The canyon grew darker as Tang Xiu and Lei Xian pressed forward. The mist swirled around them like ghostly tendrils, but neither dared to stop. Their footsteps echoed faintly, the silence heavy with unease.
Lei Xian wiped his forehead, his grip on his sword firm. "That spirit back there—what did it mean by a buried power? Is there really something dangerous hidden in these hills?"
Tang Xiu's gaze remained fixed ahead. "If there wasn't, no one would bother setting up formations like that. Someone wants to keep whatever is hidden here a secret, and they're willing to kill to protect it."
Lei Xian muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "I didn't sign up to fight ancient spirits, you know. I just wanted to settle the score with the Bai family."
Tang Xiu's lips twitched, but his expression didn't soften. "Your revenge will have to wait. Right now, survival comes first."
They reached a sharp bend in the canyon, the walls narrowing so much that they had to move single file. The air felt heavier here, the oppressive energy thickening with each step.
Tang Xiu suddenly stopped, holding up a hand. Lei Xian froze behind him, his heart pounding.
"What is it now?" Lei Xian whispered.
Tang Xiu crouched down, brushing his fingers across the rocky ground. "Footprints. Fresh ones."
Lei Xian's eyes widened. "Someone else is here?"
Tang Xiu nodded, his expression dark. "And they're not far ahead. Stay quiet."
The two moved cautiously, their footsteps as silent as possible. The footprints led them to a wider area, where the mist thinned just enough to reveal several figures standing near a cliffside.
Tang Xiu motioned for Lei Xian to stay low as they crept closer. Hiding behind a boulder, they watched the group in silence.
There were five of them, all dressed in black robes with crimson patterns that resembled flames. They surrounded a stone door embedded in the cliff, its surface covered in glowing runes.
"Cultivators," Tang Xiu muttered under his breath.
Lei Xian frowned. "Cultivators? But I thought this world didn't have any real ones."
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "They're not true cultivators—not like those in the Immortal World. But these people have found ways to mimic cultivation, using techniques and tools passed down from ancient times."
The leader of the group, a tall man with a scar across his face, raised his hand. "Begin the chant. The master's orders are clear—we must unseal the gate before dawn."
The others nodded, forming a circle around the door. They began chanting in unison, their voices low and guttural. The runes on the door pulsed with energy, growing brighter with each word.
Tang Xiu's expression darkened. "They're trying to open something they don't understand. Fools."
Lei Xian shifted uneasily. "What do we do? Attack them?"
Tang Xiu considered it, but shook his head. "Not yet. We don't know how strong they are, and I'd rather not fight without understanding their abilities. Let's see what happens first."
The chanting grew louder, the runes on the door glowing like molten fire. The air around the cliff crackled with energy, sending chills down Lei Xian's spine.
Then, with a deafening rumble, the stone door began to move. It slid open slowly, revealing a dark passageway that seemed to stretch into nothingness.
The leader stepped forward, his scarred face twisted into a satisfied grin. "The gate to the ancient vault has opened. The master will be pleased."
Tang Xiu's eyes gleamed with interest. "An ancient vault… So that's what they were protecting."
Before anyone could move, a sudden roar echoed from the passageway. It was deep and primal, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The cultivators froze, their expressions turning to fear.
"What was that?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling.
The leader's confidence wavered, but he barked an order. "Stay calm! Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. Prepare your weapons!"
Tang Xiu's lips curled into a faint smirk. "They've unleashed something they can't control. Typical."
Lei Xian glanced at him, his voice low. "Are we just going to sit here? If whatever's in there comes after us—"
"We wait," Tang Xiu said firmly. "Let them handle the consequences of their stupidity first. If they fail, we'll step in."
The roar grew louder, and a massive shadow emerged from the darkness of the passageway. It was a creature unlike anything Lei Xian had ever seen—its body covered in black scales that shimmered like metal, its glowing red eyes burning with fury.
The cultivators panicked, their formation breaking as the beast lunged at them. Its claws slashed through the air, sending two of them flying before they could react.
"Formation! Get into formation!" the leader shouted, but it was too late. The beast was too fast, too powerful.
Tang Xiu watched the chaos unfold, his mind analyzing the creature's movements. "A Shadow Devourer," he murmured. "No wonder it was sealed. This thing can absorb spiritual energy and grow stronger with each kill."
Lei Xian paled. "You've got to be kidding me. That thing's a monster!"
Tang Xiu stood, his staff glowing faintly as he stepped out from behind the boulder. "Stay here. I'll handle this."
Lei Xian grabbed his arm. "Wait! Are you seriously going to fight that thing alone?"
Tang Xiu's gaze was calm but firm. "If I don't, it'll kill everyone here—including us. Stay back and watch."
Before Lei Xian could argue, Tang Xiu strode toward the battlefield, his presence radiating an aura of unshakable confidence.
The cultivators barely noticed him, too focused on the beast tearing through their ranks. But the Shadow Devourer did. It turned its glowing eyes on Tang Xiu, snarling as if recognizing a threat.
Tang Xiu raised his staff, his voice steady and cold. "You've been sealed for centuries, feeding on scraps of power. But now you face me. Let's see if you can handle it."
The beast roared, charging at him with terrifying speed. Tang Xiu stood his ground, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Let's begin."