A low, rumbling growl echoed through the cavern, shaking the very ground beneath his feet. Lin Feng froze, gripping his sword tighter. The air was heavy with the tiger's spiritual pressure, each wave hammering against his chest like a physical force.
The Stormshadow Tiger emerged from the shadows, its massive form illuminated by the faint glow of its silver-striped fur. Its golden eyes locked onto Lin Feng with a chilling intelligence. This was no ordinary beast—it was an apex predator, honed by countless battles.
Lin Feng raised his sword, his legs trembling but steady. "I won't let you harm anyone else!" he shouted, though his voice cracked under the weight of his fear.
The tiger responded with a deafening roar, arcs of lightning crackling across its fur. It pounced without hesitation, its massive claws tearing through the air. Lin Feng barely managed to sidestep, the force of the blow sending a shockwave through the cavern.
He countered with a fiery slash, the Flame Lotus Sword releasing a burst of golden flames that streaked toward the beast. The attack struck the tiger's side, but its fur absorbed most of the damage, leaving only a faint scorch mark.
The tiger growled, its gaze narrowing in irritation. Lin Feng's heart sank. His most powerful strike had barely scratched it.
The tiger lunged again, faster this time. Lin Feng swung his sword to block, but the beast's claws slammed into him with overwhelming force. He was sent flying across the cavern, crashing into a jagged rock wall. Pain exploded through his body as he fell to the ground, his vision blurring.
"No... not yet," he muttered, forcing himself to stand. Blood dripped from his lips, but he gritted his teeth and steadied his stance.
The tiger prowled toward him, its movements deliberate and mocking. It was toying with him, savoring its dominance.
Lin Feng clenched his fists, a surge of defiance burning within him. "I'll find a way... I have to!" He charged forward, his sword igniting with golden flames as he unleashed a flurry of strikes.
The cavern lit up with bursts of fire as Lin Feng pushed himself to his limit, his attacks relentless. But the tiger evaded with ease, its movements fluid and precise. When it finally countered, its paw slammed into Lin Feng's chest, knocking the wind out of him.
He collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. The tiger loomed over him, its aura suffocating. Lin Feng's hands shook as he raised his sword once more, but his strength was waning.
The tiger struck again, its claws raking across his side. Lin Feng cried out in pain, blood staining the ground beneath him. He stumbled backward, his vision darkening.
For a moment, he thought of giving up. Why am I doing this? I'm not strong enough. I never will be.
But then he remembered the villagers. He remembered their smiles, their kindness, and their faith in him. And he remembered his father's words: A swordsman never gives up, no matter the odds.
Gritting his teeth, Lin Feng rose to his feet, his knees wobbling but holding firm. He raised the Flame Lotus Sword high, its flames dim but still burning. "If I die here, so be it. But I won't go down without a fight!"
The tiger roared, its patience finally wearing thin. It unleashed a wave of lightning, the energy tearing through the cavern and obliterating everything in its path. Lin Feng raised his sword to block, the flames absorbing some of the impact, but the force sent him crashing to the ground once more.
As he lay there, battered and broken, he realized he had no strength left to stand. The tiger approached slowly, savoring its imminent victory. Lin Feng closed his eyes, his grip on the sword loosening.
Is this the end?
A sudden, sharp voice cut through the haze. "You've done enough."
Lin Feng's eyes shot open. Standing at the edge of the cavern was the swordswoman he had met earlier. Her silver robes gleamed faintly in the dim light, and her black hair flowed behind her like a dark river.
"You?" Lin Feng rasped, his voice weak.
She didn't respond to him. Her gaze was locked onto the tiger, her expression calm but commanding. The beast hesitated, its instincts warning it of the danger this newcomer posed.
The swordswoman drew her blade, its silver surface gleaming with an ethereal light. She stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate.
The tiger roared, lunging at her with all its might. Lin Feng watched in disbelief as she sidestepped effortlessly, her sword flashing in the dim light. The tiger howled in pain as a deep gash appeared along its side.
Lin Feng struggled to process what he was seeing. "How...?"
The woman's movements were precise, almost casual, as she deflected the tiger's frenzied attacks. Her blade seemed to dance through the air, each strike leaving a trail of silver light.
The tiger grew more desperate, its attacks becoming wild and erratic. But the swordswoman remained calm, her every movement calculated. With one final, sweeping strike, she sent the tiger crashing to the ground.
The beast lay there, panting heavily, its golden eyes filled with fear. It turned and fled into the darkness, its massive form disappearing into the shadows.
The swordswoman sheathed her blade, her expression unreadable as she turned to Lin Feng.
"You're reckless," she said, her tone sharp but not unkind.
Lin Feng managed a weak smile. "I didn't have much of a choice."
She knelt beside him, her hands glowing faintly as she channeled healing energy into his wounds. A soothing warmth spread through his body, easing the pain.
"Rest," she said, her tone softer now. "You're no good to anyone if you die here."
Lin Feng's eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion overtaking him. As he drifted into unconsciousness, one thought lingered in his mind: Who is she, really?