The tomb had already proven to defy natural order.

But the presence of beasts from another continent... possibly even from another realm implied that its creator possessed knowledge or reach far beyond mortal boundaries.

Wu Shuan exhaled slowly. "That makes this place even more dangerous. If beasts from other lands are here, then what about cultivators from those places? Or their techniques?"

Han Yu didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on the slain wolves. "Whatever this realm truly is, it's far older and stranger than what we were told."

The group fell into silence again, the distant whisper of wind through leaves the only sound. After a few more minutes of careful checking, Han Yu finally stood up and gestured toward the meadow.

"We've lingered long enough. Gather what you can from the bodies; scales, claws, fangs. Then we move on. We still need to reach that herb before someone else does."

They worked quickly. Yuan Ping extracted the beasts' horns, each rather tough despite its dull look, while Luo Ruyan collected patches of fur and scales. Once they finished, Han Yu took one last glance around, scanning for movement.

Nothing stirred. The forest seemed to have settled again, though the faint tension in the air refused to fade entirely.

With a final nod, Han Yu motioned for them to advance.

Their boots crunched softly against the damp grass as they resumed their march toward the meadow. The illusionary sunlight filtered through the canopy once more, painting their path in pale gold.

Yet to Han Yu, it felt hollow, as if the light carried no warmth at all.

He looked up briefly at the false sky. The elder's words echoed in his mind.

Do not trust this sky, nor the heavens above.

And as they moved deeper into the forest, the world around them seemed to grow quieter, almost watchful, as though the realm itself was aware of their presence and waiting for what would come next.

After nearly an hour more of travel, the terrain began to open up. The dense forest gave way to a clearing of wild grass, and in the distance, a faint glow shimmered.

"That must be it," Wu Shuan said quietly.

Han Yu narrowed his eyes.

The meadow stretched out like a green sea, illusory sunlight pouring through gaps in the clouds above. In the center of the clearing, a cluster of white flowers stood, their petals glimmering faintly with Spirit Qi.

Even from this distance, the energy they emitted was pure and strong, confirming the earlier reports.

But something else drew Han Yu's attention. The air near the flowers shimmered faintly, as though bending under pressure. He focused, and for an instant, he caught sight of it... a beast crouched near the herb, its fur the color of scorched iron.

The creature was large, about the size of a small house, with scales running down its back and a pair of short, thick horns curving from its skull.

It exuded the aura of a mid Core Condensation realm beast, just as predicted. Its eyes glowed faintly blue as it watched over the flowers, completely unaware of the intruders for now.

Han Yu raised a hand and motioned for everyone to stop. The disciples crouched behind fallen logs and stones, steadying their breaths.

Wu Shuan leaned close. "How do you want to approach?"

Han Yu thought for a moment. "Two of you circle to the left. Wu Shuan and I will draw its attention. Once it charges, strike from the side. Aim for its hind legs, if we cripple its movement, we'll have the advantage."

The disciples nodded, expressions turning firm.

They moved with care, spreading out silently through the undergrowth. Han Yu could feel the rhythm of his own pulse steadying, his senses sharpening. Every detail became clearer; the scent of wet grass, the hum of Qi in the air, even the faint tremor of the beast's breathing.

He reached inward, touching upon his Soul Qi for a brief moment. Its presence stirred deep within him, vast and stable. Though he would not reveal it openly, he could use its perception to guide his timing.

Han Yu's mind steadied as his spiritual perception expanded as subtly as it could.

The outlines of the beast sharpened in his awareness; the subtle shift of its claws in the soil, the minute flicker of energy as it breathed. Every pulse of Qi through the creature's meridians told him more than sight could.

'Reaching the Soul Adept stage seems to have more benefits than I first thought.' Han Yu realized.

His spirit sense was not as good as it was right now. It almost felt like it was thrice as strong, despite not being refined that much. He couldn't help but wonder just how much stronger it could get due to the influence of his Soul Cultivation.

While Han Yu was thinking that, the two disciples on the left moved into position, their steps ghostly light despite the thick brush. Han Yu and Wu Shuan exchanged a brief nod.

Then, with a deep inhale, Han Yu gathered his Qi. The faint hum of energy rippled through the grass before he burst out from behind the fallen log, his Halberd flashing with a white arc. Wu Shuan followed a breath later, his own sword igniting with sharp light.

SHING SHING

The beast reacted instantly. Its eyes flared with cold blue fire as it rose, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

ROAR

With a guttural roar that scattered loose leaves into the air, it lunged forward.

WHOOSH

Han Yu met it head-on.

CLANG

His Halberd struck first, clashing against the creature's iron-gray scales. Sparks flew, and the shockwave of Qi split the grass flat in every direction.

"Now!" Han Yu shouted.

The two disciples from the left flank leapt out. Blades shimmered with condensed energy as they slashed at the beast's hindquarters. The creature snarled, twisting with unnatural speed.

Its tail swept out like a whip, knocking one of the disciples sprawling with a sickening thud!

"ARGGH!"