Chapter 56: A Hidden Enemy

The scrolls spread out across the wooden table, their yellowed parchment fragile with age. Tang Xiu's fingers carefully traced the faded symbols, each stroke revealing pieces of a forgotten past. Yan Rou and Lei Xian stood nearby, their expressions tense as they waited for an explanation.

"This isn't ordinary writing," Tang Xiu began, breaking the silence. "These are cultivation seals—marks used to bind, control, or suppress energy. The one on Yan Qi matches some of these patterns."

Yan Rou's face paled. "What does that mean? Is it connected to the attack last night?"

Tang Xiu nodded. "Most likely. Whoever created the seal on Yan Qi is still active, and the attack wasn't random. They're testing us, trying to gauge our strength."

Lei Xian crossed his arms, a deep frown on his face. "Testing us? Why not just attack outright if they're so powerful?"

"They don't want to reveal themselves yet," Tang Xiu said. "This is a game of patience. They're probing for weaknesses, waiting for the right moment to strike."

Yan Rou's hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the table. "But why us? What do they want from this village?"

Tang Xiu didn't answer immediately. His eyes scanned the scrolls, searching for a clue. After a moment, he picked up a specific one, its edges frayed and nearly unreadable.

"This," he said, pointing to a symbol at the center. "This is the key. It's a mark of possession. Someone—an ancient cultivator or their descendant—once laid claim to this land. And they're trying to reclaim it."

Yan Rou gasped. "Reclaim it? But we've lived here for generations. This is our home!"

Tang Xiu looked at her seriously. "To them, you're trespassers. And they won't stop until they've gotten rid of everyone."

The morning passed with a tense quietness as Tang Xiu prepared for what was to come. He instructed Yan Rou to gather the villagers in the central square.

"You need to strengthen your defenses," Tang Xiu told her. "Whatever is controlling those beasts will attack again, and it won't stop at just one this time."

"What can we even do against something like that?" Yan Rou asked, her voice tinged with fear.

Tang Xiu reached into his bag and pulled out a handful of talismans he had drawn earlier. Though his energy was limited, he had managed to create these simple charms for protection.

"Place these around the village," he instructed. "They'll form a barrier strong enough to keep most threats out. But it won't hold against a direct assault for long."

Yan Rou nodded, taking the talismans with shaking hands. "We'll do as you say. Thank you, Tang Xiu."

Lei Xian leaned against the wall, watching the exchange with a smirk. "You're full of surprises, aren't you? I've never seen anyone make something like that before."

Tang Xiu glanced at him. "You'll see a lot more if you stick around. Just make sure you're ready when the time comes."

By evening, the village was on edge. The talismans had been placed, their faint glow forming an invisible barrier around the perimeter. Tang Xiu stood at the center of the square, his senses stretched to their limit.

The first sign of trouble came with a chilling wind. The villagers, huddled in small groups, shivered as the temperature dropped unnaturally.

"They're coming," Tang Xiu said, his voice low but firm.

The next moment, the ground trembled. From the forest emerged not one, but three spirit beasts, their glowing red eyes fixed on the village. Each was larger than the one from the previous night, their snarls echoing through the air.

"Get back!" Tang Xiu shouted, stepping forward with his wooden staff in hand.

Lei Xian unsheathed his sword, a sharp glint of excitement in his eyes. "Finally, some action."

The first beast lunged, its claws aimed at Tang Xiu. He dodged smoothly, spinning his staff to strike its side. The impact sent the creature tumbling, but it quickly regained its footing.

The second beast charged toward Lei Xian, who met it with a powerful swing of his sword. Sparks flew as the blade clashed with its claws, the force of the collision shaking the ground.

Tang Xiu focused on the third beast, which circled him cautiously. This one was different—smarter, more calculating. It waited for an opening, its movements deliberate and precise.

"You're not just a mindless puppet," Tang Xiu muttered. "Who's controlling you?"

The beast let out a low growl, as if responding to his question. Then, without warning, it lunged forward, faster than the others. Tang Xiu raised his staff, blocking its attack, but the force sent him sliding back several steps.

"These things are stronger than last time," Lei Xian called out, his voice strained as he fought off his opponent.

Tang Xiu gritted his teeth. "They're being enhanced. Whoever's behind this is getting serious."

As the battle raged, a figure watched from the shadows of the forest. Cloaked in darkness, their presence was hidden even from Tang Xiu's sharp senses.

"They're putting up quite a fight," the figure muttered, their voice cold and emotionless. "But it won't be enough. Let's see how long they last."

A faint glow appeared in the figure's hand—a small, black orb pulsing with malevolent energy. With a flick of their wrist, they sent the orb soaring toward the village, its sinister aura spreading through the air.

Back in the square, Tang Xiu's eyes widened as he felt the sudden surge of energy.

"Everyone, get down!" he shouted.

The orb exploded above the village, releasing a wave of dark mist. The talismans around the perimeter flickered, their glow dimming under the oppressive force.

Tang Xiu clenched his fists, his mind racing. "This isn't just a test anymore. They're trying to destroy us."

As the mist settled, the beasts grew even more ferocious, their attacks fueled by the dark energy. Tang Xiu and Lei Xian fought desperately to hold them back, but the strain was beginning to show.

"We can't keep this up," Lei Xian said, his breathing heavy.

Tang Xiu's eyes burned with determination. "We don't need to. We just need to survive long enough to figure out who's pulling the strings."

He tightened his grip on his staff, his energy flaring despite his exhaustion. Whatever it took, he would protect this village—and uncover the enemy hiding in the shadows.