The fleeting sense of relief that swept through the canyon was short-lived, snuffed out by a crushing despair.

Dustin kept striking. Each sword light precisely pulverized the reforming crimson energy into finer particles. The sheer destructive force behind his sword aura could have obliterated the soul of any ordinary cultivator, wiping them from existence entirely.

But the vile energy from the humanoid beast refused to stay dead. It clung to the air like an ancient curse, a blight that couldn't be purged. No matter how many times it was destroyed, it kept pulling itself back together from the faintest traces of dust—each time a little faster than before.

The crimson vortex seemed to watch Dustin's efforts with cold contempt. With every rebirth, the air grew heavier, thick with death and seething hatred.

"How is this possible? It won't die… It just won't stay dead!" someone cried.

"E-Even Mr. Rhys… can't do anything about it?"

Fear swept through the group, leaving them pale and t