Chapter 498: Chapter 322: Choosing Wisely_2
Admiring the red fog, Yan Xiaobao slowly noticed a small black gemstone-like object hidden in the midst of the mist. It was something he had seen countless times before, a small black core. Without a doubt, it was a Demon Core or Beast Core, as people referred to it on the ground.
Seeing the Demon Core within the red fog, Yan Xiaobao was taken aback, especially because the core appeared nothing special. It was a black core, signifying that it belonged to a very ordinary Demon Beast—one vastly inferior to beasts even at the Master level.
Knowing the power he could wield after obtaining it, he found it inconceivable that it was weaker than other cultivators’ cores. There had to be a reason why a Demon Core was reduced to being merely a low-level core.
"Don’t worry too much;" Lan Feng remarked with his eyes closed, focused on refining Wu Wei. Sharing a soul with Lan Feng made it easy for Phoenix to sense everything Yan Xiaobao experienced, and the sudden disruption finally prompted the bird to speak.
"A beast’s core emerges when you’re completely overtaken. If you’re consumed by the beast for a long time, the core will eventually evolve into a golden one," Lan Feng added, falling silent for a moment. "I suggest not letting the red fog take control immediately. If it seizes your body, you may end up hurting your friends."
Hearing the warning, Yan Xiaobao nodded earnestly. He fully understood that once controlled by the red fog, his body would be beyond his grasp. Every time the mist influenced him, he became a liability—a threat to his friends, incapable of fighting freely.
"Don’t let it get you down," Lan Feng continued, "It’s an incredible trump card. And for now, while the red fog isn’t something Yan Xiaobao can handle alone, he still has the Blue Cloud to aid him."
The Blue Cloud was something he understood better than the red fog. The red fog grew stronger with every kill and relentlessly vied for control of his body. Its transformation into a savage creature was evident. However, the Blue Cloud remained serene, gentle, enigmatic—so much so that Yan Xiaobao couldn’t figure out its nature or origin. He’d never heard of a human or any other entity possessing such an aura.
The wings were another anomaly. He previously gained wings from being a creature that had them, right? But if that were the case, why were they crafted by Wu Wei? If the wings were of beast origin, they should have been easier to wield.
The green pearl and the red fog were similarly intriguing entities. Hui Yue speculated they came from someone specializing in healing. Yet, whoever they were, their demeanor was formidable, as they rarely showcased their true power.
Reflecting on the many mysteries surrounding him, Yan Xiaobao couldn’t help but sigh. They were all equally troublesome yet undeniably useful. Their origins, their functions—these were puzzles Yan Xiaobao had yet to solve. For now, all he could do was learn how to manage them.
Yan Xiaobao opened his eyes and observed his friends, all engrossed in their own pursuits. Xie Lan was healing Xu Biao, Deng Wu was immersed in the multitude of inscriptions he had suddenly obtained, and Wang Julong was training with her staff—energy ripples bursting from every motion she made, showcasing her growing strength.
Sha Yun wasn’t training like the others. Unlike humans, as a mystical Demon Beast, she didn’t need to exert much effort to advance in cultivation. However, being a Demon Beast meant that while she could merge with the earth’s essence naturally, she couldn’t train as humans did to increase the percentage of her fusion rate. This innate ability was maxed out by default and could never be further enhanced.
Sha Yun’s cultivation method revolved around improving the essence of heaven and earth, fueling her continuous progress.
Yet for now, her energy wasn’t focused elsewhere; she sat beside Yan Xiaobao, waiting for him to return from his meditation.
When he opened his eyes, her lips parted as if intending to speak but quickly closed again. Her face turned slightly red, seemingly unable to vocalize what she wanted to say.
Seeing Sha Yun’s timid expression, Yan Xiaobao couldn’t help but chuckle. Before his face turned serious, he gently patted her head. "Yun, what’s wrong?" he asked softly. "You know you can ask me anything, so there’s no need to be so embarrassed."
Hearing his words, Sha Yun forced a bitter smile. She knew all too well that Yan Xiaobao would answer any question she asked—and that realization was precisely what unsettled her. It was the answer she dreaded.
She wanted to ask whether Yan Xiaobao had feelings for Wang Julong. Based on their behavior, it seemed that way, though he hadn’t said anything directly. The Snake Woman harbored hope but felt devastated watching their reunion and the embrace he gave Wang Julong. Now, she felt compelled to know the truth.
And yet, despite her longing for clarity, she found herself utterly incapable of asking the question. Her heartbeat raced, her chest tightening as though her heart was stuck in her throat, blocking the words she wanted to speak. Eventually, she simply shook her head and walked away to find a quiet corner in the cave, where she began channeling the essence of heaven and earth.
Watching Sha Yun’s strange behavior, Yan Xiaobao felt puzzled for a moment before shaking his head and heading toward Wang Julong.
The black-haired woman was so immersed in her training that she didn’t notice Yan Xiaobao’s approach. She swung her staff at an angle, its motion blocked by the back of a black dagger.
"How about sparring with me for a bit?" Yan Xiaobao asked curiously as he jumped in front of her. Wang Julong’s face flushed instantly, recalling the earlier hug, but she quickly put on a mischievous smile and nodded to her friend.
Excited by her consent, Yan Xiaobao immediately sprang into action. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he infused spiritual energy into his dagger, activating Velocity Flow to charge directly into Wang Julong’s range.
Knowing his intentions, Wang Julong smirked slyly, raising her staff overhead to clash with his dagger. Yan Xiaobao staggered slightly before retreating. Then a red hue appeared—this wasn’t Yan Xiaobao’s doing, but Wang Julong’s. Her staff glowed, releasing energy, as her small weasel appeared on the battlefield, delight evident in the youth’s face.
Noticing Wang Julong employing her full strength, everyone else in the cave quickly stopped what they were doing to watch the duel between the two young combatants.
Wang Julong’s staff moved so swiftly that unless one focused on the weapon itself, it was nearly invisible. To the naked eye, only fleeting shadows could be seen here and there.
Yan Xiaobao was stunned by how much her skills had improved. Warmth and joy filled his heart as he concentrated solely on the shadows of her staff, dodging one strike after another. Yan Xiaobao moved so quickly that even the most observant couldn’t fully track him.
Realizing she couldn’t match him with her current battle style, Wang Julong thought of her weasel. In an instant, a heavy Energy Ripple spread outward like rings in water, disintegrating everything it touched into dust. Even Hui Yue wouldn’t dare challenge this terrifying move.
Utilizing Velocity Flow, Hui Yue retreated before soaring high above the Energy Ripple. Like an arrow shot through the sky, he aimed directly for the woman and her glowing red staff.
At such incredible speed, the previous shadows seemed turtle-like in comparison. Yan Xiaobao reached Wang Julong’s rear in less than a second. Just as he anticipated victory, her staff struck his abdomen. Forced backward, Yan Xiaobao retreated once again.
As they withdrew, Yan Xiaobao and Wang Julong finally faced off directly. Their weapons twirled around them, the sound of clashing metal echoing throughout the silent cave.
Their attacks grew increasingly powerful, their speed continuously escalating. Wang Julong wielded her staff with both hands, while Yan Xiaobao relied on his single-handed weapon. However, his dagger was reinforced with spiritual energy and infused with black blood.
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