Bloodstained Forest (2)

• As the Monkey King prepares to deliver a final blow to Ziyan, a mysterious old man suddenly appears from within the forest. His tattered yet majestic robes and piercing eyes radiate an aura of authority and mystery.

• The old man steps between the heroes and the Monkey King, staring down the massive beast without fear.

Old Man (in a calm yet commanding voice): "That's enough, monkey. You've played long enough."

• The Monkey King hesitates, as if sensing an overwhelming force compelling him to stop, but snarls in anger.

Monkey King: "Who do you think you are? How dare you interfere?"

Old Man (smirks coldly): "I decide who stays and who leaves this forest. And now, it's time for you to rest."

• The old man releases a strange aura that envelops the Monkey King, forcing him to kneel. Despite his strength, the beast is momentarily paralyzed.

• Taking advantage of the moment, the old man beckons the heroes to move.

Old Man: "Follow me if you wish to stay alive."

• Exhausted and injured, the heroes decide to follow him. The old man leads them through the forest on hidden paths, where the trees seem to shift and make way for them.

Ziyan (whispering): "Who is this man? How could he stop that monster?"

Samer (in pain): "Whoever he is, he saved us… but where is he taking us now?"

Shimar (cautiously): "Stay alert. Nothing here feels normal."

• They arrive at a place deep in the forest that feels beyond time itself. The ground is covered in glowing moss, small waterfalls cascade from rocks, and the sounds of strange birds echo around them.

Old Man (turning to them): "This place cannot be reached without my permission. It is my sanctuary."

Lian (looking around): "What is this place? And how do you know about us?"

Old Man: "You're weak… far too weak. Yet there's something about you worth saving. That's why I'm giving you a chance to learn how to tame beasts. Otherwise… you'll become prey yourselves."

• The heroes sit to hear the old man, who remains cryptic about his identity.

Old Man: "You know nothing about the Bloody Forest. This isn't just any place. It restores balance to the world, governed by three beasts that cannot be controlled unless their power is understood."

• He looks directly at Ziyan, as if seeing something unique in him.

Old Man: "The Monkey King was just the beginning. The Earth Dragon is far stronger. If you want to survive, you must become more than mere fighters."

Ziyan: "How? How can we face creatures like that?"

Old Man (chuckling softly): "By training. But not ordinary training. I will train you myself. You will learn to tame the beasts, but… it will be painful and grueling."

• The old man stands before them, raising his hand. An eerie aura forms images of the three beasts around him.

Old Man: "This is no easy choice. Training with me means risking your lives every day. But if you don't grow stronger, you'll become nothing more than memories like the others who entered this forest and never left."

• He looks at each of them, evaluating their courage.

Old Man: "If you're afraid, you can leave now. I won't blame you. But… if you choose to stay, there's no turning back."

Samer (determined): "I don't care how hard it gets. I'm ready."

Ziyan (with resolve): "Me too. I won't let anyone decide my fate."

Lian (serious): "I've come this far. There's no turning back for me."

Shimar: "If they're in, so am I."

Old Man (smiling faintly): "Good. Then let's begin."

• The old man begins putting the heroes through grueling tests, forcing them to confront their fears and weaknesses.

• The first lesson teaches them how to connect with the forest itself and understand the language of the beasts.

Old Man: "To tame the beasts, you must first become part of this place. The forest will not aid you unless you prove yourselves worthy."

• The heroes face personal challenges in this sanctuary, and tensions begin to surface due to the pressure.

Ziyan (to Samer, joking despite exhaustion): "Don't forget, Samer… you owe me dinner after all this."

Samer (breathing heavily): "If we get out of here alive, I'll consider it."

• The scene closes with the old man watching them from a distance with a cryptic smile, as if he has grander plans for them.

…