Wood Style And Sharingan

Luoshen Bridge.

Stretching between two vast mountains, this bridge pierced through the thin clouds above and overlooked the abyss below. Measuring a full kilometer in length, it once stood as a critical artery connecting the southern cities—Huaihai, Xiahai, and Huangshi—to the illustrious Holy Royal City. A vital landmark, it served as a link across the empire.

But ever since the Holy Royal City had closed its borders and descended into isolation, monsters had overrun the wilds. Cities struggled just to defend themselves. Most had ceased communication altogether.

Only neighboring cities—like Huaihai and Xiahai—maintained ties. In desperate times, mutual support could mean survival. Just recently, during the monster tide that struck Xiahai City, Huaihai had sent reinforcements. Without that help, the outcome might have been disastrous.

---

At this moment, the executive team from Xiahai stood at the foot of Luoshen Bridge.

Their leader, Lan Feng, scanned the towering structure.

"Captain," one of his subordinates whispered, "we've confirmed that the monster nest is right beneath the bridge. It's a group of Blood-soaked Bats. Around twenty of them. One of them is likely a Blood Bat King."

Lan Feng's expression darkened. "Blood-soaked Bats… troublesome creatures."

These bats were among the most difficult third-tier monsters—swift, cunning, and airborne. Their mobility alone made them deadly.

"And the Huaihai College team? Are they here yet?"

"With luck, they'll be arriving soon. The principal contacted their side earlier."

As if on cue, several figures rapidly approached. It was Mingyun's team—Smith among them.

"Apologies for the delay. We're here," Mingyun called out.

"Glad you made it," Lan Feng replied, relief evident in his voice.

"What's the situation?" Mingyun asked, walking forward briskly.

Lan Feng gave a short nod and explained, "The nest is located directly beneath the bridge's center. There are roughly twenty Blood-soaked Bats, including a fourth-tier Blood Bat King."

"Beneath the bridge…" Hong Feng murmured, her face slightly tense.

"If they're allowed to remain and breed, the entire bridge may collapse. If Luoshen Bridge falls, it severs all direct paths to the Holy Royal City," Lan Feng warned gravely.

"No one's set foot in that city in years," Mingyun muttered under his breath. Still, he knew orders were orders. Whether or not they liked it, the task had to be completed.

"We're here to support. Your team takes the lead in strategy. We'll assist," Mingyun said after a moment's thought.

Lan Feng appreciated the gesture. He didn't waste time pretending. "Good. Then here's the plan."

He gestured to the map laid out on a tablet. "If the Blood-soaked Bats scatter, we'll be at a disadvantage. We need to keep them grouped and eliminate them in one sweep. My team will bait them out. Your team will wait at the center of the bridge and strike when the time is right."

"Understood."

The two teams moved quickly. With plans in place, they split into formation.

Mingyun's squad quietly made their way to the bridge's center. The massive stone platform was eerily silent, the wind whistling past their ears. Directly beneath them was the enemy's nest.

"These bats have the aerial advantage. We must strike hard and fast," Mingyun said. "White Bear, Yellow Wolf, Black Snake—you're with me for the main assault. Red Wind, provide air support from above. Smith, stay with Red Wind and guard her. Got it?"

"Understood," everyone answered in hushed tones.

Lan Feng, watching from a distance, signaled that his side was ready.

"Begin!"

With a flick of his wrist, one of Lan Feng's teammates summoned two second-tier Violent Eagles. The beasts emerged from shimmering summoning formations—beast-taming magic.

Each eagle carried two people. Their wings beat heavily as they flew around to flank the bridge from both sides.

Lan Feng herself formed a pair of green wings using wind spiritual energy and took off, her body soaring toward the nest with astonishing speed.

In the next moment, both eagle teams launched huge fireballs directly at the base of the bridge. Lan Feng followed with a wind gust that caught the flames and fused them into a massive fire wave.

BOOM!

Flames exploded below the bridge.

"Screeeeee!"

A high-pitched screech echoed out as a horde of crimson bats burst forth in fury from the shadows below.

"They're out! Go!"

Mingyun and the others sprang into action. He and White Bear jumped first, landing blows on one of the third-tier bats.

Mingyun's fists pummeled the beast. His dual elements—beast and earth—granted him overwhelming strength and resilience. Every strike landed with crushing force.

White Bear, charged with lightning, moved like a berserker. His physical strikes crackled with thunder, battering the bats with a combination of raw power and elemental damage.

Black Snake, lacking room to use his pet, fought directly—one hand wielding a flame, the other a short blade.

Yellow Wolf stood back, puppets flying through the air. Controlled with expert precision, the puppets stabbed and slashed at the airborne threats.

Shlkk!

The initial assault succeeded. One bat went down, torn apart by blades and claws.

But gravity pulled at them, and the fighters began to plummet—until Hong Feng stepped in.

She raised her hands, and green wind energy swirled around her. With a delicate touch, she conjured temporary wind platforms beneath her teammates' feet, suspending them mid-air.

Though the wind element couldn't grant flight directly, it could create these footholds—essential for aerial combat.

Hong Feng raised both palms and summoned a dozen wind walls, placing them strategically in the air. Each acted as a landing point or shield. The entire sky turned into a battlefield.

She was the linchpin of the fight.

"Screech!!"

The Blood-soaked Bat King quickly realized that Hong Feng posed the biggest threat. Under its command, several bats broke formation and dove toward her.

"Smith!" she called urgently.

She couldn't defend herself and maintain the platforms at the same time.

"On it!"

Smith's eyes sharpened.

He inhaled deeply. The energy of Sage Mode surged through him, and the world slowed.

His perception heightened—every movement, every sound, every glimmer of energy sharpened in his mind.

Bang!

With a single leap, he launched into the air like a missile.

His dagger gleamed as he collided with one of the incoming bats.

Shhk!

He pierced its throat. Blood sprayed in the air, and the creature shrieked before going limp.

"Watch out—don't let the blood touch you!" Hong Feng shouted.

Her warning came just in time. Smith twisted mid-air, avoiding the splattering blood, which sizzled upon touching a wind platform.

"Corrosive?" he muttered. These monsters were more dangerous than they looked.

Below, Mingyun and the others continued their ruthless assault. The air was filled with shrieks, fire, lightning, and the sound of steel.

But for now, Smith remained high above, standing beside Hong Feng, ready to intercept any who threatened her.

The wind howled around them, the battlefield a storm of motion and fury.

The Blood Bat King had yet to show itself—but everyone could feel its presence.

This fight was far from over.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

pàtreøn (Gk31)