The Shadowfall Forest loomed ahead like a silent predator, its twisted trees clawing at the sky. A faint mist clung to the ground, and the air carried a heavy stillness that set Lei Tian on edge. He stood at the forest's edge alongside Lin Yue and another disciple, **Qin Hao**, a brash and outspoken cultivator known for his combat prowess.
"So, we're stuck with him?" Qin Hao sneered, casting a disdainful glance at Lei Tian. "Don't slow us down, alright?"
Lin Yue's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing, her calm demeanor unshaken. Lei Tian met Qin Hao's gaze but offered no reply. He had grown accustomed to being underestimated, and he had no intention of wasting energy on pointless arguments.
"Enough," Lin Yue said quietly. "Let's move. The disturbance won't resolve itself."
The group ventured into the forest, the thick canopy above plunging them into a twilight gloom. The air grew colder with each step, and the faint rustling of unseen creatures kept their senses sharp. Lin Yue led the way, her knowledge of formations allowing her to disarm minor traps and barriers scattered throughout the forest.
Lei Tian followed silently, his keen senses picking up on subtle movements in the shadows. He could feel the faint ripple of Void energy emanating from deeper within the forest, a sign that something unnatural awaited them.
"We're not alone," he said softly, his voice barely audible.
Qin Hao scoffed. "Thanks for stating the obvious. Just stay out of my way when the fighting starts."
Lin Yue shot Qin Hao a warning look but kept her focus ahead. "Stay alert. The elders wouldn't have sent us if this was a simple matter."
The group soon stumbled upon the remnants of a camp. Tents lay in tatters, and scorch marks marred the ground. Lin Yue crouched to examine the scene, her brows furrowed.
"This wasn't caused by mere beasts," she murmured. "The energy signatures are chaotic… likely a rogue cultivator or spirit."
A low growl interrupted her analysis. From the shadows emerged a pack of Shadowfang Wolves, their eyes glowing with malevolent light. The lead wolf, larger than the rest, bared its fangs and let out a howl that echoed through the forest.
Qin Hao stepped forward, drawing his sword with a flourish. "Finally, something to fight. Watch and learn, Lei Tian."
As the wolves charged, Qin Hao met them head-on, his blade flashing in an arc of energy. Lin Yue moved to support him, weaving defensive barriers to protect the group from flanking attacks.
Lei Tian hung back, observing the battle with a calm intensity. He could have easily eliminated the wolves with his hidden power, but he refrained. Instead, he stepped in only when necessary, striking with precision to assist Lin Yue and Qin Hao without drawing attention to himself.
After a grueling fight, the group emerged victorious, though not unscathed. Qin Hao wiped his blade clean, a smug grin on his face.
"See? Nothing to it," he said, though his labored breathing betrayed his exhaustion.
Lin Yue ignored him, her focus on the forest ahead. "This was just the beginning. The real threat lies deeper within."
Lei Tian glanced at the fallen wolves, his thoughts troubled. The energy he had sensed earlier was growing stronger, and it carried a familiar resonance—one that reminded him of the Veil Beyond.
As the group pressed on, they reached a clearing where the Void energy was nearly overwhelming. At the center stood an ancient altar, its surface etched with runes that pulsed with dark light. Surrounding the altar were the remnants of a shattered formation, its protective barriers long broken.
"This is the source," Lin Yue said, her voice tense. "Someone's been tampering with ancient powers they don't understand."
Qin Hao stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "Looks like a treasure to me. Let's claim it before anyone else does."
"Don't be reckless," Lin Yue warned, but it was too late. Qin Hao reached for the altar, triggering a surge of dark energy that threw him back. From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in black, their aura radiating malice.
"Intruders," the figure hissed. "You dare disturb my work?"
The cloaked figure attacked without warning, their strikes infused with corrupted Void energy. Lin Yue and Qin Hao fought back valiantly, but it was clear they were outmatched. Lei Tian watched the battle unfold, his heart pounding.
He knew he could end the fight if he unleashed his true power, but doing so would risk exposing his secrets. Instead, he focused on supporting his companions, using subtle techniques to tip the battle in their favor without drawing attention to himself.
As the fight reached a critical point, Lei Tian saw an opening. With precise movements, he struck a critical blow, disrupting the cloaked figure's energy flow and forcing them to retreat into the shadows.
Lin Yue and Qin Hao turned to him, their expressions a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"I didn't think you had it in you," Qin Hao admitted reluctantly.
Lin Yue gave a small nod. "Well done. But this isn't over. We need to report this to the sect immediately."
Lei Tian said nothing, his gaze lingering on the altar. Whatever power had been unleashed here was far from ordinary, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to confront the truth of his own abilities.