This Is It?

As daylight seeped through the twisted canopy of the Devil Forest, the group resumed their journey. The artifact compass in Lady Li Yang's hand continued to thrum, guiding them deeper into the unknown.

They walked for hours, avoiding twisted roots that seemed to slither, hollow-eyed creatures that watched from the fog, and patches of cursed land that emitted strange whispers.

Then, just when they thought they were alone, they stumbled upon a group of cultivators.

Victor's grip on his sword tightened instinctively.

These cultivators were haggard-looking with torn and dirty robes as though they had been wandering through the forest for weeks.

There were four of them, clad in matching dark green sect robes. Their leader was a tall man with narrow eyes and a scar across his nose.

He stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.