The dense forest gave way to a jagged mountain range, its peaks piercing the clouds. The air grew thin and sharp, carrying a chill that bit through their clothes. Lin Xuan and his companions stood at the base, the looming expanse of stone and mist casting long shadows over their faces.
The shard in Lin Xuan's hand pulsed faintly, its glow dimmer than before. It seemed almost hesitant, as if wary of the trials that awaited them in the mountains.
"So this is the next step?" Xu Yan asked, his breath visible in the frigid air. "I can't say I'm thrilled about climbing a mountain after that forest ordeal."
Yu Mei adjusted the cloak around her shoulders, her expression calm but alert. "Complaining won't make it easier. If the shard points this way, then this is where we go."
Li Fengxian smirked, hefting his spear. "A little cold won't kill us. Let's move."
---
They began their ascent, the path narrow and treacherous. Loose stones shifted beneath their feet, and the sound of falling rocks echoed ominously in the distance. The higher they climbed, the stronger the wind became, howling like a beast through the crags.
Lin Xuan walked at the front, his eyes scanning the path ahead. The shard pulsed rhythmically, its light flickering with each step. He could feel something—an oppressive presence that seemed to watch them from the shadows of the peaks.
"We're being followed," Lin Xuan said quietly, his voice barely carrying over the wind.
Yu Mei's eyes narrowed as she glanced behind them. "How many?"
Lin Xuan shook his head. "I can't tell. They're keeping their distance, but they're not ordinary beasts."
---
The group pressed on, the tension mounting with every step. The path led them to a narrow ledge overlooking a deep ravine. Below, a river of mist swirled like a living thing, its surface rippling with unnatural patterns.
As they crossed, a sudden roar shattered the silence. From the mist below, a massive creature emerged—a winged beast with scales that shimmered like molten silver. Its eyes glowed with malevolence, and its talons carved deep gouges into the cliffside as it climbed toward them.
"What is that thing?" Xu Yan shouted, drawing his sword.
"A mountain guardian," Lin Xuan replied, his tone grim. "It's testing us."
The creature lunged, its wings beating with enough force to send rocks tumbling down the ravine. Li Fengxian met it head-on, his spear striking its claw. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but the beast barely flinched.
"This thing's tough!" Li Fengxian growled, dodging a swipe from the creature's tail.
Yu Mei darted around its flank, her daggers flashing in the dim light. She aimed for its joints, but her blades skittered off its scales. "Its defense is insane! We need to find a weak point!"
---
Lin Xuan focused on the shard, its glow intensifying as he channeled his energy into it. The shard resonated with the mountain's aura, revealing faint traces of energy flowing through the creature's body.
"Its heart!" Lin Xuan shouted. "Aim for the glowing spot beneath its chest!"
The others nodded, adjusting their attacks. Li Fengxian launched a powerful thrust at the creature's chest, but the beast twisted at the last moment, deflecting the blow with its wing.
Xu Yan stepped forward, his sword blazing with energy. "I'll create an opening!" He slashed at the creature's wing, forcing it to shift its stance and expose its chest.
Yu Mei seized the opportunity, hurling one of her daggers with pinpoint accuracy. The blade struck the glowing spot beneath the creature's chest, and the beast let out a deafening roar.
---
The guardian staggered, its movements becoming erratic. Lin Xuan didn't hesitate—he leaped onto its back, the shard glowing brightly in his hand. Plunging the shard into the creature's body, he poured his energy into it, overwhelming the guardian's defenses.
The beast let out one final roar before collapsing, its body dissolving into streams of light that flowed into the shard. The mountain trembled, and a deep voice echoed in their minds.
"You have proven your resolve. Continue your journey, but know that greater challenges await."
---
The group stood in silence as the mountain steadied, their breaths heavy from the battle.
"That was... intense," Xu Yan muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Yu Mei retrieved her dagger, her expression thoughtful. "The trials are getting harder. We'll need to be even more prepared moving forward."
Lin Xuan examined the shard, its light now steady and strong. "The shard's power is growing, but so are the dangers. We're being pushed to our limits for a reason."
Li Fengxian grinned, despite the exhaustion on his face. "Good. I'd be disappointed if it was easy."
---
They resumed their climb, the air growing colder and thinner. The shard guided them higher, its light cutting through the mist that shrouded the peaks.
As they reached a plateau, they saw a massive stone gate carved into the mountain. Strange symbols glowed faintly on its surface, and the shard's pulses quickened in response.
"This is the next trial," Lin Xuan said, his voice filled with determination. "Whatever lies beyond this gate, we'll face it together."
The group stepped forward, their resolve unwavering as they prepared to face the unknown challenges that awaited them.