The faint light of dawn seeped through the canopy as I marched toward the Crimson Gorge, my thoughts still burdened by the vision of the Shadow Devourer.
Each step felt heavier, not due to physical strain but the lingering weight of my fragmented memories.
Zhao Ming's words of encouragement echoed in my mind, yet doubt threatened to drown them.
"Focus, Li Wei," I muttered under my breath. "You've faced worse before."
As the dense forest began to clear, the distinct scent of blood wafted through the air.
My steps quickened until I reached the gorge's entrance, where the aftermath of a skirmish lay scattered—broken carts, splintered wood, and scorch marks etched into the earth.
A soft groan pulled my attention.
Near the ruins of a caravan, a figure staggered to his feet, clutching a bloody gash on his side. His dark robes were torn, but his posture remained defiant.
Our eyes met, and I froze. He was familiar.
"You there!" he barked, his voice laced with authority despite his weakened state. "Who are you?"
"Li Wei," I said, cautiously stepping closer. "Are you injured?"
He narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on the hilt of a blade. "I didn't ask for your concern."
The arrogance in his tone sparked a flicker of recognition.
It was him—Zhang Hao.
Memories from my past life surged forward: the steadfast ally who had once fought by my side, unwavering in the face of darkness.
"You're Zhang Hao," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within me.
His hand tightened on his blade. "How do you know my name?"
I hesitated. Explaining my identity as Lian Shen, his former comrade, was far from simple.
"I... heard of you from the villagers. They spoke of a warrior who protected them."
Zhang Hao's posture relaxed slightly, though suspicion lingered in his eyes.
"Those shadow beasts ambushed me," he said, gesturing to the ruined caravan.
"They've been attacking trade routes, but this was different. They moved as if directed by a greater force."
The system chimed in my mind.
[System Notification: Task 3 Progress:
Objective updated: Join forces with Zhang Hao to protect the Crimson Gorge.
Reward: system point. ]
"You can't fend them off alone," I said, my tone firm. "Let me help."
He scoffed but winced as the pain in his side flared.
"Fine. Prove your worth. But don't slow me down."
We pressed onward, the tension between us palpable.
Zhang Hao moved with the precision of a seasoned fighter, his eyes scanning every shadow. I followed closely, my senses heightened.
The silence was broken by an otherworldly howl.
Emerging from the gorge were shadow beasts, their glowing red eyes fixed on us.
"Here they come," Zhang Hao growled, drawing his twin blades.
I reached for the small pouch Elder Tian Qiu had given me, the Spirit Herb of Vitality still nestled within.
A surge of energy coursed through me as I consumed it, bolstering my strength.
The beasts lunged, their claws gleaming. Zhang Hao moved like a whirlwind, his blades slicing through the darkness with practiced ease.
I focused on channeling my energy, my hand igniting with the faint glow of the Lotus Heart Strike.
"Watch your flank!" Zhang Hao barked, deflecting an attack aimed at me.
"I've got it!" I shouted back, releasing a burst of energy that sent a beast hurtling into the rocks.
Despite our initial distrust, our movements began to synchronize, as if our past bond transcended time and memory.
Together, we cut through the horde, the last beast collapsing with a guttural cry.
As the dust settled, Zhang Hao turned to me, his expression unreadable.
"You fight well, Li Wei. Better than most I've seen. Who trained you?"
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "An elder from the village," I lied. "He taught me the basics."
Zhang Hao didn't press further, but a flicker of curiosity lingered in his gaze.
The system's chime broke the silence.
[System Notification: Task 3 Progress:
Connection established: Zhang Hao.
Potential ally detected.]
"We're not done," Zhang Hao said, sheathing his blades.
"This was just a scouting party. The Infernal Blood Sect won't stop until they've claimed the entire gorge."
His words confirmed my fears. Xu Wanyu's forces were growing bolder, their influence spreading like a plague.
"Then we stop them," I said, determination hardening my voice. "Together."
Zhang Hao studied me for a moment before nodding.
"If you're serious about this, we'll need more than just swords and guts.
The Crimson Gorge is vast, and Xu Wanyu's forces are entrenched. But if we cut off their supply lines, we might have a chance."
As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope.
The Zhang Hao I remembered was resourceful and unyielding—a true ally in the fight against darkness.
That night, we set up camp near the gorge, the crackling fire casting long shadows.
Zhang Hao shared what he knew about Xu Wanyu and her blood magic, describing the horrors she had unleashed on those who opposed her.
"She's ruthless," he said, his voice low.
"I've seen her turn men into mindless puppets, their bodies drained of life."
My fists clenched. Xu Wanyu was a threat I couldn't ignore, not just for the Crimson Gorge but for the greater battle against the Shadow Devourer.
[System Notification: New Skill Unlocked: Resonance Strike- 50 % strength
Effect: Amplifies damage when fighting alongside an ally.]
The notification filled me with resolve.
With Zhang Hao by my side, I felt the stirrings of a forgotten strength—an ember of the warrior I had once been.
As the stars glittered overhead, I turned to Zhang Hao.
"We'll face her together. And we won't fail."
He met my gaze, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"Don't make promises you can't keep, Li Wei."
But as I looked into the fire, I knew this was more than a promise. It was a vow—to Zhang Hao, to the system, and to myself.
The path ahead was treacherous, but with an ally by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came next.