Chapter 4: A Fateful Encounter
The dense canopy of the Black Sun Ridge swayed as the wind whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant cries of nocturnal beasts. Bai Yuan and Ling Xi moved cautiously through the underbrush, their senses on high alert. The remnants of battle still lingered in Bai Yuan's muscles, his body humming with the aftereffects of his mysterious enhancement.
Ling Xi stole a glance at him, her gaze filled with curiosity. "You fought that spirit beast like someone far beyond the First Stage of the Vital Foundation Realm," she said. "What kind of technique was that?"
Bai Yuan chuckled. "A secret one."
She huffed but didn't press further. "Regardless, you saved me. I owe you my life."
Bai Yuan waved a hand dismissively. "If I saved you, you just owe me a meal. Something hot, preferably."
Ling Xi laughed softly. "Deal."
Their conversation was cut short as Bai Yuan suddenly tensed. His Tactical Awareness flared—a warning. He raised a hand, signaling Ling Xi to stop.
[Multiple lifeforms detected. Estimated threat level: Moderate to High.]
A low growl resonated from the trees ahead, followed by the emergence of three figures clad in dark robes, their faces obscured by masks. Their leader, a tall man with a jagged scar running across his forehead, stepped forward, his Qi fluctuating at the Sixth Stage of the Harmonization Realm.
"Well, well," the scarred man sneered. "What do we have here? A lost couple wandering through Black Sun Ridge?"
Ling Xi's face darkened. "Bandits."
Bai Yuan exhaled slowly. "Really? First assassins, then a spirit beast, and now bandits? This day just keeps getting better."
The bandits chuckled at his nonchalance. The leader smirked. "You've got some guts, kid. Hand over your valuables, and maybe I'll let you keep your limbs."
Bai Yuan's smile widened. "That's generous of you. But I think I have a better idea."
[Engaging Combat Optimization]
Before the bandits could react, Bai Yuan vanished from his spot, reappearing behind one of them. His fist struck like a meteor, sending the unsuspecting man sprawling.
The leader's eyes widened. "Fast!"
Ling Xi took the opportunity to move, drawing a dagger from her sleeve. She danced through the chaos, her movements precise as she slashed at one of the remaining assailants.
Bai Yuan, now facing the scarred leader, cracked his knuckles. "Shall we?"
The leader snarled and unleashed a burst of Qi, forming a shadowy claw that lashed toward Bai Yuan. [Adaptive Reinforcement: Activated]. Bai Yuan raised his arm, and the attack dissipated harmlessly against his enhanced skin.
Shock flickered across the bandit's face. "Impossible!"
Bai Yuan responded with a devastating palm strike to his chest, sending him crashing into a tree. The impact left a deep crater, and the bandit leader slumped forward, unconscious.
The remaining bandit, seeing his comrades defeated so effortlessly, turned to flee. Ling Xi flicked her wrist, and a concealed blade shot from her sleeve, embedding itself in the man's leg. He fell, screaming in pain.
Bai Yuan dusted off his robes. "Well, that was disappointing."
Ling Xi retrieved her blade and turned to him. "You're full of surprises."
Bai Yuan grinned. "Stick around. You might see more."
She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then let's keep moving. If there are bandits here, there might be a hideout nearby."
Bai Yuan stretched. "Fine, but you still owe me that hot meal."
With the moon casting their shadows long against the forest floor, the two continued their journey, stepping deeper into the unknown.