...
A total of 14 beasts lay defeated, including the initial kill. Each beast yielded an average of 100 experience points, totaling 1,400 points.
This haul was comparable to defeating a single 9-star Qi Building Realm beast, but with minimal effort exerted. Anos' dominance was undeniable.
As a 9-star Qi Building Realm cultivator, Anos could annihilate opponents with a mere 20% strength increase. His power was a testament to his rigorous training.
Against 5-star beasts, Anos' victory was all but guaranteed. A single strike would be enough to extinguish their fragile existence.
With his cultivation level far surpassing these lowly creatures, Anos sought greater challenges. The thrill of battle beckoned.
"Are there no higher-level beasts?" Anos wondered, shaking his head in dismay. He pressed onward, seeking a 1-star or 2-star Spirit Condensation Realm beast.
The experience points from such creatures would be substantial, a prize worth the risk. However, venturing further posed its own dangers.
Anos weighed his options carefully. The allure of valuable experience points was tempered by the uncertainty of safety.
"If I go too far, will I return unscathed?" Anos pondered.
The landscape shifted, shadows deepening as twilight approached. Anos steeled himself, resolve firm.
....
An hour ticked by, yet Anos remained stalled, merely 500 experience points shy of attaining the coveted 6-star Spirit Condensation Realm. His frustration stemmed not from a scarcity of Spirit Condensation Realm beasts, but from the area's unusual dearth.
Flower City, a mere seven to eight kilometers away, cast a protective shadow over the region. Martial artists from the city frequently ventured forth, hunting demonic beasts and maintaining a precarious balance between humans and creatures.
This constant activity made the area hazardous, yet still within the realm of martial artists' influence. Consequently, Spirit Condensation Realm beasts shunned the area, seeking safer hunting grounds beyond the city's reach.
Undeterred, Anos pressed onward, his piercing gaze scanning the horizon for the elusive prey that would propel him to the next level. Every step forward heightened his resolve.
With each passing moment, Anos' determination intensified. He would not rest until he found the beast that would unlock his full potential.
...
As Anos ventured beyond Flower City's limits, a palpable sense of danger settled over him. The threat lurked not only in the shadows of ferocious beasts but also in the unpredictable nature of human martial artists.
Outside the city's protective confines, the constraints of powerful factions and organizations held little sway. Here, might made right, and anonymity provided impunity. Those who ventured into this unforgiving landscape did so at their own peril.
A single misstep could prove fatal, for in this lawless expanse, God's Blessing experience points became a coveted prize worth killing for. The specter of the notorious Evil Fiend Temple loomed large, its members notorious for hunting down martial artists to exploit their valuable experience.
Anos' senses heightened, his caution tempered by the knowledge that in this unforgiving realm, survival depended on strength and vigilance.
"I've acquired a martial technique, but it's still too weak, and I lack a spirit weapon," Anos thought to himself. "Acquiring a spirit weapon is paramount."
Having left Flower City, Anos recognized the necessity of wielding a spirit weapon. Fighting bare-handed was considered reckless among martial artists, and spirit weapons came with hefty price tags. The most powerful ones were priceless.
Anos longed for a sword as his spirit weapon, but an ordinary blade wouldn't suffice. A true spirit weapon needed to resonate with his martial energy.
Ordinary swords couldn't harness his spirit power, and even if they could, they'd shatter against foes slightly stronger than demonic beasts. Anos required a sword forged from rare materials, imbued with ancient energies.
Spirit weapon. Acquiring Spiritual Equipment was now Anos' utmost priority. Tomorrow, he would seek out Sofia's expertise at the Sky Martial Court, hoping her insight would prove invaluable.
As Anos emerged from his contemplation, a ghastly sight greeted him at the field's edge. More than a dozen lifeless bodies lay scattered, their youthful faces frozen in eternal silence. Fatal wounds ravaged their flesh, some with chests pierced through, their lives extinguished instantly.
The gruesome scene sent shivers down Anos' spine. This carnage reeked of a demonic beast's handiwork – a powerful one, capable of unleashing devastating blows.
Anos' instincts screamed warning, his senses heightened. A formidable foe lurked nearby, its strength capable of annihilating multiple martial artists with ease. The air was heavy with tension, and Anos' gaze scanned the horizon, prepared to face the unknown danger.
2. _Inferno Blast_: Channels the flame's energy, releasing a potent burst of flame energy forward.
Additional Abilities:
- Enhanced Strength: Amplifies physical attacks
- Shadow Step: Teleports short distances through shadows
- Flame Shield: Absorbs attacks, redirecting damage to foes
_Assessment:_
Almost invincible within its realm, the Flameborn Lion poses a significant threat to opponents.
....
The disparity between ordinary demonic beasts and those with robust bloodlines was staggering. The Flameborn Lion, a mere two-star Spirit Condensation Level creature, boasted attributes rivaling Anos's five-star Spirit Condensation Level.
Its Dark Flame attribute granted it dual capabilities:
- Flame abilities, unleashing scorching attacks
- Shadow abilities, allowing for stealth and evasion
...
With unwavering resolve, Anos prepared to face the Flameborn Lion, ready to risk everything for a chance to harvest its invaluable Spirit Condensation Level essence.
At that moment, the Flameborn Lion seemed to have lowered its guard, oblivious to Anos' presence. Seizing the opportunity, Anos unleashed his full strength.
"Spirit Blast!"
A brilliant ball of light, condensed from spiritual force, hurtled toward the Flameborn Lion. The impact was explosive, sending the lion crashing into the tree behind it. The force was so intense that it slid six meters across the ground before coming to a halt.
Given Anos' five-star Spirit Condensation Level cultivation, an ordinary two-star demonic beast would have suffered severe injuries. However, the Flameborn Lion swiftly rose to its feet, its body bleeding, blue eyes blazing with fury as it locked onto Anos.
The lion's recovery was astonishing, a testament to its exceptional vitality and strength.
Anos realized that defeating this beast wouldn't be easy.
The Flameborn Lion's voice echoed in Anos' mind, "You dare to attack me?"
"You think this young master is intimidated by your glare?" Anos sneered, condensing his spiritual force as he charged forward.
Suddenly, a ghostly flame erupted before him, its appearance as unpredictable as its master.
Shua!
The ethereal blaze danced with an otherworldly essence, illuminating Anos' fearless determination.
The Flameborn Lion's eyes narrowed, sensing the formidable energy emanating from Anos.
"You're no ordinary cultivator," the lion growled, its voice laced with caution.
Anos smiled, his confidence fueled by his Spirit Condensation Level cultivation.
"Let's see whose flames reign supreme!" Anos declared.
With a swift gesture, Anos unleashed a wave of spiritual force, merging it with the ghostly flame.