Chapter 30: Confrontation with the Sea Serpent

With Instructor Xiao leading them, the group moved swiftly through the dense foliage of the Eternal Dark Forest. The air was thick with tension as they all understood the risks they were undertaking. Every step was calculated, every breath taken with caution. They tried their best to avoid drawing unnecessary attention from the lurking high-level beasts, knowing that a single misstep could lead to disaster.

As they journeyed further into the heart of the forest, the excitement and anticipation among the students grew exponentially. The prospect of witnessing Soul Manifestation in action was exhilarating, and they couldn't help but wonder how Instructor Xiao would demonstrate the practical skills behind it.

After what seemed like an eternity of walking, they finally came across a large lake reflecting the pale moonlight. It was here that they spotted a majestic beast with water affinity—the newly promoted second tier beast, a Sea Serpent. Its shimmering blue scales glistened under the moon's glow, and its eyes gleamed with a mixture of hunger and primal instincts.

The Sea Serpent, a name that belied the true terror it instilled, loomed before the group with a colossal presence that sent shivers down their spines. Towering at a staggering height of 40 meters, its sheer size seemed to blend with the darkness of the night, making it nearly invisible in the dim moonlight.

Hall Master Liu Mei readied herself to intervene and subdue the creature, but Instructor Xiao swiftly motioned for her to stand down. Intrigued yet bewildered by his actions, she asked, "Why do you hold back, Instructor Xiao? With my power, I can at least weaken the beast, if not defeat it entirely."

A smile played on Instructor Xiao's lips as he replied, "Ah, my dear Hall Master, I appreciate your willingness to assist me, but this is a trial I must face alone. As a teacher, I cannot rely on others to pave my way. The path of cultivation demands personal growth and facing challenges head-on."

Hall Master Liu Mei nodded, understanding his reasoning. Although she wanted to help, she respected his decision. This was Instructor Xiao's moment, his opportunity to ascend to the Core Formation Stage, a feat that would be etched in the annals of their school's history.

With determination in his eyes, Instructor Xiao stepped forward, his aura surging with power. He addressed the students, "Fear is natural, my young disciples. It is what keeps us alive in dangerous situations. But in the world of cultivation, fear can also hold us back from reaching our true potential."

He then turned to face the formidable Sea Serpent, a creature of awe-inspiring might. "Yet, we must not let fear dictate our actions. We, as human cultivators, are different from these beasts. We possess intellect, reason, and a will to rise above our instincts."

Instructor Xiao's voice resonated with conviction as he continued, "Today, I shall demonstrate that courage and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges. We will witness Soul Manifestation not just as a display of power, but as a testament to the human spirit's indomitable nature."

His words struck a chord with every student, reigniting their passion for cultivation. Tang Jian felt a surge of inspiration, vowing to confront his own fears and overcome them, just as Instructor Xiao was about to do.

With the stage set, all eyes turned to Instructor Xiao, waiting with bated breath to witness the unfolding of this pivotal moment. The air crackled with anticipation, and the night seemed to hold its breath in reverence for what was about to transpire.

As the group stood in awe of the magnificent Sea Serpent, a sudden roar reverberated through the forest, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The thunderous sound pierced the silence of the night, echoing off the ancient trees and stirring a primal fear within their hearts.

Tang Jian felt a shiver run down his spine as the reverberations of the beast's roar coursed through his body. The sheer power and primal force behind the sound sent a surge of adrenaline rushing through his veins. It was a deafening reminder of their own vulnerability in the face of such formidable creatures.

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Looking around, Tang Jian noticed that he was not alone in his fear. The once-excited students now wore expressions of trepidation, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and anxiety. The realization of the dangers they were about to confront settled heavily upon them.

The atmosphere grew tense as the clash between Instructor Xiao and the Sea Serpent seemed imminent. Tang Jian watched with bated breath, his eyes fixed on the interplay between the powerful adversaries.

Instructor Xiao's grip tightened around the long blue spear, his stance solid and unwavering. The energy around him surged, intertwining with the essence of water. With a swift motion, he thrust the spear forward, releasing a torrent of water that surged towards the Sea Serpent.

In response, the Sea Serpent's massive form twisted and contorted, manipulating the water surrounding it. The liquid danced in the air, forming sharp blades that shimmered with an icy hue. The sea creature had adopted a defensive stance, ready to fend off Instructor Xiao's attack with its own formidable technique.

Hall Master Liu Mei's voice broke through the silence, enlightening the students about the nature of the impending battle. Her words sparked a renewed sense of curiosity within Tang Jian and his peers. They realized that even beasts could learn and adapt, mimicking the techniques they observed in humans and other creatures.

The clash between Instructor Xiao and the Sea Serpent became more than a simple battle; it became a lesson in adaptability and ingenuity. The students, their eyes gleaming with anticipation, watched intently, eager to witness the unfolding exchange of techniques.

Instructor Xiao's movements were swift and precise, displaying a mastery of his water-affinity artifact. Each thrust and swing of his spear unleashed powerful torrents of water, creating a mesmerizing display of fluidity and control. He maneuvered with agility, deftly dodging the Sea Serpent's razor-sharp water blades while launching his own counterattacks.

The Sea Serpent, though a creature of instinct, showcased a remarkable ability to adapt. It analyzed Instructor Xiao's techniques, incorporating new variations into its own repertoire. The clash of elemental forces reverberated through the forest, the sound of water colliding with water echoing in the air.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as the Sea Serpent's tail struck Instructor Xiao with a bone-crushing force, sending him hurtling into a nearby tree. Gasps of disbelief escaped the lips of the students as they watched their instructor's body collide with the solid trunk, bones audibly cracking upon impact. Disappointment reflected in their eyes, thinking that his defeat was inevitable.

As the Sea Serpent turned its gaze toward the vulnerable students, a dangerous aura emanated from Hall Master Liu Mei, causing the creature to hesitate. Sensing the imminent danger, it dared not make a move. Hall Master Liu Mei unleashed her energy, prepared to swiftly eliminate the beast and protect her students.

But just as she was about to unleash her attack, a resounding voice echoed through the forest, cutting through the tense silence. "No, not today, Hall Master." It was Instructor Xiao, his voice filled with determination. Despite the blood dripping from his forehead, his body trembling from the impact, he stood tall with unwavering resolve.

"It's my day to shine," Instructor Xiao declared, a hint of laughter in his voice, lightening the somber mood. His attempt to hide the pain behind his laughter was evident to Tang Jian, who saw through the facade with a discerning eye.

With renewed determination, Instructor Xiao retrieved his spear and clutched it tightly, his grip unwavering. The pain he endured was not enough to deter him from his goal. With a battle cry, he assumed an offensive stance and launched his spear once again toward the Sea Serpent.

This time, something extraordinary happened. As the spear soared through the air, it began to undergo a mesmerizing transformation. The water seemed to come alive, swirling and shaping itself into a magnificent aquatic phoenix. The awe-inspiring display was the result of the Adept-level technique known as the Aquaflare Phoenix Technique. The majestic phoenix, ablaze with shimmering water droplets, swooped down with incredible speed, aiming for the Sea Serpent's vulnerable abdomen.

Unfazed by the impending attack, the Sea Serpent braced itself, ready to withstand the onslaught. The collision of the Aquaflare Phoenix against the beast unleashed a cataclysmic explosion of water, engulfing the area in a swirling vortex. The force of the impact reverberated through the forest, shaking the very ground beneath their feet.

The misty aftermath of the clash created a dense fog that shrouded the group, obscuring their vision. Tang Jian, unable to see what transpired, felt his heart pound with anticipation. The suspense in the air was palpable as they waited for the fog to dissipate and reveal the outcome of the strike.

Unable to see the immediate aftermath of the strike, the students held their breath, anticipation hanging in the air. The forest seemed to hold its collective breath as the fog slowly dissipated, revealing the outcome of Instructor Xiao's powerful blow.

Slowly, the mist began to thin, revealing glimpses of the scene before them. As the fog lifted further, the students' eyes widened in astonishment.