Adrian's senses started screaming in alarm as he instinctively side stepped. His eyes widened in shock because as soon as he did, a massive paw came into view that just barely avoided mutilating his body.
The beast, not expecting Adrian to avoid it's attack became surprised and crashed into some trees a few meters away.
Adrian immediately activated his astral steps, and after a few moments s, appeared dozens of meters away.
After stabilizing himself on the branch of a rather large tree, he could finally see the creature that was besieging him.
His eyes widened in shock as he noticed the pristine black fur that seemed to blend into the darkness of the night.
" A night panther!" He exclaimed in his mind. Night panthers were solitary beasts that were not very common. Mainly because their black fur allowed them to become masters of stealth.
That was the reason why they were not very well known. Most of those who faced them didn't even know what attacked them before they were dead.
They usually only ambushed those that they had confidence in killing. Their cautious nature along with their amazing stealth made them very dangerous beasts.
Coupled with the endless fog that encased the Misty mountains, very few people would be able to survive an atatck from the night panther.
However, in front of Adrian who currently possesses a vast array of knowledge, they didn't seem that exotic. His mind raced rapidly as various information about their habits, strengths and weaknesses kept surfacing.
The beast didn't move after attacking. It kept it's eyes on Adrian who was standing on a tree a few dozen meters away. Before it was completely confident in killing Adrian, but after he dodged its attack, it wasn't so sure anymore.
However, no matter how much it stared at Adrian, he only exuded a weaker aura compared to it. This boosted it's confidence as it prepared for a frontal assault.
The night panther let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through the clearing like thunder. It flexed its massive paws, claws extending like wicked daggers, each one capable of tearing through steel.
It suddenly lunged forward, turning into a black blur that sliced through the mist, closing the distance between them in just a few moments. Adrian, who had never taken his eyes off the beast through out this ordeal quickly dodged to the side while immediately slipping into the void.
The night panthers attack missed, destroying the tree in the process. Adrian reappeared farther away now, with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
Although he had avoided the attack again, it was only just barely. His speed with the astral steps, could match that of the night panther.
However, he couldn't maintain it for long. The previous two uses had already drained close to ten percent of his qi reserves.
He clearly couldn't maintain this pace and had to do something about this situation quickly. His mind raced as he thought of possible solutions to his current predicament.
However, something Adrian failed didn't notice was that he wasn't feeling scared. Rather, a mix of excitement and vigilance was what occupied his system.
Before, in the face of such a beast, he wouldn't even have the nerve to move. Now he was thinking of ways to counter it.
After failing in it's attack twice, the beast was furious. It roared angrily as it shook off the wood splinters that had gotten stuck on its fur.
An idea suddenly popped into Adrian's mind. He initially wanted to dismiss it but as soon as it appeared in his mind, it took root and sprouted.
Soon, a resolute expression appeared on his face. He took out a vile containing his recently concocted Slumberseed potion, while his sword appeared in his other hand.
The night panther lunged at him once more, this time, faster than before. This time however, Adrian didn't dodge. He leaped towards the incoming beast, the force shattering the branch he was just standing on.
The night panther, upon seeing this, was overcome with a new wave of anger. This tiny and weak creature dared to confront it head on? It would surely teach him a lesson.
The night panther bared its fangs as it let out a low gutteral roar while it continued charging. In an instant both man and beast were in front of each other.
The night panther swiped its claws, intending to tear this bug into pieces. However, Adrian, who had activated his bronze body mid charge was surrounded by the bronze halo.
He slashed downwards, his sword drawing a beautiful arc through the air, meeting the attack of the night panther head on. However, unbeknownst to the panther, his left hand suddenly moved tossing a small vial into the open maw of the beast.
Adrian was able to block the attack but was immediately sent flying from the sheer force behind it. He was sent flying back a hundred meters before crashing into a boulder at the base of the solitary mountain.
Blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth as he struggled to pull himself out of the rubble. He staggered to his feet and quickly steadied himself as quickly as he could.
He couldn't afford to be vulnerable in front of this beast. A single mistake could spell his death. In his mind, he was still thinking of contingencies in case the Slunberseed potion didn't work.
The panther skidded to a halt after it's unsuccessful attack. A thin line of crimson trickled from it paw as found it's footing.
The sudden anomaly in its mouth was a surprise to it which distracted it.
The vial broke upon entering the mouth of the night panther, releasing its content straight down its throat. It swallowed reflexively, then snarled, it's eyes narrowing back towards Adrian.
For a moment, the creature seemed unaffected. Adrian raised his sword, preparing for the next bout. He had already started to plan his next move when he saw a scene that brought a smile to his face.