Her strike missed, and the Flying Mantis grew even more ferocious. Killing intent surged in its scarlet slit pupils as it twisted and darted about, moving so fast that only streaks of afterimages remained.
The scythe blades on its left and right hacked down in succession. Cold blade-light filled the air, sealing off every direction in which Jiang Lu could dodge, while fierce gusts sliced through the surrounding air with a humming sound.
Jiang Lu dared not relax. This mantis was at least at late sixth rank and looked close to breaking through to seventh rank. Only someone at Spirit Transformation could contend with the strength of a seventh-rank beast.
Jiang Lu immediately used her Divine Sense to drive her spiritual power, sending spiritual light surging around her.
Countless spells poured from all around her, hurtling toward the Flying Mantis.
But this Flying Mantis was a high-ranking demonic beast of the inner region. Its hide was thick and its flesh tough, with both powerful offense and defense and an exceptionally formidable body.
An ordinary cultivator's spiritual attacks would merely scatter sparks against its crimson carapace, unable to inflict any real damage.
Human and beast fought dozens of exchanges in the dense forest. Had this place not been so sparsely visited, cultivators would have discovered them long ago.
The longer Jiang Lu fought, the harder she struggled. Fine beads of sweat seeped from her temples, her spiritual power was being consumed in enormous quantities, and her arms ached faintly from her continuous attacks.
The Flying Mantis's assault remained as swift and fierce as ever, each stroke of its scythes carrying an exceptionally keen edge.
She forced down the fatigue within her and concentrated on finding an opening in the demonic beast's defenses.
Seizing the brief instant when the Flying Mantis leaped