Elder Wu's hand darted towards his storage pouch, retrieving a jade talisman engraved with intricate symbols.
With a flick of his wrist, he activated it, a shimmering barrier of emerald light enveloping him – the 'Earthward Bulwark,' a defensive technique infused with pure spiritual energy and the power of the earth element.
The chuckle grew louder, morphing into a guttural snarl as a figure pounced at him. Black mist swirled around the figure, obscuring its features, but the malevolent energy it radiated was unmistakable.
This was no ordinary being…it was a creature of pure demonic essence.
Elder Wu's eyes narrowed. "Demon!" he roared, raising his hand, a ball of pure spiritual energy condensing in his palm. He charged forward, his intent clear.