Chapter 55: A Looming Threat

The sun dipped low as the group left the wooden house, casting long shadows over the quiet village. Tang Xiu's steps were heavy, his energy drained from stabilizing the seal on Yan Qi. Even so, his mind was far from at ease.

Lei Xian broke the silence first, his tone casual but probing. "You've got some serious skills, Tang Xiu. But you're not just some regular high school kid, are you?"

Tang Xiu glanced at him but didn't answer. Lei Xian wasn't wrong, but revealing too much could bring unnecessary trouble.

Yan Rou walked beside them, her face pale from worry. "If the seal is only temporary, what happens next? What do we do if it starts breaking again?"

Tang Xiu sighed. "The seal will hold for a few months, maybe longer if she avoids stress and overexertion. But sooner or later, you'll need to find a specialist who can completely remove it."

Yan Rou bit her lip. "Where would I even find someone like that? The world doesn't have people like you anymore."

Tang Xiu hesitated. She was right; Earth was barren of spiritual energy, and most ancient cultivators had long faded into history. However, he wasn't about to let her sink into despair.

"There might still be hidden experts," Tang Xiu said finally. "Martial arts clans, ancient sect remnants—places like that might know someone who can help."

Lei Xian snorted. "Those places are just myths. You're better off waiting for a miracle."

Tang Xiu ignored him and turned to Yan Rou. "Do you have any records, maps, or clues about ancient sects in this region?"

Yan Rou nodded slowly. "Our family does have some old scrolls passed down from our ancestors. I don't know if they'll be useful, but you're welcome to look at them."

"Good," Tang Xiu said. "I'll need to see them tomorrow. For now, we should rest. I've used too much energy, and I need time to recover."

That night, the village was unusually quiet. Tang Xiu lay on the simple wooden bed in the small guesthouse, staring at the ceiling. His mind replayed the events of the day, piecing together the clues.

The seal on Yan Qi wasn't just a random curse. It had been created by someone—or something—with significant power. More troubling was the fact that Earth, though barren, still harbored remnants of such dangerous forces.

Just as he was about to drift off, he felt a sudden ripple of energy. It was faint, but distinct—an aura he hadn't sensed in years.

Tang Xiu sat up immediately, his senses sharp. He opened the window and scanned the darkness. The village seemed peaceful, but his instincts screamed otherwise.

A low growl reached his ears, and his eyes narrowed. The sound wasn't human.

He grabbed the wooden staff he had fashioned earlier and slipped out of the room silently. The cool night air prickled his skin as he followed the source of the disturbance.

In the distance, he spotted Lei Xian, sword in hand, standing at the edge of the village.

"You felt it too?" Tang Xiu asked, stepping beside him.

Lei Xian nodded, his usual smirk replaced with a serious expression. "Something's out there. It's watching us."

Before Tang Xiu could respond, a rustling sound came from the trees. A moment later, a shadow leaped from the darkness—a beast with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp claws.

Lei Xian reacted instantly, swinging his sword in a precise arc. The blade struck the beast's shoulder, but it barely flinched, its thick hide absorbing most of the impact.

Tang Xiu stepped forward, his wooden staff glowing faintly as he channeled the remnants of his energy. With a sharp motion, he struck the beast's side, sending it skidding back.

The creature snarled, its eyes locked onto Tang Xiu.

"This isn't an ordinary animal," Lei Xian said, his grip tightening on his sword.

Tang Xiu nodded. "It's a spirit beast. Weak by immortal standards, but strong enough to kill everyone here if we're not careful."

The beast lunged again, faster this time. Tang Xiu dodged to the side, his movements fluid despite his exhaustion. Lei Xian took advantage of the opening, delivering a powerful slash that sent the beast crashing into a tree.

Even as it lay there, injured and growling, Tang Xiu didn't let his guard down. He stepped closer, observing it carefully.

"There's something controlling it," Tang Xiu muttered. "It's not acting on its own."

Lei Xian frowned. "Controlling it? Who would do that?"

Before Tang Xiu could answer, another ripple of energy swept through the air. This one was stronger, darker, and undeniably malicious.

Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "Whoever it is, they're nearby. And they're not done."

The rest of the night passed tensely. Tang Xiu and Lei Xian stayed on high alert, but no more attacks came. By morning, the villagers were restless, their fear palpable.

Yan Rou approached them with a stack of old scrolls in her arms. "These are the records I mentioned. I hope they're helpful."

Tang Xiu took the scrolls, his gaze lingering on her worried face. "They will be. And don't worry—we'll figure out who's behind this."

As he unrolled the first scroll, Tang Xiu's heart sank. The markings on the parchment were eerily similar to the seal on Yan Qi. Whatever was happening in this village was part of something much bigger—and far more dangerous—than he had anticipated.

"Things are about to get worse," Tang Xiu said quietly, his voice heavy with resolve. "But no matter what comes, I won't let this village fall."