The moment Shen Yuan activated the teleportation array, space twisted around them, and in an instant, they found themselves in a vast, dense forest. Towering trees stretched high into the sky, their thick branches forming a canopy that cast eerie shadows across the ground. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, and distant roars of beasts echoed through the foliage.
"This is… the Spirit Beast Range," Xiang Xiaoli muttered, scanning the area warily. "So, we're really going through with this? Hunting a Tempest Falcon… an adult one, at that?"
"What else?" Shen Yuan replied lazily, adjusting his sleeves.
She clicked her tongue. "And what about the sect masters? Won't they—"
Before she could finish, Tang Jiyan scoffed, hands tucked behind his back. "Sect masters? If it's Shen Yuan we're talking about, they probably won't care. Either they see no reason to interfere, or they're just afraid of Shen Yuan running away."
The group exchanged looks before collectively sighing.
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow at Tang Jiyan's words. "Why does it feel like I'm the villain here?"
Without further discussion, they ventured deeper into the forest. The ground was uneven, covered in thick roots and occasional remnants of past battles—deep claw marks on trees, shattered boulders, and dried bloodstains. It was clear this place was a battleground for spiritual beasts.
Yet, despite searching for a while, they couldn't find an adult Tempest Falcon. They came across traces of younger ones—feathers, broken eggshells, and the remains of prey—but none of the mature ones they sought.
Just as frustration began to creep in, Xiang Xiaoli suddenly pointed towards a high cliff.
"There! Look!"
Perched at the very edge of the cliff stood a large bird, its sleek black feathers gleaming under the sunlight, streaked with vibrant crimson at the tips. Its piercing red eyes seemed to scan the landscape below, as if watching for prey.
"That's it," Tang Jiyan confirmed, his voice low. "A fully matured Tempest Falcon."
The air suddenly felt heavier. Even standing at a distance, they could sense the terrifying presence of the creature.
Guo Bohai turned to Shen Yuan. "So? What's the plan?"
Shen Yuan smiled and took out a traditional Chinese fan, lazily waving it. "No plan."
"...What?"
You all attack. I'll cheer you on from here."
The group stared at him in stunned silence.
Xiang Xiaoli clenched her fists. "You bastard, you want us to fight a grade 7 beast alone?!"
Shen Yuan shrugged. "You all have something to prove, don't you?"
The irritation on their faces was clear, but Shen Yuan could also see their fighting spirit ignite.
"Fine," Tang Jiyan said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's go."
At once, they launched themselves towards the Tempest Falcon.
Sensing their approach, the bird let out a deafening screech and flapped its powerful wings. A violent gust of wind swept through the forest, uprooting trees and sending shockwaves through the terrain. The sky darkened as storm clouds gathered, and the temperature dropped drastically.
But the group didn't falter.
"Formation!" Tang Jiyan roared.
They instantly activated the Ghost Sword Formation, their figures flickering like phantoms as they moved at breakneck speeds. They weaved through the sky, cutting through the chaotic wind currents as they closed in on the falcon.
The Tempest Falcon flapped its wings harder, creating slicing winds sharp enough to tear through boulders. The sky itself seemed to churn in response. Even with the formation, it was nearly impossible to get close.
"Not enough," Shen Yuan muttered from afar, his golden eyes gleaming.
Then—all of them simultaneously used Spatial Rift.
The Tempest Falcon didn't see it coming.
A split second later—shing!
Blood splattered through the sky as both its wings were severed.
The massive bird plummeted downwards, crashing into the forest below with a thunderous impact. Trees snapped under its weight as dust and debris filled the air.
They had done it.
Panting heavily, they hovered in the air, relieved but also exhilarated.
Shen Yuan on the other hand smirked and moved his fan here and there, enjoying his casual role.
But their victory was short-lived.
Squelch.
They turned just in time to see the severed wings slithering back to the Tempest Falcon's body.
Its blood churned unnaturally, reconnecting the lost limbs.
A pulse of deadly energy erupted from the beast as it let out a bloodcurdling screech.
Then—BOOM.
A shockwave tore through the battlefield, shattering the ground and sending several of them flying backward.
"What the hell?!" Xiang Xiaoli gasped, steadying herself.
"It's regenerating—!"
Before they could react, the falcon flapped its newly restored wings, sending an even stronger storm their way. The clouds overhead churned violently, the sky itself trembling under the force.
The very air cracked under the sheer pressure.
It was going to unleash something devastating.
Then—it froze.
The entire battlefield fell into an eerie silence.
A slow, sickening realization crept up on the falcon as its red eyes widened in horror.
From behind it… a spatial rift opened.
Shen Yuan stepped out.
Before the falcon could react, its wings were sliced off again—this time, completely severed from its existence.
And then…
FWOOSH.
Green colored Void Fire ignited its entire body.
The flames spread unnaturally fast, devouring not just its flesh, but its very soul.
The falcon screamed in agony.
It tried to struggle, tried to escape, tried to do anything—but its very essence was being erased.
The horrifying cries echoed through the mountains as it vanished into nothingness.
The storm dissipated instantly.
Silence.
The others stared at Shen Yuan, some in shock, some in disbelief, and some in horror.
Shi Meixiu was the first to speak.
"…Was that really necessary?"
Shen Yuan flicked his fan open and closed. "Would you rather I let it escape?"
She hesitated. "That's not what I meant…"
"Then what?" His gaze was indifferent. "Would you rather I toyed with it? Let it suffer longer?"
No one answered.
Xiang Xiaoli crossed her arms. "You're awfully ruthless."
Shen Yuan tilted his head. "I never denied that."
Guo Bohai chuckled. "At least you're honest about it."
Tang Jiyan stared at the now-empty space where the falcon had been. "…So, is that the power of the power you got from back in Fengyue?"
Shen Yuan smirked. "A glimpse of it, yes."
The way he said it sent a chill down their spines.
Shi Meixiu sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know whether I should be grateful or terrified."
Xiang Xiaoli jabbed a finger at Shen Yuan. "Next time, don't just watch us struggle for half an hour before stepping in!"
He smirked. "Why not? It was entertaining."
"You…!"
Tang Jiyan shook his head with a wry smile. "I swear, this guy is worse than the people we're supposed to be fighting."
Shen Yuan clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough standing around. You all wait here."
He turned and walked towards a cave nearby, setting up a formation circle inside of it.
The Body Reforge Method was about to begin.
And once he emerged…
He wouldn't just advance to the Nirvana Realm.
He would soar!
While the others waited outside.