Challenging the Spirit Ascension Platform Guards

Xiao Mu hoisted a thick, long cannon barrel onto his shoulder; it was the Thunder Cannon.

"Let's test this old relic. I modified it a long time ago to use a soul guidance core, so it doesn't need my soul power."

Soul power from the core reservoir poured continuously into the cannon body. Patterns on the surface lit up with pale purple lightning in sequence, the charging array vibrated with a sizzling sound, and fine arcs of electricity danced and flickered at the muzzle.

The Crystal Bear, maddened by pain, charged wildly while shielding itself with its outer crystal shell, its heavy paws shattering surrounding tree trunks and sending crystal shards flying everywhere.

Gu Yue hurriedly channeled wind elements to drag the giant bear's body, asking, "How long until it's charged?"

"A moment is enough. It's a one-time-use item anyway!"

Xiao Mu locked his gaze onto the bear's torso, soul power flowing endlessly into the cannon's core.

Lightning compressed to the limit at the muzzle, then erupted with a thunderous roar. A condensed beam of lightning tore through the air, slamming fiercely into the hard crystal armor on the Crystal Bear's chest and abdomen.

The thick crystal layers shattered and were pierced through, the beam punching straight through the massive body and exploding into a scorched crater in the earth behind the bear.

The Crystal Bear's movements froze abruptly, a gruesome bloody hole torn through its chest and abdomen, blood and shattered crystal fragments dripping continuously.

Its massive body swayed twice before crashing heavily to the ground, unable to move again.

At this moment, the Spirit Masters outside the Spirit Ascension Platform were no longer calm. This was a high-level soul guidance device, and he had actually brought it inside; how could any soul beast in this Primary Spirit Ascension Platform possibly stop Xiao Mu?

Weren't these soul beasts just being served up on a silver platter?

Below ten thousand years, what soul beast could withstand that shot?

Na'er carried the Silver Dragon Spear and stepped forward. "This Crystal Bear is so stupid, it actually took the hit head-on, not even knowing how to dodge."

Xiao Mu lowered the cannon and replied indifferently, "As expected, firepower can solve most problems. If there are other problems, it's definitely because the firepower isn't enough."

High above, Junwu flapped his wings and circled. "Xiao Mu, if you think the speed is too slow, This True Monarch will set a fire for you directly."

"Burning it is super fast, I have experience. It won't be long before it repairs itself."

The bird was right; when dealing with those who didn't listen, he really would just set a fire, and since this was the Spirit Ascension Platform, the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform could easily repair itself.

Of course, even in the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform, this bird would dare to set a fire.

Ordinary soul beasts simply couldn't catch up to him.

To be precise, no soul beast could run faster than him.

"Forget it, let's wait until we deal with the Spirit Ascension Platform Guardian."

Gu Yue stepped to the side, a hint of confusion in her eyes as she asked, "What is the Spirit Ascension Platform Guardian?"

Xiao Mu looked toward the depths of the dense forest and explained slowly, "Looking for the Spirit Ascension Platform Guardian. Whether it's the Primary, Intermediate, or Advanced Spirit Ascension Platform, there are guardians. All the Spirit Ascension Platforms are actually one whole, and this whole is divided into these three levels. Spirit Masters enter through different methods. To separate them and make it difficult for Spirit Masters to enter higher-level platforms from lower ones, there must be power responsible for monitoring and guarding. Within the world of the Spirit Ascension Platform, the ones responsible for guarding are only soul beasts. Particularly powerful soul beasts."

Na'er gripped the Silver Dragon Spear and interjected softly, "In other words, deep in this forest, there is a guardian soul beast whose strength far exceeds that of the Crystal Bear?"

Xiao Mu nodded. "That's right. Once we take down the guardian, we can go to the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform, and we'll be bringing our weapons with us."

"Because you can't bring any external items when entering the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform."

High in the air, Junwu let out a loud cry: "It's just a hundred-year soul beast, watch me destroy it in an instant."

Na'er suddenly asked, "Brother, how many more years of spirit ascension do you need?"

Xiao Mu estimated and said, "About a hundred years. I'm at the second ring now. If I were alone, I expect two thousand-year soul beasts would do it."

"Once we enter the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform, I can kill that many easily."

"Then let's go together." Gu Yue joined Xiao Mu's small group directly.

"Aren't you going to worry about the others?" Xiao Mu asked, confused. Wasn't this Gu Yue supposed to go find Tang Wulin? Shouldn't she be going to farm favorability?

"How could it be such a coincidence to run into them? I'll just follow you." Gu Yue made an excuse.

"Then let's go." Xiao Mu didn't refuse; at worst, he could use Gu Yue as cannon fodder.

Before long, the three of them stepped deep into the heart of the dense forest when a massive figure suddenly blocked their path—it was the Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear.

It stood over three meters tall, its entire body covered in thick dark-gold fur, and its pupils were dead and cold, imbued with undisguised violence.

Its arms were exceptionally thick, with a pair of dark-gold claws over a foot long. As it lightly raised its arms, the claw tips sliced through the air, leaving a continuous, fine, hissing sound.

This soul beast was top-tier in attack, defense, and speed. It crushed opponents of the same level in close combat, and its explosive power in long-range charges was equally terrifying. Looking at the entire ranks of top-tier soul beasts, it held a high position, and peak individuals even had the confidence to go head-to-head with True Dragons.

Na'er tightened her grip on the Silver Dragon Spear. "It's actually a Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear! A creature that can contend with ordinary ten-thousand-year soul beasts even at the hundred-year level."

Gu Yue's body shimmered with elemental light as she analyzed in a low voice, "Its defense is extremely strong, and its claw-tearing power is terrifying. We cannot take a frontal impact."

"I know. Let's call it Big Bear." Xiao Mu's first soul ring suddenly lit up, and his first soul skill instantly spread out a domain.

The Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear kicked off the ground and charged fiercely, its sharp claws carrying a powerful gust of wind as it swiped at the center of the three.

Xiao Mu focused his mind, and the massive force of the charge was instantly redirected by the force field. The giant body veered sharply, crashing heavily into a thick tree trunk, sending bark and wood chips raining down.

Gu Yue took the opportunity to guide wind elements to entwine the bear's body, restricting its movements. "I'll pin it down, Na'er, look for an opening to strike."

Na'er stepped forward with her spear, cold light gathering on the silver-white tip. "Understood, leave it to me."

The Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear, having suffered from the force field deflection, roared in anger and swept its claws horizontally, the sharp claw-light slashing toward Xiao Mu's face.

Xiao Mu relied solely on his first soul skill again, reflecting the impact of the claw strike back, which numbed the giant bear's arm slightly and stalled its offensive for a moment.

"This bear is indeed fierce. But if it's just raw force, it can't hurt him." Xiao Mu's gaze remained calm as he judged the situation and spoke.

Gu Yue condensed wind blades at her fingertips, hacking repeatedly at the thick fur on the bear's body: "My attacks aren't really doing much to it."

"That's your problem." Xiao Mu couldn't help but remark; such an obvious act, he wasn't going to pretend he didn't see through it.

Na'er seized the opening and lunged forward, the Silver Dragon Spear thrusting directly at the soft joint of the bear's claw, sparks flying blindingly as metal struck metal.

The Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear roared in pain, turning around to charge violently once more.

Xiao Mu diverted all his force fields into an invisible barrier and declared: "Binding Way #81: Danku!"

The terrifying impact slammed into the barrier instantly, the sharp claws scraping out golden sparks that illuminated the dim forest.

"Brother, this damage is a bit like tickling it." Na'er knew she could wound the Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear, but she couldn't truly kill it in such a short time.

Xiao Mu suddenly raised his hand to his pocket, pinched a silver coin between his fingertips, looked up at the rampaging Dark-Gold Dread-Claw Bear, and said: "It looks like I have no choice but to use that move!"

Gu Yue's gaze sharpened: "You still have a soul guidance device?"

"I don't need a soul guidance device! Do you think all my strength comes from soul guidance devices? Shallow, truly shallow."