Disciple, RUN!

Not far away, in a dense, green forest who was alive with the rustling of leaves and the occasional screech of distant creatures, suddenly, a strange aura of decay was in the air.

The scent of rot mixed with iron was strong, and it wrinkled the nose of the Autumn Dragon Sect Disciple as he stood amidst the carcasses of his latest kills.

His sword dripped with dark blood, its surface reflecting the dying light of the setting sun.

"Tch," the disciple clicked his tongue in irritation, kicking away the body of a juvenile beast that barely put up a fight.

"Another one fouled by the Demonic Dao essence. Disgusting." He flicked his sword, shaking off the last of the blood before shifting his stance as another creature lunged at him from the underbrush.

This one, like the others, was gaunt, its ribs visible through patches of mangy fur.