The creature emerging from the shattered monolith was unlike anything Lin Xuan and his companions had ever faced. It towered above them, its form a chaotic mass of shadows that writhed and twisted, as if it struggled to contain its own existence. Its eyes glowed with an intense, baleful crimson, and its presence radiated malice so thick it was almost suffocating.
The forest, once vibrant, was now shrouded in oppressive darkness. Trees withered and crumbled as the creature's energy spread, turning the ground beneath it to ash.
"What is that thing?" Li Fengxian growled, gripping his spear tightly.
Yu Mei's voice was taut with urgency. "It's an Abyssal Guardian. A creature bound to protect ancient seals… or to destroy everything once the seal breaks."
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. The Abyssal Guardian's energy was unlike anything he had encountered before—a chaotic mixture of destructive force and ancient power. The creature's movements were slow but deliberate, as though it was testing its newfound freedom.
"We can't let it spread this corruption any further," Lin Xuan said, his tone resolute. He raised his sword, its ethereal light piercing through the darkness. "We end it here."
The Abyssal Guardian let out a guttural roar, its voice a blend of rage and agony that shook the very air. Tendrils of shadow lashed out in all directions, tearing through the forest like living weapons.
Lin Xuan reacted swiftly, his sword cutting through the tendrils with precise, fluid strikes. Each swing of his blade left behind a trail of light that momentarily pushed back the darkness.
Yu Mei darted around the battlefield, her daggers gleaming as she targeted the creature's exposed flanks. Her movements were almost impossible to follow, her agility allowing her to evade the Guardian's counterattacks with ease.
Li Fengxian charged head-on, his spear glowing with golden energy. With a powerful thrust, he aimed for the creature's core, but the Abyssal Guardian retaliated, swiping at him with a massive claw.
"Careful!" Yu Mei shouted as she leaped to deflect a shadow tendril aimed at Li Fengxian's back.
"Thanks!" Li Fengxian grunted, adjusting his stance. "This thing's tougher than it looks."
The Guardian's power was relentless, and every strike it unleashed seemed to grow stronger. Lin Xuan realized they couldn't rely on brute force alone.
"We need to find its weakness," he called out. "Focus on the core—it's the source of its energy!"
Yu Mei nodded, her eyes narrowing as she observed the creature's movements. "The core is protected by that swirling mass of shadows. We need to break through it first."
Lin Xuan's mind raced as he devised a plan. "Li Fengxian, keep its attention. Yu Mei, look for an opening. I'll handle the shadows."
Li Fengxian roared in agreement, his spear spinning in a dazzling display of light as he charged at the Guardian. His strikes were bold and relentless, forcing the creature to focus on him.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan drew upon his spiritual energy, channeling it into his sword. The blade began to glow brighter, radiating a sharp, cutting aura that seemed to hum with life. With a powerful slash, he unleashed a wave of energy that tore through the shadows surrounding the core.
"Now!" Lin Xuan shouted.
Yu Mei seized the opportunity, her daggers flashing as she struck at the exposed core. Her attack was precise, landing directly on the glowing center of the creature's chest. The Abyssal Guardian howled in pain, its body convulsing as cracks appeared along its shadowy form.
But the victory was short-lived. The Guardian retaliated with a surge of dark energy, sending Yu Mei flying. She hit the ground hard, her breath knocked out of her.
"Yu Mei!" Lin Xuan called out, rushing to her side.
She waved him off, her voice strained but determined. "I'm fine. Just… finish it."
Lin Xuan turned back to the Guardian, his resolve hardening. The creature was visibly weakened, its movements more erratic, but it was far from defeated.
Drawing upon every ounce of his strength, Lin Xuan advanced. His sword seemed to resonate with his will, its light growing even brighter. He leaped into the air, dodging the Guardian's desperate attacks, and brought his blade down in a powerful strike aimed directly at the core.
The impact was explosive. Light clashed with shadow in a blinding display, and the Abyssal Guardian let out a final, ear-piercing scream. Its body dissolved into a cascade of dark energy, which dissipated into the air.
The forest fell silent. The oppressive darkness lifted, and the air became lighter.
Lin Xuan lowered his sword, his chest heaving with exertion. He turned to his companions, relief washing over him as he saw them standing.
"Is it over?" Li Fengxian asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
Yu Mei, still catching her breath, nodded. "For now. But whatever this seal was protecting, it's gone now. We need to find out what was really behind it."
The trio regrouped, their gazes turning to the remains of the shattered monolith. Among the rubble, a faint glow caught Lin Xuan's attention. He knelt down and retrieved a small, crystalline shard.
As he held it, a strange warmth spread through his hand, accompanied by a faint whisper that seemed to echo in his mind.
"What is that?" Yu Mei asked, her eyes narrowing.
Lin Xuan studied the shard, his expression unreadable. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it's important."
The shard pulsed faintly, its light flickering like a dying ember. Lin Xuan could feel a connection to it, as though it were calling to him.
"We should leave," Yu Mei said. "The Shadow Abyss Sect won't let this go unnoticed. And we need answers."
Lin Xuan nodded, tucking the shard into his robes. "Let's move. This is just the beginning."
As the trio disappeared into the forest, the remnants of the monolith continued to smolder, a silent reminder of the battle that had just unfolded—and the greater challenges yet to come.