The morning air was crisp, and the golden light of dawn bathed the rugged terrain as Lin Xuan and his group moved further from the temple. The silence among them was thick, each person lost in their thoughts. The Shard of Night now rested in Yun Xi's satchel, its faint pulsing no longer a beacon of raw power but a reminder of the battle they had just survived.
Lin Xuan scanned the surroundings, his senses sharp. "We need to reach higher ground and assess our next steps. Staying in the open is dangerous."
Xiao Lan nodded, her spear slung across her back. "Agreed. If that shadow was drawn to the shard, we can assume other entities will be too. We can't afford another ambush."
Fang Yun walked slightly ahead, his bow resting in his hand but ready at a moment's notice. "I've spotted a ridge to the northeast. It'll give us a clear view of the area and some cover."
Yun Xi, still pale from the exertion of wielding the shard's energy, glanced at Lin Xuan. "The shard's presence isn't just dangerous because of external threats. Its energy… it's overwhelming. It feels like it's trying to sink into my soul."
Lin Xuan's expression darkened. "We'll figure out a way to contain its influence. For now, focus on regaining your strength."
As they ascended the ridge, the terrain grew steeper, with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. The journey was slow, each step a careful negotiation with the uneven ground. When they finally reached the top, the group paused to catch their breath.
From the ridge, the view stretched far and wide. Rolling hills and dense forests spread across the horizon, with the faint outline of a distant mountain range to the west. Smoke spiraled lazily from a cluster of villages below, and the faint sound of a river reached their ears.
Fang Yun crouched, scanning the area through a small telescope. "There's a village about two leagues southeast. It's small, probably untouched by the events in the temple. We could rest there, resupply if needed."
Lin Xuan considered it for a moment. "We'll move carefully. If the shard's energy attracts attention, we can't risk bringing danger to the villagers."
Xiao Lan frowned, her eyes scanning the forest below. "Do you think anyone from the temple survived? Those mercenaries… they were ruthless, but some might have escaped when the shadow appeared."
Yun Xi tightened her grip on her staff. "If they did, they'll be looking for us. They wouldn't let go of a treasure like the shard."
Lin Xuan's jaw clenched. "Then we'll need to be ready for them. Fang Yun, lead the way. Stay alert."
The group descended the ridge, their movements swift but cautious. The forest grew thicker as they approached the village, the canopy above filtering sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. The air smelled of pine and earth, but beneath it lingered a faint unease, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Yun Xi stumbled slightly, catching herself on a tree. Lin Xuan was by her side in an instant, his hand steadying her. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice lacked conviction. "The shard's energy… it's not something I can block out completely. It's like a whisper in the back of my mind, constant and unrelenting."
Lin Xuan's gaze softened for a moment. "We'll find a way to deal with it. You're not carrying this burden alone."
As they pressed on, the faint sounds of the village grew clearer—voices, the clatter of tools, and the occasional bark of a dog. The sight of smoke rising from chimneys and children playing near the edge of the forest was a welcome relief after the tension of the past days.
Fang Yun held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. "We should approach carefully. No need to alarm the villagers."
The group stepped out of the forest cautiously, their weapons sheathed but within easy reach. A few villagers noticed them and paused their work, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. An elderly man approached, his gait slow but steady, leaning on a wooden cane.
"Travelers?" the man asked, his voice rough but kind. "It's rare to see strangers around these parts. What brings you to our humble village?"
Lin Xuan stepped forward, his tone respectful. "We're passing through on our way to the mountains. We mean no harm and seek only rest and supplies."
The old man studied them for a moment before nodding. "You're welcome here, but tread lightly. We've had trouble recently—strange disappearances, whispers in the forest. Folk are on edge."
Yun Xi exchanged a glance with Lin Xuan. "Disappearing villagers… Could it be connected to the shard?"
"Possibly," Lin Xuan murmured, his voice low. "We'll need to investigate carefully."
The group was led to a small inn at the center of the village, its wooden exterior worn but sturdy. Inside, the innkeeper—a stout woman with sharp eyes—welcomed them with a warm meal and a place to rest.
As they sat around the table, eating in silence, Lin Xuan spoke, his voice firm but quiet. "We'll split up tomorrow. Fang Yun and Xiao Lan, scout the forest and look for signs of these disappearances. Yun Xi and I will stay here to gather information from the villagers. We need to know if this is random or something more."
Fang Yun nodded. "Understood. If there's anything unusual out there, we'll find it."
Xiao Lan tapped her spear against the floor lightly. "And if there's trouble, we'll handle it."
Lin Xuan's eyes lingered on the shard for a moment, its faint glow visible through Yun Xi's satchel. "Whatever's happening here, we can't stay long. The shard is a danger to everyone around us. We need to keep moving—but not before ensuring we leave this place safe."
The group exchanged determined glances, their resolve unwavering. Outside, the village settled into the quiet of the evening, but the shadows of the forest loomed ever closer, as if watching and waiting.