The Fire Leopards charged at Shenlong, their movements fast and coordinated. Shenlong steadied himself, his Draconic Qi Shield shimmering around him like an ethereal barrier. The first leopard lunged, its fiery claws aiming straight for him. He sidestepped swiftly, countering with a powerful burst of Qi that sent it sprawling back.
One by one, the leopards attacked, each strike more ferocious than the last. Shenlong kept his movements precise, his breathing steady. He could feel the flow of energy within him, a sensation amplified by the pendant around his neck. Each motion seemed to come naturally, as though he had performed these techniques countless times before.
The leader of the pack growled deeply, its crimson eyes fixed on Shenlong. It bared its fangs, flames flaring hotter along its back as it prepared for a final assault. Shenlong watched it intently, anticipating its movements. In a heartbeat, the beast sprang forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.
"Draconic Fist!" Shenlong shouted, gathering his energy into his fists. As the leopard struck, he met its charge head-on, his fists colliding with the beast's flames. A powerful shockwave erupted, sending a blast of fire and Qi outward. The leopard let out a defeated snarl as it staggered back, collapsing to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Shenlong surveyed the aftermath. The remaining leopards retreated into the shadows, unwilling to challenge him further. He felt a surge of satisfaction as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Each encounter in the mountain would only sharpen his skills further, honing him into the warrior he was destined to become.