As Lin Tian journeyed deeper into the forest, a faint commotion reached his ears. Curiosity sparked, he moved swiftly in its direction, blending his steps with the forest's natural sounds.
Pushing aside a dense layer of leaves, he saw a young lady, her attire marking her as a member of the Zhou Clan. Her expression was fierce yet determined as she skillfully dodged the attacks of two Yan Clan disciples, each radiating the aura of a fifth-level Body Refining warrior.
The disciples sneered as they closed in on her, each move more forceful than the last. Lin Tian immediately understood that she was struggling to hold them off, her stamina waning with every step.
As Lin Tian observed the unfolding chaos, he felt a surge of urgency. The young lady from the Zhou Clan was clearly outnumbered and outmatched, her every movement a testament to her skill and determination. Just when the leader of the Yan Clan was about to land a critical blow, Lin Tian made his move.
With the stealth of a shadow, he lunged at the leader, his sword striking like a viper. The sudden attack caught the leader off guard, and Lin Tian's blade found its mark, incapacitating him in an instant. The remaining Yan disciples froze, shock etched across their faces, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"Who—who are you?" one of them stammered, panic creeping into his voice as they regained their senses.
Lin Tian's gaze was fierce, his sword glinting with lethal intent. "Just a passerby who despises bullies."
The disciples rallied themselves, drawing upon their Yan Clan's exclusive techniques to retaliate. They charged at Lin Tian, fierce and relentless. The air crackled with energy as their movements became a dangerous dance of strikes and counters. The battle was brutal, each clash ringing out like thunder.
Lin Tian moved with agility and precision, recalling his training and recent experiences. The techniques he had mastered surged within him, guiding his strikes and deflecting theirs. Though the fight was gruesome, Lin Tian's resolve remained unshaken.
After a series of intense exchanges, Lin Tian found an opening and unleashed a flurry of strikes that overwhelmed the remaining Yan disciples. Exhausted but victorious, he stood amidst the fallen adversaries, his breath steadying as he glanced at the young lady, who was now watching him with a mixture of awe and gratitude.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer now, the adrenaline of battle ebbing away.
As Lin Tian caught his breath, he turned to the young lady, whose earlier defiance had given way to relief. He quickly rummaged through his pack, retrieving a few healing pills. "Here, take these," he said, offering her the pills with a reassuring smile.
She accepted them with trembling hands, her gratitude evident in her eyes. After swallowing the pills, a faint glow illuminated her complexion as the healing properties began to work. "Thank you," she breathed, her voice steadying. "My name is Zhou Yin."
"Lin Tian," he replied, bowing his head slightly. "I couldn't just stand by and let them harm you."
Zhou YIn nodded, her expression shifting from concern to admiration. "You fought so bravely. I thought I was done for when they attacked."
"They underestimated me," Lin Tian said, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "But it's not safe here. We should get you somewhere secure."
With a newfound determination, Lin Tian gestured for her to follow. Together, they left the chaotic scene behind, navigating through the dense forest towards a safer area where they could regroup and plan their next move.
Lin Tian nodded, still on high alert. "What were they chasing you for?"
Zhou Yin hesitated for a moment, glancing back toward the path the Yan Clan had retreated down. "I discovered a Celestial Blossom. It's a rare herb that can help warriors break through from peak level 6 directly to level 7 or even level 8, depending on their aptitude. The group guarding it noticed me and chased me away."
"A Celestial Blossom?" Lin Tian's interest piqued. "Is it near here?"
"Yes," Zhou Yin confirmed. "It's hidden deep within the forest. If we work together, we might be able to retrieve it before they return."
As Lin Tian helped Zhou Yin recover, gratitude sparkled in her eyes. "You saved my life. I owe you," she said softly, her voice steadying. "I know where the Celestial Blossom is. It's located in a hidden grove deeper in the forest, but be warned—the guardian beast is a ferocious boar at Level 7 Body Refining."
Lin Tian's interest piqued. "What can you tell me about this boar?"
"It's massive, with impenetrable tusks and a thick hide that makes it nearly invulnerable to physical attacks," Zhou Yin explained, her tone grave. "You'll need to be clever if you wish to retrieve the Celestial Blossom."
With this vital information, Lin Tian felt a surge of determination. "Let's go together," he proposed. "Your knowledge of the area will be invaluable."
Zhou Yin nodded, a hint of excitement lighting up her features. "Thank you. I promise to help in any way I can."
The two set off deeper into the forest, with Zhou Yin leading the way. As they moved forward, Lin Tian couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would test not only their skills but also their resolve. Together, they would face the challenge of the guardian beast and strive to obtain the Celestial Blossom.