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Chapter 353.

Tang San and Hu Liena exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

Indeed, these blood-colored bats weren't ordinary soul beasts. In this crimson purgatory, they displayed a surprising degree of intelligence.

As they advanced, the three companions spotted a massive, dark-gold bat perched on a blood-stained rock along the path. This bat was far larger than the ones they had previously encountered, towering over them with three heads. Its wings, a dark golden hue, stretched out to a formidable span of at least ten meters, blotting out the sky above.

"Is this their leader?" Hu Liena whispered, taking a sharp breath. "A dark golden bat… it must be at least the equivalent of a soul beast of tens of thousands of years!"

Without their soul abilities, facing such a powerful creature would be no simple task.

The dark golden bat observed them keenly, hovering just out of reach, clearly studying them with an air of predatory patience rather than launching an immediate attack.

"It's likely around the level of a 30,000-year soul beast," Tang San noted, his gaze steady. "And it's undoubtedly intelligent. We need to be cautious—it could try to sever our path."

The narrow, suspended path they stood on had no supports beneath it. Even a small rupture could leave them stranded. Yet, the bat didn't seem intent on destroying the path just yet. Its three heads, with six gleaming eyes, scanned them like a predator sizing up its prey.

The eerie light in those eyes set Hu Liena on edge, and Tang San shared her unease. He knew that while his deathly black aura could crush numerous bats, this dark golden bat might pose a different challenge. Even with the defensive advantage of his Blue Silver Domain, which could disorient lower-level soul beasts, this creature would undoubtedly a test for them if it charged.

Wang Feng focused intently on the dark golden bat as well. To him, it didn't feel particularly threatening, but he understood that Tang San and Hu Liena were at a disadvantage in this harsh terrain. Though Wang Feng also couldn't use his Soul Devouring Blood Wing abilities here, his Dark Angel martial soul allowed him to hover slightly, his six-fold black wings manifesting solidly, though deploying them posed some risk.

"It's holding back, likely to keep us on edge," Hu Liena murmured, as realization struck. "We either need to press forward quickly or take it down now before it disrupts our concentration further. Otherwise, the rising temperature and this oppressive aura will begin to wear on us."

Tang San nodded. "We'll deal with it first."

Wang Feng remained silent, observing closely.

As if sensing their intentions, the dark golden bat let out a shrill, taunting screech. Its voice echoed with a twisted sort of pride, as if it were mocking them. Then, without warning, it wrapped itself in its wings, transforming into a large, tightly bound ball. Its dark golden wings began to glow intensely, forming a brilliant shield-like wall, before it hurtled downward.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Tang San's hidden weapon—a deadly blade even at high speeds—barely scratched its winged armor.

"It's using some form of wing-hardening ability!" Tang San and Hu Liena gasped in shock. "Can this bat really use soul abilities?"

Though soul beasts could possess innate abilities, in this realm where soul abilities were generally suppressed, it was unnerving to see this bat exert such power.

Wang Feng frowned slightly. This Hell Road is even more dangerous than I anticipated.

The Armored Black Thorn, though usually capable of injuring a typical 30,000-year soul beast, was proving ineffective here. Against lesser bats, it would have worked instantly, but against this dark golden behemoth, it had little impact. The Thorn could potentially deal more damage in a larger weapon form, yet that would limit Wang Feng's precision and risk revealing his identity.

After honing his weapon control technique for over four years, Wang Feng had refined it to its most lethal edge. But if his weapon couldn't inflict damage, he might have to rely on sheer physical force.

If my weapon control fails, I'll have to step in myself, Wang Feng thought, knowing he was approaching the limits of his ability to manipulate his mental power for stronger attacks.

"Once it breaches the Domain, attack immediately," Tang San commanded, gripping the Clear Sky Hammer as it materialized in his hand.

Hu Liena's red eyes gleamed as she prepared herself. Their strategy was clear: as soon as the dark golden bat entered the Blue –Silver Domain, they would aim to decapitate two of its heads and then target the remaining one after it was weakened by pain—a tactical plan formed in seconds by Tang San.

Within moments, the enormous creature barreled through the Blue Silver Domain with frightening speed. But just as it crossed the boundary, it let out a piercing screech, and a dense, dark golden mist enveloped its body.

Tang San and Hu Liena faltered mid-action, staring at the creature in shock.

"A… domain?" Hu Liena whispered, her voice trembling. "How can this dark golden bat also have domain?"

Only a genuine domain could neutralize another's domain, and if this creature's aura could override the Blue Silver Domain, they were in grave danger.

"It's not a true domain," Wang Feng interjected, his tone serious. "It's a special aura that closely resembles one. Think of it as a natural, innate field, similar to Tang Yin's unique talent."

Generally, only soul beasts with over 100,000 years of cultivation could wield true domain power, an ability comparable to a Title Douluo. However, some exceptionally rare soul beasts developed unique auras at earlier stages.

Wang Feng recalled similar traits in the soul beast companion Coddley Kun, which possessed a natural aura from birth. Tang San's Blue Silver Domain was not yet fully developed either; it functioned more as a powerful aura rather than a complete domain due to his current strength limitations. Now, it appeared that this dark golden bat also had a similar ability.

Despite the initial shock, Tang San and Hu Liena quickly understood the implications, preparing to face this new, unexpected threat.

...….

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