Chen Shanyi's footsteps were like sand blowing in the wind—swift and determined. Her heartbeat gradually synchronized with the rhythm of the desolate wilderness, and her breathing became more rapid. The shadow beast behind her was drawing closer, its massive strides shaking the ground with every step, each one like a thunderous strike, reverberating in her ears. She could feel its intense murderous intent, as though every hair on her body was warning her to escape, or she would become its prey.
The figure of the shadow beast grew clearer, its black fur resembling the pitch-black night sky, shimmering with a strange glow. Its eyes were like blood-red lanterns, emanating an evil and hungry light. With every step it took, the dust on the ground was swept up, like a ruthless storm.
Chen Shanyi's heart tightened, but she didn't slow down. She knew that the only way to survive against this formidable foe was to push herself to the limit and find any chance for escape.
She glanced back and saw the shadow beast was only a few dozen steps away. Her body was almost at its breaking point, but she still dared not slow her pace. The ruins ahead seemed to be her only refuge. She gritted her teeth and forced herself not to think about the fear or the monstrous creature about to pounce on her.
Her eyes narrowed, and she quickly turned toward a nearby abandoned building. She understood that, although the building was dilapidated, it might offer a place to hide temporarily. She swiftly crossed a patch of overgrown grass, leapt over a large stone, and almost instinctively ran toward the structure.
Just as she was about to reach it, the low growl of the shadow beast grew louder, and the vibrations of the ground became more intense. Chen Shanyi's heart tightened, and she abruptly accelerated, finally crashing into the ruined building.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, a massive crash echoed from behind. The shadow beast had slammed into the building's wall. The entire structure trembled violently, dust filling the air, and the impact nearly caused Chen Shanyi's eardrums to ring with pain. Without hesitation, she turned and quickly made her way deeper into the building, passing through a dark corridor until she reached a broken wooden door.
She pushed the door open and entered a dilapidated room. The air inside was thick with dust and decay, almost suffocating in its heaviness. The walls were cracked and worn, and a single window let in a faint sliver of light. She paused, quickly surveying her surroundings.
She knew that this was not a safe haven. The shadow beast's attack would only grow more ferocious, and she had to find a way to escape.
Suddenly, she heard a faint sound of footsteps. The sound was light yet steady, as if signaling some impending danger. Her heart skipped a beat, and her body tensed. She held her breath, pressing her ear against the wall to try and discern the source of the noise.
After a moment, the sound grew closer. Just as she was about to react, a deep voice came from the corner of the room: "You've finally arrived."
Chen Shanyi spun around, only to see a figure standing by the window, back turned, silently gazing out at the wilderness. The figure was dressed in a black robe, exuding an air of mystery and coldness, as if they were a part of the desolate landscape itself.
"Who are you?" Chen Shanyi couldn't help but ask, her voice tinged with caution.
The figure smiled faintly, turning to face her and revealing a sharp yet unfamiliar face. There was a hint of complex emotion in his eyes, but more than that, there was an unmistakable sense of threat: "I know you're searching for answers, Chen Shanyi. And you've already become entangled in a much more dangerous situation than you can imagine."
Chen Shanyi's heart skipped a beat. She now realized that this person was no ordinary being but was somehow tied to the wilderness. Who was he? What was his connection to her father?
"You know about my father?" She couldn't help but ask, her voice urgent.
The figure nodded slightly, his gaze deepening: "I know your father's secret, but you must endure more trials to find the true answer." He paused for a moment, staring intently at Chen Shanyi. "What you seek is not just about your father; there is a greater secret that concerns the fate of the entire world."
Chen Shanyi's heart trembled. The implications of his words made her inhale sharply. She had never considered that this trial was not only about unraveling the mystery of her father but also something that affected the broader world. A strong impulse surged within her—she had to uncover this secret, no matter the cost.
"If you want the answers, you must face the trials and overcome every obstacle," the figure said calmly, his voice devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
"I'm ready," Chen Shanyi said firmly, her eyes gleaming with determination.
The figure smiled faintly and turned toward the door: "Remember, the trial has only just begun."
As his figure disappeared through the doorway, Chen Shanyi's heart was filled with complex emotions. She knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but there was no turning back. She had made her decision: no matter the trials she faced, she would press forward until all the truths were revealed.