It is important to understand that this dimensional space is vast, a massive expanse, subdivided into countless smaller regions. According to the analysis of some powerful individuals from my past life, even the smallest of the lake-centered forests contains five distinct zones, scattered randomly across the Blue Star.
For example, places like Snowfog White Ridge, of which Xu Que is aware, encompass eight such regions, though these eight do not necessarily form a complete zone. As for the Bleak Bone Swamps… those are much larger, spanning dual-layered territories and possessing special areas with guided directions. The Hellhounds Xu Que defeated belonged to the lower, uniquely guided regions. Without slaying these Hellhounds, even if one were to defeat numerous ghostly BOSSes, they would never be able to leave the space.
Then there is the Folding Space, even more peculiar. Not only does one need to defeat the ultimate BOSS of the upper layer, but they must also be transported back to the lower realms once more. The most perilous of all, however, is the Devouring Space. No battle with otherworldly creatures is necessary—simply choose to return to the city through the City Return Stone. If one fails to make this choice, and the space devours them, they will never escape, for the dimension has already surpassed the return stone's limits.
Xu Que and Ye Gou tread carefully, advancing through the half-meter-high grass. At this moment, Ye Gou was being particularly cautious, stuffing a cloth into his mouth to prevent any sounds from slipping out.
As they stealthily passed a cluster of Claw Cats, Xu Que suddenly halted, signaling. He pointed to a flat stone platform deep within the area and then directed his finger to the nearest tree.
Ye Gou nodded and made an "OK" gesture, cautiously approaching the trees. Xu Que scanned the surroundings and, detecting no unusual movements, sprinted toward the stone platform.
The moment Xu Que stood atop the stone platform, a chilling, eerie cat's cry echoed through the air. At once, the Claw Cats scattered, as if startled.
Xu Que's heart raced with heightened alertness. The sound of a hoarse, shrill meow reverberated, followed by the subtle rustling of the nearby thicket.
His eyes narrowed, fixating on the disturbance in the foliage.
When the creature emerged, Ye Gou's expression was one of shock—this otherworldly being was a Cat Demon!
The Cat Demon was a mysterious and enchanting creature. Its form exuded an enigmatic aura, blending Eastern mysticism with Western fantastical elements. Covered in soft, golden fur, its eyes sparkled like gemstones, gleaming with a profound light as though it could see into the soul. The creature's body was lithe and graceful, its tail fluffy, and its claws sharp as razors. With a swift swipe, it left deep gouges in the nearby tree trunk.
"Meow!"
The Cat Demon called out to Xu Que, then flashed a terrifying, almost human-like grin. The eerie smile sent chills down Ye Gou's spine, and his skin prickled with unease.
Before Xu Que could assess the creature's attributes, the Cat Demon lunged at him with blinding speed. Its assault was so rapid that Xu Que barely had time to react, and it sank its teeth into his neck.
"Back!"
"Boom!"
A mighty blow from the Knight's sword slammed between Xu Que and the Cat Demon, sparks flying as they clashed.
Without hesitation, Xu Que kicked the Cat Demon's abdomen with all his might. But, strangely, the Cat Demon nimbly spun and leapt, evading the attack effortlessly.
It landed gracefully, its powerful hind legs propelling it forward once more, claws extended, letting out an ear-piercing screech. Xu Que deftly avoided its strike using his knightly sword, but the Cat Demon's agility was astonishing.
When it landed again, its front claws dug into the earth, sending it spiraling towards Xu Que in an almost impossible maneuver.
Xu Que, fully aware of the Cat Demon's deadly prowess—especially one with golden fur—opted for caution. He had learned from experience that charging recklessly would only end in injury.
Without making any impulsive moves, Xu Que kept his focus, deciding to wait for the right moment. The Cat Demon's speed far outstripped his own, but his raw power far exceeded that of the creature.
"Meow!"
The Cat Demon let out a sharp cry and attacked again. Xu Que drew his sword in one swift motion, slicing horizontally at the charging beast.
As the sword's black arc cleaved the air, the Cat Demon instinctively shrank away, its golden fur fluttering as it nimbly dodged. It landed behind Xu Que, its body as fluid and graceful as a dancer.
"Meow!"
Seizing its opportunity, the Cat Demon pounced from behind, aiming straight for Xu Que. A sly smile spread across his face; he had been waiting for this moment.
With a quick step forward, Xu Que spun on his heel and delivered a powerful horizontal slash.
The Cat Demon's pupils constricted, its claws retracting as the sword slashed through the air mere inches from its face.
"Meow!"
A pained, blood-curdling scream echoed as the Cat Demon's front claws were severed. Xu Que showed no mercy, immediately following up with a swift strike.
Feeling the imminent danger, the Cat Demon ignored its injured forelimbs and used its hind legs to propel itself off the ground in a series of acrobatic spins, narrowly evading Xu Que's attack.
"Fast as hell," Xu Que muttered to himself, but his movements never faltered. He spun his wrist and slashed at the Cat Demon's waist.
The Cat Demon, keenly aware of the threat, reacted with astonishing reflexes, twisting its body at an unnatural angle to strike Xu Que with its fangs.
Just as Xu Que was about to block with his sword, he instinctively tilted his head, narrowly avoiding the Cat Demon's jaws. In that split second, the creature leapt over his head, leaving three deep claw marks across his face.
Ye Gou was stunned. This was the first time he had seen such a formidable Xu Que—who had also been wounded.
Before Ye Gou could pull the cloth from his mouth, his peripheral vision caught sight of dozens of eerie eyes glaring at the stone platform.
With a start, he realized they were surrounded—at least a hundred glowing, green eyes were fixated on them.
"Damn it… I just want to go home," Ye Gou thought in despair.
On the stone platform, Xu Que ran his fingers across the claw marks on his face and grinned darkly.
"Pah!" He spat onto the ground and then beckoned the Cat Demon with a crooked finger.
It seemed the Cat Demon had been successfully provoked. With a powerful push from its hind legs, it lunged at Xu Que once again.
Xu Que stepped back swiftly, and just as the creature was about to land, he struck with a devastating slash.
Sensing the threat, the Cat Demon spun midair, narrowly avoiding the fatal blow.
But then, its pupils constricted, realizing its time had run out.
"Thud!"
With a sickening sound, purple blood splattered as the Cat Demon's abdomen was cleaved open by the sword.
Furious, the Cat Demon tried to retaliate, but the moment its claws extended, it felt a sharp, searing pain in its belly.
"Still want to fight back?" Xu Que taunted, twisting his sword. "Die!"
With a final, powerful swing, the Cat Demon's intestines were torn from its body, its blood splattering as its life force swiftly drained away.
Xu Que didn't immediately collect the orb of light that had dropped, instead reaching for a bottle of stamina potion, gulping it down quickly.
"Roar!"
A mighty roar echoed from the trees, and soon, a massive, three-tailed striped tiger appeared in Xu Que's line of sight.
The Triple-Tailed Tyrant Tiger was a fearsome creature, its muscles taut, fur standing on end like steel needles, and its eyes gleaming with a murderous glint. Its three tails lashed violently, each movement promising destruction.
"Roar!"
With another fearsome roar, the Triple-Tailed Tyrant Tiger charged at Xu Que.
Xu Que tossed two Spirit Crystals to the side, swiftly rolling to the right to avoid the tiger's attack. He then activated the Phoenix Summoning and, with the speed boost, shot forward, coldly locking his gaze on the beast as he prepared for the next clash.