Chapter 4: Allies and Adversaries
The forest's golden morning light streamed through the trees, casting long shadows across the dirt path. Zhang Wei moved cautiously, his makeshift spear slung over his back. The rush of energy from absorbing the Flame Boar's core still buzzed faintly in his veins, giving him a newfound confidence.
But confidence wasn't enough in a world where danger lurked behind every tree. His grip on his spear tightened as he scanned his surroundings. The forest seemed alive with sound—the rustling of leaves, the chirping of unseen birds, and the occasional snap of a distant branch.
Host is advised to head toward Tianlu City. Resources and information there will facilitate cultivation progress.
"Tianlu City?" Zhang Wei muttered, glancing at the translucent map that materialized in his field of vision. A glowing marker indicated the direction, but it was still several days' journey away.
He sighed, adjusting the straps of the small bag he had fashioned from Flame Boar hide. "A city sounds like a good idea," he said. "But I'm guessing it won't be a stroll in the park getting there."
His steps quickened as he followed the map's guidance. The promise of civilization—a place where he might find answers and allies—was too tempting to ignore.
The sun was high in the sky when Zhang Wei first sensed he wasn't alone. The forest had grown eerily quiet, the usual cacophony of birds and insects replaced by an unsettling stillness.
He stopped in his tracks, his body tensing. Slowly, he reached for his spear, his eyes scanning the dense foliage around him.
A faint rustle to his left drew his attention. Zhang Wei turned sharply, raising his weapon. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm despite the nervous thrum in his chest.
A figure emerged from the shadows, moving with a predator's grace. It was a woman, her dark eyes sharp and calculating. She wore lightweight leather armor, and the sword at her hip gleamed faintly in the sunlight.
"You're quick," she said, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "Most people don't notice me until it's too late."
Zhang Wei didn't lower his spear. "Who are you?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "That's a bit rude, don't you think? Usually, when someone points a weapon at me, I'm the one asking questions."
"Forgive me if I'm not feeling particularly trusting," Zhang Wei replied, his eyes narrowing.
The woman sighed, resting a hand on the hilt of her sword. "Fair enough. I'm Lin Xiyu, a rogue cultivator." She gestured vaguely toward him. "And you're clearly not from around here."
Zhang Wei's grip on his spear loosened slightly, but he didn't lower it. "What makes you say that?"
"For starters, that spear looks like it was made by a desperate man with no better options." Lin Xiyu smirked. "And you have the air of someone who's just barely figured out how to survive."
Zhang Wei bristled but couldn't argue. "And what do you want?"
"Nothing yet," she said, her tone casual. "I heard the commotion last night—sounded like a Flame Boar. You don't look strong enough to take one down, but here you are. That makes you… interesting."
Before Zhang Wei could respond, the sound of voices reached them—low and harsh, carrying a threatening edge.
Lin Xiyu's expression hardened instantly. "Bandits," she said, her hand tightening on her sword.
"Bandits?" Zhang Wei echoed, his heart sinking.
"Stay quiet," she hissed, stepping behind a tree. Zhang Wei followed, crouching low as the voices grew louder.
A group of five men came into view, each armed with crude weapons and wearing mismatched armor. Their leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, barked orders as they searched the area.
"Spread out," he growled. "There's gotta be someone around here. I can feel it."
Zhang Wei's grip on his spear tightened. His first instinct was to run, but the memory of the Shadow Wolf and Flame Boar reminded him that survival often required fighting.
Lin Xiyu glanced at him, her eyes sharp. "Can you fight?" she whispered.
"Barely," Zhang Wei admitted.
"Stick close to me," she said. "And try not to die."
Before Zhang Wei could reply, Lin Xiyu stepped out from behind the tree, her sword drawn. "Looking for me?" she called out, her voice taunting.
The bandits turned, their expressions shifting from surprise to leering confidence.
"Well, what do we have here?" the leader said, grinning. "A little bird wandered into our forest."
Lin Xiyu smirked. "Careful. Birds have claws."
The leader's grin faltered, and he gestured to his men. "Take her down."
The first bandit lunged at Lin Xiyu, his axe swinging in a wide arc. She sidestepped effortlessly, her sword flashing as she struck. The man crumpled to the ground, clutching his side.
The second bandit hesitated but rushed her a moment later. Lin Xiyu met his charge head-on, her movements fluid and precise. Within seconds, he was disarmed and on the ground, groaning in pain.
Zhang Wei watched in awe, his grip on his spear tightening. Lin Xiyu was fast, deadly, and completely in control.
"Don't just stand there!" she snapped, her eyes flicking toward him.
The remaining bandits turned their attention to Zhang Wei, who swallowed hard and stepped forward. His hands trembled slightly as he raised his spear.
The third bandit rushed him, swinging a spiked club. Zhang Wei dodged clumsily, jabbing his spear toward the man's chest. The weapon struck with surprising force, and the bandit staggered back, his weapon dropping to the ground.
Adrenaline surged through Zhang Wei as he followed up with another strike, this time aiming for the man's leg. The bandit cried out, collapsing to the ground.
The leader snarled, drawing a massive sword. "You'll pay for that!" he roared, charging toward Zhang Wei.
Before the attack could land, Lin Xiyu stepped in, blocking the strike with her blade. Sparks flew as the two clashed, their weapons locking in a contest of strength.
"Not bad for a rogue," the leader said, his tone mocking.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Lin Xiyu replied, smirking. With a sudden twist, she disarmed him, her blade cutting a shallow gash across his arm.
The leader cursed, stumbling back. Seeing their leader injured, the remaining bandits quickly fled, dragging their wounded comrades with them.
Lin Xiyu lowered her sword, her breathing steady. She turned to Zhang Wei, who was still clutching his spear tightly.
"Not bad," she said, a hint of approval in her voice. "For someone who clearly has no idea what they're doing."
Zhang Wei let out a shaky laugh, his adrenaline fading. "Thanks, I guess."
Lin Xiyu sheathed her sword and crossed her arms. "You're lucky I was here. Those bandits would've torn you apart."
"I could've handled it," Zhang Wei said, though he wasn't sure he believed it himself.
Lin Xiyu raised an eyebrow. "Sure you could." She glanced toward the direction the bandits had fled. "They'll be back, and probably with reinforcements. We should move."
Zhang Wei hesitated before nodding. He didn't trust Lin Xiyu completely, but for now, having an ally—even a reluctant one—seemed like the smarter choice.
"Fine," he said. "Let's go."
Lin Xiyu smirked. "Good. Try to keep up."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Zhang Wei couldn't shake the feeling that his journey was about to get even more complicated.