The old man walked slowly toward the raging beast. His steps were steady and resolute, each one seeming to carry the weight of a thousand jun. Everyone's eyes were fixed on him, filled with a complex mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Looking at the unconscious Zhang Zhi, Lin Wan'er was frantic with worry, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. She gently stroked Zhang Zhi's face and said in a trembling voice, "Zhang Zhi, you must hold on. You promised me we would weather the storms together, you can't break your word." Her hands were clenched tightly into fists, her knuckles turning white from the immense pressure. In her beautiful eyes burned a flame of fury, and she secretly swore to herself that if anything happened to Zhang Zhi, she would never let this beast off, even if it cost her her life.
The middle-aged man stared nervously at the old man, his brow furrowed, his gaze filled with doubt and worry. He muttered to himself inwardly, "What kind of ability does this mysterious old man really have? Can he truly subdue this terrifying beast? We have already suffered too many setbacks and failures—can we possibly succeed this time?" His hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of his saber, sweat seeping from his palms.
The young man gripped his weapon tightly. Though his body was utterly exhausted and covered in scars, his eyes still held a stubborn and resolute glint. He gritted his teeth and silently cheered himself on: "No matter what, I have to give it everything! Even if I die, I'll die with dignity!"
At that moment, the dark clouds in the sky grew heavier, like a giant black curtain pressing down so hard it was hard to breathe. The howling wind whistled, causing the surrounding woods to rustle, the branches swaying violently in the gale as if trembling at the unknown ending about to unfold. Leaves drifted down in a mournful shower.
Standing before the beast, the old man wore a solemn expression, his weather-beaten face carved with determination. He murmured incomprehensible incantations, his voice low and mystical as if echoing from ancient times. Sensing the threat, the beast roared at the old man, the sound reverberating across the heavens and earth like a rumble of thunder, striking terror into everyone's hearts. The flames spewing from its mouth grew even fiercer, as though it intended to burn the entire world to ashes.
"Old fool, don't waste your breath! Today is the day you all die!" The beast's voice boomed like thunder, laden with boundless arrogance and savagery.
Unmoved, the old man continued chanting his spell, a faint glow gradually emanating from his body. At first, the light was weak, but as he sped up his incantation, it grew brighter and brighter, slowly illuminating the surrounding dark corners.
"What kind of spell is this? It's so miraculous!" the young man cried out in surprise, his eyes wide with curiosity and awe toward the unknown power.
"Vile creature, today marks your end!" the old man shouted loudly. "I shall utterly annihilate you, you scourge upon humanity!" His voice rang with righteousness and resolute determination.
The beast lunged wildly at the old man, moving with lightning speed and an earth-shattering momentum. With a flash of his body, the old man moved like a ghost, deftly dodging the beast's attack. He waved his hands, and rays of light shot forth, forming a massive barrier of light that trapped the beast inside.
"Everyone, help me!" the old man shouted, his voice turning somewhat hoarse from the exertion.
The middle-aged man rushed forward without hesitation, channeling his own energy into the light barrier. Veins bulged on his forehead and a look of agony crossed his face, but he gritted his teeth and held on.
The young man and Lin Wan'er quickly followed suit, casting aside their physical pain and pouring every ounce of strength they had into the effort. In Lin Wan'er's heart, there was only one conviction: she had to save Zhang Zhi, and she had to defeat this detestable beast!
Under their combined efforts, the light barrier continuously shrank, crackling loudly as if bearing immense pressure. The beast struggled and roared within, slamming its body against the barrier in a desperate bid to break free.
"Push harder!" the old man shouted, a hint of urgency in his voice.
Gritting her teeth, sweat rolling down her forehead, Lin Wan'er thought to herself, "We must succeed, we must save everyone! We've already sacrificed too much; we cannot fall short at the final hurdle!"
Right at that moment, a dark power suddenly burst forth from the beast. Like a torrent of blackness, it instantly shattered the light barrier.
Blasted backward by this formidable power, everyone crashed to the ground. They tumbled across the earth, spitting mouthfuls of blood.
"Could it be that we've failed just like this? We have nowhere left to run!" the middle-aged man cried out in despair, his eyes filled with helplessness and sorrow.
Gasping for breath, the old man looked at the beast, a flash of grim resolve crossing his eyes. "There is still one last way, but..."
Before he could finish, the beast lunged again, moving even faster and striking with even greater force.
What would happen next? What precisely was this final method the old man spoke of? Could they overcome this formidable beast? Everything remained hanging in the balance, keeping everyone's hearts gripped in suspense.