Dragon's Roar

They had not gone far when the scene ahead suddenly turned strange and unpredictable. A dense fog rose without warning, swiftly enveloping everything around them. It seemed alive as it spread rapidly, blurring the boundary between sky and earth until even things within arm's reach became indistinct, leaving them unable to see their own fingers.

Yan Zhao's heart tightened, and he instinctively gripped the divine sword in his hand. The hilt still retained the warmth of his palm, as though it were his only support at this moment. Then, eerie howls suddenly echoed from all around them, sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes high, sometimes low. They sounded like countless dead souls wailing in the darkness, or thousands of demons watching them from the shadows, chilling everyone to the bone.

Panic began to show on his companions' faces. They looked at one another, their eyes filled with fear and unease. Some muttered under their breaths, while others unconsciously moved closer to Yan Zhao, as if he were the only beacon in the fog.

Yan Zhao took a deep breath and forced himself to stay calm. He knew that in such circumstances, panic was the deadliest poison. He closed his eyes and began circulating the spiritual energy within him, trying to disperse the fog through his own power. Yet to his shock, no matter how hard he tried, the fog seemed to possess a life of its own. It did not react to his spiritual energy at all and continued to stubbornly shroud the surroundings.

The howls drew ever closer, each one like a sharp blade slicing through their nerves. Yan Zhao opened his eyes, his gaze firm and sharp. Looking at his companions, he said in a steady voice, "Don't be afraid. As long as we stand together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome!"

His voice echoed through the fog, carrying an inexplicable strength that calmed his companions somewhat. Yan Zhao gripped the divine sword again, ready to face the unknown challenge ahead. He knew that an even greater danger might be lurking beyond the fog, but they had no way back. They could only press forward.

Within the fog, the eerie howls became clearer and clearer, as though countless invisible eyes were spying on them in the darkness, waiting for the instant they exposed a weakness. Yan Zhao and his companions continued onward through the endless darkness, setting out on a journey filled with danger and the unknown.

Just as everyone looked at one another in confusion, lost and helpless, several vague figures gradually appeared in the all-devouring fog around them. As the mist slowly thinned, those figures became clearer. They were the Mysterious People whom the White-haired Old Man had previously driven away alone, leaving no trace behind. Their return was as silent as ghosts, yet it carried an oppressive force that could not be ignored, making everyone present hold their breath.

The man at the front wore a dark purple robe, its hem swaying gently in the wind. A meaningful smile hung on his face, smug yet sly. His eyes resembled two cold stars in an abyss, glinting with calculation, as if everything were under his control. "Didn't expect this, did you?" he said slowly, his voice low and magnetic. Every word fell like a heavy hammer upon their hearts. "We are not so easily dismissed. This spreading fog is a formation we carefully arranged, called the Mist Cage. Once you enter it, you are caught in the net we laid. Today, even if you had wings, you would not escape this calamity."

As his words fell, the surrounding fog seemed to grow even denser, as though the very air had become heavy. An invisible pressure settled over everyone's hearts, suffocating them. The Mysterious People began advancing slowly, each step making the ground tremble faintly, as if even the earth shuddered at their arrival. Their eyes were filled with coldness and cruelty, as though they saw Yan Zhao's group as lambs awaiting slaughter, enjoying the thrill of a cat tormenting mice.

Faced with this sudden upheaval, everyone felt a tangled mix of fear, despair, and unwillingness. Countless emotions intertwined into an invisible net that bound their hearts. Yet at this critical moment between life and death, some eyes still shone with defiance. They clenched their weapons tightly. Even knowing the road ahead would be difficult, they swore to risk their lives for a chance at survival.

A struggle that would decide life and death quietly began within this fog-shrouded formation, where danger lurked everywhere. The air was thick with the scent of battle. A thrilling fight was about to unfold, and beneath the witness of the fog, it would write a legendary yet tragic tale.

Yan Zhao's eyes blazed like burning flames as he glared furiously, about to draw his sword and fight the enemies before him to the death. Yet at that crucial instant, the ground beneath his feet began to shake violently without warning. As though torn apart by an invisible force, it suddenly collapsed into a bottomless black hole. Yan Zhao felt a tremendous force yank him downward, dragging his companions down with him into the unknown abyss.

Dust and panic filled the air. When everyone barely managed to steady themselves, the sight before them had completely changed. They stood in a strange, deep space surrounded by a faint Eerie Glow. The light flickered on and off like the most distant stars in the night sky, mysterious and evocative. The walls were densely carved with ancient, mysterious runes. Twisted and winding, they emitted a faint fluorescence, as though they contained some unknown ancient power that inspired awe.

Just as everyone reeled from this sudden turn of events, the Mysterious People followed like shadows, falling from above and landing lightly before surrounding them again. Their faces remained hidden beneath the shadows of their cloaks, revealing only pairs of eyes glinting with cunning, as though silently mocking their helplessness and plight.

The air seemed to freeze. An even fiercer and more perilous battle was about to erupt in this strange space. Yan Zhao clutched the divine sword tightly. Its blade shone with dazzling light, as though it could sever all darkness and evil in the world. His eyes were exceptionally resolute, immovable as stone. He silently swore that no matter what hardships lay ahead, no matter how powerful the enemy, he would protect the divine sword, protect every companion beside him, break through these layers of adversity, and welcome the dawn of victory.

At this moment, Yan Zhao was filled with unprecedented courage and resolve. Under the Eerie Glow, his figure appeared especially tall, as though he had become an undying light of hope in everyone's heart. This battle within the strange space would also become the most unforgettable and thrilling adventure of their lives. What awaited them were endless challenges and unknown miracles.

Yan Zhao suddenly shouted, his voice like thunder that shook the air around them, as though even space trembled. His body flashed forward like lightning. The divine sword in his grip instantly radiated a brilliant light, like a meteor tearing through the night sky, carrying endless power and hope. This divine sword was named Dragon's Roar. Faint dragon-shaped light flowed along its blade, and every swing seemed to sing an ancient, mysterious battle hymn.

At the same time, the Mysterious People's sinister spells spread silently like ghosts in the night. Black mist laced with strange blue light formed a stark contrast against Yan Zhao's sword light. Those spells resembled distorted Spatial Rifts, attempting to devour all light and life. Yet Yan Zhao showed no fear. His divine sword collided fiercely with the sinister spells, each clash erupting with blinding light and deafening booms. The entire strange space was instantly flooded with dazzling colors.

Seeing Yan Zhao's fearlessness, his companions found their courage as well and unleashed their finest immortal arts. Some waved staffs and summoned blazing walls of fire, engulfing their enemies in a sea of flames. Others softly chanted spells, releasing frost that could freeze all things and trapping their enemies in prisons of ice. Still others danced their long sleeves, releasing brilliant colored silks that moved through the battlefield like spiritual snakes, attacking and defending with astonishing agility. For a time, light blazed throughout the strange space, and the roar of spells rose and fell like a symphony between heaven and earth.

As Yan Zhao clashed fiercely with the leading Mysterious Person, neither able to gain the upper hand, his sharp battle instincts and rich experience suddenly allowed him to notice a nearly imperceptible flaw in his opponent's attacks. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Delighted, Yan Zhao immediately circulated all the spiritual energy in his body and gathered it into the divine sword. His eyes became exceptionally bright, as though they could see through every illusion in the world.

Then Yan Zhao raised the divine sword high, its tip pointed straight at the heavens. An unprecedentedly fierce sword aura brewed within him like an erupting volcano, containing the power to destroy everything. When that sword aura reached its peak, Yan Zhao suddenly shouted and brought the divine sword down with all his might. A supremely sharp sword aura tore through the air, roaring toward the Mysterious Person with boundless might and unstoppable dominance.

The Mysterious Person clearly had not expected Yan Zhao to unleash such a powerful strike at this crucial moment. His face changed drastically, and a trace of terror and despair flashed through his eyes. But it was already too late. The fierce sword aura pierced his defenses like lightning and swallowed his entire body. With a miserable scream, the Mysterious Person's body gradually dissipated under the impact of the sword aura, turning into a wisp of green smoke and vanishing between heaven and earth.

In this battle, Yan Zhao and his companions finally defeated the powerful enemy through courage, wisdom, and unity, protecting the peace of this land. Yan Zhao's fearless figure and his magnificent throat-sealing strike were forever etched into people's hearts, becoming a tale praised for generations.

At the moment that would decide their fate, Yan Zhao sharply caught the subtle turning point on the battlefield, like a cheetah locking onto exhausted prey. He took a deep breath, as though an undying fire burned within his chest, then shouted with all his strength. His voice pierced through smoke and chaos, striking every companion's heart. "Brothers, concentrate your fire! Now is the perfect moment to counterattack!"

At his command, the previously scattered group seemed to be gathered by an invisible force. Their eyes instantly became firm and blazing, like the brightest stars in the night sky, guiding one another. The archers swiftly adjusted their angles, sending arrows down like a dense rainstorm. The swordsmen gripped their hilts tightly, every slash cutting through the wind as it struck at the enemy's vital points. Under Yan Zhao's lead, they worked as one and launched another tidal-wave assault, its momentum seeming capable of swallowing heaven and earth.

Faced with the overwhelming offensive, the Mysterious People's defenses began to loosen as never before, like a solid Ice Wall gradually melting beneath the blazing sun. At that moment, Yan Zhao's heart suddenly trembled. A warm yet vast force surged from the divine sword hanging at his waist, like the whisper of an ancient god echoing softly in his ear. His thoughts stirred, and he immediately mobilized the spiritual energy throughout his body, skillfully guiding that force to merge perfectly with his own spells like an accomplished musician.

In an instant, it was as though an invisible force tore heaven and earth apart. A massive, dazzling beam split through the sky and crashed into the Mysterious People's position with the force to destroy all things. It contained Yan Zhao's unyielding will and his faith in victory. Wherever it passed, whether sturdy shields or sinister spells, all were torn apart as easily as withered leaves. Under the impact of that suffocatingly powerful force, the Mysterious People lost their former composure. Their steps staggered, their figures gradually blurred, and at last, like dominoes, they fell one after another and could no longer rise.

The dawn of victory finally shone upon the land ravaged by war. Yan Zhao and his companions exchanged smiles, filled with both relief and pride. They knew this battle had not only tested their strength, but also sung the praises of faith and courage. The divine sword seemed to shine even more brilliantly after this glorious victory, as though telling of the beginning of a legend...

At the edge of the strange space, where darkness and light intertwined, Yan Zhao and his group finally broke through the seemingly impenetrable encirclement through wisdom and courage. Their shadows stretched through the mottled light, and every step carried the rhythm of freedom. The divine sword clenched in their hands shimmered with hope beneath the faint light, leading them onward toward the unknown yet tempting road ahead.

Just as relief and joy rose in everyone's hearts and they believed the crisis had faded like passing clouds, fate seemed unwilling to let these brave explorers go so easily. The moment they crossed the threshold out of the strange space, the open view before them was instantly replaced by an unprecedented shock—a vast river of lava stretched across their path, like nature's wildest brushstroke painting a terrifying scene across the silent world.

The lava river boiled and churned, every wave like the fires of hell, radiating heat enough to melt steel. Heat waves surged toward them like enormous swells. Even from a distance, they could feel the suffocating heat, as though the air itself were burning and their path forward had been completely sealed.

The sight across the boiling river was even more terrifying. A group of grotesque Fire Demons, their bodies cloaked in flames, stood silently on the far bank. Their eyes burned like glowing coals, shining with greed and cunning as they stared hungrily at Yan Zhao's group, as though they already considered them prey in their grasp. The Fire Demons' bodies were formed entirely of pure flame. Sparks occasionally leaped from them, and with every breath they took, the air filled with a scorched, destructive aura.

Suddenly, a piercing shriek tore through the heavy air like wailing from the depths of hell, threatening to shatter their minds. Then blazing fireballs streaked through the sky with howling winds, hurtling toward Yan Zhao and the others like a meteor shower. Each fireball traced a brilliant yet deadly path through the air, containing a terrifying power capable of destroying everything. Yan Zhao's group paled at the sudden attack, but they did not retreat. Instead, they drew close together. The divine sword left its sheath, gleaming with determination and defiance as they prepared to face this battle that seemed impossible to win.

On this land shrouded in flames and despair, another struggle for survival was about to begin. Could Yan Zhao and the others once again rely on wisdom and courage to overcome every obstacle and continue their journey? The answer would be revealed in the coming fierce confrontation.

In that scorching land of lava and lurking danger, Yan Zhao stood tall like a lone peak rising from a sea of fire. He gripped the divine sword, an ancient and mysterious weapon. A faint blue glow flowed across its blade, as though it held the depths of stars and oceans. As Yan Zhao swung his arm, the divine sword seemed to come alive. Its tip spun lightly, and a supremely fierce sword aura burst forth like a silver dragon emerging from the sea, cutting every incoming fireball into nothingness. Sparks scattered everywhere, illuminating the warped space around them.

Yet the Fire Demons seemed endless in number. They surged in from all directions, carrying roaring flames like an unquenchable firestorm, making Yan Zhao's group's advance exceptionally difficult. Every swing of his sword could only briefly drive back part of the sea of flames. It could not completely stop the endless assault. Sweat and strain gathered between Yan Zhao's brows, but his gaze remained firm as iron, unyielding and unbowed.

At that critical moment of life and death, Yan Zhao suddenly sensed something strange about the divine sword in his hand. Its formerly tranquil blade now faintly emitted a pulling force, as though it could devour all things. It seemed especially sensitive to the surrounding fire energy. This discovery was like a ray of dawn in the darkness, giving Yan Zhao a flicker of hope. He quickly adjusted his breathing and focused all his attention on guiding that power, turning the divine sword into a bridge between himself and the flames.

As more and more flame energy was absorbed by the divine sword, the blue light on its blade became increasingly dazzling, nearly piercing the heavens and forming a stark contrast with the raging crimson flames around it. Yan Zhao felt an unprecedented power surge within his body. It was the astonishing potential released when the divine sword connected with his heart. He drew a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with resolve and wisdom, then raised the divine sword high and pointed it toward the rolling, boiling river of lava.

At that moment, the divine sword seemed to awaken completely. An unprecedented chill erupted from its tip and rapidly condensed into a gigantic crystal-clear, indestructible pillar of ice. It extended from the sword tip to the far bank of the lava river, spanning both shores and forming a unique bridge of ice. Strange blue light shimmered across the ice pillar, creating a powerful visual contrast against the surrounding flames. It was like a miracle from a dream, leaving everyone stunned.

Yan Zhao and his companions stared at the sudden ice bridge, their eyes filled with both delight and awe. They knew it was not only their sole escape route from this predicament, but also a symbol of Yan Zhao's wisdom and courage. Surrounded by Fire Demons, they stepped onto the ice bridge. Every step carried unwavering conviction as they headed toward the unknown shore. The divine sword continued to shine with hope in their hearts, guiding them through every hardship in search of victory's dawn.

In that strange place where blazing flames and freezing ice intertwined, everyone seized the brief instant when the Fire Demons revealed an opening in their shock. Like agile cheetahs, they used the cover of night and chaos to swiftly step onto the ice bridge glowing with dark blue light. Below it, boiling lava rolled and churned like the maw of a giant beast, ready to devour any living creature that dared approach.

At first, the ice bridge was extraordinarily sturdy. It bore their weight and even reflected their tense yet resolute expressions. Yet just as this light of hope was about to lead them to the far shore, disaster struck. The Fire Demons finally recovered from their shock. Roaring furiously, they intensified their fire attacks on the ice bridge, as though pouring all their resentment and hatred onto that fragile, crystal-like structure.

In an instant, fine cracks began spreading across the ice bridge, rapidly branching out like a spiderweb. Crisp, heart-stopping sounds accompanied them, foretelling its imminent collapse. Yan Zhao, the team's master of spiritual energy, knew how dire the situation was. He clenched his teeth and widened his eyes as all the spiritual energy in his body poured out like a bursting riverbank. It formed a thin shield of frost that tightly wrapped around the ice bridge, trying to delay its shattering. Sweat and frost mingled on his face, every drop bearing his unyielding will and deep devotion to his companions.

At the same time, his companions knew time was running out and did not dare slacken in the slightest. Some sped forward with light steps, while others supported one another as they rushed toward the far bank. At this moment between life and death, an unprecedented strength surged in every heart. It was their desire to survive, as well as their trust in the deep bond they shared. Finally, just before the ice bridge collapsed completely, all of them reached the far shore safely. The ground beneath their feet seemed more solid and reliable than ever.

But before the joy of victory could spread through their hearts, a new challenge quietly approached. They had no time to catch their breath before the air around them grew heavy again. An unknown danger lurked like a beast in the shadows, ready to launch a fatal strike at any moment. In this Immortal Cultivation World filled with the unknown and strange encounters, they understood that only by moving forward and exploring the unknown could they find their own path through this vast world and protect what they loved.

Thus, they set out once more. Their shadows stretched beneath the setting sun, and every step carried determination and courage as they fearlessly headed toward the unknown and mysterious road ahead.

They had barely crossed the scorching lava river and had not yet caught their breath when the ground suddenly began to shake violently, as though the earth itself were groaning in pain. Yan Zhao and the others stared down in shock, only to see a group of grotesque Stone Monsters burst from the once-solid ground as though it had been torn apart.

These Stone Monsters were enormous, like small mountains. Dense earth-element spiritual energy radiated from their bodies, and every step they took made the earth tremble. Their arms were incomparably thick, like enormous stone pillars. When they swung them, they carried overwhelming force and smashed straight toward Yan Zhao's group.

Seeing this, Yan Zhao quickly shouted for his companions to scatter and evade. He himself did not hesitate to activate the divine sword again. After absorbing the previous flame energy, a faint yellow glow now appeared on its blade, forming a strange resonance with the Stone Monsters' earth-element spiritual energy.

Yan Zhao was delighted. He immediately guided the divine sword to release a powerful shockwave. Like ripples, it spread outward from Yan Zhao in every direction. Wherever it passed, the Stone Monsters' limbs shattered one after another, turning into rubble across the ground.

However, there were simply too many Stone Monsters. They surged toward them endlessly like a tide and soon surrounded them tightly once again. Just as everyone began to despair, one sharp-eyed companion suddenly noticed a fatal weakness of the Stone Monsters—a crystal on their heads.

The discovery lifted everyone's spirits, and they focused their attacks on the crystals atop the Stone Monsters' heads. Yet the Stone Monsters seemed to realize this as well. They began protecting one another, making it difficult to strike their weak points.

Seeing this, Yan Zhao suddenly came up with an idea. He shouted, "Everyone, use water-element spells!" Hearing him, everyone unleashed the water-element arts they excelled in. For a time, all kinds of water energy gathered in the air, forming torrents that crashed fiercely into the Stone Monsters.

Under the combined assault of water and sword, the Stone Monsters' mobility was clearly affected. Their movements slowed, and their bodies became stiff. As time passed, they could no longer endure and collapsed one after another, turning into heaps of broken stone.

Yan Zhao and the others escaped danger once again, but they had no time to rest. The path ahead was shrouded in thick clouds and mist, making it impossible to see what lay within. Even so, they did not retreat. They tightened their grips on their weapons and resolutely entered the depths of the fog.

Only after entering the mist did they discover that they seemed to be inside an illusory forest. The trees were all twisted and distorted, emitting an eerie aura that made their scalps tingle.

Suddenly, countless vines burst from the ground as though alive, swiftly coiling around everyone's bodies like snakes. Yan Zhao hurriedly activated the divine power within him and swung the divine sword, trying to sever the vines. Yet to his surprise, the vines were exceptionally tough. No matter how hard he struck, he could not cut them apart.

At the same time, a sinister laugh echoed through the forest, as though it came from demons of hell. Yan Zhao and his companions looked over in terror and saw a group of ghostly figures flickering among the trees, slowly approaching them.

Yan Zhao was frantic, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead. He looked around desperately, trying to find a way to break free from the vines. Then he sensed the remaining flame energy within the divine sword. Though weak, it was his only hope at the moment.

Yan Zhao took a deep breath, concentrated, and guided the flame energy within the divine sword again. He slowly released the power, allowing it to flow along the blade before spreading onto the vines binding them.

A miracle occurred. The moment the vines met the flames, they burned rapidly like dry grass set alight. The fire spread swiftly, reducing every vine to ash. The restraints around everyone were finally gone, and they regained their freedom.

Yet the ghosts gave them no chance to rest. Seeing Yan Zhao's group escape their restraints, the ghosts let out piercing shrieks and accelerated their attacks, pouncing on them like a Gale and Rainstorm.

Yan Zhao immediately shouted, "Everyone, back to back! Form a defensive formation!" Everyone reacted quickly, gathering together and standing in a circle with their backs pressed together. Each of them unleashed their immortal arts to the fullest, forming a powerful defensive barrier.

The ghosts' attacks crashed against the defensive barrier in ceaseless waves, but everyone worked together and held their ground, refusing to give the ghosts even the slightest opening.

As the two sides remained deadlocked, Yan Zhao suddenly noticed that the ghosts' attacks seemed to follow a certain pattern. He carefully observed the way they attacked and discovered that they always concentrated their attacks on one point first before swiftly shifting elsewhere.

Yan Zhao's thoughts stirred. He realized this might be the flaw in the ghosts' attacks. He immediately shouted, "Pay attention! The ghosts' attacks follow a pattern. They always strike one point first before shifting elsewhere. Focus your strength on their core and break their attack rhythm!"

Hearing Yan Zhao's command, everyone adjusted the direction of their attacks and focused their power on the ghosts' cores. Sure enough, under their combined assault, the ghosts' attack rhythm was disrupted, and flaws appeared in their defenses.

Seizing the moment, Yan Zhao led everyone in a fierce assault. This time, their attacks struck the ghosts' cores directly. The ghosts immediately let out miserable screams before gradually dissipating into the air.

As the ghosts vanished, the forest began to shake violently. A massive fissure opened in the ground, as though the entire world were about to collapse.

Seeing this, Yan Zhao shouted without hesitation, "Run!" He took the lead and rushed toward the other side of the fissure, with everyone following close behind.

They ran desperately as the ground beneath them continued to shake and the fissure widened without end. Just as it was about to close, everyone finally leaped across it and reached a new, unknown land.

In this entirely new and unknown land, a faint purple mist spread like a veil, lending the whole space an atmosphere of mystery and eeriness. Holding the divine sword, Yan Zhao stared ahead with blazing eyes and signaled for the people behind him to proceed carefully.

Suddenly, a dull rumble sounded, and something seemed to be moving within the purple mist. Then streaks of purple lightning darted out like silver snakes, pouncing toward them at astonishing speed.

Everyone immediately used their respective spells, trying to block the sudden attack. Yet the purple lightning seemed to possess some form of intelligence. It moved nimbly through the air, constantly changing direction and rendering their defenses ineffective.

As time passed, the lightning attacks grew increasingly fierce, and everyone gradually struggled to withstand them. Just as the pressure on them intensified, a huge figure faintly appeared in the mist ahead.

At first, the figure was still blurry, but as it slowly approached, everyone finally saw its true form—a Giant Python as large as a mountain, surrounded by purple lightning.

The Giant Python's body was immense. Its scales gleamed with purple light, every one as hard as steel. It opened its huge bloody mouth, revealing sharp fangs. The breath it exhaled carried a thick stench that made them nauseous.

The Giant Python let out a deafening roar. Like a thunderclap, it exploded beside them, shaking their blood and energy until they could barely stand.

Yan Zhao knew the situation was dire. If they continued waiting for death, none of them would escape the Giant Python's deadly jaws. Without hesitation, he mobilized all the divine power within his body. The divine sword, already radiant, now seemed to ignite, releasing a terrifying brilliance.

With the divine sword in hand, Yan Zhao shot forward like lightning. Carrying an unstoppable momentum, he charged straight at the massive Giant Python like a burning meteor. At the same time, his companions refused to be outdone. They followed close behind, each unleashing their ultimate techniques as they joined Yan Zhao in surrounding the Giant Python.

Faced with their siege, the Giant Python did not retreat in the slightest. Instead, it whipped its enormous body through the air and wielded purple lightning as its weapon, engaging them in a thrilling battle. Sword light and blade shadows crossed, thunder and lightning roared, and the unknown land seemed caught in a violent storm, filled with chaos and clamor.

The Giant Python's attacks became increasingly savage. Streaks of purple lightning shot from its mouth like sharp arrows, hurtling toward everyone at astonishing speed. Though they all did their utmost to dodge, several were still struck. Smoke immediately rose from their bodies as they suffered minor injuries.

Seeing his companions wounded, Yan Zhao grew even more anxious. While nimbly avoiding the Giant Python's attacks, he focused intently on every movement it made, trying to find its weakness. Then Yan Zhao suddenly noticed that the Giant Python's eyes seemed to be one of its more vulnerable parts.

Yan Zhao made his decision at once. He immediately used his unique movement technique, weaving through the Giant Python's attacks like a phantom. Just as the Giant Python prepared to attack again, Yan Zhao seized the opportunity and leaped high into the air like a swift hunting hawk. The divine sword in his hand shone brilliantly in the sky, as though it would rip open the dark heavens.

Yan Zhao adjusted his posture in midair, then drove the divine sword straight into the Giant Python's eye with thunderous force!

The Giant Python suffered a devastating blow. Overwhelmed by pain, it opened its huge bloody mouth and released an earth-shaking roar. The sound was deafening, as though it would tear the entire space apart. With the roar, its body twisted violently like a whipped lash. Every twist brought a gale, and the waves of air it raised swept toward everyone like collapsing mountains and surging seas.

Caught off guard, everyone was thrown to the ground by the powerful blast, left in a miserable state. But Yan Zhao was not frightened by the sudden change. He gripped the divine sword tightly, clenched his teeth, steadied himself, and quickly rose to continue attacking the Giant Python.

At the same time, the other companions climbed up as well. Supporting one another, they regained their resolve and attacked the Giant Python from every direction. Sword light and blade shadows interwove, while battle cries rose and fell. The Giant Python was surrounded by their attacks without a single gap.

Under everyone's combined siege, the Giant Python gradually began to falter. Its movements grew slower and slower, more wounds appeared across its body, and purple blood sprayed continuously from them like fountains.

Finally, Yan Zhao spotted a perfect opportunity. He leaped into the air with lightning speed. The divine sword drew a cold flash through the sky and pierced straight through the Giant Python's heart.

Struck by the fatal blow, the Giant Python released one last mournful cry before crashing to the ground. Its massive body struck the earth, sending dust flying everywhere. As it fell, its body gradually turned transparent before finally becoming a cloud of purple smoke that slowly dispersed into the air.

Seeing this, everyone could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. The thrilling battle had finally ended. Though they were exhausted, their hearts were filled with the joy of victory.

After a brief rest, everyone continued exploring this unknown land. They knew the road ahead remained full of uncertainty and challenges, but they had no fear. They possessed courage and wisdom, and no matter what difficulties they encountered, they believed they would overcome them.