Faced with this suddenly appearing white bird that could speak human words, everyone was momentarily frozen in place, and the atmosphere plunged into an eerie silence. The surrounding leaves rustled in the breeze, as if adding a trace of unease to the tense atmosphere.
Lin Wan'er was the first to snap out of it. She took a step forward and said cautiously, "Lord Bird, this beast has been committing atrocities here and giving the common people no peace. We wish to subdue it and return peace to this land." Her voice was clear and pleasant, yet it could not mask the tension within as her hands unconsciously clenched the corners of her clothes.
The bird turned its eyes, which emitted a mysterious glow. Those eyes were like two dazzling gems, deep and azure-blue, and their shifting light seemed to contain endless wisdom and ancient secrets. It first looked at Lin Wan'er intently, causing her to hold her breath under that gaze. The bird's feathers were as white and pure as snow, swaying gently in the breeze, with every single strand shimmering with a soft luster as if meticulously cleansed by moonlight.
The bird's beak was sharp and delicate, slightly curved like an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Its head swayed slightly, and its gaze revealed a hint of scrutiny and contemplation. Then, it cast a brief glance at the others, its gaze like cold moonlight falling upon them.
Opening its delicate beak, the bird said, "This beast is exceptionally ferocious; with your strength, it will likely be hard to handle." Its voice was crisp and ethereal, as if coming from the distant firmament or perhaps echoing from the depths of a bottomless valley, carrying an otherworldly charm.
Lin Wan'er's complexion turned somewhat pale instantly, and she could not help beating a drum in her heart: "Even this mysterious and powerful bird says so; can we really defeat this beast?" But she quickly bit her lip, and a resolute light reignited in her eyes. The others also wore solemn expressions, looking troubled. The middle-aged man furrowed his brows deeply, the wrinkles on his forehead seeming to etch themselves deeper as he worried inwardly: "What is to be done? Could there truly be no hope?" The young man clenched his fists tight, his face reflecting both worry over the bird's words and a stubborn refusal to give up easily.
Zhang Zhi straightened his chest and proclaimed in a ringing voice, "Though our strength is limited, we will not back down! Even if we must risk our lives, we will give it a try." His gaze was resolute, revealing a stubborn and fearless spirit, and his knuckles turned white from the force with which he gripped his sword hilt.
The middle-aged man followed closely, saying, "That's right, we cannot let this beast continue to harm humanity. We only hope Lord Bird will lend us a helping hand." His tone was sincere and urgent, sweat rolling down his cheeks from his forehead, though he had no time to wipe it away.
The bird was silent for a moment, seemingly pondering something. At this time, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, falling mottled upon the ground to form patches of golden light. A breeze blew past, bringing a trace of coolness that nonetheless failed to ease the tense atmosphere of the moment.
Finally, the bird spoke again: "So be it. I can help you, but whether we succeed will still depend on your own fortune." Its voice carried a hint of solemnity.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately wore expressions of joy. The young man said excitedly, "That's wonderful! With Lord Bird's help, we will surely defeat this beast!" His eyes flashed with excited light, as though he already saw the dawn of victory.
Flapping its broad wings, the bird said, "Don't celebrate too early just yet. Affected by the power of a curse, this beast possesses formidable strength; we must proceed with caution." The beating of its wings stirred up a breeze that gently fluttered everyone's garments.
"Then how should we act?" Lin Wan'er asked eagerly, her eyes filled with anticipation and tension.
The bird looked at Zhang Zhi and said, "You discovered the weakness in its eyes earlier; that is the key. But approaching its eyes is no easy task. I will create an opportunity to draw its attention, and you can seize the moment to attack."
Zhang Zhi nodded solemnly and said, "Many thanks, Lord Bird. We certainly will not fail your expectations." His gaze was steadfast, and his heart was filled with determination.
With that, the bird flapped its wings powerfully and soared into the air, charging toward the beast. Seeing this, the beast immediately shifted its attention, roaring angrily at the bird. Its massive body trembled with the roar, as if it would shatter the entire heaven and earth.
"Now is the time!" Zhang Zhi shouted loudly, charging forward toward the beast first. His figure was like an arrow released from a string, moving at an incredible speed. The others followed closely behind, each unleashing their strongest techniques.
Zhang Zhi was nimble and athletic, approaching the beast as swiftly as a bolt of lightning. The sword in his hand flashed with a cold gleam, thrusting straight toward the beast's eyes. His heartbeat accelerated rapidly, and his breathing grew hurried, yet there was not the slightest trace of retreat in his eyes.
Lin Wan'er cheered everyone on from the side, silently praying for success. Her voice turned somewhat sharp due to tension: "Keep it up! You must succeed!"
The middle-aged man brandished his long saber, the blade's light flashing as it collided with the beast's claws with a ringing clang. His arm grew slightly numb from the immense impact, but he still gritted his teeth and stubbornly resisted the beast's attacks.
The young man continuously released flames, attempting to disrupt the beast's movements. The flames formed gorgeous arcs in the air, illuminating the surrounding darkness.
However, the beast was no ordinary foe either. It fought fiercely against everyone's attacks, and for a time, the battle reached a stalemate. Every strike from the beast carried immense power, making it difficult for the group to parry.
Just then, the bird let out a piercing cry, and a beam of light shot forth from its mouth, striking the beast squarely on the head. Taken aback by this sudden attack, the beast became somewhat dizzy and its movements slowed down considerably.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Zhi leaped up fiercely, thrusting his sword toward the beast's eyes. In his heart, there was only a single conviction: we must succeed!
At the very moment the sword was about to pierce the beast's eyes, the beast suddenly unleashed a powerful force, sending Zhang Zhi flying backward.
"Zhang Zhi!" Lin Wan'er cried out in alarm, her voice filled with worry and terror.
Zhang Zhi crashed heavily onto the ground, vomiting blood as the scene before his eyes grew somewhat hazy.
"Are we going to fail after all?" the young man shouted in despair, his voice brimming with unwillingness and helplessness.
At this moment, the bird also appeared somewhat exhausted; its feathers were no longer as vibrant, and the flapping of its wings had grown sluggish. Its gaze revealed a hint of anxiety.
Meanwhile, though injured, the beast remained menacing, glaring at the group with hostility. Its fire-burning eyes seemed to proclaim that it would not be easily defeated.
How would they respond next? Could they triumph over this powerful beast? Everything remained unknown, leaving behind a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.