Lian Shi stood on the edge of a cliff, the night wind cutting across his face like a blade, tousling his disheveled hair. His gaze was locked onto the depths of the valley, where a beast covered in dark red scales prowled, its eyes glimmering with bloodlust.
After numerous battles, Lian Shi's strength had significantly improved, and his mastery over the power of Plunder had become more refined. However, he could never shake the consuming pain that gnawed at his mind. Every time he absorbed a beast's ability, it wasn't just physical agony he endured—it was also a mental assault, one that pushed his consciousness to the brink of collapse.
"This time, the target is a high-tier beast… If I succeed, I might take another step forward."
He clenched his fists, feeling the surging power within. He knew this fight would be more dangerous than any before, but he had no other choice.
He crouched down slowly, regulating his breathing, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Beneath the moonlight, the beast's senses were just as sharp. The dark red-scaled creature suddenly lifted its head, nostrils flaring as it let out a deep growl.
"It's time."
Lian Shi leapt from the cliff, his figure shooting toward the beast like an arrow. In midair, he twisted his body, channeling the energy of Plunder into his palm, and slashed toward the beast's neck.
The beast reacted swiftly. Its limbs tensed, propelling its massive body sideways to evade the strike. Then, it opened its gaping maw, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs, lunging straight at him!
In that split second, Lian Shi twisted his body midair, planting his hands against the ground to propel himself away, creating distance between them.
"As expected… it won't be easy."
His eyes darkened as the power of Plunder roared within him. He knew that ordinary combat techniques wouldn't be enough to defeat this opponent. He needed to steal the beast's core ability.
The beast let out a low roar, and suddenly, its scales flared open, transforming into razor-sharp blades that shot out in every direction!
Lian Shi's pupils shrank as he pushed off the ground, weaving through the onslaught like a gust of wind. The blades grazed his skin, leaving streaks of blood, but he didn't falter.
"I see it."
Amid his rapid movements, he found the beast's weak point.
The moment the beast opened its mouth to roar again, Lian Shi accelerated, his foot slamming against the ground. In an instant, his figure vanished—only to reappear beneath the beast's belly!
"Plunder—!"
His palm struck the beast's chest, and an overwhelming surge of energy poured into its body.
The beast let out an ear-piercing scream, its massive frame convulsing violently as its strength rapidly drained away.
Lian Shi gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain of Plunder. He felt as though his bones were fracturing, his entire being torn apart from within.
But he did not retreat.
He knew that every ounce of pain was the price of power.
Finally, the beast's struggle weakened. Its massive body collapsed to the ground, the light in its eyes fading into darkness.
Lian Shi sank to the ground, panting heavily.
He looked down at his hands, sensing the new power coursing through him.
What had he Plundered this time?