Sadius and Harvey hovered above the misty valley, their gazes locked in combat readiness.
Three distinct elemental energies intertwined around Sadius, an unusual sight that even the three Rank-Nine Violet-Gold Stone Eater Rat Kings couldn't immediately comprehend.
"Big Brother, our younger brother has met a real opponent this time."
"This Saint-level Armored Razorback Wyrm is strange. Can you sense the aura of Destruction from him? It feels oddly similar to that Bloodviolet sword sealing the interdimensional prison here."
"You mean he comprehended Destruction Sword Intent from Bloodviolet?"
"It's highly possible. Not only that, but he also possesses Earth-elemental energy. It seems he's not just a Darkness-type magical beast—he has undergone a Soul Mutation to develop Earth-affinity as well."
"I wish we had Earth-elemental abilities too."
Hart looked at Sadius with a hint of envy.
"We should report this to Father."
"But won't Father skin us alive for sneaking out?"
"This is too important. If anything, he might reward us instead."
Hearing the word "reward," Hart's dejected expression quickly brightened.
Meanwhile, Sadius and Harvey's battle raged on in the skies.
Sadius' fused tri-elemental energy was undoubtedly powerful, but Harvey's raw strength as a peak Saint was overwhelming, even without using the Profound Mysteries.
Harvey's battle instincts were razor-sharp, while Sadius, despite his Soul Mutation advantage, lacked true combat experience. As a result, he struggled, constantly on the defensive.
As the fight continued, Sadius began to accumulate valuable experience. Slowly but surely, he adapted, his fighting style becoming more fluid.
"This guy is quite talented, learning and improving mid-battle. The Yulan Continent will be interesting in the coming centuries," said Harry as he observed from the sidelines.
"Little Brother, if you don't go all out soon, you'll be disrespecting Sadius." Harry's voice rang out toward the ongoing duel.
Having witnessed Sadius' strength firsthand, the three Rat Kings had started addressing him differently.
"Heh, Sadius, I've been holding back. Get ready!" Harvey grinned, his fighting spirit surging.
Sadius' expression turned serious. Harvey hadn't been using his full power yet?
Suddenly, Harvey unleashed human battle techniques!
Sadius struggled to block, forced to retreat rapidly. As an Armored Razorback Wyrm, his body wasn't built for bipedal combat, putting him at a natural disadvantage.
Frustrated, Sadius desperately wished he could fight standing up like Harvey, but it was impossible.
As the battle raged, deep within Sadius' spiritual sea, his soul—shaped like an Azure Dragon—suddenly opened its eyes. A mighty dragon roar resonated from his very soul.
In reality, Sadius threw his head back and unleashed a deafening roar. Harvey's body froze for a split second.
The opening was enough—Sadius sent Harvey flying.
The three Rat Kings gathered together, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Sadius, what was that roar just now? It carried a hint of soul attack."
Sadius himself was puzzled. He had yet to fully understand the changes in his mutated soul.
Perhaps the fusion of divine energy and Azure Dragon essence had elevated his soul, granting it a faint trace of Azure Dragon's suppressive might.
He dared not entertain the notion that he had any connection to a true divine beast. After all, he was merely an Armored Razorback Wyrm.
"Respected elders, my soul differs slightly from others, which might be why it carries an inherent offensive property."
The Rat Kings exchanged glances. There were indeed beings who cultivated their souls differently.
"Well, it's your unique ability. I admit it—without using the Profound Mysteries, you are slightly stronger than me, Sadius."
"What now?" Sadius turned toward the other two Rat Kings.
"No need to fight further. If you can use that soul attack again, we wouldn't stand a chance. If not, you wouldn't stand a chance against us."
Meanwhile, outside the valley, various Saint-level magical beasts had been watching the battle unfold for quite some time.
As the duel concluded, a Rank-Nine Shadowmouse leaped from Little Green's back and dashed toward the three Rat Kings.
"Elders, I, Liya, pay my respects."
Compared to them, Liya was several generations removed, so addressing them as 'elders' was appropriate.
The Rat Kings, however, did not recognize this particular descendant.
Still, they were aware that the Anarchic Land's magical beast horde was led by two Rank-Nine rodent magical beasts.
In fact, nearly all rodent-type magical beasts across the Yulan Continent carried the bloodline of Beirut's lineage.
Even Nienn, standing nearby, possessed a diluted trace of the lineage—though even weaker than Liya's.
"So, you're the one leading the Anarchic Land's rodent horde? Train well. If you reach Saint-level, I will grant you a gift." Harvey spoke like a true elder.
Sadius quickly interjected.
"Liya, thank the elders properly."
"Forgive her, elders. She has little experience with the world."
Sadius smiled apologetically.
Was she clueless? The gift of a Violet-Gold Stone Eater Rat King could very well be a divine artifact or even a God-tier inheritance!
"Sadius, it seems the magical beasts here hold you in high regard." Harry observed with amusement.
"It's nothing, really. With the Radiant Church's increasing incursions, we simply formed an alliance for mutual survival."
At that moment, the other Saint-level magical beasts, along with the core Rank-Nine members of the alliance, gathered before them.
Nien, more courteous than Liya, quickly expressed his gratitude, displaying a level of respect she had lacked.
"Well then, since everyone is here, let's head inside for a feast to celebrate our victory!"