Qing Rui stood resolute, her grip firm around the hilt of her sword. Before her loomed the formidable fang claw beast, its muscles coiling with barely restrained power. It fixed her with a piercing gaze, glancing periodically toward the guards and Wu Zheng, who stood at a safe distance, their breaths bated in anticipation. Though the guards were vigilant, they remained outside the fray, waiting to intervene should the need arise.
One of the guards muttered, "It's a fang claw beast. A powerful and rare creature. I hope the young miss remains safe." His voice trembled slightly, reflecting the awe and concern that filled the air.
The second guard nodded, eyes glued to the confrontation. Just moments earlier, the beast had unleashed a primal roar, shaking the very trees around them and scattering leaves like confetti.
Impatience bubbled within Qing Rui as she faced the beast. Why won't it attack? Frustration surged through her. After all her boasting and preparation, it seemed the creature was reluctant to engage. I need to show my skill and impress Wu Zheng. The pressure of his gaze weighed heavily upon her.
Determined to make a mark, she took a deep breath and steadied herself, relaxing her body even as anticipation coursed through her veins. Then, with a swift movement, she launched herself at the beast, her figure blurring as she closed the distance.
The fang claw beast instinctively leaped backward, trying to avoid the attack. It could sense the danger, the power radiating from her. As Qing Rui's sword sliced through the air, the beast narrowly escaped, the edge of her blade grazing its forehead and leaving behind an angry scar. However, she didn't relent; she followed through with an upward slash aimed at the beast, who, now cornered, raised its claws to block.
But the sheer force of her attack was too great. The sword collided with the beast's limbs, sending it hurtling backward. It crashed into a massive tree, the impact echoing through the forest like thunder as bark splintered and debris showered down.
The beast staggered to its feet, shaken but not defeated. It quickly darted behind a cluster of trees, seeking cover. Its heart raced as it pressed its body against the rough bark, hoping to gather its wits and plan its next move.
Qing Rui's keen eyes scanned the area, seeking any sign of her prey. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her, but the beast's sudden retreat irritated her. Why won't you face me head-on? She refused to let the opportunity slip away.
In a moment of clarity, she decided to act. With her energy surging, she prepared for her next strike. The wind around her began to swirl, pulling leaves and debris into a whirlwind that coiled around her like a tempest.
Suddenly, she released her attack, her voice rising in a battle cry. The vortex exploded outward, sending shockwaves that rattled the trees around her. The guards, recognizing the impending danger, quickly moved to protect Wu Zheng, dragging him out of harm's way. But the beast, caught off guard, had little time to react.
The whirlwind closed in, obliterating everything in its path. Trees splintered under the force, and the beast found itself trapped within the storm. Panic surged as the world spun around it, the sound of howling wind drowning out its own desperate roars.
The beast darted left and right, but each movement was futile. Slashes of energy rained down upon it from the tempest, carving through its flesh and leaving deep gashes. It felt its strength waning as the whirlwind intensified, pulling its essence apart.
Then, in a moment of horrifying clarity, the beast's vision blurred. Everything began to spin—colors bled into one another, and it realized too late that it was beheaded.With a final, anguished roar, its body crumpled as it succumbed to the pain, and everything faded to darkness.
When the whirlwind finally dissipated, Qing Rui landed gracefully on the ground, her heart racing with exhilaration. Her brown hair danced in the aftermath, speckled with blood as she surveyed the mangled remains of the beast. A triumphant smile spread across her face, pride swelling in her chest.
Turning to Wu Zheng, she said with a light-hearted tone, "Sorry, the beast was too stubborn. I had to cut him thoroughly." Her voice was steady, but her heart raced with adrenaline. She pointed her bloodied sword toward the headless creature mengaled and bloodied body.