Volume One, Chapter 8: United Resolve Shatters the Rampage of the Colossal Beast

The demonic beast roared toward the group, the very earth trembling beneath its steps. All eyes fixated on the colossal figure as feet instinctively retreated. Amidst the swirling dust, a fierce light shone forth, quickening every heart with a tide of fear.

“What… what is that?” stammered a disciple from the outer sect, barely able to speak.

Each step of the beast sent shockwaves through the valley, as if the entire Nether Valley itself quivered in dread. Zhang Meng gripped his massive axe tightly, his rugged face unusually shadowed by fear. Zhao Ling’er’s brows knitted tightly, her pale complexion draining further. Lin Fan pressed one hand against the wound on his chest, his face ghostly but his gaze resolute.

A deafening roar ripped through the air, seeming to tear the heavens apart. The beast’s immense body slowly closed in, hearts nearly halting in terror. Suddenly, its gaze locked onto Zhang Meng, nearest to it.

With a sudden burst of speed, its steel-hard claws crashed down toward Zhang Meng. He shouted fiercely, swinging his giant axe with all his might, but the beast’s overwhelming strike sent him flying backward, the axe slipping from his grasp as he arced through the air, crashing heavily to the ground.

“Zhang Meng!” Lin Fan gritted his teeth, ignoring his own injury as he charged forward. Drawing a short sword hidden at his waist, he thrust it fiercely into the beast’s attack. Though small, the blade carried a tenacious will, carving a shallow wound across the beast’s scaly hide.

“Foolish!” sneered Qian Ning nearby, his eyes glinting with malice. Secretly, he schemed to deliver a fatal blow to Lin Fan amidst the chaos, to rid himself of a troublesome rival.

The beast roared again, swinging its massive tail in a sweeping arc that forced Lin Fan and Zhang Meng apart. Lin Fan nearly slipped and fell. Zhang Meng struggled to rise, blood trickling from his mouth, yet his spirit remained unbroken.

Just as the situation grew dire, Zhao Ling’er suddenly called out, “Wait! Don’t be reckless!” Her calm voice, though soft, washed over everyone like a clear spring, steadying their hearts.

Her gaze sharpened, studying every movement of the beast as if searching for something. “I’ve noticed something, listen…” Her voice faltered as she fixed her eyes on the beast’s fearsome head, as if detecting an unusual sign.

She stopped Lin Fan and Zhang Meng’s rash charge, her eyes locked tightly on the beast’s grim visage, seemingly uncovering something amiss. The crowd held their breath, following her gaze to a faint, eerie blue light shimmering beneath the beast’s thick scales.

The light flickered like breathing, contrasting starkly with the surrounding darkness.

“There! Look!” Zhao Ling’er whispered, excitement tinged in her tone. “That must be its weak spot!”

All eyes converged on the faint azure glow, hope flickering in their depths.

Though Qian Ning was displeased, he understood this was no time for internal strife, suppressing his resentment to join the fight against the beast.

“I have a plan!” Zhao Ling’er’s eyes gleamed cunningly. “Lin Fan, Zhang Meng, you two draw its attention. The rest, follow me!”

Lin Fan and Zhang Meng exchanged a determined glance, then charged at the beast, weapons swinging fiercely. Lin Fan’s short sword, though unable to deal fatal damage, provoked and distracted the beast. Zhang Meng’s heavy axe moved with relentless precision, parrying blow after blow.

The beast, enraged by their assault, roared thunderously, its massive claws striking the earth and gouging deep craters.

The two moved with the agility of leopards, weaving through the beast’s attacks.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ling’er led the other disciples around the beast’s flank, weapons ready, eyes fixed on the flickering blue light. Her sword trembled slightly in her hand.

“Now!” she commanded, and all attacked simultaneously, their weapons cutting the air with fierce intent toward the beast’s weak point.

The beast howled in pain, its massive frame shuddering. The blue light flared brighter, as if on the verge of explosion.

“Not good! It seems…” Zhao Ling’er’s face paled, terror creeping into her voice.

Sensing their intent, the beast twisted abruptly, releasing a foul stench that assaulted their senses.

Its blood-red eyes locked on Zhao Ling’er and the others as it roared deafeningly, sound waves slicing through the air like blades, rattling their eardrums.

The beast’s thick tail swung like a battering ram toward Zhao Ling’er’s position.

“Watch out!” Zhang Meng shouted, warning everyone to dodge.

Caught off guard, Zhao Ling’er was struck by the powerful gust, her slender body flung like a kite cut loose, crashing heavily to the ground beneath a cloud of dust.

“Ling’er!” Xia Jiang cried, rushing to her side and helping her up.

Xia Jiang’s face was ashen; Zhao Ling’er’s mouth bled, her complexion deathly pale, yet she endured the pain, eyes burning with resolve toward the beast.

The beast closed in again, jaws wide, razor-sharp fangs bared, its foul breath overwhelming. It seemed to have singled Zhao Ling’er out as the greatest threat, intent on annihilating her.

At this critical moment, Lin Fan seized the opportunity, channeling all his inner energy into his short sword. His figure blurred like lightning as he charged.

“You beast! I’m your opponent!” he roared, the blade flashing cold as it pierced the beast’s weak spot—the eerie blue glow.

A jet of black liquid erupted, oozing a suffocating stench. The beast let out a grievous cry as its massive body convulsed violently.

“Now!” Zhao Ling’er shouted through gritted teeth.

The group’s spirits soared. They unleashed their inner energy to the fullest, striking the beast’s weak point with a final, coordinated assault.

Blades flashed and energy surged; the weak spot blazed like a miniature sun, illuminating the entire Nether Valley.

The beast’s roar weakened, and at last, its colossal form collapsed with a thunderous crash, sending clouds of dust billowing.

“It’s over…” Lin Fan murmured, staring at the fallen beast as his sword fell limply from his hand.

Suddenly, the earth trembled again, more violently than before…

Chapter 12: United to Overcome the Rampaging Beast (Continued)

The beast’s fall shook the ground thrice, dust rising like mist, enveloping the group’s silhouettes.

After a brief silence, a thunderous cheer erupted, mingled with relief and exhilaration.

“We did it! We really defeated the monster!” an outer disciple exclaimed, waving his sword excitedly, his face radiant with joy.

Lin Fan and Zhang Meng embraced heavily, chests pressed together, sharing warmth. Their faces were smeared with dust, sweat soaking their clothes, yet their eyes shone with genuine happiness.

This was true camaraderie forged in life and death.

Zhang Meng’s rough palm patted Lin Fan’s back with force, baring white teeth in a broad grin.

Zhao Ling’er smiled faintly, approaching Lin Fan with a gaze filled with admiration and approval.

“Lin Fan, you did well,” she said softly, her clear eyes sparkling with an unusual light.

Xia Jiang, too, revealed a long-lost smile, her delicate features seeming to melt like thawing ice.

She hurried beside Lin Fan, concerned for his wounds, her worry finally easing.

The group basked in the joy of victory, as if all fatigue and pain had vanished in that moment.

The exhilaration of survival dispelled their earlier fear; relaxed smiles appeared, and they envisioned the bright days ahead.

Yet, this happiness was short-lived.

While still immersed in their triumph, the ground suddenly trembled faintly, as if a tremendous force stirred beneath.

The air thickened oppressively, suffocating the chest.

“What’s happening?” a disciple from the outer sect asked, voice trembling.

Before others could react, massive cracks split the earth, as though some creature sought to burst forth.

An unsettling aura filled the air, accompanied by chilling low growls, as if summoned from hell itself.

Zhao Ling’er’s face drained of color, her eyes wide with dread. “Something’s wrong… this scent, this tremor…”

At that moment, Qian Ning pointed shakily ahead, his voice quivering: “Look, what is that?”