Elite Battle—Ghost vs. Skull Winged Blue Bat

The Skull Winged Blue Bat shrieked, its massive wings slicing through the fog like razor-sharp blades. A blur of blue light shimmered as it activated Sonic Blade, sending out a crescent-shaped shockwave toward Jiang Chen and Ghost.

Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "Dodge!"

Ghost's skeletal frame flickered, shadows twisting around it as it phased sideways, narrowly avoiding the lethal soundwave. The ground behind them cracked apart where the attack landed, proof of the bat's deadly precision.

Ghost let out a guttural snarl, its crimson eyes burning with unrestrained hunger. This was its first real battle as an Elite-tier predator, and it was eager to kill.

Jiang Chen's system flashed.

> [Opponent Analysis Complete!]

Skull Winged Blue Bat – Weakness Identified: Limited Stamina!

Jiang Chen smirked. "Ghost, force it to dodge until it's exhausted. Then… we kill it."

Ghost responded immediately, vanishing into the mist with unnatural speed. Its Revenant Hunger had already absorbed essence from the fallen Red Fang Wolves, keeping it in peak condition.

The bat shrieked again, flapping its wings rapidly. Its Sky Hunter ability gave it the advantage in aerial mobility, allowing it to strafe in unpredictable patterns.

Jiang Chen's mind worked quickly. I can't let it maintain range.

"Ghost! Shadow Leap—Close the distance!"

Ghost's form blurred, a streak of darkness shooting through the mist.

The bat reacted instantly, banking hard to the left and flapping its wings furiously, launching another Sonic Blade mid-air.

But it was too late.

Ghost reappeared right above it, spectral claws raised.

"Abyssal Severance!"

Ghost's claw, wreathed in abyssal energy, sliced downward.

The Skull Winged Blue Bat let out a piercing screech as its body spasmed violently. Dark tendrils of energy invaded its core, devouring its soul.

> [Abyssal Severance Activated—Target Executed!]

The bat's lifeless body crashed to the ground, its essence rapidly being absorbed by Ghost's Revenant Hunger.

Jiang Chen exhaled slowly, watching Ghost's aura surge once more.

> [Battle Complete! Ghost has gained EXP!]

[Elite Tier (Level 11) → Level 12]

Ghost let out a deep, satisfied growl, its crimson eyes still burning with hunger.

Jiang Chen's smirk widened. "Not bad."

He crouched beside the defeated bat, his system already scanning its corpse.

> [Material Analysis—Skull Winged Blue Bat]

High-Quality Wing Membrane: Can be used for crafting aerial gear.

Crystallized Sound Core: A rare component for enhancing sound-based abilities.

Fresh Monster Blood: Can be used for beast cultivation.

Jiang Chen's eyes gleamed. A Crystallized Sound Core… That could be useful for my next beast.

He stored the materials, then turned his gaze toward Ghost.

> [Ghost's Revenant Hunger has refined part of the absorbed energy.]

New Passive Ability Acquired: Phantom Echo

Allows Ghost to release a delayed soundwave attack, disrupting enemy movements.

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. "A sound-based ability? Interesting."

This meant Ghost was now better suited to handle aerial threats in the future.

The Silent Bone Forest remained still for a moment, the battle's aftermath settling into an eerie silence. But Jiang Chen wasn't done.

His system flashed again.

> [Mission Reminder—Defeat a Lord Tier (Level 41+) Monster.]

Jiang Chen's smirk returned. I need to find a Lord-tier beast… and I know exactly where to look.

He turned to Ghost, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Let's hunt."