Ning Yu felt a chill run from his feet to the top of his head. He knew the strange bird was beginning to doubt its surroundings. He gripped his weapon tightly and whispered to Mu Xue, "Prepare for battle..."

The cry of the strange bird shattered the silence of the forest, echoing in Ning Yu and Mu Xue's ears like the death knell. The wind continued to howl, causing the branches around the trap to sway uncomfortably, rustling softly.

Mu Xue bit her lower lip tightly, a fine layer of sweat beading on her forehead. She glanced at Ning Yu, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry. Ning Yu's expression was also unusually solemn. He knew that if they couldn't deal with this strange bird quickly, all their previous efforts would be in vain.

"It seems to have discovered something," Mu Xue said in a low voice, her tone trembling slightly. "What should we do?"

Ning Yu didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on the strange bird circling in the air, his mind racing as he considered a countermeasure. He noticed that although the strange bird had noticed the anomaly of the trap, it didn't seem to have fully figured out their plan. It continued to hover around the trap, its eyes filled with greed and hesitation.

This indicated that the strange bird was still interested in Mu Xue as bait, but had become suspicious of the trap. A thought struck Ning Yu, and a new plan gradually took shape in his mind.

"Cover me!" Ning Yu suddenly said, and stood up abruptly from his hiding place.

Mu Xue was taken aback at first, but then she understood Ning Yu's intention. Without hesitation, she immediately raised the energy gun in her hand and fired it towards the strange bird. A dazzling beam of energy pierced the sky and headed straight for the strange bird.

The strange bird reacted with incredible speed, nimbly dodging the energy beam attack and letting out an angry screech. Mu Xue's attack successfully drew the strange bird's attention, buying Ning Yu precious time.

Taking advantage of the moment when the strange bird was distracted by Mu Xue, Ning Yu quickly rushed to the edge of the trap. He took out a small device from his backpack, pressed the activation button, and threw it into the trap.

This device is a special lure that Ning Yu created using the system. It can emit a scent similar to the food of the strange bird and can simulate the sound of prey struggling in its death throes.

Once the device fell into the trap, it immediately began to operate. A rich aroma wafted from the trap, accompanied by a faint whistling sound, drifting in the wind.

Drawn by the scent and sound, the strange bird turned its gaze back to the trap. Greed overcame its wariness, and it began to slowly descend, approaching the trap.

Ning Yu and Mu Xue held their breath, watching the strange bird's every move with bated breath. Success or failure hinged on this moment!

The strange bird drew closer to the trap, its enormous form casting a shadow above it. Just as it was about to fall into the trap, it suddenly stopped.

It tilted its head, its sharp eyes fixed on the bait device in the trap, as if it had sensed something was wrong. Ning Yu's heart sank; he knew the worst had happened.

The strange bird let out a sharp cry, flapped its wings violently, and prepared to take off again.

"Now!" Ning Yu suddenly roared.