The iron sheen galloping through the sky sketched a sharp angle. Leveraging its exaggerated muscular strength and Yu Step techniques, it brutally defied the laws of physics. It bore nearly double the pressure from acceleration in an instant before springing backward.

It charged straight toward the giant owl that had just flickered into existence from the sky!

Its speed didn't slow in the slightest. On the contrary, by breaking through its original inertial potential, its velocity erupted anew, surpassing all previous limits.

Using sprints or retreats to build momentum—this was the perfected Yu Step technique: Crow Sits on the Airplane!

In the reflection of the giant owl's suddenly contracting pupils, Huai Shi's long tail swayed, and his Great Sword ripped through the air, spurting burning radiance.

With the Wolf Beast's howl, it cleaved downward again.

"You're a disgrace! Get lost!"

Drummer!

The Heaven Drums in the void seemed to be struck in that instant, exploding with thunderous roars.

Simply by relying on his absurdly powerful muscles, and despite his own crude technique, Huai Shi unleashed astonishing explosive power comparable to Luo Lao's.

The force of his entire body concentrated into a single sword strike, causing the blade to instantly vibrate like a bee's wings.

It was a mere sweeping pass. The deformed giant owl stood dumbfounded. It looked down in astonishment, finding itself seemingly intact. Could its phase shift just moments ago have been successful? Then, it noticed the thick, metallic taste of blood welling up in its lungs. From its nostrils and mouth, a sharp, iron light erupted, expanding from the inside out.

It burst apart.

Blood spurted from its perforated body, staining the entire Giant Wolf blood-red—a One-shot kill!

Then, a hidden arrow struck in ambush! Just as Huai Shi claimed victory, a silent arrow burst from the shadows. It rushed toward his face, perfectly seizing his brief moment of vulnerability. After accumulating power for an unknown amount of time, the arrow tore through Huai Shi's scales and embedded itself deep in his neck.

It was incredibly close to Huai Shi's carotid artery!

Well, about twenty centimeters away. Just about the distance for a premium membership perk.

A real pity.

The blood-soaked, ferocious Wolf Beast had already detected the arrow's origin. With the projectile still lodged in its neck, it turned its head emotionlessly to look towards the other end of the battlefield, at the Centaur who thought she had succeeded.

Huai Shi cracked a 'benevolent' smile. His lips parted, silently greeting her.

"I see you," he mouthed.

Instantly, the massive Centaur was terrified. She turned to flee into the city behind her. A Legion of Elves with pointed ears, clad in Armor, sheltered her within their ranks, recklessly throwing themselves at Huai Shi to provide cover.

But no matter how one looked at it, they were bound to be effortlessly crushed by the Giant Wolf, right?

The Centaur didn't care how many Elves would be lost; it wouldn't matter if they all died. She just wanted to escape, because the bone-chilling horror felt like it was drawing nearer and nearer, a feeling like a tumor clinging to her bones. Dropping her cumbersome greatbow, she forged ahead, hooves pounding as she charged toward the open city gate.

If only I can make it inside, I'll be safe, she thought.

But cries of agony suddenly erupted from behind her, then just as suddenly, they ceased. So quickly.

Silence reigned once more.

A chill born from her own consciousness froze her on the spot, paralyzed. Fear, like a creeping reptile, crawled up her spine.

Then, a bone-chilling greeting sounded by her ear.

"Well, well, little sister…"

A wolf's head peeked out from behind her shoulder, its human-head-sized eyes glaring at her with amusement. "Who were you aiming for, hmm?"

"Huai Shi, we're all part of the Astronomical Society! We're on the same side, don't attack!"

At the critical moment, Emperor Penguin Shuangyue finally rushed over, frantic. "Don't kill her! I can offer you critical information in exchange!"

Several Great Spirits followed close behind, their murderous intent coldly fixed on Huai Shi, pressuring him to make a decision.

"What information? I'm quite interested," Huai Shi said, turning to look at Emperor Penguin Shuangyue. He seemed to be reconsidering, then grinned. "But... I much prefer killing one of our own..."

Shuangyue's expression changed instantly. He triggered his Psychokinesis, clashing with Fu Yi in the void, but it was too late to stop what was coming.

Huai Shi took a deep breath.

Second Five's Breath · Nine Stages!

Metal Spit!

One of the most terrifying breath attacks among all Explorer Skills, it instantly engulfed the Centaur, turning her into a charred corpse coated in a thin film of metal, leaving no time for even a scream.

Then, blood spurted from Huai Shi's own body. He threw his head back and let out a long howl to the heavens.

In that brief moment, Huai Shi once again underwent an evolution.

A sudden trance overcame him, and darkness flooded his vision. It was as if a rift leading to the Abyss had opened before him. Pairs of malevolent eyes stared at Huai Shi. Wherever their gazes passed, deep-seated resentment and darkness surfaced from within Huai Shi's Soul, afflicting him with new deformities.

An overwhelming tide of despair, pain, and madness flooded into Huai Shi's Soul.

"BURP~"

Huai Shi let out a contented groan, gazing expectantly into the Abyss.

Is there more?

More More!

The countless eyes within the Abyss hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly averted their gaze.

Mom, there's a freak here!

The ethereal rift suddenly closed, as if it had never appeared.

When Huai Shi opened his eyes, he heard a continuous, sharp crackling sound. From his back and limb joints, metallic Sharp Blades sprung out one after another, making him resemble a suit of Armor covered with barbs and blades. He had become a living, breathing Killing Machine.

"PTOOEY!"

Huai Shi spat on the ground. Smoothing it out with his hand, he made a makeshift mirror. He looked himself over and clicked his tongue in admiration. "Ah, I've gotten even more handsome! As expected of me!"

With that, the immense wolf head slowly rose. He looked coldly at the surrounding Giant Beasts, his gaze landing on Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's face. "Hey, kid. Want a screen protector? Free of charge—"

Without a word, Emperor Penguin Shuangyue took to the sky and quickly retreated behind his teammates. From Huai Shi's utterly empty-looking skull, Shuangyue read unmistakable ferocity and murderous intent, as well as an indescribable malice. It was as if the Abyss itself had opened before him.

"Attack!" Shuangyue roared.

"Alright." Huai Shi nodded. Instantly, he executed a Space Break. His tail lifted, the Great Sword swung in a full circle, and came chopping down at Shuangyue's skull!

CRASH!

Invisible Psychokinesis forcibly stopped the sword, but the Axe of Anger's degrading effect on Source Substance still struck Shuangyue unerringly. It felt as if someone had smashed a hammer into his forehead with all their might.

Emperor Penguin Shuangyue fell from the sky, blood seeping from his mouth, nose, and the corners of his eyes. As for his ears... well, I have no idea where a penguin's ears are, Huai Shi mused.

Ignoring the other Giant Beasts' onslaught, Huai Shi seized the opportunity—striking while the iron was hot. He swung his tail with the Sword Blade again. CHOP!

At the critical moment, a Pterosaur-like Giant Beast lifted its wings, blocking the Sword Blade like a Tower Shield. Sparks flew, and the Pterosaur's eyes twitched wildly. The membrane of its wings was instantly punctured, a large hole torn through it as easily as piercing kraft paper. More fatally, it felt its blood being continuously siphoned by that sinister Great Sword, becoming part of the ornate engravings and decorations on the blade's spine. Breathing became difficult.

Ignoring the attacks from a giant bull and a tiger, Huai Shi swung his Sword Blade again. CHOP!

Half a wing flew into the sky as the Pterosaur screamed in agony.

And Huai Shi took another deep breath.

Damn it! Why does this bastard's breath attack cool down so quickly?! everyone thought in horror.

Everyone recoiled, only to see Huai Shi let out a contented burp, bare his teeth, and flash a mocking smile at them. "Don't worry, just kidding," he said.

The Wolf Beast stepped forward—Four-fold Yu Step!—and swept out with its Sword Blade!

The winged White Tiger let out a mournful cry as blood erupted from it. Then, invisible Psychokinesis pierced its eye socket, instantly penetrating its brain. Dead.

Immediately after, Huai Shi, now bathed in the White Tiger's blood, was upon the Pterosaur in an instant! The Pterosaur roared and charged at him, spitting a rain of dark green acid. The corrosive liquid hissed and bubbled even on steel. Before its mouth could close, Huai Shi forcefully pried it open again.

"You like to spit, huh?" Huai Shi said, studying its throat. He expertly opened his own mouth—HOCK... PTOOEY!!!

Between his Iron Claws, the Pterosaur's mouth was forced shut. The beast struggled frantically as smoke rose from its features... actual thick smoke, as if its flesh were burning.

When Huai Shi casually tossed it to the ground, half of its head was thoroughly cooked, exuding an appetizing aroma. Unfortunately, no crying child from next door was around to enhance the atmosphere, he thought. But having a penguin cry out a few times wouldn't be bad either.

Huai Shi gazed with amusement at Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's shocked expression, slowly approaching step by step. Other ferocious beasts wanted to intervene, but they were repelled by the Wolf Beast's glare. The vast battlefield around them was now eerily empty in this spot. Invisible Psychokinesis manipulated the surrounding air, forming sharp spikes that blocked Emperor Penguin Shuangyue's escape routes, cornering him.

"Wait a minute, Huai Shi, let's negotiate!"

Emperor Penguin Shuangyue wasn't panicked. He remained composed in the face of danger and said, "I'm willing to exchange information about this Witch's Dream, if only you'll listen! Information about the 'Destructive Element'—don't you want to know?"

"Oh, the Ranch Owner, is it?" Huai Shi moved forward indifferently. "You're not trying to trade that for your life, are you?"

"Being killed here just means withdrawing and starting over. You can't truly kill me, so what's this talk of trading for my life?" Emperor Penguin Shuangyue answered calmly. "But what if I told you this involves more than just the Ranch Owner? Would you still be willing to listen then?"

Huai Shi paused for a moment, stunned.

This bastard wouldn't be trying to fool me, would he? He knew that Abyss Evolution Theory could be connected to the Ranch Owner, but how could a Witch's Dream involve another Destructive Element? There are twenty-four Destructive Elements in total, and one mere experiment involves two of them? Are Utopia's Creators really that bold?

In that instant, Huai Shi suddenly felt his Death Perception activate. A chill spread throughout his body. Without hesitation, he turned and bolted, charging straight for the Lizard Man's city walls. He ignored everything else, warily scanning his surroundings. He had no idea where this sense of impending death came from.

Emperor Penguin Shuangyue was also taken aback. Although he didn't understand why Huai Shi would suddenly turn and leave without even hearing the information, Shuangyue's first reaction after his narrow escape was also to quickly retreat to the city.

Just as he took a step, he heard it.

A distant song resounded from high above.

The deep, heavy cries were like a song—melodious yet hoarse, filled with pain and sorrow.

A somber song arose from the Vault of Heaven.

Suddenly, it descended upon the battlefield!