill me?"

The masked man ignored Tuoba Yan's question and addressed Zhang Ping, Xie Yue, and Hu Li Na again: "I'll count to three, leave immediately, or else… die!"

Zhang Ping cried out, "Tuoba Yan, run! We'll hold him off!"

Hu Li Na hesitated.

Xie Yue chimed in, "She's right. She's the one you want. This is Spirit Hall territory; I don't think he'll kill us. Tuoba Yan, run!"

Tuoba Yan paused, "Are you sure?"

The masked man, brandishing a knife, charged towards Tuoba Yan. Soul Rings appeared around Xie Yue's body.

After a period of cultivation, Xie Yue had reached the fourth Soul Ring, becoming a Fourth-Ring Soul Elder.

Originally, Xie Yue's cultivation level was not enough to break through to the Soul Elder realm before the age of fourteen. But after being defeated by Tuoba Yan, he had been diligently cultivating.

He had now reached the level of a fourth Soul Ring, radiating a yellow light.

"My Second Soul Skill – Dark Moon Shield!"

A shield of dark light enveloped Xie Yue.

"My Second Soul Skill – Ice Edge - Mountain Shatter!"

Xie Yue unleashed his Second Soul Skill.

"Fox Spirit Transformation!"

Xie Yue transformed into a fox spirit.

"Ice Storm!"

Xie Yue unleashed a blizzard of ice.

"Fourth Soul Skill · Ice Edge - Mountain Shatter!"

A fourth Soul Ring illuminated on the masked man's feet, pulsing rapidly. A steady stream of frigid energy coalesced into the icy blade he held.

"Second Soul Skill · Bewitching Charm!"

Hu Li Na didn't passively await her fate; her pupils glowed with a pink light.

For a moment, the masked man appeared disoriented.

At the same time, Xie Yue charged toward the masked man, his Moon Blade held high.

"Whoosh!"

The sound of wind slicing through the air echoed.

Before Xie Yue could even strike, the masked man broke free from Hu Li Na's control. He slammed his charged battle-axe into the ground, creating a linear fissure of ice that stretched outwards.

Xie Yue, caught in the path of the icy blade, was sent flying backward, blood splattering in the air. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

"Brother!"

Hu Li Na cried out in anguish. She lunged toward Xie Yue, but a blade struck her, sending her crashing to the ground with a second burst of blood.

The masked man gazed at Hu Li Na, her large eyes radiating an alluring aura. "Heh heh heh, I've played with so many women, but I've never met one as captivating as you. Rest assured, I'll cherish you very much."

"Third Soul Skill · Fox Spirit Transformation!"

As Hu Li Na's third Soul Ring flared to life, her ears began to sharpen, and her hair turned fiery red. Her bewitching eyes and vibrant face even seemed to exude an alluring aura.

Fox Spirit Transformation: Hu Li Na's third Soul Skill. Increases Spirit Power and attack power by 150%, and speed and strength by 200%. Combined with her First Soul Skill, it significantly enhances attack effectiveness.

"First Soul Skill · Eerie Foxfire!"

Six pink foxfires hovered before Hu Li Na, lined up in a row.

With a wave of her hand, the six searing foxfires launched in different directions toward the masked man.

"Third Soul Skill · Ice Whirlwind!"

The masked man raised his battle-axe. The axe spun rapidly around him, forming a whirlwind of ice.

This Soul Skill continuously deals multiple instances of ice damage within a 3-meter radius, while also dispelling minor negative status effects, including burning.

Ice negates fire.

Hu Li Na's First Soul Skill was completely countered by the masked man.

Combined with the disparity in their Soul Power, the Eerie Foxfires dissipated upon contact with the Ice Whirlwind.

As the masked man closed in on Hu Li Na, her second Soul Ring flared again.

At the same time, Hu Li Na retrieved a dagger from a Storage Soul Guide Device and lunged toward the masked man's throat.

At the last possible moment, the masked man broke free from Hu Li Na's charm once more, seizing her hand holding the dagger.

He knocked the dagger from her grasp, a mocking laugh escaping his lips. "Heh heh heh, I must admit, you're the most captivating woman I've ever seen."

"Bang!" The masked man instantly knocked Hu Li Na unconscious, his clawed hand stroking her smooth, long legs.

"Leave that girl alone!"