Training in the Shadow Woods
The mighty procession set out from Cloud-Leveling Hall, more than a hundred outer disciples marching in orderly ranks, spiritual light shifting with their steps and their presence surging like a tide. The mountain gates stood wide open, auspicious clouds wreathed the peaks, and spirit cranes spread their wings and circled overhead. The entire procession resembled a long dragon of spiritual light, winding down into the mountains, rivers, and plains of the Great Yan Continent, carrying the sect's majesty and its young disciples' sharp spirit into the boundless world.
Along the way, green mountains rose in overlapping screens, mighty rivers surged onward, and spiritual breezes brushed their faces, bearing the youths' hopes and unease. After several days of travel, as the sky began to darken, a forest as shadowy as ink quietly came into view.
It was the Shadow Woods.
The forest stretched without end, its verdant ancient trees towering into the heavens. Yet a fog so thick it seemed impossible to disperse filled the spaces between them, carrying a bone-piercing chill of yin Sha Qi that chilled them to the marrow with every breath. From afar, twisted branches and leaves tangled together like countless dark shadows writhing in the mist. The air was suffocatingly oppressive, as though every step closer would let an invisible sinister wind bore into their bodies and erode their spiritual meridians.
Stopping at the forest's edge, every disciple's expression shifted slightly. Some tightened their grips on their weapons and murmured, "This place... really is as eerie as the rumors say."
Just then, several groups of cultivators appeared one after another on the other side of the square, wearing different robes and bearing different presences. Clearly, Cloud-Leveling Hall was not the only faction using these Shadow Woods, with their hidden opportunities and perils, as a training ground.
The most striking among them was a small group with a formidable presence. There were only a dozen or so of them, yet each held their presence deep within like an abyss. Dressed in plain white brocade robes with mutton-fat jade pendants at their waists, they carried an air of transcendence in their every movement, sharply contrasting with the restlessness of the surrounding groups. Before their ranks, a white sect banner snapped in the wind, embroidered with two bold characters whose force seemed to pierce the fabric:
White Cloud.
"It's the White Cloud Sect!" A low cry suddenly rang out, filled with undisguised shock.
That whisper spread through Cloud-Leveling Hall's ranks like ripples, leaving everyone solemn. The White Cloud Sect was the undisputed foremost sect of the Great Yan Continent, standing above countless other sects with unfathomable foundations. Whether in talent or cultivation, its disciples were outstanding among their peers. By comparison, though Cloud-Leveling Hall was renowned in its own region, it could only take a subordinate place before the White Cloud Sect.
The White Cloud Sect disciples stood in orderly ranks, their eyes as indifferent as ice. As they looked at the surrounding sect disciples, a trace of calm disdain for the world lay in their gazes. Even without deliberately releasing their pressure, the confidence born of belonging to a supreme sect inspired awe, making others unconsciously soften their breathing.
"I didn't expect even the White Cloud Sect to send disciples here..." Yang Zheng gripped the Azure Balance Sword tightly, cold sweat seeping into his palm as he spoke quietly to Qin Yu beside him.
Qin Yu lowered his gaze slightly, his expression still calm, but a flame of fierce fighting spirit quietly ignited in his eyes. The White Cloud Sect-so what if it was the foremost sect of the Great Yan Continent? Sooner or later, he would stand openly beside these heavenly geniuses through his own strength, or even rise above them.
Seeing the disciples whispering among themselves, their minds unsettled, the Cloud-Leveling Hall elder suddenly snorted. His voice burst like thunder, leaving their eardrums ringing. "Steady your minds! This journey into the Shadow Woods tests your courage and strength, not your sect's prestige! Remember, your true enemies are the yin Sha Qi and demonic beasts breeding within the forest, not disciples of other sects!"
The procession instantly fell silent. Every disciple turned toward the Shadow Woods shrouded in sinister mist, their eyes holding both apprehension and a measure of eagerness. Tree shadows swayed and cold winds wailed, as though countless wronged souls were whispering among the trees, silently delivering a warning: all who entered would have to pay a price.
The wind grew ever more mournful, and the forest swayed violently. Sinister mist surged through the Shadow Woods like a tide, almost swallowing the daylight completely. The elder stood before the procession with his hands behind his back, his eyes blazing as he surveyed every disciple. His deep voice beat against their hearts like a war drum. "Though the Shadow Woods are less dangerous than the Nine Nether Desolate Land, yin Sha Qi still breeds here, and demonic beasts run rampant. Once you enter, every step may conceal a deadly threat. Remember-any underestimation or carelessness will cost you your lives!"
The disciples grew solemn. Many unconsciously tightened their grips on their weapons until their fingertips turned white, and the tension in the air thickened.
The elder continued gravely, "This trial is not merely a personal test of your cultivation, but a battle requiring the united hearts of Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples. Remember, your fellow disciples are your shield, not your burden! Only by working together and supporting one another can you survive in this shadowy land. Any disciple who dares harm a fellow disciple will be expelled from the sect even if they return alive, never to be admitted again!"
His words struck their ears like thunder, making their hearts tremble. No one dared show the slightest negligence.
"Your lives depend entirely on yourselves. I will not intervene to help you. If you return alive, you will be true pillars of Cloud-Leveling Hall's outer disciples. If you perish, you can only blame your inadequate cultivation and lack of resolve." The elder spoke each word distinctly, his expression solemn as his gaze swept across their faces with unquestionable authority.
When he finished, dead silence fell, and a heavy pressure settled over everyone's hearts. Qin Yu took a deep breath and slowly tightened his grip. The cold shaft of the Spear of Ashen Annihilation against his palm strengthened his resolve. His mother had sent him to Cloud-Leveling Hall hoping he could embark on the true path of cultivation. No matter how dangerous the road ahead, he had to leave the Shadow Woods alive, living up to both his mother's hopes and his own original aspirations.
Yang Zheng stood beside him, equally solemn, but stole a glance at Qin Yu, determination and dependence flickering in his eyes. Ever since Qin Yu defeated Luo Chuan in the outer disciples' competition, he had become someone Yang Zheng could rely upon. Yang Zheng knew that following Qin Yu gave him another measure of hope for survival.
The elder swept his broad sleeve, Spiritual Qi surging around him as his voice shook the forest. "Form ranks and follow me into the woods!"
The procession quickly formed orderly ranks. At the elder's command, several hundred outer disciples entered the Shadow Woods in batches, their figures soon swallowed by the dense black mist.
The moment Qin Yu and Yang Zheng's six-person squad crossed the boundary of the mist, heaven and earth seemed to change color. Thick black fog completely submerged the bluestone path beneath their feet. Towering trees spread tangled roots, their overlapping branches and leaves blocking out every ray of sunlight, plunging the world into endless gloom. A cold, damp presence filled the air. As it entered their lungs, even their breaths carried a bone-piercing chill, as though the Spiritual Qi itself had grown sluggish.
A sinister wind swept past, stirring dead branches and fallen leaves across the ground. Faint whispers mingled within it, like countless wronged souls wailing among the trees, making their scalps prickle.
Yang Zheng shuddered involuntarily and gripped the Azure Balance Sword tightly, his voice strained. "This place... is even eerier than I imagined."
Qin Yu remained composed, his sharp gaze sweeping their surroundings without overlooking the slightest movement. He cautioned quietly, "Stay focused. Don't get distracted. Even the faintest sound could signal danger."
He had barely finished when a roar that tore through the sky suddenly erupted from deep within the forest! "Roar!" It exploded like thunder, shaking the leaves and making the ground faintly tremble. Even the sinister mist churned with it. Beast roars and piercing cries immediately rose from every direction, some mournful as wolves' howls, others earthshaking as tigers' roars. Other strange snarls carried an indescribable eeriness, as though countless demonic beasts were watching from the darkness, eyeing these intruders like hungry tigers.
The disciples' faces changed sharply and their breathing quickened. Spiritual light rose from their weapons as they instinctively circulated their Spiritual Qi, preparing for battle. More chilling still, pairs of scarlet beast eyes occasionally flashed through the dense fog, gleaming with cruelty and greed. Like specters, they moved slowly with the disciples' footsteps. That suffocating feeling of being fixed upon by unseen eyes left many less resolute disciples drenched in cold sweat, their legs trembling.
"Hiss..." A faint scraping suddenly came from beneath their feet. A black-scaled snake as thick as an arm slowly slithered past, its scarlet tongue flicking in and out. Its cold eyes swept over the disciples with a deadly chill, as though it might lunge forward and tear into its prey at any moment.
Everyone in the squad held their breath and focused, not daring to move rashly. They breathed as lightly as possible, afraid of disturbing this concealed demonic beast.
Qin Yu's gaze darkened. His fingers gently brushed the shaft of the Spear of Ashen Annihilation while Spiritual Qi circulated slowly within him, keeping him constantly alert. He could clearly sense that the yin Sha Qi within these Shadow Woods was far more complex than he had imagined. The demonic beasts varied in strength, yet all lurked in the shadows, as though they had laid an enormous death trap and were waiting for the disciples to step inside.
"Stay close to me. Don't get separated," Qin Yu reminded them quietly. A sharp glint crossed his eyes as he tightened his grip on the spear and took the lead, placing every step with extreme caution.
Deep within the forest, sinister mist churned and beast roars rose one after another like beating war drums, heralding endless danger. Amid the spreading fog and whipping winds, the six-person squad advanced cautiously. Their steps made faint rustling sounds on the thick carpet of dead leaves, particularly jarring in the silent woods.
Qin Yu led the squad, with Yang Zheng close beside him, gripping the Azure Balance Sword. Though tense, Yang Zheng continued watching their surroundings vigilantly. The other four were all outer disciples of Cloud-Leveling Hall. Three were at the middle stage of the Mortal Fetus Realm, and one had reached Mortal Embryo Realm greater accomplishment. Though their cultivation differed, at this moment they all regarded Qin Yu as their pillar, looking at him with respect and dependence.
"Senior Brother Qin, lead the way. We'll follow your orders," the youth at Mortal Embryo Realm greater accomplishment said quietly, his tone trusting. Though Qin Yu was the youngest, his feat of defeating Luo Chuan in the outer disciples' competition had long since spread throughout the outer sect, winning these fellow disciples' wholehearted admiration.
Qin Yu nodded slightly, still composed. His gaze remained fixed vigilantly on the mist ahead, not daring to show the slightest carelessness.
As the squad advanced cautiously, the forest mist suddenly churned violently, and a strong, blood-reeking wind struck them head-on, making them dizzy. Immediately afterward, an enraged roar resounded through the trees. "Roar!"
An enormous black shadow suddenly lunged from the woods and landed heavily before them, making the ground sink slightly and scattering broken stones. Looking closely, they saw a demonic wolf more than ten feet tall, covered in pitch-black scales that gleamed coldly in the dim light, as though cast from black iron. Its limbs were thick and powerful, its sharp claws protruding like blades. Every step left deep impressions in the ground. Its eyes were blood-red, as though blazing with sinister flames, and white, mistlike cold breath streamed from its mouth and nose. Its low growls shook leaves and branches from the trees, while a savage wave of Sha Qi struck them head-on.
More terrifying still, the demonic wolf's spine rose high, and dense yin Sha Qi constantly seeped between its scales, curling around it like ink. It resembled a vicious beast that had crawled from the underworld, its ferocity chilling their hearts. Its pressure, at the middle stage of the Spirit Awakening Realm, instantly enveloped everyone, turning the Mortal Fetus Realm disciples deathly pale. Cold sweat streamed from their palms, and even breathing became difficult.
"The Spirit Awakening Realm... middle stage!" one disciple cried in a trembling voice. Among the six of them, only Qin Yu had reached the Spirit Awakening Realm. The rest could not possibly match it. They stood almost no chance of winning this fight.
The demonic wolf opened its jaws and released a piercing howl that stabbed through their eardrums like a sharp sword. Several Mortal Fetus Realm disciples staggered backward on the spot, their faces pale as paper and their blood churning, nearly coughing up blood.
"Get behind me!" Qin Yu barked, his gaze flashing like lightning. The Spear of Ashen Annihilation shuddered thunderously in his hand, and a sharp gray-white gleam spilled from its tip, instantly dispelling the chill around him and steadying everyone's minds.
"Senior Brother Qin, be careful!" the disciples shouted together, their voices filled with awe and concern. Even knowing they could not help, they instinctively entrusted their backs to Qin Yu. That trust came from the strength and responsibility he had shown before.
Yang Zheng gripped the Azure Balance Sword tightly, his determined gaze fixed on Qin Yu's back. "Brother Yu, I'll cover you. I won't hold you back!"
Ahead, the demonic wolf crouched low, its scarlet eyes fixed firmly on Qin Yu. Low growls rumbled in its throat, and the Sha Qi surrounding it thickened. The next moment, it became a black shadow, carrying towering Sha Qi as it lunged at the six like an arrow loosed from a bow. Its speed was astonishing, tearing through the air with a piercing shriek.
The forest suddenly shook. Branches and leaves whirled, stones flew, and that savage pressure nearly suffocated them.
The demonic wolf lunged, its Sha Qi sweeping over the area like crashing waves. Its claws tore through the air, whipping up sinister winds mixed with shredded leaves that cut across their faces like knives, as though the entire forest would shatter beneath this attack.
Qin Yu stamped down hard with both feet. The ground instantly cracked, sending stones flying in every direction. Spiritual Qi surged wildly around him, and the Spear of Ashen Annihilation thundered in his hand, its tip bursting with dazzling blue-white brilliance.
"Spiritual Light Thrust!"
Qin Yu shouted, condensing Spiritual Qi at the spear's tip into a dazzling blue-white beam. With a piercing sonic boom, he thrust it straight at the demonic wolf's foreclaws. In that instant, the spear's tip seemed to draw upon the spiritual light between heaven and earth, tearing a blazing trail through the air. Afterimages flashed like a meteor streaking across the night sky, unstoppable.
Boom!!!
The spear's light struck the demonic wolf's foreclaws head-on, unleashing an earthshaking explosion. Spiritual Qi ripples spread like a hurricane, shaking the surrounding ancient trees until their branches and leaves danced wildly. The thick sinister mist was forcibly torn open, revealing the dim woods behind it. Sparks and fragments of light erupted at the point of impact like countless exploding thunderbolts, illuminating the entire area.
The impact forcibly halted the demonic wolf's enormous body in midair. Its scarlet eyes instantly contracted, and it howled in rage and pain. Scales shattered across its foreclaws, and blood gushed out.
Yet it was not driven back. Instead, thoroughly enraged, it opened its jaws and spat out pitch-black Sha Qi like a black torrent, charging straight at Qin Yu with the power to corrode everything.
"Get back!" Qin Yu roared. Wrapped in Spiritual Qi, his figure suddenly soared upward, robes snapping like an eagle spreading its wings. He spun the Spear of Ashen Annihilation, its movements like a raging tempest. Spiritual Qi surged wildly along its shaft, forming a spinning storm of Spiritual Qi in an instant. Countless tiny blades of light flashed within the storm, radiating a deadly chill.
"Qi Cyclone Spear Dance!"
The Spiritual Qi storm howled forward and collided head-on with the demonic wolf's black Sha Qi, instantly tearing it apart into black mist that dispersed across the sky. Like a small tornado, the storm cut trees in half wherever it passed and swept dust and broken stones into the air. The entire Shadow Woods trembled violently beneath its terrifying force.
Watching from afar, the disciples saw Qin Yu standing at the storm's center, his robes billowing, the Spear of Ashen Annihilation in hand. Straight as a pine, he seemed like a descended god of war, his spear sweeping heaven and earth and suppressing all things. Awe rose within them, and most of their earlier fear dissipated.
"Roar!" Thoroughly enraged, the demonic wolf let out a deafening roar. Its scales suddenly stood erect like countless sharp blades, gleaming with terrifying cold light, and the yin Sha Qi around it grew even denser. Its eyes blood-red, it lunged again, its enormous body crashing down like a black mountain with the might to destroy heaven and earth, determined to tear Qin Yu apart.
Qin Yu's eyes flashed like lightning. He abruptly compressed the Spiritual Qi within him into his dantian, and his body instantly soared into the air. Gripping the Spear of Ashen Annihilation with both hands, he gathered Spiritual Qi furiously around himself. Dazzling radiance condensed at the spear's tip, growing ever brighter, as though it would cleave the heavens and drive away all darkness.
"Heaven-Guiding Strike!"
Qin Yu roared, gripping the spear with both hands as he flipped in midair and slashed downward with the crushing force of thunder! In an instant, the sky darkened, and an enormous blue-white arc exploded from the spear. With a thunderous roar and irresistible momentum, it cleaved straight down toward the demonic wolf's head!
At that moment, heaven and earth seemed to fall silent. Only the dazzling spear light remained, spanning the sky like divine punishment descending, unstoppable.
Boom!!!
The tremendous explosion shook heaven and earth, tearing through the forest. Towering ancient trees snapped apart, enormous fissures split the ground, and everything within several dozen feet became a wreck. The demonic wolf's roar was completely swallowed by the explosion of light. The arc struck its enormous body viciously, slamming it to the ground and throwing dust and shattered leaves into the air with tremendous force.
The gray light gradually dispersed, though blazing aftershocks of Spiritual Qi still lingered in the air. The disciples stood rooted in shock, staring at the figure in the center. Qin Yu stood on the shattered ground, the Spear of Ashen Annihilation leveled ahead. His figure was upright as a statue, Spiritual Qi circling him like a god of war descended to earth. Though his presence was somewhat disordered, it remained sharp and imposing.
"This... is the power of the Spirit Awakening Realm? It's terrifying!" a Mortal Fetus Realm disciple whispered shakily, his eyes filled with awe and horror. His gaze toward Qin Yu was now full of admiration.
Yang Zheng's eyes had reddened. Staring fixedly at Qin Yu's back, his blood boiling, he could not help crying quietly, "Brother Yu... really is invincible!"
Dust churned and shredded leaves flew. The demonic wolf's enormous body lay sprawled on the ground, half of it charred black and cracked. Blood seeped from its wounds into the earth like spring water, while yin Sha Qi churned between its injuries and gradually dispersed.
But just as everyone thought it had been utterly defeated and killed, the demonic wolf's scarlet eyes suddenly lit up again, a trace of desperate madness flashing within them! "Roar!" Its desperate howl resounded through the woods as it struggled to rise. Its body swelled, its scales exploded apart, and the yin Sha Qi within it surged wildly. It showed signs of self-detonation, clearly intending to expend its last shred of strength to drag Qin Yu and all the disciples into the abyss with it!
"Brother Yu!" Yang Zheng's pupils contracted, his face deathly pale. He tried to rush forward to help, only to be stopped by Qin Yu's presence.
Qin Yu's gaze darkened, killing intent abruptly condensing as his presence turned bone-chillingly cold. He drew a deep breath and gripped the Spear of Ashen Annihilation tightly with both hands. The Spiritual Qi in his dantian surged like a raging tide, pouring entirely into the spear. The radiance at its tip grew ever brighter, carrying the might to destroy heaven and earth.
"Be... utterly annihilated!"
Qin Yu shouted, and the spear light suddenly erupted! A blue-white spiritual light burst from its tip, dazzling as the blazing sun. It instantly shredded the surrounding black mist and illuminated the entire forest. Carrying unmatched might, as though it would pierce the whole forest, that spiritual light stabbed straight between the demonic wolf's brows!
Boom!!!
Heaven and earth suddenly trembled. The thunderous explosion struck their ears, and the demonic wolf's howl abruptly ceased. Its enormous body stiffened, and a hideous crack opened between its brows. Blazing spiritual light erupted within the crack, completely annihilating all the yin Sha Qi within its body without leaving a trace.
The next moment, the demonic wolf crashed to the ground. Its enormous body twitched several times before losing all signs of life, becoming a cold corpse. The yin Sha Qi surrounding it also dispersed completely.
The air gradually quieted, leaving only everyone's heavy breathing and the occasional sound of wind through the trees.
Yet just as the last lingering breath within the demonic wolf dispersed, a faint light slowly appeared in its chest. Qin Yu focused his gaze and saw a fist-sized spirit core slowly floating out of the corpse. The core was pitch-black, yet a deep blue luster flickered within that blackness like stars in the dark night. Faint ripples of Spiritual Qi surrounded it, and it radiated dense Spiritual Qi fluctuations.
A spirit core was the source of a demonic beast's power, containing dense Spiritual Qi. It was a treasure cultivators dreamed of obtaining, holding tremendous value whether absorbed and refined directly, exchanged for resources, or used to refine pills.
"A spirit core... a middle-stage Spirit Awakening Realm spirit core!" The Mortal Fetus Realm disciples could not help exclaiming quietly, their eyes filled with shock and fervor. Undisguised longing filled their gazes as they watched it.
Qin Yu slowly extended his hand, faint spiritual light flowing along the Spear of Ashen Annihilation at his side. His gaze cold and resolute, he caught the spirit core firmly in his palm. Instantly, the Spiritual Qi within it surged wildly, resonating strongly with the Spiritual Qi in his dantian. A warm, gentle stream of Spiritual Qi entered his body through his palm, nourishing his spiritual meridians and instantly easing much of his exhaustion, as though he could advance another step with its help between breaths.
The spirit core shone brilliantly in his hand. Gray-white and deep blue radiance intertwined, illuminating Qin Yu's upright, resolute figure within the dark Shadow Woods.
As the demonic wolf's corpse gradually cooled, Qin Yu gazed at the spirit core in his palm and tightened his fingers slightly. Then he raised his hand and tucked it into his robes, his expression still composed. "Let's go. We shouldn't linger here. Keep moving."
Everyone nodded, now even more convinced of Qin Yu's ability. They followed closely behind him, continuing deeper into the forest.
The sinister mist between the trees gradually thinned, and an open area faintly appeared ahead. When they stepped free of the dark branches' shadows and entered that area, the sight before them made everyone's eyes brighten, delight appearing on their faces.
It was a natural hollow, like the earth's gentle embrace, surrounded by ancient trees and interwoven branches, yet with an open stretch of grass at its center. Layers of emerald spirit herbs swayed in the breeze, releasing a refreshing fragrance that seeped into the heart. Spiritual light flickered faintly, and tiny points of light sparkled on the leaves like stars fallen from the night sky into the mortal world, dazzlingly brilliant.
Scattered among these spirit herbs grew several medicinal plants with even stronger spirituality. Some had translucent leaves like carved emerald, releasing waves of coolness that soothed the mind when touched. Others had buds glowing pale gold like miniature suns, their Spiritual Qi fluctuations especially dense. There was even one unusual spirit herb wreathed in faint purple mist, its roots translucent as jade, giving off a mysterious, unfathomable presence. It was clearly an exceptionally rare treasure.
The air suddenly grew fresh, carrying a faint sweetness. Every breath drew in dense Spiritual Qi, making the Spiritual Qi within their bodies circulate slightly of its own accord and dispelling most of their fatigue.
"This place... is practically a valley of spirit herbs!" one disciple could not help exclaiming, his eyes filled with delight and greed, wishing he could immediately rush forward and gather them.
"Who would have thought such a spiritual land existed in a dangerous place like the Shadow Woods? If we bring these spirit herbs back, we can exchange them for a huge number of contribution points or use them directly for cultivation to improve our cultivation!" another murmured, breathing rapidly, his eyes fixed on the herbs, unwilling to look away.
Yang Zheng carefully approached Qin Yu and lowered his voice. "Brother Yu, these spirit herbs are all treasures. Let's gather some quickly. Delay could bring trouble."
Qin Yu nodded slowly, but his gaze remained steady as he surveyed their surroundings vigilantly. "A spiritual land like this must have a guardian. Don't get careless. Watch out for a trap."
Sure enough, just as they prepared to step forward and gather the herbs, a strange, low sound suddenly came from deep within the grass, as though something were slowly awakening. Though quiet, it carried a chilling pressure.
Spiritual light swayed, and the leaves danced without wind. The air suddenly turned cold, and that chilling pressure grew ever stronger, instantly setting everyone's nerves on edge. They all tightened their grips on their weapons.
Qin Yu's gaze sharpened. He slowly raised the Spear of Ashen Annihilation, aiming its tip deep into the grass, and warned quietly, "Careful. A demonic beast may be guarding this place!"
The spirit herbs swayed in the wind, their starlike lights shining upon everyone's faces. The delight had yet to fade from several disciples' eyes when a seductive, frivolous laugh suddenly broke the forest's silence, carrying thick mockery and killing intent. "Well, well, well, what have we here? A bunch of little trash? You've got some nerve, barging into big sister's territory and even setting your sights on these spirit herbs!"
The voice was seductive to the bone, yet carried a piercing chill that made their entire bodies prickle.
All six turned together and saw five people slowly emerge from the mist. Leading them was a woman dressed in alluring red robes, her lips fiery scarlet, her features carrying a soul-stealing beauty. Her figure was graceful, every step swaying charmingly, as though each footfall landed upon their hearts. Yet her presence was cold and sharp as an unsheathed sword-Spirit Awakening Realm greater accomplishment, one realm higher than Qin Yu!
Behind her stood four tall men, each arrogant and overbearing. All had reached Mortal Embryo Realm greater accomplishment, their eyes gleaming with undisguised contempt and disdain for Qin Yu's squad, as though looking at lambs awaiting slaughter.
"If you know what's good for you, hand over your treasures, along with that spirit core you just obtained," one burly man said with a vicious grin, his tone domineering. "Then gather all these spirit herbs for us and obediently hand them over. Perhaps we'll show mercy and spare your pathetic lives. Otherwise, we'll bury you here today!"
Another snorted, his voice filled with mockery. "Hmph, with this sorry excuse for a squad? Apart from one brat who's just entered the Spirit Awakening Realm, you're all Mortal Fetus Realm trash. Surviving this long in the Shadow Woods was already dogshit luck, and you still dare compete with us for spirit herbs?"
The red-robed woman curled her lips slightly, her playful gaze settling on Qin Yu. Her voice was seductive yet mocking. "Little brother, you're rather handsome, but unfortunately, your luck was poor enough to run into big sister. How about kneeling now, offering up that spirit core, and obediently gathering a few spirit herbs for me? Perhaps I'll consider taking you as a little lackey and guarantee you survive in the Shadow Woods. What do you say?"
As she finished, the four burly men behind her immediately burst into laughter. Their rough, arrogant laughter echoed through the sinister woods, filled with endless provocation and contempt, grating painfully on the ears.
The atmosphere instantly tightened. Yang Zheng drew his sword at once, the Azure Balance Sword shimmering with faint azure light. His face flushed as he shouted angrily, "Don't even think about it! We found these spirit herbs first, and Senior Brother Qin earned that treasure with his own strength. If you want to steal them, you'll have to get past me!"
"You?" One burly man sneered, his gaze contemptuous. "A little Mortal Fetus Realm brat dares act arrogant before us? Believe it or not, I could crush you with a single finger!"
Qin Yu's gaze, however, remained as deep and still as an ancient well, without the slightest ripple. He slowly raised the Spear of Ashen Annihilation, its tip flashing coldly through the mist as it fixed firmly upon the red-robed woman. His voice was low and icy, carrying an unquestionable edge as he spoke each word distinctly. "You want the spirit herbs? You want the spirit core...? First ask whether this spear in my hand agrees."
As his words fell, Spiritual Qi suddenly surged around Qin Yu. Gray-white spiritual light wreathed his body, and a fierce fighting spirit slowly rose, colliding head-on with the red-robed woman's presence. The Spiritual Qi in the air instantly turned violent. A great battle was poised to erupt.