Upon colliding with the claws, the female guard staggered backward. Witnessing the sheer power of the attack, she realized she was not a match for the monstrous entity before her.
The scent of blood and the pervasive negative emotions in the room seemed to excite Xiaohei. His featureless face split into a jagged smile, with numerous tentacles and eyes emerging from his body.
"What... what kind of monster is this?" stammered Xu Cheng, his voice filled with fear.
However, the female guard had no time to entertain his inquiries. The recent transformation had heightened Xiaohei's threat level in her estimation. Drawing her sword from a storage ring, she prepared to face the escalating danger.
As Xiaohei launched another attack, the female guard attempted to defend herself, but the force behind the assault was unexpectedly more than double its previous strength. She was sent flying, and as she struggled to rise, a mouthful of blood escaped her lips.
Unrelenting, Xiaohei closed the distance in an instant, slashing his claws downward.
The female guard swiftly shifted her position sideways, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal blow. However, the quick maneuver came at the cost of her arm, and as she glanced at the empty sleeve, fear etched across her face.
When Xiaohei was about to attack again, he heard a shout.
"Die you f**king monster"
A sudden shout rang out, accompanied by a powerful beam of light that struck Xiaohei, causing his form to shatter into countless pieces. Xu Cheng, witnessing this, wore an expression of overwhelming joy as he tucked away a one-time use attack talisman.
The female guard, with a pained expression, asked, "Master, what's this?"
"It's an attack talisman from my cousin," explained the Xu Cheng. "It holds the power of a person from the peak of the Skin Shedding realm. Even those in the 7-8th layers of the Skin Shedding realm will be seriously hurt by its attack."
"Thank you, mast-"
Before she could finish speaking, her head rolled on the ground. Looking back, Xiaohei emerged behind her shadow, totally unscathed, with blood dropping from his claws.
"IMPOSSIBLE!! HOW CAN YOU STILL SURVIVE?" exclaimed Xu Cheng in disbelief.
As Xiaohei completely emerged from the shadow, Xu Cheng was bewildered.
Before he could speak, Xiaohei swiftly approached and viciously attacked, using his claws to split Xu Cheng in two.
Completing his master's command, Xiaohei vanished into the shadows, moving toward Su Chen's direction.
After a brief interval, the Spirit Food Pavilion manager entered as the door creaked open. Surveying the gruesome sight, he furrowed his brow and promptly notified the law enforcement hall disciples.
In due course, the echoes of approaching footsteps heralded the arrival of a group of law enforcement disciples. Although the scenes before them evoked a sense of unease, their steadfast discipline allowed them to swiftly regain composure and maintain a composed demeanor.
Inquiring with the Spirit Hall Pavilion manager, they discovered that the deceased disciple was Xu Cheng. Realizing the challenge ahead, they were aware of the complications, considering he was the cousin of a core disciple.
"Did you not hear any commotion while they were inside?" the leader of the group questioned the pavilion's manager.
"No," replied the manager. "The room was equipped with soundproof barriers. I entered only after sensing a significant surge of energy emanating from inside."
Acknowledging that the manager might not possess additional information, the leader decided not to press further. The pavilion, being overseen by one of the most powerful elders in the sect, made taking action against the manager unwise.
"Send someone to inform Xu Chengqing," the leader directed, and then proceeded to scrutinize the scene.
Silver Axe Peak,
"What do you mean you don't know who did this?!" The enraged voice of a muscular man with a fierce face echoed, accompanied by the sound of a teacup smashing.
Hearing this, the inner disciple below broke out in a cold sweat.
"S-senior brother Chen, the law enforcement disciples are examining the scene, and they will definitely find a clue."
"Get out, you useless piece of sh*t!"
Hearing this, the inner disciple fled as if his life depended on it, fearing repercussions if he lingered a moment longer.
"Chengqing, why are you so angry?"
A gentle inquiry came from a sturdy man in elder's robes, who instantly appeared beside Xu Chengqing.
"Master, your disciple's cousin was killed in the Spirit Food Pavilion," Chengqing explained, his voice carrying the weight of sadness.
"Hmph, who has the guts to do something to my disciple's family member? Don't worry, Chengqing. I know you treat your cousin like your real brother. Your master will find the killer and bring your cousin to justice."
Hearing this, Xu Chengqing was deeply moved, and some of his anger began to subside.
"You continue practicing; the master will take care of this small matter for you."
With these words, the burly elder vanished.
Despite knowing of his disciple's cousin's flaws and despicable deeds, the burly elder overlooked them. The fact that Xu Cheng was his disciple's brother held enough significance for the elder to outweigh any negative qualities.
After a few minutes, he arrived at the Law Enforcement Peak.
Approaching the Law Enforcement Hall, he was about to enter when a voice caught his attention.
"What is Brother Morong doing at the Law Enforcement Hall?"
"I need the help of Sister Fei," said the burly elder, Morong, to a woman dressed in a black elder robe who appeared suddenly.
"Oh, and what does Brother Morong need?" inquired elder Fei.
"Sister Fei, today my disciple's family member was killed. I seek the aid of the truth-seeking mirror to unveil the culprit, otherwise this matter could become a heart demon for my disciple "
Elder Fei looked surprised for a moment, then resumed talking as if nothing happened.
"But, Brother, you know that the truth-seeking mirror is the foundation of our Law Enforcement Hall. We can't use it for minor matters."
Realizing that he would need to make a significant concession, Elder Murong retrieved a wooden box from his storage ring.
"I've heard that Elder Fei's disciple possesses an ice spirit body, so I propose exchanging the use of the truth-seeking mirror for a Tier 4 Ice Spirit Pill."
Examining the pill, Elder Fei was surprised, having previously struggled to obtain an ice spirit pill. Securing one in exchange for a single use of the truth-seeking mirror was a profitable deal.