Chapter 96: Passive? No, Active!

Are these six-headed bone phoenixes now possessing their own consciousness...?

Hong Yun, observing their strange demeanor, forced himself to shake off the rapid heartbeat echoing within his chest. His hand gripped the hilt of his blade.

He intended to first gauge whether this creature harbored any desire to attack him. If not, he could simply find a way to take what he wanted. But if it dared to make a move, he would strike first with a single cut.

A faint blue aura suddenly surged around Hong Yun, gradually enveloping him completely.

A piercing clarity washed over his mind, sending a chill deep into his soul.

The energy of calamity now cloaked his blade.

He had already pushed aside the blade guard.

Yet, the six-headed bone phoenix before him made no move to attack. It seemed the previous two strikes had only been tentative tests.

It stared blankly at Hong Yun, as if the molten lava in its eyes was about to solidify, lost in thought.

What on earth was going on?

Hong Yun stood cautiously, eyes fixed on the colossal creature before him.

Contrary to his expectations, this being, despite its immense presence, remained unnervingly still, offering him no hint of hostility. For a moment, he found himself unable to fathom the situation.

But for now, no alarming developments had occurred, which was a relief.

Frankly, from this giant’s towering frame, he sensed not a trace of murderous intent.

In other words, its state mirrored his own, yet was not identical.

After all, Hong Yun had forcibly cultivated his calamity through his own flesh, whereas the nature of this creature’s existence eluded him.

Perhaps it had survived in this form, or maybe the heart forcibly gathered the white bones, wrapping them into this corporeal shell, granting it consciousness.

Maybe the ancestors of the phoenix clan had attempted to control this heart, using it to replace their own, but all had failed.

Regardless, he had finally found the target he sought—the still-beating heart. No matter what, he could not leave empty-handed.

With this resolve, he took a step and leapt toward the six-headed bone phoenix’s body.

Since it still looked at him with the blank curiosity of a child, it was best to provoke some reaction and test its depths.

The creature appeared indifferent to his approach, merely turning its six heads to watch him, seemingly curious about his intent.

---

Raising his hand, Hong Yun pressed against a large bone.

The calamity energy within him stirred, generating a suction force.

Under the creature’s bewildered gaze, the calamity energy was absorbed into his body. The massive spinal bone he touched crumbled instantly into bone dust, scattering within the form.

Hong Yun felt the searing heat flood into his body, only to be broken down and absorbed by his own calamity energy. He exhaled deeply.

Suddenly, the six-headed bone phoenix, which had been non-aggressive, flared its molten eyes and pecked fiercely.

Hong Yun heard the rush of wind, his spirit stirring, and dodged to the side.

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