As the aroma of grilled fish spread, Soul Beasts began gathering in the shadows of the forest. Some hid behind bushes, some crouched on rocks, and some perched among the branches.
The first wave of attacks came quickly—more than a dozen Soul Beasts lunged at once from different directions.
Xiao Yun did not rise. He continued turning the grilled fish in his hands, but with a mere thought, the Flying Sword floated up from his waist and transformed into a streak of light that darted around him—the sword light passed through the beasts, leaving penetrating wounds across their bodies as blood sprayed everywhere.
The moment they were injured, nine Soul Beasts realized they could not win and turned to retreat into the forest.
The remaining four or five showed no intention of retreating and lunged even more viciously.
Xiao Yun showed no mercy to these Soul Beasts that did not know whether they were dead or alive. The Flying Sword struck again, this time leaving nine cross-shaped wounds on every beast. The wounds intersected as blood gushed out, and before several of the Soul Beasts could let out their final roars, they collapsed less than ten steps from the stone platform.
The corpses still radiated heat, but the smell of blood in the air was quickly overwhelmed by the fragrance of grilled fish.
With a wave of Xiao Yun's hand, the Soul Beast corpses were stored in Pagoda Space.
Xiao Wu's figure silently appeared behind Xiao Yun.
"Why did you come back?" Xiao Yun did not turn around. "I told you that you could move freely. You don't need to stand guard over me."
Xiao Wu sat down beside him. "Since I've sold myself to you, I won't go back on my word."
Xiao Yun did not reply. He handed