Chapter 614: A Perfect Chance

"What a perfect chance!" Li An's heart leaped with joy at the sight. He gathered his spiritual power once more, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to the guardian beast.

However, the guardian beast was not so easily defeated. Having lost its sight, it relied on instinct and its powerful perception to launch a frenzied assault on Li An and the others. Its attack range was wider, its strength greater, and the group once again fell into a predicament.

"Damn it, this guardian beast is way too tenacious!" Li An fretted inwardly, rapidly thinking of a countermeasure. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, and an idea came to mind.

"Listen up, everyone—let's attack together to draw its attention, and then I'll seize the chance to strike with everything I've got!" Li An shouted loudly.

At his words, the others nodded one after another. They pooled all their strength and launched their attack on the guardian beast. Drawn in by their assault, the beast focused all its attention on the group, completely overlooking Li An's movements.

"Now!" Li An roared. All the spiritual power in his body converged in his hand, forming a powerful ray of light. He hurled the light straight at the guardian beast's weak spot on its belly; carrying boundless force, it struck the beast in an instant.

The guardian beast let out a pained roar, its body began to sway, and finally it crashed down with a thunderous boom. Where it had vanished, a mysterious treasure chest appeared, radiating an enigmatic glow.

"We did it!" The crowd cheered in excitement, their faces brimming with the joy of victory.

Li An walked slowly toward the chest, his heart filled with anticipation. The moment he opened it, a ray of light shot out from within and merged into his body. He felt his power surge enormously, and an unprecedented sense of strength welled up inside him.

"Wow, Li An, you're amazing!" Mayuri came running over excitedly, her eyes full of envy and admiration. "You've gained such incredible power!"

The others crowded around, casting envious and admiring glances at Li An. Makise Kurisu gave a slight nod, a hint of appreciation in her eyes: "I didn't expect you to actually pull it off. This boost in power is sure to make you even stronger."

After resolving the world-line crisis, Li An's power had risen as never before. The news spread through this anime world like a heavy bomb, swift and explosive. 0... Sunlight still fell warmly upon the earth, yet the air was thick with a tense atmosphere.

"An, everyone's talking about you—I'm so worried." Guo Yao pressed close to Li An's side, her fingers anxiously twisting the hem of her clothes, her eyes full of worry. Guo Yao's cheeks had gone slightly pale from anxiety, afraid that those jealous powerhouses might bring harm to Li An.

Li An gently took Guo Yao's hand and gave her a reassuring smile: "Don't be afraid, Yao-Yao. I'll be careful." His voice was steady and firm, trying to dispel the fear in Guo Yao's heart.

However, before they could make any further preparations, the first challenger had already come knocking. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man, clad in a long black robe, his face covered by an eerie mask that revealed only a pair of icy eyes.

1.1 "Li An, I have heard your power has grown. I have come today especially to learn from you." The man's voice was low and cold, as if rising from a frozen abyss.

Li An frowned slightly, a glint of wariness in his eyes: "I don't wish to make an enemy of you, but if you insist on challenging me, I won't back down either." His body tensed slightly, ready to face battle at any moment..