Morning sunlight filtered through Xiao Yi Xun's window, awakening her from a peaceful slumber. She stretched, yawned, and rose from bed, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation about her journey.
Aunt Li already bustled in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Yi Xun! Today's special day, isn't it?"
Xiao Yi Xun smiled, washing her face. "Yes, Aunt Li. I'm heading to Beast Mountain to gather herbs."
Aunt Li's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Yi Xun. That place is treacherous, even with escorts."
Xiao Yi Xun reassured her. "Don't worry, Aunt Li. I've hired capable mercenaries from the Guild."
After breakfast, Xiao Yi Xun headed to the Mercenary Guild, situated near the town's center. The Guildmaster, a grizzled veteran, greeted her warmly.
"Xiao Yi Xun! What brings you here today?"
"I need escorts for my trip to Beast Mountain," Xiao Yi Xun replied. "I'm looking for rare herbs."
The Guildmaster nodded. "Dangerous business. I'll assign three of our best. Meet them outside."
As Xiao Yi Xun waited, whispers spread among the townspeople:
"Did you hear? Xiao Yi Xun's heading to Beast Mountain again."
"Beware the Misty Dragon, king of the beasts."
Legend spoke of the Misty Dragon, a terrifying existence ruling Beast Mountain. Ten thousand years ago, the dragon had annihilated the combined forces of the nine great empires, feasting on their souls.
Beast Mountain was treacherous, home to bloodthirsty beasts and hidden dangers. Many ventured in, never to return.
As Xiao Yi Xun and her hired guards, Li Ming, Zhang Wei, and Wang Jian, passed through the town, locals shared hushed tales.
"Beast Mountain's cursed," Old Man Chen whispered. "My cousin ventured in and never returned."
"Aye, the Misty Dragon's wrath is merciless," Mrs. Wang added.
"Last year, my brother's party went in search of rare minerals," Zhang Yong, a local blacksmith, chimed in. "Only one returned, driven mad by what he saw."
Xiao Yi Xun's guards exchanged uneasy glances.
"Let's move," Li Ming urged.
At the local tavern, travelers shared cautionary tales.
"I met a survivor who claimed to have seen the Misty Dragon's lair," a hooded traveler said. "He spoke of treacherous paths and illusions that drive men mad."
A burly adventurer, sipping ale, nodded. "I've heard the mountain's filled with ancient ruins, holding secrets and dangers."
The group continued, winding through dense forests and crossing scorching deserts.
After hours of trekking, they reached the mountain's base. The air thickened with an eerie, unnatural silence.
"This place feels wrong," Zhang Wei whispered.
"Stay alert," Li Ming warned.
As they ascended, the terrain grew more perilous. Steep cliffs and jagged rocks threatened to send them tumbling.
Finally, they reached the herb-filled meadows. Xiao Yi Xun's eyes sparkled as she gathered the rare plants.
With their mission accomplished, they began their descent.
"Be careful, the mountain's weather can turn deadly," Li Ming warned.
Xiao Yi Xun nodded. "Let's hurry."
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, and a fierce storm swept in. Lightning illuminated the dark sky as thunder boomed.
"We must find shelter!" Zhang Wei yelled.
But it was too late. The storm's fury separated Xiao Yi Xun from her guards.
Alone, shivering, and lost, Xiao Yi Xun stumbled through the torrential rain. The storm raged on, reducing visibility to near zero.
Suddenly, a mysterious fruit appeared before her.
The fruit glowed with an ethereal light, as if containing the essence of the universe. Its surface swirled with stardust and cosmic patterns.
Without hesitation, Xiao Yi Xun devoured the fruit.
As its energy coursed through her, the storm subsided, revealing a majestic figure – the Misty Dragon.
The dragon's piercing gaze locked onto Xiao Yi Xun.
"You've consumed the Mysterious Fruit, hidden within my domain," the dragon's voice thundered.
Xiao Yi Xun trembled.
The Misty Dragon's claws unsheathed, gleaming with an otherworldly aura.
"You will pay for your trespass."
With a swift strike, the dragon's claws tore through Xiao Yi Xun's body.
Her vision faded as her life force ebbed away.
The Misty Dragon's whisper lingered:
"Your essence will nourish the mountain's darkness."
Xiao Yi Xun's body crumpled, her spirit extinguished.
The Misty Dragon vanished into the mist,leaving behind a haunting whisper:
"None shall leave my domain alive."
The storm resumed, erasing all signs of Xiao Yi Xun's existence.
Beast Mountain remained, waiting for its next victim.
As the storm dissipated, Xiao Yi Xun's guards regrouped, searching frantically for their missing companion.
"Yi Xun! Where are you?" Li Ming yelled.
Only silence replied.
Their faces etched with worry, they realized Xiao Yi Xun was gone.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting Beast Mountain in an ominous shadow.
Xiao Yi Xun's journey had ended in tragedy.