Sky Star

Chapter 28: A Journey Fraught with Peril

Xiao Chen, Yun Yi, and Ling Xue, with unwavering determination, embarked on their quest to find the mysterious tower. The winding path beneath their feet resembled a colossal serpent, weaving through towering mountains that stood like silent giants, overlooking their every move.

The forest was eerily quiet, with only the occasional cry of a bird piercing the stillness—like an ethereal chant, momentarily breaking the silence before being swallowed once more by the boundless hush. The trio remained vigilant, their gazes sharp, as though treading upon the edge of a blade, fully aware that beneath this seemingly tranquil journey lay untold dangers.

Upon reaching a deep gorge, they found themselves flanked by sheer cliffs, steep as if carved by celestial blades, soaring into the clouds. Sunlight struggled to filter through the narrow gaps, casting fragmented beams upon the valley floor—like shards of broken hope. Xiao Chen raised his hand, signalling the others to halt. His gaze, cold as starlight, meticulously scanned their surroundings. “This terrain is treacherous. Stay alert and do not let your guard down.” His voice, low and firm, echoed through the gorge, a solemn warning to his companions.

Yun Yi gave a slight nod, his spiritual energy surging like an unseen undercurrent, ready to respond to any sudden threat. He murmured, “The air here feels oppressive. Something isn’t right. I’ll take the lead—Xiao Chen, Ling Xue, guard the rear and watch each other’s backs.” With that, his figure flickered forward, ghostly and swift, vanishing into the dappled light and shadow of the canyon’s depths.

Ling Xue followed closely behind, her slender fingers brushing aside a stray lock of hair, as if steadying her own thoughts. Her eyes were resolute, her grip on her sword firm, as though it were a vow to protect her comrades. “Stay cautious. If we encounter danger, we fight together.” Her voice, soft yet unwavering, carried a quiet strength—like a gentle spring breeze that warmed the spirit and steeled their resolve.

As they moved cautiously through the canyon, loose stones crumbled underfoot, tumbling down with a faint rustling—like the whispers of hidden creatures issuing a warning from the shadows.

Suddenly, a foul stench, thick as a black miasma, seeped through the air ahead, so pungent it nearly induced nausea. Yun Yi’s senses sharpened instantly. He halted, his right hand tightening around his sword hilt, his eyes as keen as a hawk’s, locking onto the darkness ahead.

Without warning, a swarm of sinister bat-like creatures, their bodies emanating an eerie green glow, surged forth like an overwhelming stormcloud. The thunderous beating of their wings drummed against the air like a relentless war beat, rattling their eardrums. Their blood-red eyes blazed like embers of madness, seething with bloodlust.

“Watch out!” Xiao Chen shouted, his internal energy surging like a tidal wave, channelling into his fists. He struck out with explosive force, his blows cutting through the air like twin meteors, seeking to shatter this impending “storm of death.”

Ling Xue reacted swiftly, invoking her celestial arts. Icicle shards and wind blades rained down like a divine cascade, aimed precisely at the creatures’ vital points. Yet the sheer number of the bats, coupled with their swift and erratic movements, allowed many to evade the attacks. The swarm weaved through the assault like phantoms, breaking through the defences, lunging towards the trio with snapping jaws.

Yun Yi moved with agility, darting amidst the creatures, his longsword a silver serpent that flickered with each deadly strike. Every swing left a streak of cold light, reaping the lives of the monstrous bats. However, the creatures showed no fear of death, throwing themselves forward in an unending tide of darkness, gradually pushing the three into a desperate struggle.

“This won’t work! We need a way to break through!” Xiao Chen gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead like scattered pearls. His gaze darted around, searching for a weakness in the swarm. Then, he noticed something—the creatures recoiled instinctively whenever they neared the patches of sunlight piercing through the canyon.

“Yun Yi, Ling Xue! Head towards the sunlight!” Xiao Chen’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and resolute like an arrow. Yun Yi and Ling Xue exchanged a glance, their understanding instant, and immediately adjusted their course, surging forward with Xiao Chen toward the sunlit area.

After a fierce battle, they finally broke free of the swarm’s encirclement, reaching a more open valley. Their clothes were tattered, wounds marking their bodies, blood seeping through like winter’s red plum blossoms—tragic yet resolute. Collapsing onto the ground, they gasped for breath, their exhaustion momentarily eased by the relief of survival, like the warmth of spring dispersing the shadows of fear.

“We can’t linger here. We must press on,” Xiao Chen forced himself to his feet, his eyes unwavering—like an unyielding pine standing against the storm. Yun Yi and Ling Xue followed suit. Though fatigue weighed on them, their determination remained steadfast. They knew this was but a minor trial; far greater perils awaited ahead. The mysterious tower still loomed like a distant mirage, beckoning them forward, testing their courage and will.

Just as they prepared to set off again, a haunting yet melodious flute echoed through the valley—like a ghostly whisper, both summoning and forewarning. The three exchanged glances, their eyes filled with suspicion and unease, as though they had stepped into an unseen snare. With uncertainty clouding their hearts, they pondered their next move…