The forest was deathly quiet, bathed in a cold silver glow as the moon peeked through the dense canopy. Mist weaved between the trees, cloaking the landscape in an eerie stillness. But Ling Xian paid it no mind—his mind was focused, precise.
Each movement he made through the underbrush was intentional. His breathing was silent, steps soft, and his eyes sharp like a blade.
This wasn't the first time he'd hunted monsters.
Though he now wore the tattered robes of an outer disciple, deep within, he was still the God of Destruction, reborn.
A soft growl broke the silence.
In a blink, Ling Xian shot forward. His palm struck the side of a lurking Crimson-Fanged Boar, redirecting its charge into a tree with enough force to snap the trunk. Before it could react, he pierced its chest with a simple blade made from a sharpened bone.
The beast howled once before falling silent.
Ling Xian knelt, extracting the spirit core with deft hands, letting the glowing orb roll into his pouch. A low hum of spiritual energy pulsed within it. He had already collected six cores.
Just as he stood, he felt it—a flicker of qi, watching him from afar.
He pretended not to notice and casually sat near a boulder, letting the moonlight wash over his face. His expression was calm, but every muscle was coiled like a spring.
A soft rustle came from the treetops.
"You hunt well for someone in rags," came a clear, melodious voice.
Ling Xian slowly opened his eyes.
Perched on a low branch above him was a girl with flowing lavender robes embroidered with the symbol of the Lotus Veil Pavilion, the famous all-female sect known for its secluded training and powerful disciples.
Her face was elegant, with eyes like violet flames and long dark hair cascading down her back. She radiated a tranquil charm, but there was something sharp behind her gaze.
"You've been watching for a while," Ling Xian said, rising to his feet.
She tilted her head, smiling. "I was curious. Your beast-killing methods are unique. Not like any common sect disciple."
"I didn't know Pavilion disciples were allowed to stalk strangers in the forest," he said coolly.
She laughed. "I wouldn't call it stalking. Just… admiration."
Ling Xian didn't respond. He sensed no malice from her, only interest. Still, he remained cautious.
"Name?" she asked.
"Mo Ling."
She narrowed her eyes. "A false name."
"And yet, it works," he said with a smirk.
She chuckled. "I'm Yan Ruyin. Core disciple of the Lotus Veil Pavilion."
"Sounds important," he replied, unimpressed.
Yan Ruyin stepped down from the tree and approached him. "I'm here to hunt a Spirit Devourer Beast. But it's stronger than expected. I wouldn't mind help."
Ling Xian thought for a moment.
On one hand, he preferred working alone. On the other, if she died, he might be blamed, and if she survived, she might just prove useful later.
"…Half the spoils," he said.
"Fair," she replied with a faint smile.
They moved deeper into the forest, qi growing heavier around them. The trees began to twist unnaturally, their roots like claws clawing into the earth.
"The beast is close," Yan Ruyin said, slowing her steps.
Suddenly, a massive figure crashed through the undergrowth—a serpent-like creature with armor-like scales and glowing red eyes. Black smoke oozed from its mouth as it hissed and coiled.
The Spirit Devourer Beast.
Before Ling Xian could react, Yan Ruyin shot forward, her sword glowing with elegant lotus-shaped qi.
The beast roared and lunged.
She met its strike mid-air, her blade clashing against its scales. Sparks flew. Ling Xian circled the side, aiming for its weaker joints, using small bursts of qi-infused strikes.
The fight was brutal.
Every time they wounded the beast, it seemed to regenerate. Its qi was unstable—corrupted by some unknown energy.
Yan Ruyin focused all her sword techniques on precise strikes, while Ling Xian timed his attacks to weaken the joints and distract it. The two moved in harmony for a while.
Until the beast adapted.
It feigned retreat—then struck back with terrifying speed.
A black tail shot from beneath the mist, slamming Yan Ruyin into a tree with enough force to shatter bark and bone. She screamed and fell to the ground, coughing blood. Her sword slipped from her grasp, skidding across the forest floor.
The beast coiled to strike her again.
Ling Xian's eyes narrowed. He was too far.
Yan Ruyin struggled to sit up, blood running from her mouth as her hand reached out for her sword in vain.
The Spirit Devourer's mouth opened, dark energy swirling like a vortex.
Desperation filled her gaze.
She was seconds away from death.
And that's when Ling Xian's eyes lit up—not with fear, but with a calm, ancient light.
He stepped forward.
His fingers twitched slightly as he looked at the sword resting near his feet.
To be continued...