Chen Cuo appeared in a single step.
"Meow! Yowl!!!"
The cat's fur stood on end. A faint electrical spark flashed across its body, and it sprang through the air.
But with a wave of Chen Cuo's hand, the chains wound around it suddenly tightened. The Black Cat gave a pitiful mewl and fell.
Nearby, the scattered Black Banner trembled faintly. It had something to say but could not speak, as though it had truly become an ordinary wooden stick. The frustration was unbearable.
"I've grasped the basics of using it. I'll explore the rest when I have time."
With that thought, Chen Cuo waved his hand, easing the force that held the Black Banner down.
"Phew..." The Black Banner let out a long breath and cleared its throat. It quickly rehearsed the speech it had prepared, then gave a sinister cackle, assuming the air of an ancient fiend. "Chen boy, since you're here, perfect. I've gained some insight lately and fathomed a little of Fate's mysteries. I shall grant you an..."
Before it could finish, Chen Cuo's figure had already vanished.
"...an opportunity!" The Black Banner broke off, then bounced in place with indignation.
That bounce immediately caught the nearby cat's attention. It pounced!
"You wretched beast!"
Inside the River Lord Temple, Chen Cuo slowly opened his eyes.
Electricity flashed through the room.
He raised both hands.
Clatter!
Black chains slithered like spirit snakes, shifting between his hands.
Hum!
A soft rumble sounded. The five-colored radiance around him abruptly slowed, and even the mist filling the area ceased to drift, showing signs of solidifying.
"The most obvious power is sealing and suppression. Beyond that, there are other subtleties. This gives me quite a few more ways to face an enemy. Even without using the Longevity Avatar, I could bind a