Chapter 35: The Southern Caves

The moon hung low in the sky as Lin Yun, Yu Xian, and Mei moved swiftly through the rocky terrain south of Red Fang Village. The whispers about the southern caves echoed in Lin Yun's mind. If the Crimson Wolf Sect truly had discovered an ancient artifact, it could explain their growing influence—and offer a chance to tip the scales.

Yu Xian glanced at Lin Yun as they climbed a steep hill. "Are you sure about this? The caves are bound to be heavily guarded."

Lin Yun nodded, his resolve firm. "We need answers. If this artifact is as important as they're making it seem, it's worth the risk."

Mei trailed behind them, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "I just hope we're not walking into a trap. The Crimson Wolf Sect isn't known for being careless."

---

As they neared the southern caves, the terrain grew more treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted out from the earth, and the sound of rushing water echoed in the distance. The path narrowed, forcing them to move in single file.

It wasn't long before Mei raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. She pointed to a small clearing ahead, where a group of Crimson Wolf disciples stood guard.

"There's the welcoming party," Yu Xian muttered, gripping her spear.

Lin Yun crouched low, his eyes studying the guards. There were six of them, each armed and alert. Their positioning suggested they were guarding more than just a random path.

"They're protecting something," Lin Yun said. "We'll need to take them out quietly."

Mei smirked. "Leave it to me."

She vanished into the shadows, her movements silent as a whisper. Moments later, the first guard fell, a dagger lodged in his throat. The others barely had time to react before Mei struck again, her attacks precise and deadly.

Lin Yun and Yu Xian moved in to finish the job, their coordinated assault leaving no room for escape. Within minutes, the guards lay unconscious or dead, and the path to the caves was clear.

---

The entrance to the southern caves was imposing, its jagged maw illuminated by flickering torches. A faint energy pulsed from within, sending a chill down Lin Yun's spine.

"This place…" Yu Xian whispered, her voice tinged with unease. "It feels unnatural."

Lin Yun nodded. "Whatever they've found, it's powerful. Stay on guard."

They stepped inside, the air growing colder with every step. The walls of the cave were lined with ancient carvings, depicting battles and rituals from a time long forgotten.

Mei ran her fingers along one of the carvings. "These symbols… they're not just decorative. They're part of a formation."

Lin Yun studied the symbols closely. "A protective array, maybe. It's meant to keep something contained—or keep intruders out."

---

After navigating the winding tunnels, they arrived at a massive chamber. In the center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a glowing orb. The artifact radiated a powerful aura, its light casting eerie shadows across the chamber.

Around the pedestal, several high-ranking Crimson Wolf elders stood in a protective circle. Their presence exuded authority, and their expressions were stern.

Lin Yun, Yu Xian, and Mei remained hidden in the shadows, observing the scene.

"That's the artifact," Lin Yun whispered. "It's stronger than I expected."

Yu Xian frowned. "There's no way we can take it with all of them here. We'd be outnumbered in seconds."

Mei's eyes narrowed. "Then we wait. Let them leave their guard down."

But as they watched, the lead elder stepped forward, his voice booming. "The artifact has been secured. The sect leader will arrive soon to oversee its transport. Prepare yourselves."

Lin Yun's heart sank. If the sect leader was coming, their chances of getting the artifact were slim.

"We need to act now," Lin Yun said, his tone firm. "If the sect leader takes it, we'll lose our chance."

Yu Xian hesitated. "Are you sure? This could get us killed."

Lin Yun's gaze didn't waver. "I didn't come this far to turn back. Trust me."

---

The trio formulated a quick plan. Lin Yun would create a diversion, drawing the elders away from the artifact. Yu Xian and Mei would then strike, aiming to disrupt the transport process.

Lin Yun stepped out of the shadows, his Spirit-Rank blade gleaming in the faint light.

"Who dares?" the lead elder barked, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Lin Yun.

"A concerned citizen," Lin Yun said with a smirk. "You Crimson Wolf dogs have been causing too much trouble lately."

The elder's face twisted with anger. "Arrogant brat! You'll regret crossing us."

The elders charged, their attacks swift and coordinated. Lin Yun met them head-on, his movements calculated and precise. He parried their strikes, his blade flashing like lightning.

Meanwhile, Yu Xian and Mei moved into position. Yu Xian's spear struck with deadly accuracy, while Mei's daggers found their marks in the chaos.

Despite the odds, the trio held their ground, their teamwork shining through.

---

As the battle raged, Lin Yun's gaze flicked to the artifact. Its glow intensified, the energy within it reacting to the chaos.

The lead elder noticed this too, his expression turning to one of panic. "Stop them! The artifact is unstable!"

Lin Yun seized the moment. With a powerful strike, he disarmed one of the elders and lunged for the pedestal. The artifact's energy pulsed violently as he approached, but he didn't falter.

Grasping the orb, Lin Yun felt a surge of power course through him. Visions of ancient battles and forgotten techniques flooded his mind, their intensity overwhelming.

"Lin Yun!" Yu Xian shouted. "We need to go!"

Snapping back to reality, Lin Yun turned to his companions. "Let's move!"

The trio fled the chamber, the artifact's energy still pulsing in Lin Yun's grasp. Behind them, the cave began to shake, the elders' shouts echoing as they gave chase.

---

They emerged from the cave just as it began to collapse, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The artifact's power had triggered something deep within the cavern, and it was clear the Crimson Wolf Sect wouldn't let this go unanswered.

As they disappeared into the night, Lin Yun couldn't help but feel a mix of triumph and dread. The artifact was theirs, but at what cost?

"Whatever this thing is," he muttered, "it's only the beginning."