Beneath the canopy of towering ancient trees, Shenlong sat cross-legged, his breathing steady but labored. His body ached from the relentless training he put himself through, every muscle screaming in protest. Yet, he pressed on. Sweat dripped from his brow, soaking the ground beneath him. His hands moved in slow, deliberate motions as he tried to channel his Qi, but once again, it was futile. The energy within him, once vibrant and flowing, felt like a stagnant pool.
"Why… Why can't I break through?" he whispered to himself, frustration evident in his voice.
Just as he was about to give up for the day, a low growl echoed through the forest. Shenlong's eyes snapped open, his instincts flaring. A powerful, menacing presence approached. The sound of rustling leaves grew louder, and from the shadows emerged a massive beast with glowing red eyes and fur crackling with electricity. A Storm Wolf.
Shenlong's heart raced. He had heard tales of these creatures—demonic beasts capable of summoning lightning storms, known for their speed and ferocity. In his current state, Shenlong knew he was no match for the beast. But there was no time to run.
With a deafening roar, the Storm Wolf lunged at him, its jaws wide open, fangs gleaming in the dim light. Shenlong barely managed to roll to the side, dodging the beast's lethal bite. His body moved on instinct, years of training guiding his reflexes even as his mind struggled to catch up.
The fight was brutal. Shenlong fought with everything he had, using his agility to avoid the wolf's attacks, but each time the beast's lightning-infused claws grazed him, searing pain shot through his body. Blood dripped from multiple wounds, staining his tattered clothes.
"I refuse to die here," Shenlong growled through gritted teeth. Summoning the last of his strength, he charged at the wolf, narrowly avoiding another strike and plunging a jagged rock into the beast's throat. With a final, guttural snarl, the Storm Wolf collapsed, its life slipping away.
Shenlong staggered back, his body trembling from the effort. He had won, but just barely. His vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground, his life slowly slipping away as blood continued to pour from his wounds.