The group set off once more, venturing further into the dense, emerald canopy of the Star Dou Great Forest. With Ye Yin acting as their human radar and mental force barrier, their search efficiency was incredibly high. His sensory abilities allowed them to navigate the dangerous terrain with ease, helping the group avoid many unnecessary troubles and hostile encounters that would have slowed them down. During this journey, they encountered several decent ten-thousand-year Spirit Beasts. However, these creatures were always passed over; either their elemental attributes weren't quite compatible with the team's needs, or their cultivation age was simply too low to be considered. Ye Yin was determined and hoped to find the absolute best possible starting point for Zhu Zhuyu's next stage of growth.
Hard work eventually pays off. In a dark, jagged canyon area located near the edge of the core zone of the mixed area, Ye Yin's mental force once again captured a strange and powerful fluctuation. The energy ripple carried a chilling and illusory sensation that made one's heart pound with instinctive dread. It felt otherworldly, as if the source of the power came from an entirely different dimension.
"I've found something. It is over here," Ye Yin whispered to the group. He motioned for everyone to follow him closely as they stealthily moved deeper into the shadows of the canyon. The ravine was dimly lit, filled with grotesque rock formations and many unique, shade-loving plants that thrived in the damp darkness. A faint, mist-like illusory energy permeated the air, thick enough to slightly affect their vision and dull their physical perception.
By a cold, still pond at the very end of the canyon, they finally saw their target for this trip. It was a leopard-type Spirit Beast, but it looked like nothing they had seen before. Its entire body appeared to be carved from dark shadow crystal. Its physique was elegant and agile, boasting flowing lines that suggested immense speed. Its fur was not made of hair at all, but rather a combination of flowing shadow and solid crystal that shimmered with a cold, eerie glow.
The most peculiar thing about the creature was its eyes. One was gold and the other was silver, looking like the sun and moon shining together in the dark. They emitted a mesmerizing light, as if they could see through reality itself and perceive the secrets of the human heart. It lay quietly by the cold pond, its body flickering—sometimes appearing solid, and sometimes becoming somewhat illusory and transparent. It looked as if it could merge into the surrounding shadows at any moment.
"This is... a Phantom Nether Leopard?" Ye Yin murmured, once again demonstrating his extensive theoretical knowledge of the Spirit Beast world. "It is an extremely rare, top-tier Spirit Beast with a dual-attribute of the Agility-Attack System and the Mental System. It is said that they are born with the ability to shift between reality and illusion. They possess extreme speed and can create realistic illusions to confuse their enemies. Their pair of golden and silver demonic eyes can even see through falsehoods and strike directly at the soul of a cultivator. Judging by its size and the intensity of its energy fluctuations, its age is likely between twelve thousand and fifteen thousand years. This makes it perfectly suited for a fourth Spirit Ring!"
Everyone's spirits lifted upon hearing this news. The Phantom Nether Leopard's attributes were a perfect match for Zhu Zhuyu's Hell Civet Spirit! Whether it was the leopard's natural speed, its advanced stealth abilities, or its inherent mental illusion characteristics, every trait would greatly enhance Zhu Zhuyu's overall strength.
"This is the one," Ye Yin said, his eyes showing a rare flash of satisfaction. He began to organize the team for the hunt. "Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Mubai, you three will be the main attackers. You need to engage it head-on but stay sharp and be careful of its illusions. Rongrong, I need you to fully amplify Zhuqing's speed and attack power. Yan Yan, use your poisonous mist to restrict its movement range and interfere with its perception. Zhuyun, your job is to protect Rongrong and Yan Yan; prevent the leopard from launching any sneak attacks on our support. Little San, use your Blue Silver Grass to control the battlefield and look for opportunities to bind it. Zhuyu, stay back and watch for the right moment. Prepare yourself to deliver the final blow when the timing is perfect!"
Ye Yin rapidly issued this series of clear and organized commands. Having full trust in his leadership, everyone immediately sprang into action. Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shone with a brilliant light. The colorful rays of spirit power shot out, providing speed, strength, and spirit power amplifications that landed precisely on Zhuqing.
Feeling the surge of power, Zhuqing's figure instantly transformed into an almost imperceptible black lightning bolt. She charged directly at the Phantom Nether Leopard with lethal intent. Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai moved in perfect sync, one attacking from the left and the other from the right, to coordinate their assault. Dugu Yan opened her mouth and spewed out her signature Jade Phosphor Violet Poison; the dark green poisonous mist rapidly spread through the canyon, sealing off most of the Phantom Nether Leopard's evasion space and forcing it into the fight.
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