Chapter 49: Azure Winged Lions

Relief washed over Wang Li and Xiangyi as the final ethereal sword dissipated, leaving Ye Fan kneeling in defeat. The air crackled with a tense silence, broken only by their ragged breaths.

"It's over," Xiangyi rasped, her voice weak but firm. She slowly approached Ye Fan, her hand outstretched, a chain of enchanted metal shimmering within it. "We need to restrain him before he tries anything else."

Wang Li, watching from behind, focused his gaze on Ye Fan. He activated his Heavenly Fate Pupils, a faint bluish glow emanating from his eyes.

But a frown creased his brow as he observed Ye Fan's aura. Even now, it shimmered with a faint golden light, signifying destiny. That shouldn't be. A defeated opponent wouldn't retain such an aura.

A seed of doubt burrowed into his mind.

Ye Fan seemed... too accepting of his defeat. With a jolt, he realized the horrifying possibility. He lunged forward, a shout tearing from his lips.

"Xiangyi, wait!"

His warning came a heartbeat too late. As Xiangyi reached out to bind Ye Fan, a surge of demonic energy erupted from his body. His eyes snapped open, a cruel glint replacing the resignation that had been there moments ago. He lunged forward, a demonic sneer twisting his features.

"Fools!" he roared, his voice laced with dark power. "You truly thought it was over?"

Fortunately, Wang Li's warning had been enough.

Xiangyi, startled by his sudden movement, instinctively leaped back.

Wang Li, reaching her just in time, swept her into his arms, pulling her away from Ye Fan's grasp.

They landed in a heap on the ground, Wang Li shielding Xiangyi with his body.

A wave of heat washed over them as Ye Fan's demonic attack singed the ground where they had been standing just moments ago.

"Are you alright?" Wang Li gasped, checking Xiangyi for injuries.

Xiangyi, shaken but unharmed, nodded tightly. In the close confines of his embrace, she could feel the warmth of his body and the frantic beat of his heart.

"I'm fine," she murmured, pushing herself out of his embrace with a newfound determination. "We need to finish this."

Wang Li, understanding the unspoken plea in her eyes, nodded curtly. He activated his Yin-Yang Cultivation Ability, its energy enveloping them both.

Under its potent effect, their depleted spiritual energy began to replenish at an accelerated rate.

Meanwhile, Ye Fan, now fully embracing his demonic power, cackled with glee.

The surprise attack had bought him precious time.

He ripped a talisman from his storage bag, its surface etched with swirling runes.

"Don't think you've won yet, fools!" he roared, activating the talisman. A blinding flash of light enveloped him, followed by a crackle of displaced air. When the light faded, Ye Fan was gone. He had teleported away.

Fury contorted Wang Li's face. They had been so close! He cursed under his breath, slamming his fist into the ground. The force of the blow shattered the earth beneath him, leaving a crater in its wake.

Xiangyi, her eyes filled with disappointment, deactivated the Cloud Sword Array. The clearing fell silent once more, the aftermath of the battle hanging heavy in the air.

"He escaped," she said, her voice a low murmur.

Wang Li stood up, brushing dirt from his clothes. His gaze swept over the battlefield – the fallen commanders, the scorch marks from Ye Fan's attacks, the remnants of the shattered puppets. A bitter taste filled his mouth.

One particularly crisp morning, a golden glint in his pupils caught his eye.

His enhanced senses identified them instantly – Everlasting Jade Lilies and Soul-Nourishing Ginseng. These were legendary plants, renowned for their potent restorative properties. They were precisely what his aunts needed to heal their ravaged Spiritual Roots.

With a determined stride, he launched himself towards the valley, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he neared the shimmering source, a breathtaking scene unfolded before him. Nestled amidst towering cliffs, a vibrant meadow pulsated with life. Crystal-clear streams meandered through the valley, nourishing a dazzling array of exotic flowers and plants.

But amidst the breathtaking beauty, danger lurked. Wang Li's breath hitched as he spotted a magnificent creature nestled amongst the flowers – an Azure Winged Lion. Its fur shimmered with a cerulean brilliance, its wings folded regally against its back. Its eyes, pools of molten gold, met his gaze, an undeniable warning flashing within them.

This wasn't just any Azure Winged Lion. He recognized it instantly – a late Nascent Soul Realm beast, radiating immense power. And it wasn't alone. Two smaller lions, their fur a lighter shade of blue, playfully frolicked nearby, their playful growls masking a surprising level of power – late Core Formation Realm. A family, it seemed.

Adding to the difficulty, Wang Li sensed a subtle thrumming of energy in the valley. It was a natural formation, an Earth Vein enhancing the Azure Winged Lions' prowess within their territory.

Stealing the herbs would be akin to snatching candy from a dragon – a particularly ferocious, winged dragon.

A direct confrontation was out of the question. He wouldn't survive, let alone retrieve the herbs. He needed a plan, a cunning maneuver to lure the lions away from the valley long enough to snatch the precious plants.

"Think, Wang Li," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing with possibilities.

The herbs themselves provided a clue. According to ancient texts, the Everlasting Jade Lilies and Soul-Nourishing Ginseng reached peak potency at precisely a thousand years old.

He could see from their size and vibrancy that they were nearing that age. Perhaps, he could use that knowledge to his advantage.

With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, Wang Li retreated from the valley, his steps light despite the gravity of the situation. He needed to find a way to attract the lions elsewhere, something so enticing they wouldn't hesitate to leave their precious herbs unguarded, even for a short while.

Days later, Wang Li reappeared near the valley, a sly grin playing on his lips.

He wasn't empty-handed this time. He carried a small cage containing a rare beast – a Moon Howl Wolf pup.

Moon Howl Wolves were renowned for their exquisite meat, a delicacy highly sought after by high-level beasts. In their prime, these wolves possessed fur imbued with moonlight energy, prized by alchemists for specific elixirs.

This particular pup was still young, not powerful enough to pose a threat, but its alluring scent would be irresistible to a predator like the Azure Winged Lions.

His plan was simple: unleash the tantalizing aroma, lure the lions out with the promise of an easy meal, and then, under the cover of their absence, snatch the herbs.

He cautiously approached the valley again, keeping a safe distance.

With a flick of his wrist, he released the caged pup, who whimpered pitifully at the sudden change in environment. Moments later, the mournful howl of the Moon Howl Wolf echoed through the valley, its melancholic cry carrying on the wind.

As he anticipated, the howl stirred the Azure Winged Lion family. The adult's head snapped towards the sound, its nostrils flaring.

The cubs, their eyes wide with predatory instincts, mirrored their parent's reaction.

The scent of the young Moon Howl Wolf, vulnerable and delicious, filled the air.

A low growl rumbled from the adult lion's throat.

A glance passed between the three beasts, a silent communication filled with the promise of a quick and satisfying meal.

With a mighty roar, the adult took to the sky, its mighty wings beating a powerful rhythm. The cubs, eager to participate in the hunt, followed close behind.

Wang Li held his breath as the lions disappeared into the distance. His heart pounded with nervous excitement. This was his chance.

He sprinted towards the valley, his eyes fixed on the shimmering herbs nestled amongst the vibrant flora. Time was of the essence; he needed to be quick before the lions returned.