In the deepest part of the cave, shrouded in darkness, an enormous figure was slowly moving.
With each step it took, the entire cave seemed to tremble.
Gradually, this colossal creature came into full view, its overwhelming presence making it almost impossible to breathe.
The monster's body was extraordinarily large, towering like a small mountain.
Thick, viscous liquid dripped continuously from its form, producing a crisp and eerie "plop, plop" sound that echoed endlessly in the quiet depths of the cave, resembling a death knell from the underworld that sent chills down one’s spine.
At the same time, the already oppressive air in the cave felt as if it had completely solidified, filled with a nauseating stench that was overwhelming.
Upon closer inspection, this giant beast resembled a massive python but was several times larger than an ordinary snake.
Its body was covered in a dense layer of scales that shimmered with a ghostly green light, like flickering will-o'-the-wisps burning deep within hell, exuding an aura of terror.
The crimson forked tongue flicked in and out, each movement accompanied by a chilling hiss that sounded like the whispers of death itself, foretelling an impending catastrophe.
Particularly striking were its dual eyes, resembling two enormous blood-red lanterns that emitted a terrifying glow capable of instilling fear in anyone who gazed upon them.
Those dual eyes were fixed firmly on Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang, revealing endless greed and murderous intent, as if they were about to swallow them whole without leaving even a trace of bone behind.
“Holy crap! What the hell is that thing?!” Xuan Yang exclaimed, unable to contain his fear at the horrifying sight before him.
His heart raced wildly, beating so fast it felt as though it might leap from his chest at any moment.
Qu Si Yang was equally terrified, her face pale as paper as she clutched Xuan Yang's arm tightly, her fingertips turning a sickly white.
She trembled slightly, her internal spiritual energy surging like a wild horse breaking free, continuously pouring into the Flame Barrier around them.
In an instant, the already brilliant Flame Barrier flared up magnificently, resembling a blazing sun that was hot and dazzling, enveloping her and those beside her tightly.
At that moment, the massive python suddenly leaped into the air with a rush of foul wind and waves, pouncing down with overwhelming force.
The nauseating stench surged like a tide, making one feel like vomiting and nearly suffocating.
The giant python's terrifying maw opened wide, revealing sharp fangs that glinted coldly like two curved blades, seemingly capable of swallowing the two before it whole with just a gentle snap.
Faced with such a perilous situation, Xuan Yang dared not hesitate for a moment. He chanted incantations under his breath, his hands swiftly forming seals.
With a whoosh, three dark figures suddenly emerged from the void. Upon closer inspection, they were three shadowy figures resembling humans, known as Shadow Puppets.
As soon as they appeared, they charged boldly toward the menacing python, their sharp claws slashing through the air while low, chilling roars escaped their mouths.
However, despite their imposing presence, the three Shadow Puppets proved to be no match for the python when they confronted it directly.
The python's powerful tail swept through the air with tremendous force, striking the Shadow Puppet with a resounding crack.
In an instant, the Shadow Puppet was torn apart like fragile paper, disintegrating into countless black shards that scattered across the ground.
Having easily breached the Shadow Puppets' defenses, the python continued its relentless assault, lunging at Xuan Yang and Qu Si Yang with its fangs bared.
As the massive creature drew closer, Xuan Yang couldn't help but curse loudly, "Damn it! How can this wretched thing be so powerful?"
At that moment, a wave of deep despair washed over him. He could feel the shadow of death gradually enveloping him, as if he would be completely consumed by this terrifying python in the next instant.
Just as hope seemed lost, Qu Si Yang's Flame Barrier erupted with even greater brilliance, forming a blazing wall of fire that forced the python back.
The intense flames scorched the python's scales with a sizzling sound, filling the air with a burnt odor.
"Run!" Qu Si Yang shouted, his voice trembling slightly as he pulled Xuan Yang deeper into the cave.
The cave twisted and turned as they stumbled through the darkness, the python's roars echoing behind them like a death knell in their ears.
Suddenly, a glimmer of light appeared ahead, like dawn breaking through despair and illuminating the dark cavern.
With all their strength, they finally burst out of the cave. The brightness momentarily blinded them; they squinted against it, struggling to make sense of their surroundings.
What lay before them left them dumbfounded as a chill shot from their feet to the top of their heads.
The village had turned into a sea of flames.
The raging fire consumed the houses, transforming the once peaceful and serene village into a hell on earth.
Thick smoke billowed, blocking out the sun, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of burning. The cries of anguish echoed endlessly, like wails from hell, breaking hearts.
The Shadow Force, like a swarm of locusts, was ravaging their home. Dressed in black robes and wielding sharp blades, they attacked the villagers madly, wantonly destroying everything in their path.
"Damn it!" Xuan Yang roared, his eyes filled with anger and hatred.
He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh as blood flowed between his fingers.
He charged into the village, and the Shadow Puppet reappeared, engaging in fierce combat with the Minor Leader of the Shadow Force. The Puppeteers moved like black phantoms amidst the flames, fighting desperately against their enemies.
However, his strength was still insufficient. Faced with the powerful Minor Leader, Xuan Yang quickly found himself at a disadvantage, sustaining multiple injuries as blood stained his clothes.
Qu Si Yang also joined the battle. The Flame Barrier transformed into a weapon of attack, driving back the enemies like a fire dragon. She wielded her staff, unleashing waves of fiery assaults that engulfed the foes around them.
But the enemy was numerous, surging like a tide, and the two began to feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
At that moment, Lu Zhiyuan appeared.
He stood high above, watching everything with cold indifference, his face devoid of expression as if none of this concerned him. Dressed in a gray robe with white hair yet youthful features, he resembled an enlightened sage but exuded an elusive aura.
"Old Village Chief, what are you doing! Why aren’t you helping?" Xuan Yang questioned angrily, his voice hoarse and tinged with despair.
Lu Zhiyuan did not respond; he merely gazed at him quietly, his eyes filled with complex emotions as if hiding some secret.
A sense of foreboding washed over Xuan Yang as he felt a chill in his heart.
Could it be that the Old Village Chief had some connection to the Shadow Force?
This thought shocked and terrified him, like a bolt of lightning striking through his mind, leaving him momentarily unable to accept it.
At that moment, the Minor Leader of the Shadow Force launched another attack. He swung a massive black battle axe toward Xuan Yang with fierce intent. Caught off guard, Xuan Yang was struck and sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth.
“Xuan Yang!” Qu Si Yang exclaimed, rushing to his side, worry and urgency filling his eyes.
Xuan Yang struggled to rise but found himself utterly powerless, as if his body had fallen apart.
Damn it! Am I really going to die here?
His heart was filled with reluctance and despair as the world around him began to blur.
Suddenly, a shadow darted past, swift as lightning and nearly impossible to catch. The Minor Leader of the Shadow Force was knocked to the ground, letting out a pained groan.
Xuan Yang looked up to see a familiar figure standing before him, holding a black dagger, their gaze icy like that of a reaper from hell.
It’s Shadow!
Why is he here?
Shadow slowly approached Xuan Yang, looking down at him with a cold smile that seemed both mocking and pitying.
“You have finally awakened.”
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