Nightmare Beast

Zhu Zhuqing let out a sigh of relief. Bai Ying looked at the ten-thousand-year soul ring that had appeared above the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's corpse and said, "Absorb it quickly."

Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes and focused entirely on absorbing the soul ring. The fluctuations of Soul Power around her gradually intensified, complementing the radiance of the ten-thousand-year soul ring. Meanwhile, Bai Ying busied himself beside the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's enormous corpse.

He meticulously searched every part of the tiger's body, overlooking neither a single inch of skin nor a single strand of fur. Finally, he discovered a faintly raised spot on its abdomen. Bai Ying carefully enveloped his palm in Soul Power and pressed down gently. Then, a crystal-clear pearl the size of a fist slowly emerged.

The pearl emitted a faint purple glow and seemed to contain immense energy. A trace of delight flashed through Bai Ying's eyes as he carefully cradled it in his hands, as though afraid it might shatter at any moment. This was the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's Life Pearl, containing the essence and power of its entire life.

Holding the Life Pearl of the ten-thousand-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, Bai Ying was beside himself with excitement.

Just then, Bai Ying's gaze inadvertently fell upon the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's massive corpse. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves and fell across the body, reflecting a strange gleam. He moved closer and discovered that the light was coming from one of the tiger's legs.

He crouched down and examined it closely. A spot on the tiger's leg shimmered with a faint golden light, as though something was concealed within it. Bai Ying's heart stirred, and he reached out to touch it lightly.

At that instant, he felt a powerful surge of energy coming from the tiger's leg, leaving his arm slightly numb. He carefully parted the tiger's fur and saw a crystal-clear Spirit Bone lying before him.

Bai Ying stared at the Spirit Bone in his hand, his eyes gleaming with excitement. It emitted a faint golden radiance beneath the sunlight, as though it held endless power. He gently caressed it, sensing the intense energy fluctuations within, his heart filled with excitement and anticipation.

Xiao Wu's voice sounded beside him as she explained, "The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger is a Soul Beast that lives by devouring. Whether Soul Beasts or human Soul Masters, all are its prey. Its existence is undoubtedly a disaster for the Star Dou Great Forest. Da Ming and Er Ming joined forces to drive it out back then to preserve the forest's peace and order."

Recalling the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's ferocious appearance, Bai Ying could not help but feel a lingering fear. Yet as he looked at the Spirit Bone in his hand, he felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and joy.

After a while, Zhu Zhuqing woke up.

At this moment, he had finally obtained his sixth soul ring as well.

"Zhuqing, since you absorbed the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's soul ring, you should absorb this Dark Demon Evil God Tiger Spirit Bone too."

"Absorbing the soul ring and Spirit Bone at the same time might bring about an unexpected effect."

Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged, holding the golden-glowing Spirit Bone in both hands. Determination shone in her eyes. With a thought, the Spirit Bone slowly moved toward her body, and golden light began to flow around her.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze as a powerful wave of energy radiated from Zhu Zhuqing. Her body was enveloped in golden light, as though she had become a golden statue, standing in stark contrast to her surroundings.

As time passed, Zhu Zhuqing's aura grew increasingly powerful. Her body trembled continuously, as though she were undergoing some kind of transformation. The Spirit Bone seemed to merge with her, becoming a part of her body and granting her unprecedented power.

Ning Rongrong said, "You really treat Zhuqing well. I'm almost jealous."

"I treat you best of all. If you want a Spirit Bone too, I'll just find one for you."

"Besides, you're the only one who dares to yell at me like that. Everyone else is polite when they see me."

Ning Rongrong looked at Bai Ying, a teasing glint flashing in her eyes. "Hmph, you make it sound so easy. Spirit Bones are treasures one can only stumble upon by chance. How could they possibly be that easy to find?"

Hearing that, Bai Ying chuckled and reached out to rub Ning Rongrong's head. "Rongrong, don't worry. As long as it's something you want, I'll do my best to find it for you. In this Star Dou Great Forest, what is there that I can't do for you?"

A blush spread across Ning Rongrong's face. She shot Bai Ying a glare and said coyly, "Who asked you to find one? I don't want any Spirit Bone. I just want you to stay safe and sound."

Seeing Ning Rongrong's lovely expression, Bai Ying felt warmth fill his heart. He stepped forward, gently took her hand, and said softly, "Don't worry. I'll always be fine. We still have a long road to walk together."

"Alright, alright, you two, stop being so lovey-dovey here." Dugu Yan interrupted them with a smile, a hint of teasing in her eyes. She glanced around and reminded them, "Don't forget, we're in the Star Dou Great Forest right now. This isn't a good place for romance."

Upon hearing that, Ning Rongrong lowered her head even more shyly.

When Bai Ying heard Dugu Yan's words, a teasing look flashed through his eyes. He smiled and said, "Yan, that's not right. How long has it been since we showed off our affection? I remember it clearly—every time we went out, we held hands and made everyone else jealous."

He deliberately leaned closer to Dugu Yan and whispered, "How about tonight? Let's find somewhere secluded and properly show off our affection. What do you say?"

At once, a rosy blush rose to Dugu Yan's face. She spat lightly and said coquettishly, "Dream on! You big villain, all you know is how to take advantage of me."

Bai Ying's expression suddenly changed, turning serious. He looked into the distance and saw that more and more Soul Beasts had gathered around the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's massive corpse. Drawn by its scent, they had come to claim a share of the spoils.

"Move!" Bai Ying shouted in a low voice. He grabbed Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong beside him, while signaling Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling with his eyes. Their figures flashed as they raced toward the dense forest in the distance.

The Soul Beasts behind them let out thunderous roars, following Bai Ying and the others' scent as they steadily closed in. But Bai Ying's group moved swiftly, quickly vanishing into the thick woods.

Suddenly, Bai Ying stopped and turned around, looking at everyone with a resolute gaze. Seeing this, Xiao Wu asked in confusion, "Brother, why did you stop?"

Bai Ying smiled faintly and pointed toward a dense patch of woods in the distance. "There's a Soul Beast there that suits Rongrong."

Worry appeared on Ning Rongrong's face. "That's too dangerous. What if something happens while absorbing a soul ring here...?"

Bai Ying cut her off, his tone relaxed. "There is no 'what if.' You all leave this place. I'll be right back."

Ning Rongrong hurried forward and grabbed Bai Ying's arm, her eyes filled with concern. "No. What if something happens to you?"

Bai Ying gently patted Ning Rongrong's hand and comforted her, "Rongrong, have you forgotten how strong I am? There isn't a Soul Beast in the Star Dou Great Forest capable of threatening me. Wait here. I'll be back soon."

With that, Bai Ying's figure flashed, disappearing from everyone's sight.

Ning Rongrong stared in the direction where Bai Ying had vanished, her heart filled with worry and reluctance. But she knew Bai Ying was someone who knew his limits. Since he had said so, he must have been confident.

Everyone could only remain where they were and silently wait for Bai Ying's return. Though the surrounding Soul Beasts still roared, they did not seem inclined to approach them.

Bai Ying's figure suddenly emerged from the distant undergrowth. He dragged behind him a huge silver-white rhinoceros whose eyes had gone dull, clearly stripped of all life. Bai Ying's face was cold and stern as he swiftly returned to the group, casually tossing the rhinoceros onto the ground.

"What are you standing around for? Move!" Bai Ying's voice was low and forceful, carrying unquestionable authority.

Only then did everyone come back to their senses. Looking at the enormous rhinoceros on the ground, they were utterly shocked. They had never expected Bai Ying to truly kill such a powerful Soul Beast in so short a time.

Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong hurried forward, helping Ye Lingling up as they prepared to follow Bai Ying. However, just then, rumbling sounds suddenly came from the surrounding woods, as though something was rapidly approaching.

Bai Ying streaked through the forest like lightning, dragging the enormous silver-white rhinoceros behind him. His expression was cold, his gaze resolute, as though nothing could halt his advance.

The others followed close behind, racing through the dense woods. Leaves whipped past them, rustling as they went. They did not dare stop for even a moment, afraid that the Soul Beasts behind them would catch up.

Suddenly, rumbling sounds echoed through the forest, as though something was rapidly approaching. Everyone's hearts tightened, and they instinctively quickened their pace. Yet they were still one step too late.

A Soul Beast emanating a faint, ghostly glow suddenly appeared before them. Its form shifted indistinctly, as though it had been pieced together from fragments of dreams. Its eyes gleamed with an eerie light, seeming to stare straight into the depths of their hearts.

Ning Rongrong cried out, "It's a Nightmare Beast! It can create illusions and trap us inside with no way out!"

Everyone's hearts tightened. The Nightmare Beast opened its maw, and a powerful suction force instantly enveloped them all. The scenery around them began to twist and distort, as though they had been thrown into a constantly spinning vortex.

Bai Ying frowned deeply. A violent wave of dizziness swept over him, as if his very soul were about to be dragged away. He gritted his teeth and fought to remain conscious while channeling his Soul Power, trying to break free from the illusion's restraints.

Bai Ying flashed forward, and a blade glowing with a deep blue light suddenly appeared in his hand—the Divine Weapon known as the Blade of Time and Space. He drew a deep breath and slashed fiercely. A brilliant streak of light tore through space and shot straight toward the Nightmare Beast.

"Time Seal!" Bai Ying shouted. As his words fell, the light instantly transformed into an invisible seal, completely locking down the space around the Nightmare Beast.

Space seemed to freeze, and the Nightmare Beast's warped body instantly stiffened in place. Terror appeared in its eyes. It seemed to be trying to break free of the seal, but no matter how it struggled, it could not move even an inch.

Just then, Bai Ying's body suddenly swayed. The scene before his eyes shifted, and it felt as though he had been transported into another time and space. To his shock, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others who had been fighting at his side had all become his enemies, glaring at him with fury and hatred.

"Beast! You've truly enraged me!" A furious roar exploded beside Bai Ying's ear. He looked up to see that Xiao Wu was somehow holding a crimson longsword. The blade radiated an intense killing intent, as though it could devour all life.

Bai Ying's heart tightened. He knew this was not real, but an illusion created by the Nightmare Beast. Even so, he could not ignore the overwhelming pressure it brought. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within him while channeling his Soul Power to break the illusion.

With a crack, Bai Ying's illusion shattered like a broken mirror, dissolving into specks of golden light that scattered through the air. He breathed lightly, but his eyes shone with determination. Turning to Ning Rongrong, he said in a low, forceful voice, "Rongrong, catch—the Asura Blood Sword!"

Ning Rongrong jolted in surprise and hurriedly reached out. A crimson beam flew from Bai Ying's hand, transforming into a longsword that landed in her grasp. The sword seemed to possess a spirit of its own, trembling gently in her hand as it emitted a low hum.

Feeling the immense power flowing from the longsword, Ning Rongrong's heart trembled. She hastily channeled her Soul Power into the blade. At once, the crimson radiance surged violently, flooding the entire space in a sea of blood-red light. That light contained an intense killing intent, as though it could devour all life.

At the very instant the Nightmare Beast was about to break free of the seal, Ning Rongrong raised the Asura Blood Sword and unleashed a dazzling sword aura.

Like a bolt of bloody lightning, the sword aura tore across the sky and struck the Nightmare Beast in an instant.

A shrill scream rang out. The Nightmare Beast's body shook violently within the sword aura, as though it were being burned alive by raging flames. Terror and despair filled its eyes.

Ning Rongrong swayed, as if all her strength had been drained away, then collapsed limply to the ground. Her face was pale, cold sweat streaming down her forehead. Clearly, that attack had consumed an enormous amount of Soul Power. Yet her gaze remained exceptionally firm as she stared at the Nightmare Beast, which was gradually dissipating.

The Nightmare Beast's body slowly dissolved within the sword aura, turning into specks of ghostly light that eventually gathered into a faint Soul Ring floating in the air. The Soul Ring emitted a gentle glow, as though it held endless mysteries within.

Ning Rongrong struggled to her feet, longing shining in her eyes. She took a deep breath, then slowly walked toward the Soul Ring. With every step, her body seemed to tremble slightly, but her gaze only grew more resolute.