Silver Ring's eyes narrowed, and she abruptly stood up, flicking her long vine as she chased after the demon core. At the same time, Black Bear and Snow Leopard also took to the air, rushing towards the emerging demon core.

Just as the two demons were about to catch up with the demon core, a strange black hole suddenly appeared in the dark sky above the prison.

A black hole formed, distorting space. A colossal black hand emerged from the black hole, as if to tear the sky apart.

The black hand reeked of a corrosive stench, its entire surface covered in demonic energy. The moment it appeared, it eagerly reached for the demon core...

Seeing this, Yin Huan's eyes narrowed, and with a violent tug, she pulled the demon core that was yearning to fly towards the demon's claws out of its trajectory.

She overheard the conversation between the two women outside. She knew that a powerful demonic soul was being nurtured within the little fire fox's demon core.

Therefore, the demon core must never fall into the clutches of evil.

"Quickly snatch it back! We can't let it get the demon core!" Silver Ring shouted at the black bear and snow leopard, pulling the demon core away. With a stomp of its feet, it leaped onto the barrier wall of the predator enclosure.

Silver Ring glanced up into the air.

The flying demon core seemed to have come to life, transforming into a shooting star that swiftly traversed the prison array, always managing to escape the combined capture of Black Bear and Snow Leopard.

Seeing this, Yin Huan's brows furrowed slightly. She snorted coldly and flicked her long vine into the air, cutting off the demon core's retreat, trying to snatch it away.

Unfortunately, this thing seemed to have a mind of its own. Attacked from three sides, Leng Sheng managed to escape through a gap in the defenses.

At the same time, the moment the demonic hand touched the air above the prison, the air froze, and a strange fluctuation suddenly arose.

Above the prison, a bright light shone.

The prison's protective array was activated. A surge of righteous energy, carrying tremendous power, suddenly erupted from the prison, stopping the demonic hand above that intended to wreak havoc.

Not only that, but it also severely burned that demonic hand.

This prison array is extremely strange; even its owner, Huo Fei, can't explain how it works.

Besides being sturdy and reliable, it will also actively attack anyone who tries to destroy it. When Silver Ring first entered, it carried immense merit, yet it still managed to trap the snake's head.

However, ever since Yin Huan returned from Qingcheng, the formation seemed to have taken her in as one of its own, and it never hindered her again.

"ah--"

A hoarse, muffled sound came from the black hole.

Silver Ring frowned. She recognized that voice from the gymnasium. It had also been heard when the ivy was pulled into the black hole.

It seems she was right.

There really is someone hiding in this black hole. No, it shouldn't be a person, it's a demon.

Upon hearing the scream of agony, Silver Ring's eyes suddenly lit up. Evergreen Vine changed course mid-flight and lashed out at the demonic hand in mid-air.

Since the demon core is trapped in the prison formation and can't escape, we might as well go straight to the heart of the matter and get rid of the demonic hand controlling the demon core first.

Hmph, you little brat, daring to cause trouble in prison, I'll beat you to death.

Take advantage of your life, and I'll take your life...

Silver Ring became ruthless, and the evergreen vine suddenly burst forth, growing rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye, reaching the demon's claws in a short while.

Silver Ring smiled wickedly, commanding Evergreen to entwine with the demon's claws, then tightly gripping the other end of the vine and pulling it down with a sudden burst of force.

She wanted to see what was inside, since it was hiding its head and revealing its tail.

"Ahhh—"

Inside the black hole, muffled, painful sounds echoed, along with the rumbling thunder behind the hesitant clouds.

A halo of light covered the evergreen vine.

The golden light was faint and soft, appearing harmless.

Yet this pale golden light, devoid of any offensive intent, managed to scorch the menacing demonic claw within the black hole, leaving it covered in wounds.

Silver Ring didn't care whether he was injured or not.

She frowned, unleashed all her strength, and engaged in a contest of power with the demonic hand.

"Ahhh—"

The air above the prison was filled with the deafening screams of pain.

Meanwhile, outside the prison gates, Huo Fei had broken through the two women's combined attack. Si Guan was injured, and black, sticky fluid was seeping from the corner of her mouth.

Hearing the painful cries emanating from the black hole, she glared resentfully at Huo Fei. Then, her expression changed, and she shed her beautiful skin, transforming into a terrifying behemoth shrouded in black mist. She then engaged Huo Fei in a fierce battle in mid-air.

She must buy time for His Highness so that he can retrieve his demon soul.

At the same time, Hongniang, who was already seriously injured but was still struggling to maintain the illusion, seemed to sense something as the demon core surged in the prison and suddenly turned her head to look at the prison.

Upon seeing the terrifying hand emanating from within the black hole, Hongniang knew... her beloved grandson was gone!

"Si Guan..."

The matchmaker flew into a rage, her eyes instantly turning bloodshot: "Si Guan, Si Guan, I'll make you pay with your life!"

Author's Note: Dear readers, I have some things to do in real life. Starting tomorrow, the regular update time will be changed to around 8 PM.