Volume One, Chapter 18: The Final Battle of the Extraordinary Beast and the Return of Glory

The group followed the deafening roar, slowly advancing deeper into the passage. The air felt as if it had solidified, so oppressive it was suffocating, every inch filled with an aura of unknown danger.

Lin Fan clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles whitening from the strain. His gaze blazed like a torch, burning with fierce determination. An aura of fearless resolve radiated from him—hardened by countless trials, unwavering in the face of a formidable foe.

Zhang Meng, Zhao Linger, and Xia Jiang trailed closely behind, their faces no longer bearing the earlier ease, replaced instead by solemnity and vigilance. They held their breath, focusing their spiritual energy to its utmost, ready to confront the looming challenge.

As they reached the end of the passage, the scene suddenly opened before them. A vast cavern sprawled out, and at its center stood a monstrous three-headed beast, its gaze fixed menacingly on them.

The creature’s massive body was armored with impenetrable scales, each head grotesque and fearsome. The left head spewed scorching flames, warping the surrounding air with heat; the central head shimmered with icy chill, as if intent on freezing everything in its path; the right head roared thunderously, each bellow unleashing powerful sound waves that vibrated painfully against their eardrums, dizzying them.

Each of the three heads embodied destructive power. The beast’s crimson eyes burned like triple blazing flames, locking onto Lin Fan and his companions with ruthless intent. It opened its gaping maw and released a thunderous roar that echoed like a storm through the cavern. The echo made the stone walls tremble, shaking the souls of all present.

A fierce gust of wind surged from the beast’s mouth, carrying a pungent stench of decay that made breathing difficult. Despite the overwhelming threat, none of them showed the slightest hint of retreat.

Lin Fan’s eyes sharpened like blades, his qi surging as he readied himself for battle. Zhao Linger tightly gripped her staff, prepared to unleash her magic at a moment’s notice. Zhang Meng held his massive axe firmly, muscles coiled like a tiger ready to pounce. Xia Jiang exuded a subtle demonic aura, a fox tail flickering faintly behind her.

“Let’s attack together,” Lin Fan said gravely. With those words, he stepped forward, radiating a formidable combat spirit.

At that moment, the three heads of the beast roared simultaneously. The left head suddenly unleashed a torrent of flame, like a fiery dragon, rushing directly toward Lin Fan. The temperature soared instantly, scorching the air with unbearable heat. A wave of invisible heat slammed into him. Though he swiftly dodged sideways, the lingering flames still grazed his shoulder, scorching his clothes and burning his skin, causing sharp pain.

Suppressing the agony, Lin Fan planted his feet firmly, his eyes ablaze with indomitable will. “Hmph, is this little fire all you have to defeat me?” he sneered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet showing no sign of yielding.

He rapidly gathered his inner qi and unleashed a new technique he had mastered in the ancient palace. Instantly, a pale blue shield shimmered around his body like an unbreakable barrier. The flames struck the shield but could not penetrate even a trace of heat.

Ignoring his wounds, Lin Fan charged forward with the fury of a raging beast, aiming straight for the beast’s throat. Nearby, Xia Jiang watched with admiration and respect shining in her eyes. She took a deep breath, releasing her demonic energy as her fox tail swayed gently behind her, as if cheering him on. Her expression was resolute, ready to support Lin Fan at any moment.

“Together!” Lin Fan’s voice rang like a war drum, reverberating through the cavern and stirring everyone’s fighting spirit. The weapon in his hand glowed brilliantly as he thrust it toward the creature’s belly. The beast responded with another deafening roar, bracing for this life-or-death clash.

At this critical moment, Zhang Meng and Zhao Linger swiftly closed in from either side, their expressions firm and eyes resolute, clearly prepared to join the fray. Amid the beast’s roaring, Zhang Meng swung his axe in a wide arc, while Zhao Linger’s staff radiated dazzling light.

Lin Fan’s weapon finally struck the beast’s scales with a clang, causing the entire cavern to tremble as if shaken by an earthquake. Zhang Meng let out a furious yell, bringing his axe down with the force to cleave mountains onto the beast’s left leg. The scales were impossibly tough; sparks flew, and the axe left only a faint white mark.

Meanwhile, Zhao Linger chanted softly, her staff shining intensely as silver lightning snakes struck the beast’s right leg. The paralyzing effect slowed the creature’s movement slightly but caused no substantial harm.

The beast roared again, each of its three heads unleashing a different attack. The left spewed fire, distorting the air; the middle blasted freezing frost, attempting to encase any nearby foes in ice; the right emitted razor-sharp wind blades, slicing through everything around.

Caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, Zhang Meng and Zhao Linger’s faces paled as they hurriedly dodged. Zhao Linger was struck by the frost and instantly frozen, unable to move. Her complexion turned pale. Zhang Meng’s heart raced as he tried to rush to her aid but was blocked by the wind blades.

The blades flew with blinding speed, like streaks of light. Zhang Meng could barely fend them off, unable to get close to Zhao Linger. “Linger!” he shouted fiercely, swinging his axe to shield against the blades. But the beast’s attacks grew fiercer, and his strength began to wane.

The situation became dire, their faces draining of color. Xia Jiang took cover behind Lin Fan as the beast’s three heads roared in unison, as if proclaiming their imminent victory.

Lin Fan inhaled deeply, focusing all his qi into his weapon. “Now…” he whispered with resolute finality. His eyes blazed like a furnace as his qi erupted like a volcano, converging on the blade in his hand.

The blade burst forth with dazzling light, like a miniature sun that seared the eyes. With a low roar, Lin Fan thrust forward with explosive force, his body like an arrow released from a bow, hurtling toward the beast’s central head.

“Break!” Lin Fan shouted, his blade carrying the momentum of earth-shattering power as it struck the beast’s central neck with a fierce slash.

“Roar!” The beast emitted a deafening, agonized scream filled with pain and unwillingness. Its body trembled violently, and the three heads wobbled, the previous attacks instantly collapsing.

Lin Fan’s strike not only pierced the beast’s defense but struck its vital spot directly.

Seeing this, Zhang Meng and Zhao Linger’s eyes ignited with hope. They broke free from the beast’s grasp and rejoined the battle.

Zhang Meng swung his axe with the force of a gale, each chop carrying the power to cleave air. Zhao Linger chanted spells continuously, weaving lightning and fire in a relentless storm that surged toward the beast.

Xia Jiang stayed close behind Lin Fan, her whip coiling and striking like a living serpent against the beast’s body.

“Everyone, attack together!” Lin Fan shouted once more, his blade glowing even brighter.

United, they poured their spiritual energy to its fullest, their combined assault forming a powerful energy beam that rushed at the beast like a devastating torrent.

“Boom!”

With a tremendous crash, the massive beast collapsed, shaking the entire cavern. Dust billowed and shattered stones tumbled, chaos all around.

“We won!” Zhang Meng roared excitedly, slamming his axe heavily into the ground.

Zhao Linger exhaled in relief, a smile of survival lighting her face.

Xia Jiang leapt with joy, looking toward Lin Fan with admiration.

The group cheered and celebrated this hard-earned victory. The air was filled with joy, mingled faintly with the scent of blood. Supporting one another, they checked their wounds, faces glowing with happiness.

After a brief rest and gathering the treasures obtained from the ancient palace, they prepared to return to the Ancient Path Sect. Walking side by side with steady, confident steps, each bore a proud and triumphant expression.

By the time they reached the sect’s mountain gate, the sun was setting. The evening glow painted the sky in golden reds, as if heralding the return of heroes.

From afar came waves of commotion, signaling the stir their arrival would cause.

“They’re back!” exclaimed a disciple guarding the mountain, voice filled with astonishment.

Another disciple peeked out, gazing at the approaching figures with awe and curiosity. “They really survived and even brought back treasures from the ancient palace. It’s unbelievable!”