The Death Valley of Corpses
The story begins in the ominous *Death Valley of Corpses*, a jungle cloaked in dense red and black mist, emanating a strong stench of blood. Xiao Tian walks cautiously through the eerie terrain, his eyes darting to every shadow. His only guide is Hang Fang—a soul bound to him, invisible to the living, yet tethered to Xiao Tian's spirit.
"Hang Fang, why are we here?" Xiao Tian whispers, his voice filled with unease. "This place… it feels cursed. Are you sure about this?"
Hang Fang's disembodied voice echoes in Xiao Tian's mind, cold and commanding. *"Enough questions, Xiao Tian. If you want to survive and grow stronger, you must follow my instructions. No hesitation."*
Xiao Tian hesitates but nods reluctantly. He knows he has no choice but to trust Hang Fang, whose knowledge of ancient techniques and forbidden places has been his only guide since the day they became bound.
Hang Fang's voice sharpens. *"To your left. That's where the Evil Void Snake is resting. This is your chance to prove yourself. Follow my lead, and don't falter."*
The Hunt Begins
Xiao Tian approaches the serpent's lair, his heart pounding. The Evil Void Snake lies coiled amidst the mist, its massive body glistening with black scales and its glowing green eyes radiating malice.
*"Listen carefully,"* Hang Fang instructs. *"Use the *Smoke Path* to close in silently. When I give the signal, attack with all your strength. I'll guide your strikes."*
Xiao Tian takes a deep breath and activates *Smoke Path*, his body becoming a shadowy blur as he moves toward the snake. Hang Fang's voice remains steady in his mind, guiding his every step.
*"Now! Strike its underbelly—it's the weakest point!"* Hang Fang commands.
Xiao Tian obeys, delivering a powerful blow that sends the snake writhing in pain. But just as he prepares to land another attack, the serpent retaliates with blinding speed, its fangs sinking into Xiao Tian's shoulder. The venom burns through his veins, and he collapses to the ground.
"Hang Fang… help me," Xiao Tian whispers, his vision fading.
*"Get up!"* Hang Fang's voice roars in his mind. *"The fight isn't over. You can't die here!"*
Summoning his remaining strength, Xiao Tian activates *Smoke Path* again, dodging the snake's next strike. The serpent retreats, creating a poisonous cloud to obscure its escape.
Into the Void
As the snake slithers into a hidden void portal, Xiao Tian hesitates.
*"Follow it!"* Hang Fang commands. *"That portal leads to the void—a realm where its power is strongest. If you don't stop it now, you'll never have another chance."*
With no time to think, Xiao Tian charges into the portal, finding himself in a twisted, nightmarish realm. The void is filled with shifting shadows and an oppressive silence, broken only by the snake's hisses.
Hang Fang's voice is calm but urgent. *"This is where you prove your worth, Xiao Tian. Use the *Soul Devour* technique I taught you. Strike before it can recover."*
Xiao Tian channels the technique, his hands glowing with dark energy. He lunges at the serpent, delivering a series of devastating blows. The snake screeches, its massive body convulsing.
But the void itself seems to react, as if protecting the snake. Dark tendrils emerge from the shadows, lashing out at Xiao Tian.
*"Dodge! Stay focused!"* Hang Fang shouts.
Xiao Tian narrowly evades the tendrils, his body moving on instinct guided by Hang Fang's voice. With one final, desperate strike, he pierces the snake's heart, killing it.
The Mysterious Corpse
As the serpent's body disintegrates, Xiao Tian notices something glinting in the void—a tattered map and a strange corpse. The corpse appears fresh, yet its flesh is unnaturally decayed.
"What is this?" Xiao Tian murmurs, approaching cautiously.
*"That map holds the key to your next trial,"* Hang Fang explains. *"Take it. And that corpse… it's no ordinary body. Be careful."*
Xiao Tian reaches for the ring on the corpse's finger, but the moment he touches it, the ring begins to glow with an eerie red and green light. The corpse suddenly jerks upright, its hollow eyes glowing with malevolent energy.
"You dare disturb me?" the corpse growls, its voice deep and otherworldly.