Chapter 23: The Slaying

It was only natural that Wang Liang became a target. The Quetzalcoatlus were no mindless beasts—they were cunning hunters, always seeking out the weakest prey. In the midst of everyone soaring through the sky, Wang Liang, who was still practicing his flight, was the obvious weak link.

One Quetzalcoatlus had already locked onto him from above, selecting its position in the heavens before diving straight toward Wang Liang. Its speed was like an arrow released from a taut bow, hurtling directly for him.

Though Wang Liang was busy experimenting with his newfound flying ability, he kept an eye on the battle overhead. The sky was a new battlefield for him, demanding more study and learning—watching how others handled such encounters.

So he saw the Quetzalcoatlus streaking toward him. His first instinct was to meet it head-on, but as he ascended, he realized his own speed was lacking. If others soared like Superman, covering vast distances in a blink, Wang Liang's flight was more akin to a novice swimmer struggling in the water.

To clash at his sluggish pace against the oncoming arrow-like speed of the Quetzalcoatlus would surely put him at a disadvantage. Besides, the sky was not his familiar ground. Quickly recognizing this, Wang Liang descended to the earth.

He pressed his legs downward, anchoring his weight, and activated the innate power of the Heaven and Earth Technique, channeling all his strength into the Blade of Life in his hands.

Just as he readied himself, the Quetzalcoatlus lunged at him. Facing the torrent of wind, Wang Liang forced his eyes open, tracking the beast's trajectory. At the very instant its jaws were about to close on him, he swung his blade.

Of course, it was impossible for him to cleave the Quetzalcoatlus in two like the Paladin leader had, but his strike was enough to force the creature's head aside.

That split-second gave Wang Liang the opening he needed. He followed through with his blade, slicing it leftward and landing a blow right on the Quetzalcoatlus's neck.

This was where the beast fell short compared to Wang Liang. Despite holding the advantage, had it simply bitten down straight, no matter how sharp Wang Liang's blade was, it could not have split the creature.

But with that turn of its head, the situation changed. The Quetzalcoatlus’s neck was about as thick as a giraffe’s, and Wang Liang’s blade had cut through mounted soldiers and their steeds before—necks of this size were all too familiar.

Though his strike was a last-minute change in dir