Stepping in

Xi Na's breathing was ragged, her body trembling slightly as she maintained her stance.

Glock'Nine, perched on her shoulder like a misty specter, whispered urgently, "Xi Na, we can't keep this up forever. These beasts… they're not normal."

Xi Na clenched her fists, her eyes darting between the creatures surrounding them.

She could feel it too—these weren't just beasts afflicted by demonic dao essence.

They were something else.

Stronger.

More refined.

As if cultivated and tempered by something sinister.

"We need a plan," Glock'Nine continued, his voice firm yet worried. "If we stay in this pit and fight blindly, we'll be drained before the next wave even arrives."

Xi Na gritted her teeth. "And what do you suggest? Running? There's nowhere to go."