Shattered Soul Gorge lived up to its name.
The ground here was charred black, as though scorched by heavenly fire. The air reeked of blood and death, and every step brought the crisp crunch of bones breaking underfoot.
The cliffs on either side of the gorge were hung with the remains of all manner of soul beasts. Some had weathered into bare bones; others still bore rotting flesh and skin. It was a horrifying sight.
Tang Wulin covered his nose and mouth, fighting back the nauseating stench as he struggled onward.
The Goddess of Life's trial required him to find a dying hundred-thousand-year soul beast, but death hung so thickly over the gorge that he could barely distinguish the dead from the living.
"Rrr..."
A groan so faint it was almost inaudible drifted from ahead.
Tang Wulin's heart stirred, and he hurried forward.
Behind an enormous rock, he found a soul beast on the verge of death.
It was a creature shaped like a sika deer, but emerald-green scales covered its body. A massive wound had torn open its abdomen, spilling out its intestines, and its blood had stained the earth beneath it red.
Its eyes were filled with pain and despair. When it saw Tang Wulin approach, it instinctively tried to struggle, but no longer had the strength.
"Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."
Tang Wulin spoke softly, a soothing note in his voice.
He crouched down and examined the soul beast's wound, an inexplicable ache rising in his heart.
"The Goddess of Life's trial asks me to protect it, not stand by and watch it die."
Tang Wulin took a deep breath and immediately activated his Life Affinity.
A gentle green glow flowed from his palm, softly enveloping the soul beast's wound.
"Life Revival."
Tang Wulin gave