The cold night air carried an eerie silence as the oppressive aura from Harrow seemed to darken the clearing. The tension was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity. Lin Xuan's sword hummed faintly in response to the threat, the energy within it resonating with his steely resolve.
Harrow's lips curled into a cold smile beneath his hood. "Such defiance… amusing. But I must warn you: bravery without strength is meaningless."
Without another word, Harrow raised his hand, summoning an ominous black mist that spread across the clearing like a living entity. The mist twisted and writhed, forming shadowy tendrils that slithered toward Lin Xuan and his companions.
Lin Xuan moved first, his sword cutting through the encroaching darkness with a sharp clang. The mist recoiled, but only for a moment. Harrow's magic was unlike anything they had faced before—alive, adaptive, and relentless.
"Stay close!" Lin Xuan barked, his gaze darting to Yu Mei and Xu Yan.
Yu Mei's daggers glinted as she dashed to the side, her movements precise and fluid. Each swing dissipated a portion of the mist, though the effort was clearly taxing her. "This isn't ordinary dark energy," she muttered, beads of sweat forming on her brow.
Xu Yan, still positioned at the rear, loosed arrow after arrow. Each shot carried an explosive force, dispersing the tendrils momentarily. "This guy's controlling it like it's part of him!" he shouted, frustration creeping into his voice.
Harrow laughed, the sound cold and mocking. "You're perceptive, archer. My shadows are born of my essence. Destroy them, and I'll simply create more. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink into despair."
Lin Xuan gritted his teeth. The mist was closing in again, faster and more coordinated this time. He adjusted his stance, channeling his energy into his sword. With a powerful slash, he unleashed a wave of brilliant light, carving a temporary safe zone around them.
"You're clever," Harrow said, his tone laced with mock admiration. "But cleverness alone won't save you." He raised both hands, and the shadows surged upward, forming massive, writhing constructs—hulking beasts with glowing red eyes.
Yu Mei cursed under her breath. "As if the hounds weren't enough…"
Lin Xuan's mind raced. These constructs were larger and more resilient than the previous foes. Conventional attacks would only buy them time. "We need to disrupt his control over the shadows," he said, glancing at Yu Mei.
She nodded, catching on immediately. "Got it. Xu Yan, keep those things off us. Lin Xuan and I will handle Harrow."
"Easy for you to say," Xu Yan muttered, already notching another arrow.
Yu Mei moved swiftly, her daggers carving a path through the mist as she darted toward Harrow. Lin Xuan followed close behind, his sword glowing brighter with each step. Harrow's constructs lunged to intercept them, but Xu Yan's arrows found their marks, slowing the beasts just enough.
As Yu Mei closed the gap, Harrow's calm demeanor finally faltered. He extended a hand, conjuring a barrier of pure darkness. But Yu Mei's daggers, imbued with a sharp, crackling energy, pierced through it like paper.
"You underestimate us," she hissed, her strikes forcing Harrow to retreat.
Lin Xuan seized the opportunity. He channeled all his energy into a single, decisive blow. His sword shone like a star as it descended, shattering the remaining barrier and slashing across Harrow's chest.
Harrow staggered back, his form flickering like a dying flame. But instead of fear, his face twisted into a sinister grin. "Impressive… You've forced my hand."
Before Lin Xuan could react, Harrow slammed his palms together, causing the shadows around them to explode outward. The force threw the trio back, leaving them disoriented and vulnerable.
When the dust settled, Harrow was gone. The clearing was silent once more, save for the faint rustling of leaves.
"Coward," Yu Mei spat, picking herself up.
Lin Xuan's grip tightened on his sword. Harrow's parting words echoed in his mind: "You've made an enemy of the Council of Shadows. They will come for you… and they will not fail as I did."