Into the Abyss

 The forest around the Xiang Sect lay quiet under the shroud of twilight, a veil of stars twinkling above as Zhang Wei and his companions gathered at the northern pass. Shadows stretched long over the path ahead, and the air buzzed with a faint tension that matched their rising anticipation. This was no ordinary mission; the stakes were far higher than any of them could ever imagine.

"Let's review the plan one more time," Zhang Wei whispered, crouched over a crude map he'd spread out on a rock. His finger traced a winding route marked in faint ink.

Lei Yun squatted beside him, frowning. "Why this path again? Wouldn't it be faster to go straight through the Inner Grove and across the Southern Ridge?"

"Faster, yes," Zhang Wei admitted. "But the Southern Ridge is heavily patrolled. After Elder Yi's death, the elders increased security around the direct paths to the Abyss. This route takes us through less obvious terrain, the Forgotten Valley and the Iron Hollow."

Lei Chen adjusted the strap of his pack, his twin swords clinking softly. "Iron Hollow is a maze. If we get lost, we'll never make it to the Abyss."

"That's why we have this," Zhang Wei said, tapping the map with a grin. "It's not just a map of the sect lands, it's detailed enough to show hidden paths, including safe routes through Iron Hollow. Elder Han didn't just hoard potions; he hid talismans and maps too."

Mei Ming, perched on a fallen log, glanced up from a potion she was inspecting. "And the Forgotten Valley? Rumour says it's full of spirit beasts."

Zhang Wei straightened; his expression serious. "That's why we need to stick together and stay vigilant. If we follow the path exactly and move quickly, we'll be fine. Moreover, we fought several spirit beasts while in Qinxu forest. Let's just hope we don't encounter a too powerful one."

"Fine," Lei Yun muttered, shifting his weight. "But if a spirit beast shows up, you're taking the first swing."

"Deal," Zhang Wei said with a smirk.

"But wait you all". Said Lei Chen "Why don't we go through the route where Li fell into the Abyss? I think it's better to retrace his steps instead of going through another route".

"That's too dangerous and obvious for two reasons." replied Zhang Wei "No one has ever fallen through that route and made it out alive and secondly, we are likely to be caught if we do. Remember the sect has now positioned a patrol there.

The group exchanged one last glance, their silent agreement solidifying. They had already resolved to see this through, but the enormity of their journey was beginning to sink in.

"Let's move out," Zhang Wei said, folding the map and tucking it into his robe.

The first stretch of the journey was quiet, their footsteps muffled by the soft loam of the forest floor. The trees here were ancient, their thick trunks wrapped in vines that seemed to pulse faintly with latent qi. Zhang Wei led the group, map in hand, while Lei Chen and Lei Yun flanked him. Mei Ming brought up the rear, her talismans at the ready.

Hours passed in silence, the group moving with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Finally, they emerged into the Forgotten Valley, a sprawling expanse filled with towering rock formations and dense thickets of spirit grass.

"This place gives me the creeps," Lei Yun muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"It's quiet," Mei Ming said, scanning their surroundings. "Too quiet."

"Don't jinx us," Lei Chen whispered.

The group pressed on, weaving through the tall grasses and jagged rocks. The map's markings were clear, but the terrain was treacherous, and every shadow seemed to shift unnaturally.

Suddenly, a low growl rumbled through the air. The group froze, their hands going to their weapons.

"Did you hear that?" Lei Yun hissed.

"I think we all did," Zhang Wei replied, his voice calm but firm. "Everyone, stay close. Mei Ming, can we get a shrouding talisman?"

"No, I could get my hands on any of those and requesting for it from elder Yi would have arouses suspicion" Mei Ming replied regrettably.

The group huddled together as the growl grew louder, and a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the darkness ahead. From the shadows emerged a massive spirit beast, a feline creature with sleek, silver fur and a pair of curling horns. Its claws glinted in the faint light, and its tail lashed behind it like a whip.

The Moonclaw Lynx is a spirit beast of deadly grace and otherworldly beauty, often found in the untamed, qi-rich regions of the Forgotten Valley and similar wildlands. Larger than a full-grown tiger, its sleek, muscular frame exudes a combination of raw power and agility. Its fur, a shimmering silver hue, catches the light like liquid moonlight, creating an almost ethereal glow. At night, the lynx's coat appears nearly translucent, allowing it to meld seamlessly into the shadows, becoming an almost invisible predator.

"Moonclaw Lynx," Mei Ming breathed. "It's territorial. We must've wandered too close to its den."

The lynx crouched, its muscles coiling as it prepared to strike. Highly territorial, the Moonclaw Lynx is both intelligent and ferociously protective of its domain. It prefers to stalk intruders silently, testing their defences before striking with blinding speed. Known for its calculated behaviour, it uses the terrain to its advantage, exploiting shadows and obstacles to outmanoeuvre its foes. Encounters with this beast are rare and often brief, as the lynx relies on its superior speed and agility to dispatch threats swiftly.

"No choice but to fight," Zhang Wei said, drawing his sword. "Lei Chen, flank it on the right. Lei Yun, on the left. Mei Ming, use a distraction talisman when I give the signal."

The lynx leaped forward, its claws aimed at Zhang Wei. He dodged nimbly, countering with a swift slash that glanced off the creature's tough hide. Lei Chen and Lei Yun moved in unison, striking at its flanks to divert its attention.

"Now, Mei Ming!" Zhang Wei shouted.

Mei Ming hurled a talisman into the air, and it exploded in a burst of bright light, temporarily blinding the lynx. Taking advantage of its disorientation, Zhang Wei lunged, his blade slicing across its chest.

Despite its formidable abilities, the Moonclaw Lynx is not invincible. During daylight hours, its powers are somewhat diminished, and its regenerative capabilities slow significantly. It also has an aversion to sudden flashes of bright light, which can temporarily disorient it or disrupt its abilities. Talismans infused with radiant or solar energy can prove particularly effective against this elusive beast.

The lynx roared in pain and retreated, its glowing eyes fixed on the group. For a tense moment, it seemed poised to attack again, but then it turned and disappeared into the shadows.

The group stood in silence, their breaths heavy.

"Everyone okay?" Zhang Wei asked, scanning his friends.

"Just a scratch," Lei Chen said, wiping blood from a shallow cut on his arm.

Mei Ming nodded, though her hands trembled as she retrieved another talisman. "That could've been worse."

"It wasn't," Zhang Wei said, his tone resolute. "Let's keep moving. We're not safe here."

By the time they reached the edge of the Forgotten Valley, dawn was breaking, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The group paused to rest, their exhaustion evident but still raring to go.

"We're making good progress," Zhang Wei said, spreading the map out once more. "The next leg takes us through Iron Hollow. If we stick to the marked route, we should reach the Abyss by nightfall."

Lei Yun groaned, leaning against a rock. "Nightfall? You mean we're going to walk all day again?"

"Unless you'd prefer camping in the Abyss," Zhang Wei shot back, earning a grimace from Lei Yun.

"Enough bickering," Mei Ming said, handing Lei Chen a small vial of healing elixir for his wound. "We can't afford to waste energy fighting among ourselves."

As they prepared to set out again, Zhang Wei glanced back at the valley, his expression thoughtful. "Li," he murmured under his breath. "Just hold on a little longer."

The group fell into formation once more, their determination renewed. Ahead lay Iron Hollow, a twisting labyrinth of caves and tunnels said to elicit fear even in the most seasoned travellers. But for Zhang Wei and his friends, it was just another obstacle on their path to rescue Li.

Unseen by them, however, a faint wisp of dark energy lingered in the air and a pair of translucent eyes followed their every move.