The ancient chamber fell silent as Lin Xuan, Yu Mei, and Xu Yan stepped out into the crisp night air. The stars above shone faintly, veiled by thin clouds that drifted like specters across the sky. Lin Xuan glanced back at the concealed entrance, now sealed by the Ashen Sage's magic, a barrier that would hopefully buy them time.
Yu Mei tightened her cloak around her shoulders. "The moment that fragment was awakened, it painted a target on us. Every force in the region will come looking."
Xu Yan scanned their surroundings, his bow slung across his back but ready at a moment's notice. "We should put as much distance as possible between us and this place. That light show back there wasn't exactly subtle."
Lin Xuan nodded, his expression resolute. "We move quickly. The Council won't waste time sending their agents after us."
Without another word, they moved deeper into the forest, their steps silent but swift. The trees loomed around them, their twisted branches reaching like clawed hands toward the heavens. The tension in the air was palpable, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs setting their nerves on edge.
---
Miles Away – The Council's Response
In the hidden chambers beneath Tianlu, the Council of Shadows convened once more. The central projection now displayed a faint, pulsing light—the awakened fragment's location.
"The artifact has bonded with its thief," Harrow said, his voice laced with disdain. He stood before the council, his dark robes blending seamlessly with the shadows that clung to the room. "The trail is fresh. They cannot have gone far."
The leader of the council, shrouded in an aura of impenetrable darkness, spoke. "Harrow, you have failed to retrieve the fragment before its awakening. Do you understand the gravity of this failure?"
Harrow's head bowed slightly, his glowing eyes flickering. "I do, my lord. But this bond is not unbreakable. I will retrieve the artifact and eliminate those who stand in our way."
The leader's voice deepened, resonating like a storm in the distance. "Do not return without the fragment. Should you fail again, there will be no place in the shadows for you."
Harrow straightened, his aura flaring briefly in defiance. "Understood. I will leave immediately."
---
The Forest – A Deadly Encounter
The trio had been moving for hours, their breaths visible in the cooling night air. Lin Xuan's senses were on high alert, the fragment's faint hum in his pouch serving as a constant reminder of the danger they faced.
Yu Mei suddenly held up a hand, her sharp gaze scanning the dense foliage ahead. "We're not alone."
Xu Yan drew his bow, an arrow already notched. "How many?"
"At least three," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "No... five. They're closing in."
Lin Xuan unsheathed his sword, its polished edge catching the faint moonlight. "Spread out. Stay sharp."
The first attack came swiftly—a streak of dark energy hurtling toward Lin Xuan. He sidestepped, the blast tearing into the ground where he had stood. From the shadows emerged figures clad in dark robes, their movements eerily fluid.
"Council assassins," Yu Mei muttered, her daggers flashing as she leapt into action.
The forest erupted into chaos. Lin Xuan parried a strike aimed at his chest, his sword sparking against the assassin's curved blade. The assassin moved with unnatural speed, their strikes precise and relentless.
Yu Mei darted between two opponents, her agility and precision unmatched. She feinted left, her dagger plunging into the side of one assassin before twisting away to avoid a retaliatory strike.
Xu Yan provided cover from a distance, his arrows streaking through the darkness with deadly accuracy. He aimed for weak points—throats, joints, and eyes—his shots landing with devastating effect.
But the assassins were skilled, their coordination seamless. For every one they struck down, another appeared from the shadows, their presence like a never-ending tide.
Lin Xuan growled, his grip tightening on his sword. He could feel the fragment's energy resonating within him, a potent force waiting to be unleashed. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much control he truly had over it.
"Lin Xuan!" Yu Mei shouted, her back against his. "Whatever you're holding back, now's the time!"
He took a deep breath, centering himself. The golden markings on his arm began to glow faintly, the fragment's power responding to his will. With a single swing, his blade released a crescent of energy that tore through the nearest assassin, scattering the others.
The clearing fell silent for a moment, the surviving assassins regrouping at the edge of the trees. From their midst, a new figure stepped forward—Harrow.
"Impressive," Harrow said, his voice calm yet menacing. "You've bonded with the fragment faster than I anticipated. But do you truly understand the power you wield?"
Lin Xuan raised his sword, his eyes locked on Harrow. "I understand enough to know I won't hand it over."
Harrow chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "Brave words for someone so inexperienced. Let's see how long that courage lasts."
The ground beneath them trembled as Harrow raised his hand, dark tendrils of energy snaking out toward Lin Xuan. Yu Mei and Xu Yan moved to intercept, but Harrow's aura flared, forcing them back.
"You'll face me alone," Harrow declared, his eyes glowing brighter. "Let's see if you're worthy of the fragment's power."
Lin Xuan stepped forward, his expression unflinching. The fragment's energy surged through him, the golden markings on his skin glowing brighter.
"I don't need to be worthy," he said, his voice steady. "I just need to stop you."
The two clashed, their energies colliding in a burst of light and shadow that lit up the forest. The battle for the fragment—and their survival—had truly begun.