The beast forest(part 3)
As Kai and his companions ventured deeper into the forest, the ominous presence continued to follow, shadowing his every step. It was like a weight pressing down on his senses, coiling tightly around his mind. He glanced over at Yan Mei and Cheng Bao, but neither seemed to notice the creeping dread that gripped him. It was as though the presence was fixated on him alone, singling him out for some unknown purpose.
The group of disciples trudged on in tense silence, the Jade Lotus Forest growing darker and more oppressive with each passing moment. The trees loomed tall, their dense canopy casting long shadows over the ground, making it difficult to tell the time of day. Every rustle in the underbrush, every snap of a twig set Kai's nerves on edge, his hand twitching near his sword hilt.
Kai's thoughts swirled with questions. Who—or what—was this hidden presence that stalked him? Was it a spirit beast, or something more sinister? His instincts screamed that it wasn't just a mindless predator. Whatever was following him had intelligence, and that made it all the more dangerous.
After what felt like an eternity, Yan Mei broke the silence.
"We're getting close to the central region of the forest," he said, his voice strained. "The beasts here are stronger, more dangerous. We need to be careful."
Cheng Bao nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and the other disciples will be swarming this area soon. The competition's about to get fierce."
Kai's gaze flickered to the surrounding trees. The thick foliage offered countless hiding spots for both beasts and potential enemies alike. He knew they weren't just competing against spirit beasts; other disciples would be hunting them, too, hoping to steal tokens or eliminate rivals.
The three of them pressed on, their pace quickening as they neared the heart of the forest. The towering trees gave way to a large clearing, bathed in dim sunlight filtering through the thick canopy above. At the center of the clearing stood a massive stone altar, weathered by time and the elements. It exuded an ancient, powerful aura, drawing the attention of all who entered.
"This must be one of the trial sites," Yan Mei murmured, eyes widening in awe. "I've heard rumors about places like this. They're said to hold great treasures or challenges left behind by the sect's ancestors."
Cheng Bao was less impressed. "Treasure or not, this place is crawling with danger. We should move quickly."
Kai, however, was barely listening. The moment they stepped into the clearing, the hidden presence intensified, like a dark storm looming just beyond his vision. It was here, closer than ever. His heart pounded, his body tensing in anticipation. His instincts screamed for him to prepare, but for what?
Suddenly, a movement from the far side of the clearing caught Kai's eye. His gaze snapped toward a figure emerging from the shadows—a robed elder, walking calmly toward the altar. His aura was subtle yet undeniable, exuding the kind of power that only years of cultivation could achieve. The man's expression was unreadable, and his eyes, cold and indifferent, briefly swept across the disciples.
"An elder?" Cheng Bao whispered, surprise evident in his voice. "What's he doing here?"
The elder's presence, though unsettling, was not the source of the oppressive aura Kai felt. No, there was something more, something hidden in the shadows. His eyes flicked to the tree line, but whatever it was, it remained out of sight. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep his composure.
The elder approached the altar and paused. His gaze shifted to the group of disciples, his cold eyes landing on each of them for a fleeting moment. When his gaze met Kai's, however, it lingered. The elder's expression remained unreadable, but there was a strange glint in his eyes, almost as if he recognized something in Kai.
After what felt like an eternity, the elder finally spoke. "This is a trial ground for those seeking to prove themselves worthy of the inner sect. Only those with sufficient strength and intelligence will succeed here."
His words were calm, but they carried an unmistakable weight. The disciples listened intently, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"Inside the altar," the elder continued, "lies a beast of considerable strength. It is your task to subdue it, using whatever means necessary. Only those who succeed will advance."
Cheng Bao paled. "A beast inside that thing?"
Yan Mei, however, seemed more determined than ever. "This is it. This is our chance."
Kai remained silent, his gaze never leaving the elder. Something about the man bothered him—his presence felt off, as though he wasn't entirely here for the trial. And then, there was that hidden aura again, lurking just beyond the clearing, watching and waiting. The oppressive force sent another shiver down Kai's spine.
The elder didn't stay long. He cast one final glance at the disciples before turning to leave, his robes fluttering in the wind as he disappeared back into the shadows of the forest.
As soon as the elder was gone, a low growl echoed from within the altar. The sound sent a chill through the group, reminding them of the task ahead.
"Alright," Yan Mei said, drawing his weapon. "Let's not waste time. If we want to survive, we need to work together."
Cheng Bao and Kai nodded in agreement, each of them steeling themselves for the fight to come. But even as they prepared, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that the real threat wasn't the beast inside the altar.