The Corpse Flood Dragon itself wasn't particularly powerful; the key was that bead driving it.
As time passed, the Corpse Flood Dragon's body grew larger and larger, its entire form taking on a scarlet hue.
"It's erupted to its limit! It wants to dive back into the lake! Block it! Don't let it escape!" Cang Ming shouted coldly.
Mu Ye and the others frantically attacked the Corpse Flood Dragon, while the rest intercepted it on the lake surface, standing ready for battle.
The provoked Corpse Flood Dragon roared up at the sky in a frenzy.
With whooshing sounds, hundreds more Corpse Flood Dragons burst from the water, lunging at the surrounding experts. All these dragons were at the Black Gold level or above. Caught off guard, some experts were dragged into the lake's depths by these creatures, their agonized screams echoing out.
Some of the Corpse Flood Dragons were slain by these experts.
"Hmph, didn't expect there to be a whole nest of its offspring!" Cang Ming sneered. Purple lightning pillars instantly formed in his palm, releasing terrifying power as they swept across the lake's surface. The Corpse Flood Dragons rushing towards him were obliterated on contact, sparks flying as they were wiped clean.
Just as Cang Ming and the others dealt with the ordinary Corpse Flood Dragons, the one in the sky turned an even deeper red. Suddenly, walls of water appeared out of thin air on the lake's surface, instantly trapping all the experts. The moment these water walls were summoned, the Corpse Flood Dragon plunged towards the lake.
Seeing this, Cang Ming frowned. He gathered lightning in his palm and blasted it at the Corpse Flood Dragon, but the lightning failed to penetrate the water wall, blocked by its barrier.
"I didn't expect this beast to have such strength," Cang Ming raised an eyebrow slightly. A mysterious lightning spear materialized in his hand. He flung it forward, and the spear spun and danced through the air, trailing arcs of lightning. With an unstoppable, powerful momentum, it shot straight at the Corpse Flood Dragon.
Boom!
The lightning spear pierced through the water wall, transforming into a beam of rainbow light that struck the Corpse Flood Dragon.
Nie Li saw the lightning spear from afar and felt a chill. This weapon was at least Heavenly Destiny rank. Even though Cang Ming couldn't unleash its true power, it was still incredibly formidable.
"With my current strength, running into Cang Ming would be very difficult to handle," Nie Li thought to himself. That red treasure bead wasn't worth fighting over. He led Ye Ziyun far away, planning to continue searching for others.
Boom!
The lightning spear impaled the Corpse Flood Dragon's body. It let out a piercing shriek, blood splattering across the lake's surface. Cang Ming's strike had definitely severely wounded the creature. Ignoring its injuries, the Corpse Flood Dragon dove straight down towards the lake bed.
At that moment, Mu Ye was already standing on the lake surface. He stood there quietly; with the Corpse Flood Dragon gravely injured, he could easily intercept it with his strength.
But he didn't move. The Corpse Flood Dragon let out a sorrowful cry and plunged into the water with a splash.
Cang Ming caught the lightning spear and landed on the water's surface. The Corpse Flood Dragon had retreated deep into the lake bed, a place of immense depth hiding unknown dangers. Cang Ming didn't dare enter alone.
"Why didn't you stop it?" Cang Ming swept a cold glance over Mu Ye.
A brilliant smile appeared on Mu Ye's handsome face. "That Corpse Flood Dragon was in a crazed state, far too powerful. I didn't dare engage. After my hesitation, it got away!"
Cang Ming's brow furrowed. He'd have to be an idiot to believe that nonsense. But Mu Ye simply hadn't wanted to act, and Cang Ming was helpless against that. Mu Ye was an extremely troublesome opponent; if they truly fought, Cang Ming wasn't sure he could defeat him.
"Hmph!" Cang Ming snorted coldly, sensing the direction of the Corpse Flood Dragon's escape, and skimmed across the lake surface.
Watching Cang Ming's retreating figure, the expression on Mu Ye's face gradually cooled. In truth, he could have easily intercepted the Corpse Flood Dragon just now, but he chose not to. The reason was that in the instant Cang Ming hurled the lightning spear, he sensed that he was likely no match for Cang Ming.
Even if he intercepted the Corpse Flood Dragon, so what? If they fought over it, the red treasure bead would very likely end up in Cang Ming's hands.
For Mu Ye, he'd rather lose the red treasure bead than let Cang Ming have it. The competition for the Ruler of the Dark Domain to recruit a disciple would make Cang Ming a fierce rival!
Nie Li had witnessed the final scene where Mu Ye let the Corpse Flood Dragon escape. He smiled faintly. These people were truly not united in purpose. He could roughly guess what Mu Ye was thinking. It was best that the Corpse Flood Dragon got away; Nie Li smiled to himself. That red treasure bead ending up in someone else's hands would definitely be a headache.
The competition between the various families of the Dark Domain was indeed intense.
Suddenly, Nie Li felt a ripple in his Soul Sea. He smiled slightly. "I've sensed Ning'er. She's nearby."
Seeing Nie Li's brilliant smile, Ye Ziyun pouted. Though she felt a slight twinge inside, she wasn't petty. After all, Ning'er had known Nie Li before she did.
Nie Li leaped onto a small hill. On a distant path, a beautiful and captivating young girl was walking quietly. It was none other than Ning'er. However, by her side was another young nobleman. He had delicate features, an elegant and carefree air, a face like polished jade, and a composed bearing.
This young man appeared to be only about fifteen or sixteen. His long eyebrows extended towards his temples, his narrow eyes were gentle, his nose straight and refined, and his fair, luminous skin seemed almost dewy. His eyes, holding the essence of heaven and earth, were pure and clear. His thin lips were curved into a subtle, almost-smile. That graceful aura could undoubtedly make countless young girls' hearts flutter.