The air in the divine forest felt charged with tension as the group ventured deeper toward the next trial site. The trees were massive, their golden leaves radiating a faint divine glow, but the serene beauty did little to ease the unease lingering in Xiao Tian's heart.
"Something feels... off," he said, his voice low but commanding.
Ling'er's icy aura flared slightly, her instincts also on edge. "You're right. The air feels heavier here, like we're being watched."
Unbeknownst to the group, a pair of eyes watched from the shadows. Perched on a tree branch, hidden by layers of divine concealment, Feng Yue, a former goddess of deception and intrigue, observed with a smirk.
"They've made it farther than I expected," she mused, her delicate fingers brushing against the hilt of a dagger glowing with dark energy. "But let's see how long they last once my plan unfolds."
---
A Sudden Ambush
As the group approached a clearing, the forest came alive. The trees twisted unnaturally, their branches forming sharp spears aimed at the intruders. Shadowy figures emerged from the ground—creatures crafted from corrupted divine energy.
"Prepare yourselves!" Xiao Tian shouted, his Celestial Dragon aura flaring.
The group sprang into action. Ling'er summoned a blizzard, freezing the incoming spears in mid-air. Renxue's Holy Flame Spear burst into golden light, striking down the shadow creatures with precision. Mei Lan conjured fiery phoenixes that swept across the battlefield, incinerating enemies in waves.
Zhao Yue remained calm, her Shadow Illusion Domain enveloping the area, disorienting the attackers.
"This is coordinated," Zhao Yue said, her violet eyes narrowing. "Someone is controlling them."
Xiao Tian nodded. "Whoever it is, they're close."
---
Feng Yue Reveals Herself
From the edge of the clearing, Feng Yue stepped out, her figure shrouded in a faint purple mist. Her appearance was striking—long silver hair that shimmered like moonlight, deep amethyst eyes, and a mischievous smile that hinted at her cunning nature.
"Impressive," she said, clapping slowly. "You handled my little test quite well."
Renxue stepped forward, her spear raised. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
Feng Yue chuckled, her voice smooth and melodic. "Oh, I'm no one of consequence. Just someone curious about the group that's been shaking up the God Realm."
"Enough games," Xiao Tian said, his tone firm. "If you're here to fight, then fight. If not, leave."
Feng Yue's smile widened. "Bold and straightforward. I like that. But no, I'm not here to fight—at least, not yet."
She began to circle the group, her presence unsettling. "I merely wanted to see your capabilities. After all, the Shadow God isn't the only one interested in you."
Zhao Yue's eyes narrowed. "You're working with him?"
Feng Yue stopped, tilting her head as if considering the question. "Let's just say we share... mutual interests. But don't worry, I prefer to keep my options open."
---
A New Offer
Xiao Tian tightened his grip on his weapon, his instincts warning him not to trust her. "What do you want from us?"
Feng Yue's gaze locked onto his, her expression turning serious. "I want to offer you a choice. Align with me, and I'll ensure the Shadow God doesn't get what he wants. Refuse, and... well, let's just say your path will become much more difficult."
The group exchanged wary glances. Mei Lan's fiery aura flared as she stepped closer to Xiao Tian. "She's dangerous. We can't trust her."
Renxue nodded in agreement. "Whatever she's planning, it's not in our favor."
Xiao Tian took a deep breath, meeting Feng Yue's gaze without fear. "We don't need your help. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together."
Feng Yue sighed dramatically. "Pity. I had hoped you'd be smarter than that. But I suppose I'll just have to watch and see how long your resolve lasts."
She turned, fading into the mist as her voice echoed behind her. "We'll meet again, Xiao Tian. Try not to disappoint me."
---
Aftermath
As the clearing returned to normal, the group regrouped, the tension still thick in the air.
"Who was that woman?" Ling'er asked, her icy demeanor barely hiding her concern.
"A manipulator," Zhao Yue said, her voice cold. "She thrives on deception and chaos. We need to be careful."
Xiao Tian nodded, his expression serious. "She's dangerous, but she revealed something important. The Shadow God isn't the only threat we face."
Mei Lan crossed her arms, her fiery aura flickering. "We'll handle her if she shows up again. For now, we focus on the trials ahead."
Renxue placed a reassuring hand on Xiao Tian's shoulder. "We're with you, no matter what."
The system chimed:
---
[New Threat Identified: Feng Yue – Goddess of Deception]
[Harem Bond Update: Group Unity – 90% (Stronger Resolve)]
---
With the group's determination renewed, they pressed on, knowing the trials ahead would only grow more dangerous.