The forest seemed darker and more ominous as the group pushed deeper into its depths. The air grew colder, and the faint whispers of unseen creatures filled the silence between their footsteps. Even with the energy boost from the earlier Nexus Point, tension hung heavy in the group.
Li Feng's Piercing Sight remained active, his sharp eyes scanning every shadow. Though his Abyssal System granted him advantages, he couldn't afford to be careless. This forest was known for its unpredictability, and danger could strike at any moment.
"Are we even going the right way?" Zhu Yan muttered, his voice laced with frustration.
Xu Mei shot him a glare. "Do you have a better idea? Or would you prefer to wander aimlessly?"
"I'm just saying," Zhu Yan grumbled. "It feels like we've been walking in circles. And I swear something's been following us since we left the Energy Pillar."
Lin Yue's voice was quiet but firm. "It's not your imagination. I've felt it too… like eyes watching us."
Li Feng stopped abruptly, raising a hand. "Quiet."
The group froze. Li Feng's gaze swept the area, his Piercing Sight zooming in on the shifting patterns of energy around them. He focused on a dense cluster of energy hiding in the undergrowth to their left.
"We're not alone," he said, his voice low.
The bushes rustled, and a low growl echoed through the trees. A pair of glowing red eyes appeared, followed by the sleek, muscular form of a Midnight Stalker—a Tier-1 beast known for its speed and cunning.
Zhu Yan scoffed, gripping his flame-coated gauntlets. "A Midnight Stalker? Please. We've faced worse."
"It's not alone," Li Feng warned, his Piercing Sight revealing three more beasts closing in from different directions. "They're flanking us."
Xu Mei drew her Mirage Blade, the weapon shimmering faintly. "Then we don't let them surround us. Lin Yue, set up a barrier. Zhu Yan, cover our rear."
Lin Yue nodded, her hands glowing as a shimmering barrier formed around the group. It wouldn't hold against a sustained assault, but it would buy them time.
The first beast lunged, its claws extended. Li Feng met it head-on, his spear flashing as he deflected the attack and countered with a precise thrust. The spear pierced the creature's shoulder, sending it howling in pain.
Zhu Yan roared, flames erupting from his fists as he intercepted another beast. His strikes were wild but powerful, forcing the creature to retreat.
Xu Mei moved with precision, her Mirage Blade slicing through the air as she engaged the third beast. Her movements were almost a dance, each strike calculated and efficient.
The fourth beast circled the group, searching for an opening. It snarled, its red eyes locking onto Lin Yue, who was focused on maintaining the barrier.
"Behind you!" Li Feng shouted, moving to intercept.
The Midnight Stalker lunged at Lin Yue, but Li Feng was faster. His spear struck true, impaling the beast mid-air and pinning it to the ground. The creature writhed for a moment before going still.
"Keep your focus," Li Feng said, his voice sharp.
Lin Yue nodded, her face pale. "I'm sorry. I—"
"No time for apologies," Xu Mei interrupted, cutting down her opponent with a final slash. "We've got this."
Zhu Yan finished his fight with a fiery uppercut, leaving the charred body of his foe crumpled at his feet. "Is that all of them?"
Li Feng scanned the area, his Piercing Sight confirming the absence of any remaining threats. "For now."
The group took a moment to catch their breath, the tension slowly easing.
"These things aren't supposed to hunt in packs," Xu Mei said, wiping blood from her blade. "Something's driving them."
"Maybe it's the energy from the Nexus Point," Lin Yue suggested. "It could be agitating the local wildlife."
"Or maybe we're just unlucky," Zhu Yan muttered.
Li Feng remained silent, his mind racing. The beasts were too organized, their movements too coordinated for Tier-1 creatures. It felt like something—or someone—was guiding them.
As they continued their journey, the forest grew even darker. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the faint sound of running water reached their ears.
"We're near a stream," Xu Mei said. "We should refill our water supplies while we have the chance."
The group followed the sound, emerging into a small clearing where a crystal-clear stream cut through the landscape. The sight was almost serene, a brief reprieve from the oppressive forest.
As the others knelt by the stream to drink and fill their canteens, Li Feng's Piercing Sight caught something unusual. A faint trail of energy led away from the water, disappearing into the trees.
"Stay here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"What is it?" Xu Mei asked, standing.
"Not sure," Li Feng replied. "I'm going to check it out."
"I'm coming with you," Xu Mei said, her Mirage Blade already in hand.
Li Feng considered arguing but decided against it. "Fine. Stay close."
The two moved quietly, following the energy trail deeper into the forest. The air grew colder, and the trees seemed to close in around them.
Finally, they reached the source—a small, dilapidated shrine covered in moss and vines. The energy radiating from it was faint but unmistakable.
"What is this place?" Xu Mei asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Li Feng stepped closer, his Abyssal System activating as he placed a hand on the shrine.
[Abyssal Notification: Hidden Nexus Point Detected. Absorb Energy to Gain Abyssal Points.]
'Another Nexus Point,' he thought, though this one was far smaller than the Energy Pillar they had encountered earlier.
"What do you see?" Xu Mei asked, watching him closely.
Li Feng hesitated. "It's… another source of energy. Small, but worth tapping into."
Xu Mei frowned. "Should we call the others?"
Li Feng shook his head. "No. Let's keep this between us for now. We'll need every advantage we can get."
Xu Mei didn't look convinced but nodded. "Fine. Just don't do anything reckless."
Li Feng activated the absorption process, the faint energy flowing into him.
[Absorption Initiated. Abyssal Points Gained: +50.]
It wasn't much, but every bit counted.
As they returned to the group, Xu Mei's expression was thoughtful. Li Feng could tell she was suspicious, but for now, she seemed willing to let it go.
"What did you find?" Zhu Yan asked as they rejoined the others.
"Nothing important," Li Feng replied. "Just an old shrine. Let's keep moving."
The group resumed their journey, the forest growing darker with each step. Li Feng's mind was heavy with questions, but one thing was clear: the deeper they went, the more dangerous things would become.
And he would need every advantage to survive.