Chapter 60

The journey to Soul Cell Mountain was perilous. The path stretched endlessly before them, winding through jagged cliffs and barren wastelands. Xiang and Wen Shia flew upon their swords at first, soaring over the desolation. But as they neared the dangerous terrain ahead, the atmosphere grew heavy, charged with an unseen presence. A foreboding silence settled over the land.

Wen Shia slowed his flight, glancing at Xiang. "We should proceed on foot from here. Something doesn't feel right."

Xiang nodded, sensing the same unease. They descended gracefully, their swords vanishing in a shimmer of light. The ground beneath them was dry and cracked, as if no life had thrived there for centuries. Each step they took echoed unnaturally in the stillness.

Hours passed as they trekked toward their destination. Then, without warning, an unnatural mist began to rise around them. It slithered along the ground, curling into dense, impenetrable smoke. Within moments, their surroundings disappeared into the suffocating haze.

Xiang instinctively reached for her sword. "This smoke… it's not normal."

A low, guttural growl echoed from within the mist. Then, from all directions, shadows moved.

Demons.

They surged forward—hulking, grotesque creatures with glowing eyes and razor-sharp claws. The first wave lunged, but Wen Shia reacted instantly. His sword flashed, cutting through the darkness, and several demons fell with shrieks of agony.

But they kept coming.

For every demon slain, more took its place, emerging from the smoke like an endless tide. Wen Shia fought relentlessly, his movements precise and deadly. Yet the creatures did not falter. Instead, they grew more aggressive, as if feeding off the very battle itself.

"These things aren't dying fast enough," Wen Shia muttered, dodging a strike aimed at his back.

Xiang deflected an attack with her blade, eyes narrowing. "They're regenerating too quickly. We need another strategy."

Wen Shia exhaled sharply, focusing. A direct assault wouldn't work. He needed to change tactics.

"Xiang, we need to seal off this space," he said. "If they keep coming, it means there's an opening somewhere."

He pulled a talisman from his robes and whispered an incantation. Just as he raised his sword to place the first seal, a demon lunged from behind. Wen Shia barely had time to react before sharp claws raked across his arm. He staggered back, his hand slick with blood.

Xiang gasped. "You're hurt!"

But Wen Shia only tightened his grip on his sword, his expression darkening. A surge of power rippled through him as his fury ignited. In a single sweeping strike, his blade released a devastating wave of energy. The ground shook as the demons were obliterated, their bodies reduced to nothing but ashes.

The survivors turned, their resolve faltering. Some screeched and attempted to flee. But Wen Shia was faster. He struck them down before they could escape, ensuring none would return.

As the last demon fell, the smoke began to clear.

Xiang stepped forward, scanning the area warily. "That was close," she admitted. "But if this was just the beginning, Soul Cell Mountain might be even more dangerous than we thought."

Wen Shia sheathed his sword. "That's why I need you to stay outside."

Xiang frowned. "What? No! I'm coming with you."

He turned to face her fully. "You promised me that you would follow my instructions. This isn't about pride, Xiang—it's about safety. I can't protect you and fight at the same time."

Her lips pressed into a stubborn line. "Then why did I even come? I'm not here just to watch."

Wen Shia sighed, then softened his tone. "If you really want to help, guard the entrance. Make sure nothing else gets inside."

Xiang hesitated. She didn't like it, but she knew he had a point. With a reluctant nod, she agreed. "Fine. But if you don't return soon, I'm coming in."

Wen Shia allowed a small smirk. "Fair enough."

He handed her a small amulet. "If something happens, call my name. This will bring me back to you immediately."

Xiang studied the object for a moment before slipping it into her sash. "Just don't take too long."

With that settled, Wen Shia turned toward the looming entrance of Soul Cell Mountain. The moment he stepped inside, a strange force pressed against him—a presence unlike anything he had ever felt.

The air was thick with energy, the walls pulsing with ancient power. Something was wrong.

He reached out, channeling his spiritual energy to reinforce the protective seal around the mountain. But the moment he did—

The trap was sprung.

Arrows of light shot from the darkness, striking him from every direction. Wen Shia barely managed to deflect a few before a blinding bolt of lightning struck him directly. His body convulsed as power surged through him, and suddenly—

The entrance behind him slammed shut.

Wen Shia turned sharply, heart pounding. He was trapped inside.

And Xiang was still outside.