Zhou Xun's expression froze.
Near the eagle's heart, several protective restrictions had been inscribed. Judging from the aura they emitted, they were undoubtedly the work of a late-stage nascent soul cultivator.
There was no need to think about it—it had to be Danyang King's handiwork.
Seeing this, Zhou Xun could not help cursing inwardly. Danyang King was simply deranged. Who would place restrictions around the heart of a spirit beast?
In truth, Zhou Xun simply did not know.
The Golden-Plumed Cloud-Stepping Eagle was an innate exotic species. Its soul and the essence of its entire body resided within its eagle heart.
There would be no problem treating it directly as a demon core.
That was also why the Illusion Spirit Elixir required its essence blood for refinement.
But now, Zhou Xun found himself caught between advancing and retreating.
If he wanted to draw blood, he would have to break the restriction first, but that would surely alert Danyang King.
If he gave up, he might not get another chance next time.
After all, the Golden-Plumed Cloud-Stepping Eagle had been inexplicably drugged into unconsciousness. Even a fool would know something was wrong, and strengthening the defenses would be only natural.
They might even set a trap!
After pondering for a moment, Zhou Xun ultimately decided.
He would take the blood!
With that thought, he slapped the Spirit Insect Pouch at his waist, and a plump white bug flew out.
It was his Thousand Echo Bug.
This insect's greatest ability was to clearly sense Spirit Energy circuits. When it came to breaking restrictions, it was practically cheating!
With a thought, he directed it toward the restriction.
In an instant, Zhou Xun saw through the flowing Spirit Energy patterns of the restriction, then put the spirit insect away.
After another moment of thought,