The hooded figure moved first, a blur of motion as they lunged forward. Their blade gleamed under the dim forest light, aiming straight for Jian's throat.
But Jian was already in motion.
His instincts, sharpened by the Spirit Core's awakening, guided his movements. He sidestepped effortlessly, the wind carrying whispers of danger before the strike even landed. His sword flashed in response, intercepting the attack.
Clang!
Sparks flew as metal met metal. The force of the impact sent vibrations up Jian's arm, but he adjusted instantly, twisting his blade to break the deadlock. The hooded figure leapt back, boots skidding across the moss-covered ground.
More movement. Jian's sharpened senses picked up the faintest shifts in the shadows—several figures surrounding him, their presence almost undetectable.
They weren't alone.
The first attacker struck from the left, a pair of curved weapons flashing toward Jian's side. Instead of retreating, Jian stepped forward, closing the gap before the strike could gain momentum. He drove his elbow into the attacker's chest, sending them stumbling.
Another opponent followed, wielding a long spear. The weapon thrust toward Jian's midsection, but he twisted his body at the last second, the attack grazing past him. He reacted instantly, knocking the spear aside with his sword and delivering a swift kick to his opponent's leg.
The third opponent was faster, lunging with a short blade—
But the forest was on his side.
Without thinking, Jian reached out with his newfound power.
Spirit Synchronization activated.
The vines beneath his feet stirred, responding to his will. Thick roots shot from the ground, wrapping around the attacker's ankle mid-strike. The sudden bind threw them off balance, and Jian wasted no time disarming them with a precise slash.
His breath was steady. His mind clear. The battle had only begun, but he already understood—he wasn't fighting alone. The Wilds themselves moved with him now.
The hooded figure, still standing, took a slow step back.
"You… That's not just skill," they murmured. "You're something else."
Jian rolled his shoulders, the energy of the Spirit Core thrumming beneath his skin. "And you made the mistake of thinking I was just another challenger."
A small chuckle. "Perhaps. But it's not over yet."
They raised a hand, and a sharp whistle cut through the air.
Jian's senses flared. The earth trembled slightly, the air thickened with tension. Something was coming.
A low, guttural sound rumbled from the trees. Jian's eyes flicked to the treeline as a massive shape emerged—a creature of towering stature, covered in dark fur with glowing amber eyes. Its fangs dripped with thick mist, its claws capable of carving through stone.
[ Nightfang Alpha – Rank: Epic ]
Jian exhaled sharply. They weren't just skilled fighters. They were beast tamers.
The hooded figure smirked. "Let's see how well you fare against the true rulers of the Wilds."
With a flick of their wrist, the beast charged.
Jian reacted instantly, leaping aside just as the Nightfang's claws tore through the ground where he stood. The earth cracked from the force, sending debris flying.
Fast. Powerful. Relentless.
Jian didn't hesitate. He activated Shadow Stride, vanishing from sight just as the beast turned toward him.
He reappeared behind it, sword raised. His blade struck, but the Nightfang twisted unnaturally, dodging mid-motion. Its reflexes were beyond natural. A counterattack came immediately, a massive claw swiping toward him.
Jian barely managed to deflect the blow, skidding back from the force. His arms ached from the impact.
It's stronger than expected.
The hooded figure chuckled. "Still think you don't need our offer?"
Jian exhaled slowly, steadying his stance. Time to stop holding back.
He reached out with his mind, connecting with the Wilds once more. The energy pulsed beneath his feet, responding to his call.
Spirit Synchronization: Full Activation.
The moment the Nightfang lunged again, Jian moved—not just with his own power, but with the flow of nature itself. His body wove through the beast's attacks like a shadow.
His sword struck, precise and deadly. The beast recoiled, its thick fur no longer enough to protect it. The Spirit Core's energy pulsed through Jian, amplifying his strength.
The Nightfang growled, its stance faltering. Jian saw the opening.
He surged forward, blade gleaming with concentrated energy. With a final, decisive strike, he delivered a clean blow. The creature collapsed, the battle over.
Silence filled the forest.
Jian straightened, exhaling as his grip on his sword loosened. His connection to the Wilds remained, stronger than before.
He turned to the hooded figure, his gaze unwavering.
"Your beast is down," he said. "Your team is broken."
The figure stood still. Then, after a moment, they chuckled.
"Impressive," they admitted. "Truly. But this isn't the end, Jian Valen."
Jian's eyes narrowed. They knew his full name.
"Who are you really?"
The figure smirked. "Consider us… interested parties. You'll learn soon enough."
Then, in a blur, they disappeared into the shadows.
Jian remained still, listening to the forest. No further movement. They were gone.
He let out a slow breath.
Whoever they were, they weren't just ordinary challengers. They were watching. Waiting.
And they weren't done with him yet.
Jian glanced at the Spirit Core's glow, still pulsing gently within the ancient tree. His journey was far from over.
If anything, it had only just begun.
End of Chapter 32