The Village Was on Edge

Deep in the lush forest, a stream suddenly plunged into a mountain gorge. Mist rose from the water, and half a rainbow shimmered in and out of sight beneath the sunlight.

Two figures, one white and one black, crouched behind the grass, shoving each other aside.

"Move over! You're about to push this kitty out!"

"Your butt's too big!"

"Shh! Keep quiet. If you startle that thing, it might destroy the treasure!"

As the two little thieves whispered, they kept sneaking glances at the deep pool below the waterfall.

On the cliff face behind the pool grew a strange, orchid-like plant that gave off a faint chill. One look was enough to tell it was no ordinary flower.

The pool was deep and dark. Directly beneath the Cold Orchid, a huge shadow could just be seen moving slowly through the water.

It was a giant catfish nearly nine meters long, pitch-black from head to tail. Its scales gleamed coldly in the dim water.

Lu Zeming lowered his voice. "We can't take it by force. That monster's too close to the flower. Startle it, and it might swallow the whole thing. Wait until it sinks or swims farther away."

About half an hour later, the shadow sank deeper, putting some distance between itself and the Cold Orchid.

"Now!"

Lu Zeming and Night Wraith exchanged a look, then sprang from the grass together.

Night Wraith turned into a streak of black lightning. She skimmed across the water, ice crystals forming on her claws and leaving a trail of icy blossoms across the pool before she reached the cliff.

Lu Zeming rode his Flying Sword, eyes fixed on the water in case the catfish struck.

Just as Night Wraith's claws were about to touch the Cold Orchid, the water erupted with a splash.