Chapter 34: Duel of Midnight Predators
Chapter 34: Duel of Midnight Predators
The moon hung high, casting a cold silver glow over the battlefield. The dense forest rustled with the uneasy movements of the remaining ferocious beasts, their instincts warning them of the predator standing before them.
Xiao Chen smirked.
"Alright, now it's my turn."
His eyes sharpened as he took a step forward—
"Void Piercing Steps."
WHOOSH!
In an instant, his figure blurred, vanishing like a ghost. A chilling gust followed as he reappeared behind the Bloodthirsty Boar, his presence like the silent breath of death.
The boar's crimson eyes widened in confusion, its thick muscles twitching—
Too late.
SWISH!
A flash of silver tore through the air. Xiao Chen's Light Sword shimmered in a perfect arc—
"SLASH!"
The boar's head flew clean off, its lifeless body collapsing with a heavy thud. Blood sprayed into the air, misting the night with a metallic scent.
The other beasts froze.
The Armored Gorilla let out a deafening roar of fury, its towering figure trembling with rage. BOOM! The ground quaked as it charged, its iron-plated arms smashing through trees, each step like a war drum pounding against the earth.
Xiao Chen grinned.
His left hand flickered with eerie dark energy, coiling like a living shadow.
With precise control, the Dark Scythe in his grasp morphed into a long, obsidian-black spear, its tip humming with deadly energy.
He focused—
His eyes locked onto a weakness in the gorilla's armored body.
"Now…"
He thrust his arm forward—
"GO!"
FWOOOSH!
The Dark Spear shot through the air like a black lightning bolt, slicing through the void with a sharp whistle.
"CRACK!"
A piercing shriek rang out as the spear pierced straight into the unarmored flesh beneath the gorilla's ribs, pinning it against a massive tree.
The beast howled in agony, its muscular frame thrashing wildly, shaking the tree with each desperate struggle.
But—
Its vitality was already corroding.
The Armored Gorilla roared, its rage twisting into desperation as it thrashed madly, trying to rip free from the spear embedded deep into its side. Dark energy pulsed along the weapon's length, devouring its life force, causing its massive muscles to wither ever so slightly.
Xiao Chen's smirk deepened. "Heh. Your fate is already sealed."
The gorilla's bloodshot eyes locked onto him, filled with unrelenting fury, yet its body was slowly betraying it.
Xiao Chen turned his gaze to his next prey.
His Light Sword shone brilliantly, illuminating the darkness like a celestial beacon.
"Void Piercing Steps."
WHOOSH!
His figure blurred once more, a streak of light flashing toward the Black Bear.
The Silver Tooth Tiger remained hidden in the shadows, its muscles coiled like a spring, its blue eyes tracking his every move, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Yet, Xiao Chen's spiritual sense never left it.
He knew.
The tiger was not like the other beasts. It was cunning, patient—a true hunter.
But Xiao Chen?
He was maybe indifferent, but not ignorant.
As he lunged at the Black Bear, he remained fully aware—the moment the tiger moved, he would be ready.
The hunt was not over.
---
Meanwhile, a low growl rumbled through the dense forest as Mistshadow circled her foe, her sleek silver fur glistening in the faint moonlight. Her emerald eyes glowed with eerie intelligence, analyzing the Moon Wolf's every movement.
The Moon Wolf, a towering frame and grey and black fur that blended with the darkness. Its icy-blue eyes glowed with unwavering dominance, its body radiating sheer brute force.
Unlike Mistshadow, it relied not on cunning, but on overwhelming might. For the past few minutes, their battle had been a fierce game of wit versus power. Mistshadow had struck twice, landing precise slashes across the Moon Wolf's forelegs.
Yet, despite drawing blood, the beast barely flinched, its muscle-bound frame shrugging off the pain. The Moon Wolf had countered with a savage lunge, nearly crushing Mistshadow beneath its immense weight.
But she had evaded with graceful agility, disappearing into the shadows just before impact. Now, as the battle reached its peak, the forest trembled with their ferocity.
"Grrrrr…" The Moon Wolf's hackles rose, its icy breath misting the night air.
Then— "Awooooo!" A howl pierced the silence. The air vibrated as moonlight converged upon its fur, forming a glowing aura.
Mistshadow's ears flattened. "Moonlight Empowerment…" The Moon Wolf's signature ability—under the full moon, its physical power surged, making it nearly unstoppable in close combat.
And then— "BOOM!" The Moon Wolf lunged, moving with terrifying speed. The earth cracked beneath its paws as it closed the distance in an instant.
Mistshadow barely had time to react. She sidestepped, but the wolf's claws grazed her flank, sending her skidding backward.
"Tch!" Pain flared through her side, but she couldn't afford to slow down. She swiftly rolled into the undergrowth, using the thick vegetation to obscure her movements.
The Moon Wolf snarled, its glowing eyes locking onto her. It didn't hesitate. "SWOOSH!" It swiped its claws, cleaving through the trees as if they were mere twigs.
Bark and leaves exploded into the air, but Mistshadow had already vanished into the foliage. The wolf paused, ears twitching. It sniffed the air, searching for her scent.
Silence. Then— "RAAGHHH!" The Moon Wolf roared as something latched onto its back!
Mistshadow had leaped from above, sinking her claws deep into the wolf's thick fur. Her jaws snapped toward its neck, aiming for a fatal bite—
"BANG!"
The Moon Wolf thrashed violently, throwing her off like a ragdoll. She twisted midair, landing with feline grace.
But the Moon Wolf was already upon her. It struck like a grey and black hurricane, its massive jaws clamping down—
---
Not far away, Xiao Rongyu watched in silence.
Her grip tightened around her sword as she observed Mistshadow's relentless struggle.
She could intervene.
But she hesitated.
She had never seen Mistshadow fight before. She find the fight amusing, how Mistshadow could hold off against the Moon Wolf with her inferior strength. Did she need help?
The hesitation lingered.
But then—
"THUD!"
Mistshadow was sent flying, crashing through a fallen tree. Dust and leaves scattered as she groaned, struggling to rise.
Xiao Rongyu's breath hitched.
Her legs tensed.
Should she act?
She bit her lip, debating.
And then—
The Moon Wolf charged again, its lunar aura blazing.
Mistshadow barely lifted her head—
A blur of movement.
Xiao Rongyu moved.
"SHING!"
Her sword slashed forward, intercepting the beast's attack just in time.
Blood sprayed.
The Moon Wolf stumbled back, surprised by the unexpected interference.
Xiao Rongyu landed gracefully beside Mistshadow, her emerald eyes flickering.
"Tch. Don't get the wrong idea," she muttered. "I'm not saving you. I just don't want to explain to Xiao Chen why I let you die."
Mistshadow huffed but didn't argue.
The battle wasn't over yet.
And as the moon cast its pale light upon them, the duel of midnight predators raged on.