The journey to the northern mountains is not an easy journey. Although Xiao Shao and Mei Hua had prepared everything well, they felt that something was wrong. The road to the mountains was full of obstacles, and even though they were always careful, the atmosphere around them was getting weirder.
On the fourth night of their journey, they arrived at a forest that seemed to have never been touched by humans. Tall trees with large branches hanging over them, creating dark shadows that seem alive. Although the forest was quiet, there was a strange feeling that kept lurking, as if someone was watching their every step.
"Xiao Shao, you feel that too, right?" Mei Hua asked in a low voice, her eyes continued to glance around.
Xiao Shao nodded, his eyes also sharp, looking for signs of something unusual. "Something is wrong. It feels like we are being followed, or something is moving around us."
They slowed their pace, trying to stay calm even as the tension continued to rise. Xiao Shao felt a strange vibration in his body, as if the flow of energy in him began to stir by itself, as a sign that there was something unusual near them. It was a reminder from within him, a sharp intuition thanks to his cultivation.
Suddenly, from behind the bushes, several figures appeared moving with extraordinary speed. They wore dark clothes and carried sharp weapons that glowed in the darkness of the night. Their existence seems invisible to the naked eye, like a shadow that moves too fast to follow.
"Who are you guys?" Mei Hua exclaimed, ready to fight.
One of the figures gave a cold laugh, his voice carrying an obvious threat. "We are the guardians of this road. No one can pass here without our permission."
Xiao Shao immediately took a fighting stance, feeling that this was not just an ordinary attack, but a far greater test. "I don't have time to argue," he said, concentrating his energy within himself, ready to fight.
Along with his words, Xiao Shao stepped forward with incredible speed, making use of the cultivation techniques he had learned. As soon as he moved, his body seemed to disappear into the shadows, attacking with an inescapable speed. Each of his blows came with incredible force, harnessing the energy in his body to increase his impact.
However, the guardians are not easy. They moved quickly and deftly, dodging Xiao Shao's attacks with nimble moves that seemed to have been trained for years. One of them launched a counterattack with a long sword that shone brightly, trying to slash Xiao Shao from the side.
However, Xiao Shao quickly dodged and parried the attack with his bare hands, using the strength of his body that had been strengthened by cultivation. The strength he possessed was getting stronger, and each of his attacks was more deadly. His body moved as fluidly as flowing water, with every movement accompanied by an aura that vibrated the air around him.
Mei Hua didn't stay silent either. With the sharpness and fighting skills he possessed, he launched quick attacks, making use of the small knife he always carried. His every move was deadly, even though his body looked more fragile than Xiao Shao's. He is a figure full of determination, tireless, always ready to fight for his cause.
However, even though the two of them were able to overcome several guardians, more and more guardians appeared from the shadows of the forest. Their attacks were getting more brutal and well organized, as if they knew every move that Xiao Shao and Mei Hua would take.
"This is no coincidence," Xiao Shao said with a panting breath. "They deliberately blocked us. They knew we were coming."
Mei Hua gritted her teeth, her eyes full of anger. "They work for the Black Shadows. This is a trap. They know we're looking for my brother, and they're trying to stop us any way they can."
The tension builds as the guards draw closer, weapons ready to finish them off. Xiao Shao and Mei Hua felt they were on edge. They could have retreated, but that would mean failing to achieve their goal—rescuing brother Mei Hua and uncovering the mysteries hidden in this dark world.
Suddenly, one of the guards who seemed to be stronger than the others stepped forward, carrying a huge sword that seemed to sparkle. This figure has an aura that is very different from the others. Xiao Shao could sense that this was no ordinary guardian—this was a much stronger cultivator.
"This won't be easy," Mei Hua muttered, looking worried at the figure.
Xiao Shao stared at the guard intently attention. He knew that this was the biggest test they would ever face. This battle would not end in a short time, and they had to use everything they had to face it.
"Don't worry," Xiao Shao said, his eyes filled with determination. "I will face it."
With that, he stepped forward, his body filled with the strength and cultivation energy he had worked so hard to cultivate. The first attack he launched came at an incredible speed, but the guard calmly blocked the attack with his great sword. The force of the collision vibrated the air around them, producing a booming sound that echoed through the forest.
The fight grew more intense, with the guard's great sword flying at a speed that was hard to follow. However, Xiao Shao was not deterred. He moved with great calculation, using every technique he had learned, speeding up his movements and nimbly dodging each attack. Every blow he unleashed was filled with power enhanced by his cultivation.
Meanwhile, Mei Hua was also struggling hard against several guards who tried to block her path. Although her body was smaller and weaker than Xiao Shao, she possessed extraordinary agility and unwavering courage. The small knives she carried swiftly slashed at the bodies of the enemies, causing them to retreat one by one.
However, even though they fought with all their heart, Xiao Shao knew that they could not continue this battle. With each passing second, more guards appeared, and the two of them grew more and more exhausted.
"I don't know how long we can last," Mei Hua said, her breath coming in short gasps.
Xiao Shao looked at her resolutely. "We must fight to the end. There is no turning back."
At that moment, a bright flash appeared behind them, and a deep voice sounded from afar. "Enough!" the voice echoed through the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet.