Maiden Of The Splitting Moon

With its other claw, it scuttled towards the Jadetree Sanctuary, sweeping the ground and knocking it down. 

"Scatter!"

Everyone that was under its protection ran in different directions trying to avoid the crab's gaze. However, Jian Yi and her juniors all dropped to their knees as they coughed up blood. For their defensive formation to be broken like this, the backlash was enormous. 

It had already suffered from those bubbles but that last attack knocked the tree down. The roots and vines fell to the ground, turning to dust. 

"Retreat! Go for its blind spot!" 

With its left eye shot out by Xuan Yin, it was much easier for them to do so. Unfortunately, some weren't quick enough. 

The beast scoured the area before spotting some stragglers. It moved towards them while sweeping its claw at them. 

"Damn!"

Xuan Yin noticed quickly and began shooting at the crab, trying to grab its attention. But these tiny arrows did little to it. 

As the claw came, these targets braced themselves for the attack, half expecting to just be flattened. However, Ming Yue suddenly appeared between them and the claw, unsheathing her sword. There were only seconds to react before the claw came but she was calm, facing it head-on. 

"Pale Moon."

Her power erupted into a ghostly blue aura that flowed into the blade. Wielding it with both hands, she swung up, catching the claw and launching it into the air. Just like that, she deflected the attack, going against a claw large enough to crush her several times over. 

"Time to cut that thing off."

Ming Yue flew up, making her way to the claw. Swinging several times, multiple wind slashes flew out from her sword, biting into the crevices of its shell and cutting through. 

Flying behind her was Xuan Yin who drew her bow as far as possible, the black aura around her formed into another arrow. The difference being that this one was much larger than the past arrows. In fact, it might be comparable to a bolt from a ballista. 

"Carp Dragon Dance."

She released the attack, sending the arrow flying. 

It grew and grew before transforming into a giant fish with a dragon's head! 

This creature roared out before flying down until it was below the Everglade Crab. Then it soared, driving up at the crab's mouth. It tore through it, destroying the beast's face, and even lifted it into the air. Its legs swung about wildly as it tried to stay on the ground. 

"Flip it over!" the archer shouted. 

Ming Yue quickly sent out Wind Lances, trying to force it on its back. But the Everglade Crab was heavy, nearing the weight of a mountain. 

"They're trying to flip it! Quick, everyone, send out your strongest attack! We have to get it on its back!"

Jian Yi realized what the pair was planning and called for the others to help. Grouping together, all of them gathered their strength before releasing a torrent of attacks. 

"Storm Breaking Thrust!"

"Prismatic Petal Dance!"

"Heavenly Thunder Smash!"

"Pear Blossom..."

Releasing their most powerful techniques, they soared up, joining the Wind Lances and the Carp Dragon Dance in an attempt to tip the crab over. 

The beast was nearly turned upside down. Facing up towards the sky, its legs whipped about, trying to regain balance. It struggled wildly before spewing out more bubbles. 

"We're so close! If we get it on its back, it will be defenseless!" one of them shouted. 

"One more! Carp Dragon Dance!"

Xuan Yin pulled back the drawstring, forming another black arrow. Her arm trembled as she held it back. She waited for the first arrow to vanish before releasing the next one. 

And another came to take its place, roaring out as it slammed into the crab. With that, the beast could no longer hold on. It tipped over falling on its back with its legs in the air. The ground quaked as it fell, struggling to turn back around. 

It was defenseless and the underbelly of this beast was open for attack.

"Chance!"

Ming Yue immediately followed up, flying back down. She gathered her energy, merging them together and fueling it into the blade. A white sheen revealed itself on the edge before she swung, releasing an iridescent moon. It flew down, growing in size as the attack cleaved the crab in half. 

Murky water and black innards fell from the beast as it quivered and died. 

What came was an eruption of cheers from everyone. 

"We did it! We killed it! A Rank 6! We actually killed a Rank 6!"

They all rejoiced at their victory for this was something they had never done before. It was a new accomplishment for them all, no matter what their contribution was, they helped. 

Ming Yue and Xuan Yin landed on the ground and joined them before turning back to the Everglade Crab.

"How should we transport this?" Xuan Yin asked.

Ming Yue looked at it. 

"My spatial ring isn't enough to move all of it, maybe a leg and a claw but not the whole body", she replied. 

"We could cut it into smaller pieces and have everyone placed a part into theirs."

Xuan Yin suggested, saying it aloud for everyone to hear. But then, one of them stepped forward, a rather round man wearing a uniform of gold and azure. There was a shy look on his face. In fact, he seemed timid despite his weapon being a voulge*, one with a very fearsome blade. 

While every one of them had some expensive items, his seemed to be the most extravagant with most of them being for protection.

"H-hello, I am Yuan Bao of the Golden Treasure Merchant Association from... the Golden Treasure Kingdom. I have a spatial ring that can fit this entire beast. Would it- would it be possible for me to transport it?" he asked. 

Upon introducing himself, everyone else was surprised at his presence. 

"A merchant? Why would he decide to join this?"

"Rather... why would he even come here?" 

It was very strange to see, for a merchant to be with them in this hunt. 

Yuan Bao looked around, wiping the sweat off of his forehead, He brought on a friendly smile or at least, the friendliest one he could muster. 

"In that case, we'll take you up on that offer, right?" 

Xuan Yin looked at Ming Yue who nodded. The merchant looked at them, it was as if a weight was lifted from his body. More than likely, he wanted to make connections with everyone and this was his first step in. 

He walked up and moved the entire crab into one of his many spatial rings.

Ming Yue watched him before looking at everyone else. They were all somewhat ragged and in no shape to explore further. Not to mention, if they were to encounter another beast like that. The fight would be much worse. 

"Let's go back. We've done enough."

She spoke quickly before walking off, taking everyone back to the camp. The reveal of a dead Rank 6 beast made for celebrations as well as looks of approval and envy. Considering it was a crab, Everyone worked together to break it down, saving the shell for materials while cooking the flesh. 

Apart from steaming it, there was even a soup and plates of marinated crab meat. Everyone had a large helping of it all and there was still plenty to last them a week.

Having grabbed a tray, Ming Yue took a bowl of soup and rice topped with the various dishes of crab meat. She looked around the canteen before leaving, finding a seat by the lakeshore. With Hei Yue and Xiao Yin wanting to hunt on their own, she was alone tonight. 

She looked at the lake, watching the rippling waters before glancing behind her. Standing there was Xuan Yin, with her own tray and Liao Mao on her shoulder. 

"What are you doing all by yourself?" she asked.