Zhang Yan landed hard, rolling through the damp undergrowth. The Bone-Eating Forest loomed around him, its twisted trees blocking out the moonlight. A thick mist curled at his feet, carrying the stench of decay. He rose swiftly with his dagger in hand while his senses sharpened at the feeling of danger permeating the very air around him.
He rose quickly, dagger drawn. Around him, other disciples were regaining their footing. Some were already grouping together, forming uneasy alliances as their eyes grew wary, trust was a luxury none could currently afford.
A scream split the night. Then—thud.
From the shadows emerged a Bone-Eating Wolf, its skeletal frame adorned with rotting flesh, ghostly flames burning in its eye sockets. The body of a fallen disciple lay at its feet as its jaws clamped upon the disciples neck, the bone protruding as the disciple gurgled through the blood, her eyes filled with tears and unconcealable fear as she met her demise.
"Scatter!" someone shouted.
Panic surged. Some fled, while others hesitated. The wof wasted no time, seeing it's prey run in a scattered panic. It lunged—
Zhang Yan sidestepped, slashing at its joint. His blade bit, but the wound was shallow. Shi Lihua appeared beside him, her dagger plunging into its throat. The beast gurgled but still stood.
The wolf snapped and pounced, but Zhang Yan thrust a burning torch at it. The flames seared its bones, making it recoil. Seizing his chance, he drove his dagger into its skull.
The creature thrashed, it's body writhing in pain as it slowly collapsed. Silence settled over the clearing. The remaining disciples panted, their weapons slick with blood as some had already used the panic to attack others amidst the chaos.
Shi Lihua appeared beside him, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "The strong will hunt the weak first," she murmured. "We need to move."
Zhang Yan nodded. Staying in one place meant death and he still aimed to keep his name off King Yama's Ledger.
They ran through the dense trees, their footsteps muffled by damp earth. Shadows lurked within the mist, eyes glinting in the darkness. Then—a scream.
They turned just in time to see a disciple being dragged into the undergrowth by a grotesque, bone-plated beast. Blood splattering the leaves as they kicked and hollered until silence once regained its presence amongst the foliage.
The Bone-Eating Wolves had begun their hunt.
Shi Lihua cursed. "If we don't find shelter, we'll be next."
Zhang Yan's eyes flickered with cold determination. "Then let's take one from someone else."