"Let's spread out and focus on the weak spots," Ye Hu commanded, his voice carrying a hint of determination.
Hou Suyin and Hou Biya acknowledged his instructions with solemn nods, their eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and caution. They expertly maneuvered around the water pit, their movements synchronized in a dance of calculated precision. Following their lead, I joined their delicate choreography, adjusting my robe to shield myself from the grimy swamp water that clung to me.
The thought of engaging the Flooded Dragon head-on sent a shiver down my spine. Its potential power and resilience were unknown to us, urging caution and strategic thinking. My repertoire of techniques was limited, and the dragon's vulnerabilities and resistances remained a mystery. What if my poisons proved futile against its scaly hide? The odds seemed stacked against us.
"Hou Suyin and Hou Biya, utilize your fire techniques from a safe distance. Tian Li and I will handle the close-quarters combat," Ye Hu directed, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
With his trusty sword gleaming in the dim light, Ye Hu took the lead, his steps purposeful and resolute. Closing in on the beast, he invoked a primal response, stirring the dragon from its slumber. A thunderous roar filled the cavern, causing Ye Hu to momentarily retreat, his eyes fixed on the dragon's massive form.
Mindful of the dragon's gaze, I silently circled around, my movements calculated and deliberate. I searched for an advantageous position, a moment of vulnerability to exploit amidst the chaos. The tension in the air was palpable as we prepared for what lay ahead.
The Flooded Dragon's presence commanded attention, causing the water in the pit to surge and churn, forming towering waves that dwarfed our own stature. The sheer power it possessed was undeniable, its weight and size transforming the pit into a tumultuous tempest.
A foreboding silence settled upon us as the dragon's maw opened wide, a palpable darkness gathering within. With a forceful motion, it unleashed the dark sphere, hurtling it towards Ye Hu with lethal speed. It was a moment of reckoning.
My heart skipped a beat as I watched the impending doom approach Ye Hu. The sheer magnitude of the attack surpassed the capabilities of an average twelfth layer Qi Condensation cultivator, bordering on the realm of Foundation Establishment. The outcome seemed grim.
However, Ye Hu's tenacity defied all expectations. As the black sphere materialized, he channeled his own power, initiating a spell of his own. His sword pulsed with radiant energy, expanding in size until it formed a formidable shield, a bulwark against the dragon's assault.
"First Sword Formation, Unbreakable Barrier!" Ye Hu's voice resounded through the cavern, his words carrying a fierce determination.
The shield-like wall provided a momentary reprieve, but the assault was far from over. Yet, it was in this moment that the trio's expertise in combat truly shone.
Hou Suyin and Hou Biya, attuned to each other's movements, unleashed their fiery arsenal, melding their Qi to conjure two medium-sized fireballs. The blazing orbs soared through the air, colliding with the black sphere in a cataclysmic clash of elements. The resulting explosion rippled through the pit, its raw power reverberating in the depths of my being. The melding of techniques proved formidable indeed.
Although the fireballs couldn't completely eradicate the darkness, they weakened its malevolence, allowing Ye Hu's sword formation to withstand the onslaught. However, the sheer force sent him hurtling backward, his face contorted in pain as his own blade hit his torso.
As the echoes of the explosion subsided, the aftermath revealed the toll taken on our companions. Hou Suyin and Hou Biya, their brows furrowed with fatigue, struggled to maintain their balance. The tremendous expenditure of Qi from conjuring the powerful fireballs had left them drained and in need of respite.
Their chests rose and fell with rapid breaths as they leaned against the cavern walls, seeking support amidst their weariness. Beads of sweat dotted their foreheads, evidence of the immense effort they had exerted to confront the Flooded Dragon.
In contrast, I stood relatively unscathed, my body pulsating with unspent energy. The exhilaration of battle coursed through my veins, invigorating my senses. The responsibility to press on rested squarely on my shoulders, as the sole remaining member of our group in a healthy state.
It was my time to do something, or else everyone there would perish! The two girls couldn't cast powerful attacks anymore, and Ye Hu had a few broken ribs and a small cut on his torso.
"Alright. Screw this," I said, tossing my robe away.
I gathered all the air I could and yelled, "LET'S FUCKING GO, BABY!"
The Flooded Dragon wouldn't have to face me. No, he would have to face us! For the first time in a long time, I activated my spell, Materialization, and a massive spirit of a toad appeared behind my back!
The tattoo on my chest shone, and a green aura enveloped my body! My power was beyond that of ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators!
It took longer for me to cultivate, having to fill two Dantians with Qi? It did, but it also meant double the power! Heck, it was more than doubled!
My muscles pulsed with Qi, increasing their size! Green veins scattered throughout my body, and my hair flew backward even without wind.
The Flooded Dragon, who still had his gaze on them, turned to face me! I could see the fear in its eyes!
Ye Hu, Hou Suyin, and Hou Biya were watching it from afar, and their shocked faces after seeing my incredible power were amusing. Right, I was awesome! Big "T" too!
Anyway, I wouldn't let the Flooded Dragon have any chance of a counter-attack, and the fact that its back was facing me was the best opportunity I had!
A tremendous power surged in my legs as I jumped toward the dragon! I had never felt that much power, and my speed was so incredible that I almost missed the target!
I decided to jump on its head, and the moment the dragon's face met mine, I lunged at its only remaining eye.
"Poisonous Needle Barrage!" I yelled!
Spikes came out from my body, mostly in the arms region, and all of them flew toward the dragon's eye, piercing it!