Chapter 060

Chapter 60: A Narrow Victory (1)

A sharp cry pierced the air, “Squeak—squeak!”

The four cultivators, who had been furiously fighting, suddenly froze. Hua Xuan Zi, Senior Brother Zhao, and Zong Hao all instinctively clutched their heads, trembling as the oppressive force of the second-order demon beast overwhelmed them.

Their bodies buckled under the immense pressure, forcing all three to kneel on one knee—only Yun Xi remained standing.

When the shrill sound had first echoed through the air, Yun Xi felt a sharp pain between her brows, but it was quickly washed away by a soothing coolness flowing from her sea of consciousness. She swiftly regained clarity, though the Foundation Establishment stage beast’s aura still pushed her backward two steps. She struggled for two breaths before steadying herself.

The second-order sand gerbil’s sonic attack had targeted her sea of consciousness but was unexpectedly blocked by the red wooden plaque hovering there. [So, this wooden plaque can shield my mind,] she noted with relief.

Yet, the Foundation Establishment-level pressure was still genuine. Although Yun Xi’s true cultivation was at the ninth level of Qi Refining, it fell short compared to the might of a Foundation Establishment demon beast. Fortunately, because her mind was shielded and her physical body was stronger than her companions’, she became the only one still standing.

As soon as the others collapsed under the suppression, the first-order sand gerbils swarmed forward to attack them.

Yun Xi immediately reacted by throwing out nearly all of her first-order talismans, unleashing her signature move—”Blossoms Across the Sky.”

Instantly, explosions erupted across the battlefield, and colorful lights from various spells burst forth, throwing the attacking sand gerbils into chaos. Those struck by talismans squealed and scattered, buying the group precious breathing room.

The three cultivators quickly rose, swords drawn to retaliate. Meanwhile, the second-order sand gerbil was infuriated by Yun Xi’s interference and lunged toward her with shocking speed.

This beast, the size of a mastiff, moved astonishingly fast. Before Yun Xi could react, it viciously swung its claw toward her.

“Bang!”

A defensive halo immediately lit up around Yun Xi, narrowly blocking the fatal strike—but her protective jade pendant cracked under the impact.

Cold sweat drenched her back as she immediately leaped into the air, somersaulting gracefully behind the beast, drawing its attention away once again.

Taking advantage of this distraction, Zong Hao and the others swiftly moved to finish off the scattered first-order gerbils. Everyone was aware: only once these smaller beasts were dealt with could they effectively face the more powerful threat.

In this desperate battle, no one held back their hidden treasures.

Senior Brother Zhao roared, “Yun Xi, move away!”

Even if he hadn’t shouted, Yun Xi had no choice—she’d already been flung aside again by the sand gerbil’s tail, her usually composed figure tumbling embarrassingly through the air.

Hearing Senior Brother Zhao’s cry, she adjusted mid-air, flipped elegantly, and landed amidst another cluster of gerbils. She immediately tossed another handful of talismans, swiftly thinning their numbers.

In the meantime, Senior Brother Zhao released a worn-looking second-order treasure talisman, clearly nearing the end of its usefulness. From within, the shadowy figure of a Cloud Swallowing Leopard emerged, roaring majestically.

The intimidating roar immediately halted the rampaging second-order sand gerbil, which paused uncertainly, recognizing a superior predator’s aura.

Senior Brother Zhao’s face turned pale as he struggled to maintain the talisman with his limited spiritual energy. Hua Xuan Zi quickly stepped forward, wielding her sword protectively beside him, warding off any stray attacks.

Rubbing the stinging pain where she’d been struck by the beast’s tail, Yun Xi shouted, “Zong Hao, let’s hurry! Senior Brother Zhao can’t hold it much longer!”

“Got it!” Zong Hao replied, knowing time was of the essence. The moment Senior Brother Zhao’s talisman failed, they would face devastating pressure again.

With perfect teamwork, the pair rushed to eliminate the remaining gerbils. Yun Xi launched a wide-area Ice Needle Technique, skewering the remaining sand gerbils, then quickly gathered their corpses into her storage pouch with her spiritual consciousness.

Zong Hao, sword swinging rapidly, swallowed the high-grade Spirit Nourishing Pill he’d been holding in his mouth—prepared precisely for moments like this, when there was no time to pause.

“Yun Xi, Senior Brother Zhao can’t hold any longer!” Hua Xuan Zi urgently warned.

“I’m coming!” Yun Xi shouted, her figure blurring as she unconsciously used Thousand Shadows Riding the Wind, almost leaving a trailing shadow behind her. In an instant, she appeared at Hua Xuan Zi’s side and handed her a stack of second-order lower-grade talismans.

“Senior Sister, just hold on a bit longer! The first-order gerbils are nearly finished. Use these talismans whenever you can; they might help Senior Brother Zhao.”

Hua Xuan Zi didn’t hesitate, immediately throwing two lightning talismans at the beast. Thunder exploded on either side, blackening the gerbil’s golden fur and causing it to shudder in fear.

“It worked! This beast fears lightning! Junior Sister, hurry—we can hold it a little longer!” Hua Xuan Zi exclaimed, eyes sparkling.

Yun Xi resisted the urge to sigh—[Of course it’s afraid. All demon beasts fear heavenly lightning tribulations during breakthroughs.]

“Got it! Zong Hao, let’s finish quickly!” Yun Xi swiftly returned to Zong Hao’s side, just as he hurled a sand gerbil off his shoulder. Without hesitation, Yun Xi’s Ice Spike pierced the creature, neatly collecting its corpse into her pouch.

Brother and sister fought side by side, rapidly dispatching the remaining first-order gerbils.

Meanwhile, Senior Brother Zhao’s control over the treasure talisman weakened further, and Hua Xuan Zi’s assistance barely maintained their position. The glowing leopard above them slowly faded, and finally, after Zhao coughed out blood, the talisman shattered entirely. The leopard gave a final unwilling roar before disappearing.

Free from restraint, the second-order gerbil roared triumphantly, tail whipping arrogantly as it charged toward the four exhausted cultivators.

“Senior Sister, now!” Yun Xi shouted.

“Right!” Hua Xuan Zi answered decisively.

In unison, both threw out all the remaining second-order lower-grade talismans in their possession toward the approaching beast, aiming to severely injure it first and deal with the consequences later.