The thunderous roar of the enraged Rank 5 Stormsky Raptor shook the very canopy below. The air trembled under its might as it tore through the sky with a force that made even the clouds scatter. Xiao Feng hovered midair, his face composed but grim.
> "This beast is on an entirely different level…"
The massive raptor closed the distance with terrifying speed, its razor-sharp wings slicing through the air. Xiao Feng dodged the first lunge with a sudden burst of wind from his Wind Spirit Body, appearing several meters above it in an instant.
> "Triple Gale Cut!"
Three slashes of compressed wind shot forward, aiming at the raptor's eyes. But the beast spun midair with unnatural agility, using its thick, armored wing to shield itself. The attack barely left a scratch.
The bird retaliated instantly, screeching as it released a shockwave. Xiao Feng winced and spun away, but a glancing blow struck his side, sending him flying back several meters.
His vision swam, pain blooming across his ribs.
> "Can't fight it head-on… not for long."
He activated Wind Integration, and his body shimmered, blending partially with the wind. His presence faded, and even the raptor paused midflight, scanning the skies with narrowed crimson eyes.
Using his enhanced perception, Xiao Feng slipped behind the raptor, his sword flickering with intense green Dou Qi.
> "Gale Bloom!"
Twelve arcs of wind exploded forward, slashing into the beast's back and wings. Feathers tore and blood spilled—but only in shallow lines.
> "Even the second form can't break through its hide…"
The raptor roared in pain and fury, spinning midair and releasing a whirlwind pulse that threw Xiao Feng off balance. Before he could stabilize, the beast darted in with a sudden dive, its beak glowing with wind Dou Qi.
He barely raised his sword in time, using his Wind Wall Slash to block the hit. The collision shook his arms to the bone, and the force sent him spiraling downward. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.
> "This thing's strength… it's like a storm given flesh."
Floating unsteadily midair, Xiao Feng clenched his fists. He narrowed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
> "Silent Tempest Break."
His aura surged, sword trembling as he unleashed his strongest attack. A silent explosion of compressed wind and light carved through the sky, striking the raptor head-on.
It screeched, feathers ripped away from its chest. Blood splattered the clouds… but when the light faded, the beast still hovered, its eyes burning with even more rage.
> "It barely pierced its defenses…"
Xiao Feng's chest rose and fell heavily. He was injured, exhausted, and running low on Dou Qi. One wing was grazed, and his internal organs were shaken. Still, the raptor came.
He didn't hesitate.
His wings flared wide, glowing with pure wind Dou Qi.
> "Wind Spirit Flight… Max Output!"
With a thunderous whoosh, he vanished like a ghost, moving so fast the raptor couldn't follow. The air cracked behind him as he tore through the sky like a lightning bolt. Trees blurred below. Clouds broke apart above.
Even the beast, with its incredible speed, was left in the dust.
Minutes passed before Xiao Feng finally touched down deep in the mountains, collapsing on one knee beneath a rocky overhang. Blood dripped from his lips, and his robes were torn, but he was alive.
> "Too reckless…" he muttered, clutching his side.
> "I'm strong… but not invincible."
Still panting, he looked to the sky where the bird's cries had faded. His eyes, though calm, now held a hint of excitement behind the pain.
> "Next time, I won't run."