With two of the Guardians now on her side, Lin Xi felt her resolve solidify. The Phoenix and the Jade Serpent had given her strength beyond what she'd ever imagined. But she knew the journey was far from over—two Guardians would not be enough to face the Black Dragon Emperor and his forces. She would need them all.
Leaving the Mòhé Forest, Lin Xi and her group traveled toward the next Guardian's known location. Su Qinghe informed them that their next destination was the eastern coast, where the Sea Guardian, also known as the Azure Tortoise, was rumored to reside in the vast, shifting waters near the Sea of Yinglong. This Guardian was known for both wisdom and isolation; the Azure Tortoise had remained hidden from mortal conflicts for centuries.
As they made their way along the winding coastal paths, a sense of foreboding settled over the group. They knew the Black Dragon Emperor's reach was growing with each passing day. The land itself seemed tainted by his darkness, and whispers of his terror seeped into every village they passed.
The coastline eventually came into view, stretching endlessly under a darkening sky. There, the smell of salt and seaweed filled the air, and the waves crashed against rocky cliffs, foaming and wild. A storm seemed to brew on the horizon, casting an ominous shadow over the ocean.
But something else was stirring.
Lin Xi noticed a faint outline in the distance—a figure dressed in dark robes, watching them from atop a craggy cliff. The figure's presence was almost ghostly, and Lin Xi felt a chill as she met its gaze. This wasn't just an ordinary traveler. She knew instinctively that it was one of the Black Dragon Emperor's agents.
Without hesitation, Lin Xi, Su Qinghe, Feng, and Liu Han approached, weapons ready. As they drew closer, the figure's face became clear: a young man with strikingly sharp features, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes glinted with an unsettling mix of amusement and malice.
"Well, well," he sneered, his voice carrying on the wind. "It seems the Guardians' chosen is quite determined. But do you really think a mere mortal like you stands a chance against the Emperor?"
Lin Xi steadied herself, feeling the power of the Guardians' marks tingling against her skin. "I don't stand alone," she replied firmly. "And neither does this world. We'll fight to the end."
The man chuckled, his voice dripping with disdain. "Oh, but the end is precisely what you're heading toward. The Emperor grows stronger by the day, and even the Guardians will be no match for him soon."
With that, he raised his hand, summoning a dark energy that coiled around him like shadowy flames. The air grew thick with tension, and Lin Xi could feel the oppressive power radiating from him. She knew that this wasn't a fight she could win easily.
Su Qinghe stepped forward, his voice low. "He's a Shadow Lieutenant, one of the Emperor's most trusted enforcers. We need to tread carefully."
But the man merely laughed again, his voice echoing across the cliffs. "You think you can escape me? Pathetic."
Without warning, he lunged forward, his dark energy surging like a storm. Lin Xi and her companions braced themselves, each calling on their unique abilities. Feng ignited in flames, surrounding herself in a protective barrier of fire, while Su Qinghe prepared his bow, aiming with precision. Liu Han, skilled with a spear, moved into position, ready to counter the dark figure's attacks.
Lin Xi felt the Guardians' marks flare with power, and she called on their energy to strengthen herself. With the Phoenix and the Jade Serpent's blessings, she felt a surge of speed and agility, allowing her to dodge the Shadow Lieutenant's attacks. Yet, despite her newfound strength, the dark energy around him was relentless.
The battle raged across the cliffs, each strike sending shockwaves through the rocky terrain. Lin Xi fought with all her might, but she quickly realized the Shadow Lieutenant was toying with them, testing their limits rather than aiming to kill. He was gauging their strength—and reporting it back to the Emperor.
Finally, after an intense exchange, the Shadow Lieutenant pulled back, his smirk widening. "This has been… enlightening," he sneered. "I'll be sure to let the Emperor know that the Guardians' chosen is nothing more than a desperate girl and her ragtag band of heroes."
As he prepared to vanish into the shadows, Lin Xi stepped forward, determination blazing in her eyes. "Tell the Emperor this: we're coming for him. And no matter what darkness he brings, we'll be ready."
The Shadow Lieutenant paused, an amused glint in his eye, before disappearing into the night. His laughter echoed across the cliffs long after he was gone, leaving the group standing in silence.
Su Qinghe exhaled, his face grim. "If the Emperor knows we're assembling the Guardians, he'll likely strengthen his defenses. We may have to expect more attacks as we go."
Lin Xi nodded, feeling the weight of their task growing heavier. "We don't have time to waste. We need to reach the Azure Tortoise before he can send any more of his soldiers to stop us."
With the encounter fresh in their minds, they continued their journey down the coast, pressing on toward the Sea of Yinglong. The sense of urgency hung heavy over them, but so did their determination. Lin Xi could feel the Guardians' marks throbbing with energy, as if responding to her resolve. They were growing stronger, and with every battle, she grew closer to harnessing the full power needed to confront the Black Dragon Emperor.
As they neared the shore, the endless expanse of the ocean stretched before them, its waves crashing against the rocks like a heartbeat. Somewhere out there, the Azure Tortoise awaited—another piece in the battle against darkness, and a vital ally in the fight to save the world.