The five Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Martial Hall successfully drew the attention of the majority of the red-haired beasts.
Li Fan took advantage of the situation, hiding within the Spirit Fire Dragon Formation, leisurely watching the intense battle unfolding on the island.
The five sword-like Foundation Treasures alternated in attacking, resembling a sharp drill that turned all the obstructing beasts into minced meat.
Facing the rapidly advancing Tiancang Team, the gigantic Golden Core beast remained indifferent, seemingly unfazed. However, it accelerated the speed of its consumption in response.
Along the way, the red-haired beasts, in a frenzied manner, used their bodies to form a defensive line at any cost to obstruct the Tiancang Team.
These beasts possessed the strength of the Foundation Establishment stage. Waves after waves of the beast tide surged forward, and although the Tiancang Team's swords were sharp, their progress unavoidably slowed down.
They initially relied on their unstoppable momentum.
Now, with their momentum obstructed and slowed, the pressure increased sharply as they faced seemingly endless red-haired beasts.
In this critical moment, Huan Sui angrily shouted, "Change formation!"
In an instant, the other four people stood behind Huan Sui, infusing all their spiritual energy into his body. The five swords gradually merged into one amidst a dazzling light.
Combined, the five swords' power surged.
Sword qi sliced across the ground, easily carving a deep trench into the earth in front of them. The red-haired beasts obstructing their way dissolved in the sword light.
Within moments, the giant sword arrived in front of the Golden Core beast.
At this point, having consumed a large number of its kind, the upper half of the Golden Core beast had completed the transformation from phantom to real.
However, the sword light had already approached, and it had no chance to further enhance its strength.
Reluctantly thumping its chest, the Golden Core beast then extended its sturdy arms and tightly gripped the giant sword about to slash its head.
The giant sword erupted in a dazzling light, attempting to break free.
However, on the claws of the Golden Core beast, there was a wisp of black qi. Like an extremely tenacious silk thread, it firmly entwined the sword.
The beast's bloody mouth suddenly opened, emitting a strange and horrifying roar.
The sword light dimmed abruptly.
As if crushed by an invisible force, the sword body became distorted.
"Change!"
Huan Sui's voice sounded again.
The sword light disintegrated, becoming five separate swords once more.
The Golden Core beast's hands were left empty.
The Tiancang Team reappeared in different positions, each wielding a different sword. Simultaneously, they struck the Golden Core beast.
"Roar!"
The beast emitted a painful howl. Although there was no blood, its figure became somewhat illusory.
Using both arms, it deflected the five swords.
It then swung a fist violently in the direction of where one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators was.
However, before the shockwave of the punch could get close to that cultivator, the formation transformed once again.
The five of them regrouped in one place and appeared behind the Jindan beast.
This time, it was a different person who took the lead.
The five swords joined in one attack.
They ruthlessly chopped at the back of the beast.
Suddenly suffering a heavy blow, the Golden Core beast stumbled and was almost knocked to the ground.
Both of its arms flailed, attempting to block the sword light.
It then grabbed a handful of its own kind and threw them into its mouth to recover from its injuries.
However, the Tiancang Team did not engage it head-on.
After a moment, the five individuals separated once again, appearing from different directions and leaving five new wounds on the beast.
In this way, the Tiancang Team continuously weakened the strength of the Golden Core beast through their constantly shifting formation.
Although the beast possessed great physical strength, it could do nothing but passively endure the attacks, watching helplessly as its injuries gradually worsened.
In its rage, the red fur on the beast's body stood on end.
After another heavy blow from the united sword attacks, its anger finally reached an extreme.
The red fur seemed to come alive in an instant, growing wildly.
The giant beast tore off a large chunk of its own fur and threw it into the air.
This twisted red fur emitted an ominous aura, then, like distorted tentacles, continuously extended.
The giant core beast didn't stop tearing off its fur, and around it, the red fur strands were like strands of silk, connecting and intertwining.
Whenever the sword lights accidentally touched the hairs, the sword lights were captured and needed considerable effort to break free.
With the growth of the red fur, the space available for the Tiancang Team to maneuver became smaller and smaller.
The interval between their attacks grew longer and longer.
On the other hand, with the red fur as protection, the Golden Core beast became more and more comfortable.
No longer concerned about the sword light's assault, it not only launched attacks but also casually threw its incoming kin into its mouth to enhance its strength.
"It seems the situation is a bit unfavorable." Incinerating a red-haired beast attempting to approach stealthily, Li Fan, who was observing from a distance frowned, wondering whether he should lend a helping hand.
At this moment, Jiang Zhengji's voice came from above: "Do you know where you went wrong? The moment that beast became visible, you guys should have attacked with all your might instead of hesitating until it devoured a large number of red-haired beasts and underwent a qualitative change in strength."
"During a life-and-death battle, even a moment of hesitation can lead to failure."
"After it entered the Golden Core stage, the outcome of this mission was already determined."
"Although the Tiancang Formation is powerful, this Golden Core beast has nearly endless kin as food, and will only become stronger as the battle goes on."
"On the other hand, your strength will only weaken."
"However, unexpectedly, under your mutual cooperation, you forced it into its red-furred form, which is beyond my expectations."
"It seems your usual practice hasn't been in vain."
"This time, you guys barely pass."
Huan Sui and the others, hearing Jiang Zhengji's words, first showed a hint of embarrassment.
But then, upon hearing that they passed the mission, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Before Jiang Zhengji's words settled, he appeared above the Golden Core beast.
The beast sensed the danger and was about to react.
But it was too late.
The drifting snow in the sky rapidly flew towards the beast.
The blizzard covered the sky, completely enveloping the beast in an instant.
In a moment, the beast was tightly wrapped.
A somewhat comical giant snowman appeared under Jiang Zhengji's feet.
Initially, the beast inside the snowman wanted to struggle, but as the snow piled up thicker, its movements became weaker.
Eventually, it completely lost the power to resist.
As the Golden Core beast was sealed by the heavy snow, the twisted red fur around it squirmed, attempting to rescue it.
However, the countless red plum blossoms on the island scattered in the wind.
The red plum blossoms, like knives, continuously cut these red strands relentlessly and endlessly.
The divided red strands were split into fragments and fell under a red plum tree.
The petals, carrying the red fur, gradually withered.
Turning into dust, they were absorbed by the red plum tree.
Only fragrance was left in the world.
Jiang Zhengji looked at the red plum tree with admiration and gently stepped forward onto the head of the snowman.
The giant snowman then slowly shrank.
In the end, it turned into a palm-sized miniature model, which Jiang Zhengji collected.
In the blink of an eye, amidst the astonished expressions of Huan Sui and others, the Golden Core beast that left the Tiancang Team helpless was effortlessly captured.
The immense gap between the mid-Golden Core stage and the Foundation Establishment stage was evident.