Deep into the Black Forest, Danger Lurks

As the low growl grew closer, the scout team members gripped their weapons, vigilantly scanning their surroundings. Chen Siyu quickly clutched the Five-Colored Ribbon in her hand, while Chen Ruixuan pulled out his slingshot, condensing spiritual energy pellets.

A massive shadow slowly emerged from the darkness. It was a monstrous beast resembling a black panther, but as large as a small mountain. Its eyes gleamed with a blood-red light, and a potent dark aura emanated from its body. Its gaping maw revealed sharp fangs, sending shivers down their spines.

A warrior from the Lingxi Tribe whispered, "That's a Dark Shadow Leopard. They are extremely ferocious and skilled at stealth. We need to be careful." As soon as he finished speaking, the Dark Shadow Leopard lunged like a black lightning bolt, its speed so immense that there was barely time to react.

Chen Siyu hastily swung the Five-Colored Ribbon, which instantly transformed into a resilient barrier, blocking the Dark Shadow Leopard's attack. The leopard's claws scraped against the ribbon, emitting a piercing screech, but it couldn't break through the barrier. Seizing the opportunity, Chen Ruixuan fired a spiritual energy pellet towards the Dark Shadow Leopard's eyes.

The Dark Shadow Leopard cried out in pain and roared in fury. With a flash, it vanished into the darkness. Knowing it hadn't left, everyone remained on high alert, moving even more cautiously. Suddenly, several black shadows darted out from the darkness on their flank. They were smaller Shadow Leopards, pouncing towards the scout team.

The warriors of the Lingxi Tribe cast their spells, engaging the smaller Shadow Leopards in battle. While directing the Five-Colored Ribbon to defend against any potential renewed attacks from the larger Dark Shadow Leopard, Chen Siyu diverted some of her energy to assist the warriors against the smaller ones. Under the cover of his teammates, Chen Ruixuan continuously sought openings to strike the enemies' vital points with his slingshot.

During the fierce battle, a warrior was accidentally scratched by a small Shadow Leopard, bleeding profusely. Seeing this, Chen Siyu quickly wrapped the Five-Colored Ribbon around the Shadow Leopard and flung it far away. However, at that very moment, an enraged roar echoed from the darkness. The larger Dark Shadow Leopard attacked again, leaping high into the air and charging at Chen Siyu, its sharp claws aimed directly at her throat.

Chen Ruixuan's heart pounded with anxiety. "Sister!" he shouted. He rushed forward recklessly, channeling all his spiritual energy into his slingshot and firing a pellet imbued with immense power. The pellet accurately struck the Dark Shadow Leopard's abdomen. In pain, the Dark Shadow Leopard twisted in mid-air, altering its trajectory and landing heavily on the ground.

Chen Siyu seized the moment and shouted to her teammates, "Everyone, focus your attacks on its abdomen! That's its weak point!" Hearing her, everyone unleashed their attacks towards the Dark Shadow Leopard's belly. With their combined efforts, the Dark Shadow Leopard could no longer endure. It let out a mournful cry, collapsed to the ground, and vanished into a wisp of black smoke.

After the battle, the scout team members were exhausted, but they knew they couldn't stop. After a brief rest, they continued deeper into the dark forest. As they ventured further, the dark aura in the forest intensified, and the surroundings became increasingly bizarre. Strange symbols began appearing on the trees, as if whispering untold secrets.

Chen Siyu carefully examined these symbols and found them to be similar to the runes she had seen on the stone tablet in the cave earlier. A faint feeling arose within her that these symbols might be the key to finding the mysterious people's lair. Just as she was about to study them further, Chen Ruixuan suddenly pointed ahead and exclaimed, "Sister, look over there! Is that a black castle?" Following his gaze, everyone saw the vague outline of a sinister black castle emerging from the dense, dark mist