The Tree YaoGuai was stunned to see that Zhang Nu and Liu Hai had escaped the illusion crafted by the Illusion YaoGuai. It had severely underestimated these two. If the Tree YaoGuai had known they were this powerful, it would never have dared to provoke them.
Realizing the danger it was now in, the Tree YaoGuai decided that it could no longer afford to stay. If it didn't flee immediately, it risked becoming nothing more than another casualty, just another spirit crushed under their power. With this thought, it quickly attempted to escape.
However, Zhang Nu and Liu Hai shared a quick glance, instantly understanding each other. In perfect synchronization, they blocked the Tree YaoGuai's path from both sides. The Tree Guai grew furious, surprised that these two dared to hinder its escape. Did they not fear its wrath? After all, the second level of the mountain was entirely under its control.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll step aside. Otherwise, I won't hold back!" the Tree YaoGuai threatened.
But Zhang Nu and Liu Hai were unfazed. They didn't take the Tree Guai's words seriously. In their minds, it was the YaoGuai who needed to be 'sensible' here. They had no intention of letting it get away.
"You must be mistaken, YaoGuai," Liu Hai taunted. "You're the one at our mercy now. It's you who should be pleading with us."
Zhang Nu nodded in agreement, his gaze cold and determined as it rested on the Tree YaoGuai. While Zhang Nu had never underestimated the YaoGuai race, this Tree YaoGuai had proven especially formidable. It had successfully set up a complex illusion to trap them, and its tactics showed a level of intelligence and power beyond most YaoGuai. If he could defeat this YaoGuai, the victory would surely lead to a significant boost in his strength.
"Liu Hai, you distract this Tree Guai while I find a way to ambush it. We can't let it escape from here alive," Zhang Nu commanded, his tone filled with determination. Liu Hai nodded in agreement, ready to execute the plan. What they failed to realize was that every word had already reached the ears of the Tree YaoGuai.
This entire level was under the Tree YaoGuai's control, so avoiding detection was nearly impossible---especially with Zhang Nu speaking so boldly. The Tree YaoGuai was enraged, feeling as though they were blatantly ignoring its presence.
"You two really have the nerve to plan an ambush against me, right in front of me?" the YaoGuai scoffed. "Do you think I can't hear you? You're standing in my domain!"
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai had indeed forgotten that this territory belonged to the YaoGuai. But even now, Zhang Nu refused to acknowledge the mistake, unwilling to show weakness.
"And what if you did hear us?" Zhang Nu shot back. "There's nothing you can do to stop it. The result is already set---your defeat."
The YaoGuai seethed with anger at Zhang Nu's audacity. It couldn't believe the sheer arrogance of these humans, even after revealing their plan.
"You really don't know how powerful I am, do you?" the Tree Guai hissed. "You've pushed me too far. I'll make sure neither of you leaves this place alive. One of us will die today, and it's not going to be me."
Zhang Nu and Liu Hai exchanged a look, their minds made up. They knew exactly who would be the one to fall in this battle---it would be the Tree YaoGuai."You think we're afraid of you?" Zhang Nu sneered. A mere Hundred-Year Tree YaoGuai is hardly worth fearing."
With that, Zhang Nu launched an attack on the YaoGuai. In an instant, he leapt into the air, using the speed granted by the Black Wind Arts he had cultivated. His speed was so fast that the Tree YaoGuai could barely track his movements. Still, the YaoGuai, relying on its keen senses, managed to dodge the attack just in time.
The YaoGuai's eyes glimmered with newfound interest as it observed Zhang Nu's capabilities. It hadn't expected these two men to possess such strength, especially Zhang Nu's incredible speed. Even the fierce Fire Wolves that roamed these lands couldn't match him in swiftness.
"Much more impressive than I expected," the Tree Guai remarked. "I didn't think you'd be this fast. But in the face of absolute power, speed and skill mean nothing."
After making this declaration, the YaoGuai stood its ground, staring at Zhang Nu with a mix of disdain and curiosity, as if to show that it didn't fear his attacks at all. To the YaoGuai, Zhang Nu's efforts seemed like nothing more than a mild annoyance.
Seeing the YaoGuai's overconfidence, Zhang Nu knew this was his best opportunity to strike. The creature had let its guard down, providing the perfect moment for an all-out attack.