Azreal, taking a moment to examine his status screen, finds himself smiling internally. I hope I'm strong enough to protect myself from the beasts within the Lingxi Grove … Azreal's gaze falls onto his teammates … and those I care about.
"Azreal, you broke through so fast, are you okay?" Darian is the first to ask, a look of concern on his face. Nodding while standing, "I'm fine, I'm better equipped to protect us and hopefully get us a spot into the Violet Sanctum."
Darian and Xiara let out a sigh of relief, the group turning towards the Sect Leader and Great Elders, the two hours have passed and they wait for the next instruction. While waiting, Azreal sweeps his gaze across the room, noticing there are far fewer disciples than before the two hour preparation period. Darian and Xiara inform Azreal of the weaker disciples, unable to find teams and not wishing to face beasts or monsters above their level on their own, who left the hall and gave up the opportunity to enter the Violet Sanctum.
"Most teams seem to be a similar size to ours," Xiara remarks quietly.
Azreal and Darian exchange a firm nod of understanding, their resolve hardening just as a surge of formidable energy sweeps through the hall. "Disciples!" booms the Sect Leader's voice, resonating deeply throughout the expansive space, commanding immediate attention. "Those among you brave enough to face this trial, I hold great expectations. This competition is not merely a challenge—it's a crucible meant to temper both your bodies and minds."
His piercing gaze sweeps over the assembled disciples, each one hanging onto his every word. "As you step into the Lingxi Grove, know that only two fates await you. You will either emerge stronger, having been forged in the heat of battle, enhancing your potential and prowess, or you will fall as sustenance to the beasts, your sacrifice serving to steel the resolve and sharpen the skills of your peers. Regardless of the outcome, your endeavour will bolster the strength and future of our Sect," he declares, his tone imbued with a gravity that underscores the significance and peril of their upcoming test.
"Azreal, the Sect Leader has mentioned but be careful inside. There are beasts and monsters inside that even core disciples avoid, Mystic tier beasts are no joke to someone at your level. Be smart, be ruthless, and do not let a fellow disciple get you," Master Juhee's voice resounds in Azreal's mind. Unsure how to respond, Azreal simply thanks his Master and gives a small unassuming smile.
"Follow me!" The Sect Leader's voice booms again as he begins to walk through a large stone double door, leading further into the mountain. The outer disciples look at each other, before Lilith Nightbearer's group takes the first steps to follow and soon after a torrent of disciples file in behind one another and begin to walk deeper into the mountain. Walking for over thirty minutes, the disciples wonder how truly gargantuan this mountain must be, a chilling thought for the size of the Lingxi Grove within. The Sect Leader, holding his wispy beard in his left hand, stops before a deep green jade wall with a series of intricate carvings an inch deep.
The Sect Leader, pausing to halt the disciples, begins to channel an ethereal black Qi into the jade wall. As he does, the once nonsensical carvings start to absorb the black Qi, slowly coming to life. The Qi meanders along the carved lines, forming a distinct circular pattern. This pattern pulsates with energy, causing the jade wall to contort and warp, its form fluctuating between solid and ethereal states. Once the circular pattern is fully saturated with the black Qi, the jade wall fades away, replaced by a black shimmering portal.
"Disciples!" the Sect Leader calls out, commanding their attention. "This portal will scatter you randomly around the outer rim of the Lingxi Grove. For those who dare, venturing deeper towards the centre of the forest, where the strongest beasts dwell and the Qi is richest, is permitted. Moreover, each team will be awarded points based on the quantity, quality, and type of cores you collect. Taking down a mythic beast or monster will undoubtedly earn your team a significant number of points, far surpassing those awarded for lesser, mortal-ranked beasts," states Sect Leader Tianlong.
"Each team will enter one by one, if any of you rush or complain, consider your attempt at the competition a failure," The Sect Elders' words carry down the long line formation of the outer disciples. Team by team, the disciples initially hesitate as they approach but quickly each subsequent team becomes comfortable and walks straight through. Two thirds of the teams have entered before it is Azreal's team's turn, having seen over a hundred disciples enter the portal, there is no hesitation in Azreal's step as he leads Darian and Xiara through a black pulsating portal.
Azreal's vision begins to warp as he steps forward, his body engulfed by a midnight black Qi. Blinking to clear his eyes, Azreal takes in a sharp breath as the beauty of the Lingxi Grove. The Lingxi Grove unfurls before Azreal, a breathtaking expanse of mystical wilderness that seems both ancient and alive. The Lingxi Grove unfurls before Azreal, a breathtaking expanse of mystical wilderness that seems to pulse with ancient energy. Gargantuan trees with twisting, gnarled trunks stretch towards the mountaintop, their canopy so dense that it filters the ambient sunlight emanating from luminous vines that layer the inside of the mountain. The air is crisp and cool, carrying a heady fragrance of blooming exotic flowers intermingled with the earthy scent of damp soil and lush foliage.
The dirt ground, littered with patches of grass and small, luminescent plants that glow with an ethereal light to sudden, startling bursts of colour as flowers bloom spontaneously, triggered by the presence of Qi in the air. Streams lace through the grove, the water clear and shimmering, obscuring their true depths. In the deeper parts of the grove, the trees loom even taller, acting as a natural barrier and indicator of regions within the grove. Their branches entwine to form natural archways, leading into the darker and more dangerous depths. The ambient noise of fighting spreads through the Lingxi Grove and through the dense canopy reveals fleeting shadows of flying creatures, their cries echoing high above, adding a layer of fear to Azreal's heart.
"This place is filled to the brim with Qi, I can feel my breathing become steady as the ambient Qi fills my lungs," Darian says, a look of wonder on his face. "I've only ever heard stories of places like this, the benefits of cultivating here long term must be phenomenal," adds Xiara.
The sound of a branch breaking in the distance causes Azreal and his team to drop low, moving towards an outcropping of vibrant green plantlife. Each of their steps leaves very lightly illuminated footsteps as they sneak forward, Darian and Azreal attempting to reduce the noise of their steps. While Xiara seemingly blends into the scenery, to the surprise of Azreal and Darian, her skills in the art of stealth are of much higher ability than she let on during their planning for the event.
This discussion took place on their long walk to the portal after they heard disciples whispering their plans to ensure they come out on top, Darian warned Azreal and Xiara about the imminent threat of other teams possibly ambushing and attacking them to steal their cores and diminish their competition. The team engages in a brief but intense discussion. While neither Darian, Azreal, nor Xiara desire to harm other disciples without cause or out of greed, they unanimously agree that should they be attacked, they will defend themselves and kill without remorse to ensure their survival.
The sounds of voices reach the ears of the trio in hiding, speaking just loud enough to hear. "Kijan, you fucking murderer!" an emotional voice throws an accusation, "It's not my problem she couldn't block even a single attack, and for the last fucking time, I am not going back to get her corpse. Didn't you hear Great Elder Lu? Her body will become the food for beasts that we will forge ourselves against," A viperous female voice retorts.
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The voices turn silent, their debate seemingly finished with the woman's definitive words. The only sound Azreal and his team can hear are the slow steps approaching them, a look of concern flashes on Darian's face as the footsteps come to a halt. Darian and Xiara look towards Azreal for their plan, as he indicates to remain silent and wait for the next movement. Time passes incredibly slowly, Azreal can only feel his thundering heartbeat as the sound of his blood pumping through his body almost drowns out the faint footsteps retreating from their location. As the footsteps fade, Azreal holds for another moment before standing. "Let's find a beast to hunt, I want to avoid disciples if possible as well. It sounds like the beasts will be enough of a problem," Azreal says while staring at the taller trees that twist and wind their way towards the roof of the massive cavern.
"This way, we will head further in and see if we come across anything worth fighting," Azreal says as he begins walking, with Darian and Xiara falling in behind him. Nervous steps as Azreal leads them deeper into the Lingxi Grove, his eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement or threat. The dense foliage seems to close in around them, the air thickening with the musky scent of ancient wood and the almost tangible presence of Qi. Each step feels deliberate, their path illuminated by the sporadic glow of the bioluminescent plants, casting eerie lights on their faces.
Suddenly, a guttural growl rumbles through the undergrowth, a sound so deep and resonant it seems to vibrate through their very bones. Instinctively, the trio freezes, their bodies tensing as they peer into the darkness. A pair of large, luminescent yellow eyes fix their predatory gaze directly on Azreal. The beast emerges from the shadows, a massive Grove Panther, its light green fur interlaced with stripes of luminescent markings. As the Panther approaches, baring its gleaming fangs in a silent challenge, Azreal activates his Celestial Gaze, summoning his sword Calista in a crackle of lightning. Azreal immediately activates his Celestial Gaze as he summons his sword Calista in his hands.
"Golden Titan Body Art, Titanic Rage!" Darian shouts, his skin colour changing to a deep golden, as his already well-defined muscles begin to swell further. Xiara retreats behind both and begins to channel her Qi down her arms and through her palms, into small glass vials she retrieves from her spatial ring.
Azreal, feeling a sense of newfound strength by his recent breakthrough to the seventh minor realm of Martial Adept, channels the first form of Stormblade Surge. A jolt of surprise runs through him as the lightning emanating from his body intensifies, charging the air with static. This newfound power momentarily halts the Grove Panther's advance, causing it to reassess and start circling to the group's left.
"Everyone, remember Great Elder Lu's words, Mythic ranked beasts are not only deadlier but far more cunning than Mortal Ranked," Xiara reminds as she primes a glass vial, its contents a swirling inferno barely contained. She inhales deeply and hurls the Qi-infused vial at the Grove Panther. As the beast's gaze locks onto Azreal, the vial smashes against its ribcage, erupting into a blaze that engulfs its midsection.
"Good throw, Xiara!" Darian calls out, his voice echoing through the grove. "But it didn't even flinch! Stay sharp!" Azreal shouts with fear in his voice, as he notices the lack of a pain-filled response from the beast. The Grove Panther, seemingly unbothered by the flames licking its fur, leaps with ferocity and unmatched agility, its focus turning to Xiara, catching her off-guard with the minimal impact of her attack.
Caught in the moment, Xiara barely manages a scream as she braces for impact. Darian's voice thunders, "Golden Titan Body Art, Unyielding Fortress!" His form shifts, his muscles expanding and skin glowing a deeper and solidified golden, as he just manages to intercept the panther's leap. The claws sink deep into his chest, drawing blood that seeps from the fresh wounds. Grasping the panther's front legs, Darian grits his teeth against the pain.
Saved by Darian's intervention, Xiara swiftly moves to capitalise on the distraction, slamming her palm against the beast's leg joint. "Sea Convolution!" she cries out, her voice strained as a sharp crack resonates through the grove. The Panther roars in agony, thrashing to free itself from Darian's steadfast hold.
Azreal, sensing the shift in the panther's tactics, signals to Darian and Xiara to tighten their formation. "Stay close, and watch the shadows. It's planning something," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
The panther, with a low, menacing growl, circles around them, its movements nearly silent despite its massive size. Suddenly, it launches a series of feints and false attacks, darting in and out of the underbrush with extreme speed, testing their defences, looking for any sign of weakness. Each feint is a blur of motion, a ghostly figure that vanishes just as quickly as it appears.
Darian, growing impatient, launches himself forward during one of these feints, hoping to catch the beast by surprise. "Now!" he shouts, swinging his massive arms through the air where the panther had been moments before. But the feint was too fast, the Panther had already anticipated the frustration and attack, it's a step ahead, and Darian's sweeping attack cuts only through the misty air. A sharp pain in his flank, as the panther's counterattack is a swift, punishing strike that leaves three deep gashes. "It's toying with us," he grunts, clutching his side.
Xiara, her eyes darting through the foliage, catches a glimpse of the Panther's tail as it flicks in and out of view. "I will draw it out, Darian will distract it to allow Azreal to get a good chance to strike at the Panther!" Xiara orders, this time, she mixes two vials together, creating a volatile concoction. With precise timing, she throws the new mixture toward a cluster of bushes where the panther lurks, anticipating its movements. The explosion is louder, the fire brighter, and for a moment, the entire grove lights up, revealing the Panther's silhouette. The beast, caught off guard by the intensity of the explosion, stumbles back, its fur singed, Darian launches forward, ignoring his own pain.
Xiara's unexpectedly powerful attack gives Darian a chance to launch forward and smash his titanic fist into the Grove Panther's head, causing it to reel back before readying itself to attack Darian. Using Darian as a distraction, Azreal circles to the panther's rear, raising his sword for a decisive blow. As the Panther shakes free and retreats, Azreal lunges, his blade slicing through the air accompanied by a trail of crackling lightning. A pained roar fills the grove, the Qi-infused outcry causing nearby plant life to tremble. A deep gash marks the panther's hind leg, blood splattering the foliage and coating Calista in a grim red.
As the panther attempts a retreat, limping from the wound, Azreal targets the injured front leg. An explosive burst of Qi flares from the Panther's light green fur, its pain driving a desperate counterattack. The beast snaps its jaws towards Azreal's advancing leg, but he skillfully deflects the bite with his sword, though the manoeuvre costs him his balance. Seizing the moment, Xiara launches another fiery vial, striking the open wound and causing further fiery devastation to the panther's hip.
"The fur might be resistant to elemental damage; focus on penetrating attacks or exploit the existing wounds!" Xiara advises, quickly positioning herself behind Azreal for protection. Darian, undeterred by the flames, plunges his hand into the charred flesh of the panther's hip, gripping the bone with titanic strength. The panther yelps, its white fur igniting into a blinding, scorching white light that elevates the temperature around them.
"I can't hold this much longer!" Darian's shout breaks through the increasing heat, his skin beginning to singe even beneath his golden aura.
Azreal, feeling the searing heat scorching his skin, hesitates for a moment, doubt creeping into his mind.
Can we really defeat this behemoth? Have I led my friends to their death, am I still this useless?
But as he looks at Darian, bravely holding the beast despite the pain, a surge of determination floods through him.
No, we will not die here, we will kill this beast. We must.
Steeling himself, Azreal tightens his grip on Calista, the sword humming with barely contained power. "Tempest Venom Blade!" he screams, his voice rising above the chaos. As Calista shifts hues between deep, pulsating blue and vibrant, venomous green, Azreal charges forward, a battle cry tearing from his throat. With a mighty thrust, he drives his blade deep into the panther's ribcage, channelling a violent surge of Qi that courses through the beast like a raging storm, sealing their fateful encounter in the mystical depths of the Lingxi Grove.