Deep within the ancient forest, Universe, Suling, and Jinglin found themselves face to face with the daunting presence of the Flood Dragon.
Its massive form loomed ominously, scales shimmering in the dim torchlight, and its eyes glowed with a fiery intensity that sent shivers down their spines.
Universe's usual quick wit faltered as he beheld the colossal creature, his breath catching in his throat.
Suling's hand trembled on her sword's hilt, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. Jinglin, always composed, surveyed the situation with a calculating gaze, though even she couldn't hide a hint of unease.
The cavern rumbled as the Flood Dragon stirred, its powerful muscles flexing beneath its gray scales. A deep, reverberating growl filled the chamber, shaking them to their core and solidifying their realization—they were intruders in the dragon's domain, and it was not pleased.
"We... we need to move. Now," Universe stammered, urgency punctuating his words as he gestured toward a narrow passageway leading deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels.
Suling nodded, her voice steadier than her trembling hands. "Right. Let's go."
With hearts pounding, they turned to flee, but their path was suddenly blocked by the thunderous roar of the Flood Dragon. In a swift and unexpected movement, it positioned itself between them and the exit, its massive form filling the cavern entrance with an intimidating presence. Panic threatened to overwhelm them as they realized they were trapped—caught between the unyielding jaws of the dragon and the maze-like tunnels that offered no immediate escape.
Reality crashed down upon them as they searched desperately for another route, adrenaline fueling their every move. In their frantic scramble, Universe nearly slipped on a moss-covered stone, barely catching himself before crashing into Jinglin. Suling, always quick to react, couldn't help but stifle a nervous chuckle amidst the chaos. "Watch your step, Yu Zhou," she hissed, a mix of concern and amusement in her voice as they hurried deeper into the labyrinth.
Their flight through the twisting tunnels was a blur of heart-stopping moments and breathless sprints, each turn a gamble as they sought any means to outmaneuver the relentless pursuit of the Flood Dragon. The dragon's roars echoed through the caverns, a constant reminder of the peril that shadowed their every move.
Finally, their weary legs led them into a small chamber illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls. For a brief moment, they caught their breath, hope flickering in the darkness. But their respite was short-lived as the ground trembled beneath their feet once more.
The head of the Flood Dragon emerged from the tunnel entrance, eyes blazing with an unfathomable hunger. There was no time to waste, no room for hesitation. With a shared glance of grim determination, they dashed deeper into the labyrinth, their footsteps echoing in a frantic rhythm against the cold stone floor.
Their escape became a desperate race against time and the relentless pursuit of the Flood Dragon. Each passing moment brought them closer to exhaustion, their every hope pinned on finding a way out before the dragon closed in.
And so, amidst the echoing roars of the Flood Dragon and the oppressive darkness of the caverns, Universe, Suling, and Jinglin fought to preserve their lives and their bond, their every step a testament to their unyielding will to survive against all odds.
The masked person saw everything that had happened and got ready to intervene.
"Hmm, a mere Crystal Core stage creature wants to hurt the person I want to protect."
The Flood Dragon suddenly came to a halt, looking ahead. It found a petite figure standing between it and its prey, who were running for their lives. Despite its anger, the massive amount of spiritual energy leaking from the opponent made it tremble.
"One chance. Go back and don't find trouble with them in the future. Otherwise, you will die."
The Flood Dragon, though a beast, had intelligence and understood every word the masked person spoke. For a moment, it couldn't decide what to do. Going back would be a huge humiliation, but if it didn't, it knew it would die.
Suddenly, the masked person spoke again.
"Can't decide, huh? Looks like you choose to go against me."
Just as the masked person released a little bit of his aura, the Flood Dragon trembled in fear and let out a loud roar, then started backing down.
Seeing this, the masked person nodded and quietly left the place as he had come.
As for Universe and the others, they finally emerged from the cave. They took deep breaths of the open air and collapsed onto the cool forest floor, chests heaving and limbs trembling with exhaustion. Yu Zhou managed a weak laugh, though tension still lingered in his eyes. "Well, that was... quite the adventure."
Suling nodded in agreement, her pulse gradually steadying as she surveyed their surroundings with a newfound sense of relief. "Perhaps we'll stick to less dragon-infested areas next time."
Jinglin leaned against a sturdy tree trunk, her gaze fixed on the distant cave entrance as if expecting the Flood Dragon to emerge at any moment.
And so, with the memory of the Flood Dragon's fiery gaze still fresh in their minds and their hearts still racing from the narrow escape, they stood up and slowly started leaving that dreadful place, never wanting to return until they were strong enough.
The masked person saw them leaving but didn't stop them. However, he quietly muttered to himself.
"Father didn't give me all the details about that matter. And I have no idea when it will happen. Looks like I have to stay a little longer. But going around like this is not a good idea."
Suddenly thinking of something, the masked person removed the black robe from his body, revealing a female figure inside. And a gorgeous one at that.