Chapter 2723 - 2724: Another Challenge

As Feng Yuan expected, the accumulated attack was unleashed in one go, even Xiao Ji couldn’t withstand it. Had it not been for the challenge space’s protection, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound would likely have been on the brink of death, as this attack was tremendously powerful.

With Xiao Ji and the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound simultaneously losing their combat capabilities, the challenge ended in failure, surrounded by white light, leaving only a bluestone path. Looking at Xiao Ji and the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound, who had fully recovered yet looked dejected, Feng Yuan jokingly said,

"You guys, not noticing the opponent was charging right from the start? Losing is no surprise, right? Let alone..."

Although Feng Yuan didn’t initially have high hopes for Xiao Ji and the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound teaming up for the challenge, he watched the battle seriously. Following Feng Yuan’s commentary, Xiao Ji and the others realized how many issues there were in their fighting.

Both the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound and Xiao Ji had many details they didn’t handle well, not to mention their teamwork was far from seamless.

"If you really want the Ascension Stone, I suggest you challenge separately. Xiao Ji should be able to pass, and for the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound, I can do some tweaking to make it through, which is easier than your team challenge. After all, cultivating a high degree of rapport isn’t that easy."

After his remarks, Feng Yuan spoke to them. Ultimately, Feng Yuan had no interest in the Ascension Stone; he merely observed what Xiao Ji and the others wanted, especially the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound. Xiao Ji’s side was manageable; relying on her own strength wouldn’t be impossible, but for the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound, it’s all about doing something fancy.

After hesitating for a moment, they exchanged a glance with Xiao Ji, and the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound barked softly. Veronia glanced at the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound and translated,

"It wants the Ascension Stone."

Except for Feng Yuan, nearly everyone else had an interest in the Ascension Stone, as it can vastly boost combat power, and its subsequent effects are unmatched among known special items.

Although no one knows the conditions for the Ascension Stone to appear as a reward, they understand that this time it’s due to the advantage of occupying the complete territory of a major faction in the Time Branch for the first time.

Later, it will only be possible when they fully conquer The Imperial Timeline for the Ascension Stone to appear again.

No one would want to fall behind others, especially since the gap brought by the Ascension Stone is extraordinarily wide.

"Then let’s challenge separately. After stepping outside, queue again. Xiao Ji, you go first to provide some reference for the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound. I’ll later think of ways to help the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound get the Ascension Stone,"

Receiving the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s answer, Feng Yuan said. Since the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound doesn’t mind using tactics, he wouldn’t hesitate. After all, based on team battle estimation, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound can’t pass the challenge, but... the difficulty is rather high, considering their battle techniques are quite far from meeting the requirements to clear it.

The bluestone path soon came to an end, everything blurred, and Feng Yuan’s party returned near the light pillar, leaving with the crowd as Feng Yuan immediately rejoined the queue.

This time, Xiao Ji hung her head low, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s tail drooped with ears slightly downcast, appearing quite dispirited.

Initially, they thought they could easily handle the challenge by teaming up, but ended up realizing they had overestimated.

New challengers kept joining the queue, but most people in the queue appeared either dejected or serious, evidently challenging again after failing.

The influx of early and later arrivals gradually lengthened the queue. Fortunately, everyone maintained a mutual order, so no incidents occurred. Certainly, Feng Yuan suspected if someone dared to cut the line at this point, they would likely end up as the outlet for this crowd.

The growing queue meant even moving forward in small steps increased the waiting time considerably longer than the last time.

"Hmm, this queue will likely get longer. Perhaps, some special training for the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound is indeed needed,"

Touching his chin, Feng Yuan looked at the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound and said. He was unconcerned about Xiao Ji’s side since with her strength, clearing the challenge wasn’t tough; she’d just need to prevent the enemy from launching a charging counterattack, or if they did, timely evasion would suffice.

Ordinary Spirit Beasts cannot evade this, but Xiao Ji, being a Divine Beast, has the ability to temporarily alter the space she’s in, thereby their attack cannot execute a hyperspace-wide strike, even if generated based on Xiao Ji’s template.

Besides Space Divine Beasts, other Divine Beasts generally have ineffective attacks against non-current spaces. This is normal, given the power of Divine Beasts; if their ultimate moves could cover all different spaces simultaneously, the most likely outcome would be blowing up several spaces upon striking.

Even Space Divine Beasts can only lock onto one Different Space at a time for strike and not perform a full coverage.

Before, the reason Xiao Ji was caught off guard was entirely because she didn’t expect the enemy to possess such a move.

Even as a Divine Beast, unless it’s a Space Divine Beast, spatial jumping requires preparation time. Even with a Space Divine Beast, a clear trace is left after jumping space, an unavoidable flaw of rapid jumping.

Re-entering the challenge space, facing familiar Meteorite Creatures, Xiao Ji’s eyes narrowed. This time, she alone participated in the challenge, so her opponent was only one.

Letting out a long cry, Xiao Ji decisively unveiled the Underworld Domain and initiated Domain Awakening. Her opponent wasn’t difficult; so long as she seized the stiff moments to attack, victory was easily achieved. Their previous loss was entirely because they were teamed.

Not partnering means no one to aid, not to mention the attack pattern remained unchanged. Xiao Ji had already contemplated how to deal with this Meteorite Creature during Feng Yuan’s analysis.

Unsurprisingly, Crimson Judgement commenced. The enemy still responded with Mutation Erasure. In fact, they aimed to withstand Xiao Ji’s Crimson Judgement, especially enhanced by Domain Awakening. Mutation Erasure, a move that defies conventional defensive stats, remains effective.

Considered equal in strength, even Veronia wouldn’t dare to confront Crimson Judgement unleashed by a similarly powerful Xiao Ji directly, as it’s untenable.

A strengthened Crimson Judgement inevitably leads to the foe being stunned, even with counter moves, Xiao Ji seizes the chance with Crimson Claw for a close-combat strike.

Though Xiao Ji has many quick-cast ultimate moves for close-combat, Crimson Claw is relatively more reliable.

Not because it’s a Divine Beast Technique, but because post-execution, Xiao Ji quickly closes in on the Meteorite Creature, appearing to have physical defense strength, yet upon reflection, Xiao Ji suspects it might be misleading.

At this moment, Xiao Ji dared not underestimate this thing, feeling a vague premonition that using ranged attacks might provoke other tricky moves.

Regarding close-combat attacks, Feng Yuan was unaware of possible changes. However, seeing Xiao Ji quickly approach, after a moment of silence, he said,

"She’s really being a bit bold."

Closing in on the enemy without knowing specifics seemed a bit risky to Feng Yuan; if the creature had some close-combat specialty moves, Xiao Ji might face trouble.

Crimson Claw, although not a Divine Beast Technique, still possesses special Soul Damage effects. Meteorite Creatures may not appear to have souls, yet they are vulnerable to Soul Damage.

And Soul Damage bypasses normal physical and energy defenses, meaning, even if this creature seemingly resembles the physical fortitude of rock with focused physical defense, Crimson Claw still penetrates.

"Didn’t trigger a charge? So, that creature’s charging only accumulates under a ranged energy attack?"

Feng Yuan noticed the Meteorite Creature’s gemstone circle didn’t light up from Crimson Claw, somewhat amazedly said. Beside him, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound fixated on the battlefield, eager to extract as much intel as possible from Xiao Ji’s battle.

Even though they face different foes, some tactical aspects are universally applicable.

With Feng Yuan’s earlier reminders, Xiao Ji continually monitored the Meteorite Creature’s gemstone circle that hadn’t lit up from her attack, understanding the situation.

Wings merging, black mist enveloped Xiao Ji; Feng Yuan wasn’t surprised why Xiao Ji abruptly switched to a Defense Technique. As expected, a furious roar rose, powerful force tried pushing Xiao Ji away, notably carrying a distinct Soul Attack effect.

Yet Xiao Ji’s executed Defense Technique uniquely shields against Soul Attacks, though pushed back a few steps, she remained close to the Meteorite Creature.

"Looks like it’s a sure-win, huh."

Chuckling, Feng Yuan signaled victory for Xiao Ji. Veronia glanced at Feng Yuan without commenting; though premature, given the current situation, unexpected outcomes seem unlikely.