The shadow above them deepened into an oppressive darkness, shrouding the area in a dreadful aura. Both cultivators, Renxian and Siuxa, were caught in shock as the monster unveiled a move that defied their expectations.
In those split seconds that remained, Renxian's senses sharpened, and he realized the imminent danger Siuxa was in up ahead. With sheer determination and his reserves of strength, he rushed into her with the speed of light - moments before the devastating strike made contact with the ground.
The creature's impact sent shockwaves through the area, causing the surroundings to crumble and disintegrate as though the earth and the forest were devoured. The floor quaked and heaved, while trees and foliage were wrenched from their roots, swept away by the ferocious wind.
As the chaos unfurled, Siuxa was hurled through the tumultuous air, torn from Renxian's side and thrown with relentless force. She crashed through a dense thicket of vegetation, her direction halted as she became ensnared among the twisted roots emerging from the forest floor.
In the blink of an eye, she is motionless, unconscious, and vulnerable.
Red fluid oozed on her forehead, mixed with the dirt and debris that had marred her once unblemished complexion. Her face, which had been an image of fineness and cutie, now bore the harsh evidence of the battle. Her tight-fitting attire was now tattered and torn in various areas, a testament to the brutal onslaught of the creature's wrath.
On the other side, Renxian stood resolute, evident as he braced against the hurricanes that caused his azure robes to billow like the waves of a tempestuous sea. His thick white trousers rustled in the wind, and his wild, raven hair danced in untamed defiance.
The high-level cultivator raised both his hands in front of his face, forming a defensive barrier against the debris and fierce currents. His stance conveyed a steadfast readiness, and his eyes burned with resolve.
As the tempestuous blasts finally subsided, the monstrous silhouette emerged from the chaos, its appearance now altered. Intricate patterns covering its body emitted an eerie red glow, casting an unsettling aura that sent shivers down Renxian's spine.
In this intense moment, he recognized a resemblance to the Bloodtusk he had confronted; these creatures were evolving, growing even more tough and dangerous with each transformation.
[Enraged Mad Imp's strength is now equivalent to a high A-tier Mystical Beast. It is recommended to end this battle because you have not mastered your true abilities. Yourself is at risk.]
"I understand," Renxian exclaimed, his eyes scanning the turbulent battlefield as though seeking a beacon of hope. "But I must locate Siuxa first!"
As his attention shifted back to the Enraged Mad Imp, a sudden change occurred. The creature's stare homed in on Renxian with a disconcerting accuracy, and the intense red eyes within the swirling dust cloud radiated a malevolence, instilling fear in the depths of his soul.
Renxian's concern deepened as the creature's behavior took a bizarre turn. It began to move erratically, its actions resembling that of a being that had lost control over its actions. Emerging from the dust, the Enraged Mad Imp's body seemed to emit steam tendrils.
Yet, he didn't choose the path of retreat but instead confronted the creature. His frightened countenance transformed into one of seriousness. His eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes reflected a fierce decision. He assumed a firm stance, his hand suspended to draw his sword, waiting for the right moment to strike.
[Some of your skills won't be effective against the Enraged Mad Imp. It's best to avoid all of its attacks.]
However, Renxian's stubbornness drove him to launch an attack at the creature that stood right before him. It leaped forward with a deafening scream. At that moment, he executed the Blinding Slash technique, attempting to pierce the colossal body in a matter of seconds.
To his shock and near paralysis, the outcome was far from what he expected. Instead of delivering a decisive blow to the Enraged Mad Imp, his katana shattered, and the broken pieces flew through the air.
As Renxian turned to face his foe once more, the Imp leader unleashed a powerful strike in his direction. Renxian managed to evade the full impact, but the force sent him hurtling into a chaotic and treacherous area.
As he landed on his feet, the beast, now moving on all fours, quickly closed the distance, its paw-like hands bearing claws as sharp as swords. Although Renxian dodged the initial attack, it triggered a secondary effect that seemed to cleave the very air itself, resulting in a slashing explosion on the ground.
Renxian was now forced to exert himself to avoid the attack of the ruthless monster. Its size and reach made it even more challenging, and Renxian received numerous lacerations and cuts on his body as a result.
With no other option, he decided to retreat. Survival in the forest was paramount. He sprinted with all his might, followed by the bloodthirsty creature. The Imp's quickening pace allowed it to launch an attack right next to Renxian once again, causing him to be thrown off.
It was then that he spotted Siuxa, lying limp amidst the twisted roots of a tree, behind the Mystical Beast that now rose to its feet, roaring with rampant fury. The patterns on its body appeared as if molten lava was coursing through them, leaving Renxian paralyzed with nightmares.
"Could you assist me, system?" Renxian asked, difficult to catch his breath. "I don't have weapons right now."
[Use your hand to blind that creature.]
"My hand? You want me to do it barehanded?" Renxian sought clarification.
[Yes, direct the flow to your hand. Just like your other skills, focus on one spot.]
"It seems I have no other choice." Renxian set himself to face the Enraged Mad Imp once more, which was now crawling to advance.
Renxian sprinted towards the monster, which was drawing dangerously near. He leaped into the air, narrowly evading the Enraged Mad Imp's outstretched claws. In mid-air, his right hand clenched, and it began to emit an intense light until the moment of impact with the creature's eyes, a blinding flash ensued.
Utilizing the creature's agonized cries to his advantage, Renxian swiftly descended beneath the thrashing Enraged Mad Imp, making a beeline for Siuxa. He scooped her up in his arms as quickly as possible.
With Siuxa cradled securely, he wasted no time in withdrawing from the chaotic battleground. The monstrous Imp, now lost in a maddened frenzy, unleashed its brutal onslaughts in all directions, its deafening roars echoing ominously through the forest.
***
With tender care, Renxian laid Siuxa's still and frail body onto a mat crafted from leaves. He couldn't shake the shame that weighed on him, knowing he had brought her into such a hazardous situation.
He couldn't help but feel remorse as he examined her unconscious form. Small lacerations around her white cheeks, accompanied by bruising under her delicate chin, stimulated him to exhale with regret. However, his concern deepened as he noticed more than superficial damage.
Upon closer inspection, he discovered a rather sizable wound on Siuxa's abdomen, an open tear from which red fluid continued to seep. With haste and care, Renxian moved to disrobe the tight attire she wore.
"Please, allow me to do it," he softly murmured as he peeled away her top, revealing her delicate midriff that rose and fell with each breath. "System, what should I do?"
[She has a deep wound, fortunately not from the creature's claws. It might have been caused by a stone. Take the remaining fungi, mix them with the concoction in your rattan bag, and apply them to Siuxa's wound with leaves.]
Renxian complied, retrieving the mixture from his backpack, concealed behind a rock. He hurriedly washed the three remaining fungi by the riverbank and crushed them with the tonic liquid onto the plants. He knelt beside Siuxa, gently placing the leaves onto her wound.
As he pressed the leaves against the tear, a soft, pained whimper escaped Siuxa's lush lips, her expression shifting uncomfortably even in her unconscious state. The sensation was unavoidable, and Renxian could feel her body tensing beneath his touch
[Side Quest (Siuxa): Protect her from Enraged Imp. (Failed)]
[You need to heal yourself.]
Renxian, disheveled and disarrayed in his attire, walked toward the riverbank with an exhausted demeanor. There, he encountered his reflection in the waters. "No, the elixir is meant for her."
With resolve, he began to shed his attire from top to bottom, revealing his muscular shape adorned with crimson scratches and contusions. He waded into the river, a subdued moan escaping his lips as the cool water coursed over his injuries, providing a soothing yet painful relief.
[It doesn't matter. You can heal through meditation.]
Renxian, with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them wide open upon hearing that and exclaimed, "What? Why didn't you say earlier?"
[I thought it was too soon for you, but right now, it could be crucial.]
"Tell me! I might be able to heal Siuxa!" Renxian insisted, almost rising from his seated spot in the water.
[You can't. Since Renxian would never suspect that he will have a companion, he dedicates all the healing techniques to himself.]
Is Renxian truly that apathetic? Does he think he'll be forever alone? Wouldn't it be better for him to learn at least some basic healing for others? The man sighed, dismayed by Renxian's self-centered focus.
[Are you ready?]