The moment Xiao Ming's foot touched the thread, a chilling energy surged up his leg, biting into his skin like frost-laced needles. He suppressed a shiver and steadied his breath, forcing his mind to remain calm.
The thread pulsed faintly under his weight, its silken surface unnaturally firm yet flexible. Each step felt like balancing on the edge of a blade's tooth.
The monstrous spider at the heart of the web stirred. Its eight glowing eyes locked onto Xiao Ming, gleaming with sinister amusement.
Without warning, one of its legs twitched, sending a ripple through the web. A nearly invisible strand of silk darted toward Xiao Ming's chest, sharp as a blade and laced with spiritual energy.
"Watch out!" Xue Mao shouted.
