Deep in the Eastern Pole Forest, a star marrow tree towered into the clouds, laden with translucent star marrow fruits that gave off an enticing fragrance. Ye Lingyun and the Ice Merchant Guild's caravan had finally found this legendary tree, but their joy did not last long.
Just as they prepared to pick the star marrow fruits, a deafening roar came from deep within the forest. A massive dark shape charged toward the caravan with the speed of a thunderbolt, leaving them no time to react.
"Watch out!" Ye Lingyun reacted swiftly, his figure instantly appearing in front of the caravan. With the Gentleman's Sword in hand, the phantom of a Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox manifested behind him, its nine tails dancing through the air and radiating an icy light.
The dark shape was fast, but Ye Lingyun reacted even faster. His sword tip traced arcane paths through the air, sending streaks of sword energy shooting toward it like meteors. Yet this sword energy, powerful enough to tear space apart, left only a few shallow wounds on its body.
"A beast at the peak of the star king stage!" Han Tiexin's expression changed, a trace of terror in his voice. "Lord Ye Lingyun, this beast is far too powerful!"
Ye Lingyun's gaze sharpened, and a flicker of alarm stirred in his heart. He could sense the beast's strength. Its power far surpassed that of any opponent he had faced before.
"Everyone, fall back!" Ye Lingyun's voice rang through the caravan with unquestionable authority.
The caravan members quickly retreated, their eyes showing a trace of fear, but even greater trust in Ye Lingyun.
Ye Lingyun gripped the Gentleman's Sword tightly. His star core worked furiously within him, waves of star power erupting from his body as his Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox martial soul