Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

But Zhen Yu had no idea if he would, or if she would be lost to the bloom's power before he could reach her. All she could do was hold on, praying that he would come before it was too late.

Just then, another group of beasts emerged from the shadows—Ironclaw Bears, their massive forms towering over her. The bears were also Rank 4 beasts, their strength even more terrifying than the wolves. Zhen Yu's heart pounded in her chest as she faced them, her vision swimming from the combined effects of her earlier injuries and the plant's intoxicating scent.

From the shadows, Aric watched the entire scene unfold. His eyes gleamed with a cold, calculated light as he observed Zhen Yu's struggle. He knew the moment was near—the moment when he would step in and play the hero, cementing his place in her heart.

Zhen Yu's heart pounded in her chest as she faced the towering Ironclaw Bears. The beasts were massive, easily twice her size, with thick, iron-like fur that gleamed ominously in the dim light. Their eyes glowed with a primal, savage hunger, and their breath came out in heavy, growling huffs, creating small clouds of mist in the cool air.

Each of their claws was as long as her forearm, razor-sharp and capable of tearing through steel as though it were paper. They advanced slowly, their footsteps heavy, causing the ground to tremble with each step.

Zhen Yu's breathing was ragged, her earlier battle with the Shadowfang Wolves having drained her stamina. The lingering effects of the Heaven's Desire Bloom muddled her thoughts, making it difficult to focus. A desperate urgency gnawed at her from within, a confusing mix of fear and the overpowering need sparked by the plant's aphrodisiac properties.

She struggled to push those thoughts aside, trying to concentrate on the immediate threat.

I can't afford to lose focus. Not now. Not when my life depends on it. She thought, her grip tightening on her sword, But why do I feel so weak… so distracted?

The Ironclaw Bears snarled, their jaws snapping open to reveal rows of sharp teeth, dripping with saliva. With a sudden roar, one of the bears lunged forward, its claws slashing through the air. Zhen Yu barely had time to react. She threw herself to the side, her body moving on instinct, narrowly avoiding the deadly swipe.

She felt the rush of air as the bear's claws sliced through the space she had occupied just moments before, the sheer force of the attack sending a shockwave through the ground.

They're faster than they look… and so powerful. One hit, and I'm done.

Despite the fear gripping her heart, Zhen Yu forced herself to stand her ground. Her eyes flicked between the bears, trying to anticipate their next move. She knew she was at a disadvantage—her strength was waning, and the effects of the Heaven's Desire Bloom were only getting worse.

Her mind felt foggy, her body betraying her as the warmth from the aphrodisiac continued to spread, making it harder to think, to focus.

I can't lose to this… I won't let some plant destroy me! she thought fiercely, clenching her teeth as she fought to maintain control over her own body.

The second bear roared, charging at her with terrifying speed. Zhen Yu summoned her remaining strength, her body moving in a blur as she activated her Serpent's Grace technique, her figure weaving between the trees and rocks like a serpent in the grass. The bear's claws missed her by inches, tearing into the ground instead and sending chunks of earth flying.

Zhen Yu countered with a swift strike of her own, her Jade Serpent Strike glowing with a brilliant jade light as she aimed for the bear's unprotected side.

Her blade connected, slicing through the bear's thick hide and drawing blood. The bear roared in pain, staggering back, but it was far from defeated. The wound she had inflicted was shallow, barely more than a scratch to such a formidable beast. Zhen Yu cursed under her breath, frustration and fear gnawing at her resolve.

It's not enough… They're too strong, and I'm too weak right now. I need to find an opening, a way to turn this fight around, or I'm finished!

But the bears weren't giving her any time to think. The first bear, now enraged, charged at her with renewed fury. Zhen Yu spun on her heel, her feet moving in quick, precise steps as she dodged the attack, her body flowing like water. But she was tiring fast, her movements slowing, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, the earlier battle having taken its toll. And the warmth… that infernal warmth was growing, spreading like wildfire, making her limbs heavy, her thoughts sluggish.

Why now? Why here? Zhen Yu's mind raced, her frustration mounting as she fought against the aphrodisiac's effects. I need to focus!

The second bear lunged at her, jaws snapping dangerously close to her shoulder. Zhen Yu barely managed to deflect the attack with her sword, but the force of the blow sent her stumbling back, her balance faltering. She felt a sharp pain in her side—one of the bear's claws had grazed her, leaving a deep, bleeding gash. She winced, clutching her side as she struggled to stay on her feet.

I'm running out of time… if I don't finish this soon…

The bears circled her, their growls deep and threatening, as if sensing her weakening state. Zhen Yu's vision blurred for a moment, the pain from her injuries mixing with the disorienting effects of the Heaven's Desire Bloom. She fought to stay conscious, knowing that if she passed out, it would be over. She couldn't let that happen—not here, not like this.

No… I can't die here! Not when I've come so far!

Drawing on every ounce of willpower she had left, Zhen Yu pushed herself forward, her eyes blazing with determination. She gathered the remaining energy within her, channeling it into her sword. The jade light surrounding her weapon intensified, glowing brightly as she prepared for one final, desperate attack. She had to end this now, before her body gave out completely.

The bears charged simultaneously, their massive bodies hurtling toward her like boulders. Zhen Yu waited until the last possible second, then struck. Her sword flashed through the air, faster than the eye could see, as she unleashed her most powerful technique—Coiling Dragon Technique.

The blade spiraled, leaving behind a trail of glowing jade serpents that coiled around the bears, binding them in place.

But her attack, though powerful, was not enough to fully subdue the beasts. The bears struggled against the serpentine binds, their roars shaking the very ground beneath her feet. Zhen Yu's vision swam, black spots dancing before her eyes. She had given everything she had, and now there was nothing left. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, her sword slipping from her grasp.

Is this… really the end?

The bears broke free from the binds, their rage unquenched. They advanced on Zhen Yu, their eyes gleaming with triumph. She tried to rise, but her body refused to obey. She was too weak, too exhausted, the aphrodisiac's effects overwhelming her senses. A wave of despair washed over her as she realized that she couldn't fight any longer.

Just as the nearest bear raised its claw to deliver the final blow, a shadow darted between them. The bear's claw stopped in midair, inches from Zhen Yu's face, as a powerful force slammed into its side, sending it crashing into a tree. Zhen Yu blinked, her mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

Through the haze of her vision, she saw a familiar figure standing before her, his back turned to her as he faced the remaining bear. It was Aric, his expression calm and composed, as if the situation was entirely under his control. With a swift, graceful movement, he drew his blade, the air around him shimmering with dark energy.

"Shadow Slice," Aric murmured, his voice steady and confident.

In an instant, the bear that had been advancing on Zhen Yu was cleaved in two, its massive body collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud. The remaining bears hesitated, sensing the overwhelming power emanating from Aric, and then turned to flee. But Aric was faster. With a few more precise strikes, he dispatched the other beasts with ruthless efficiency, their bodies falling lifeless to the ground.

Zhen Yu stared in disbelief as Aric sheathed his sword, his expression unreadable as he turned to face her. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of relief and lingering fear. She had been so close to death… and yet, here he was, saving her at the last moment.

"Zhen Yu," Aric said softly, his tone filled with concern as he knelt beside her. "Are you alright?"

She wanted to respond, to thank him, but the words wouldn't come. Her body was still trembling, her thoughts scattered by the aphrodisiac's effects. All she could do was look at him, her eyes wide with a mix of gratitude, confusion, and something else… something deeper.