Chapter 45: Red Orb

Xenos took a deep breath and gazed at the colossal door before them. He knew that this was where they would face their greatest challenge yet. He turned to his soldiers and the remaining members of Patriarch Song's clan and Elder Tan Zong's Blue Wind Sect.

"We have come this far together, and we will face this challenge as one," Xenos declared, determination resonating in his voice. "But before we proceed, I want to remind everyone that we must work together and watch out for each other. We have already lost many comrades, and we cannot afford to lose any more. Let's do this."

With a nod from his soldiers and the remaining members of the other groups, Xenos pushed open the door, and they stepped inside.

The room loomed large and enveloped in darkness, its perimeter illuminated by flickering torchlight. Every eye fixated on what appeared to be the leader of the green monsters—an enormous, bulging-muscled creature with menacing teeth. Standing at least ten feet tall, its eyes glowed with a fierce, red light. Adding to the sight was a massive wolf on the ground, eyeing them while licking its jaws.

Fear gripped the members of the three forces. It was their first time encountering such an immense wolf, nearly the size of a small house.

Xenos keenly felt the pressure emanating from Ghorm's imposing figure. He understood that this monster before him was not an opponent he could face alone.

"Elder San, this is troublesome. I believe this monster's realm surpasses ours," Xenos stated.

"You're correct. This monster is one realm higher than us... Furthermore, it possesses greater strength than any ordinary second-stage opponent. The pressure it exudes nearly matches that of a third-stage powerhouse."

Having encountered numerous individuals at the opening qi realm, Xenos had become well acquainted with the aura of both the second and third stages.

"And that wolf is a first-stage opening qi monster..." Xenos surveyed everyone. "Listen carefully, everyone. Here's the plan: Elder San and I will engage the green monster in combat. The rest of you will restrain the enormous wolf. You don't have to kill it—just keep it subdued until we overcome the green monster."

Everyone nodded, recognizing Xenos as an opening qi powerhouse. Even Patriarch Song no longer considered Xenos on par with himself. Respect followed strength; that was the law of this world.

Hearing Xenos' instructions, Elder Tan Zong sneered inwardly. Even he harbored doubts about defeating the green monster, let alone their group.

His plan was to let them do the work for now and intervene later. After all, even if the two couldn't slay the monster, they would surely inflict some damage and exhaust it.

With the plan set, Xenos and Elder San surged forward, their weapons gleaming in the torchlight. Ghorm roared and charged at them, swinging his massive arms to crush them.

Xenos and Elder San swiftly evaded the onslaught, their movements swift and precise. They knew that the smallest misstep could cost them their lives; there was no room for error.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group exerted their utmost efforts to restrain the gargantuan wolf. Despite its strength and agility, they managed to pin it down through their collective endeavors.

Xenos and Elder San continued their battle, trading blows with Ghorm. They held their ground, but the monster's strength proved overwhelming for them alone.

"My Lord, we have overestimated our capabilities. This monster is beyond our means," Elder San remarked, narrowly dodging Ghorm's attack.

Though Ghorm's strength surpassed their own realms, his speed didn't match his might. However, being struck by Ghorm's assault would

  mean certain defeat for either of them.

"I suppose it's time to use this item."

Xenos regarded the red orb in his hand, a relic bestowed upon him by his father. His father had claimed that it contained an attack from a Qi Gathering powerhouse.

His father had acquired it during his explorations of ancient ruins when he was still alive. His love for adventure was also the reason for his demise.

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