Chapter 11 : The Gates of Shadowmoon

Chapter 11: The Gates of Shadowmoon

The path twisted through the valley, the fog thickening with every step Bai Yuan and Ling Xi took. The cloaked figures moved in eerie silence, their movements perfectly synchronized. It was as if they were wraiths rather than living cultivators.

Ling Xi leaned closer to Bai Yuan and whispered, "Are we sure we want to go through with this?"

He smirked. "Afraid?"

She shot him a glare. "Cautious. There's a difference."

Before he could respond, they emerged into a clearing. Before them stood an enormous gate, hewn from black stone and inscribed with glowing silver runes. The energy emanating from it made Bai Yuan's skin tingle. It wasn't just a gate—it was a formation, a test of sorts.

One of the cloaked figures stepped forward. "Beyond this gate lies the Shadowmoon Pavilion. Those who step through must prove their worth."

Bai Yuan raised an eyebrow. "And how do we do that?"

The figure gestured toward the gate, and the runes flared brighter. "By surviving."

Without another word, the cloaked figures vanished into the mist, leaving Bai Yuan and Ling Xi alone before the gate.

Ling Xi sighed. "Of course it couldn't be simple."

Bai Yuan chuckled. "Let's not keep them waiting."

They stepped forward, the runes pulsing in response. As they crossed the threshold, a powerful force wrapped around them, dragging them into darkness.

Bai Yuan hit the ground hard, rolling to his feet instantly. Ling Xi landed beside him, daggers drawn. They were no longer in the valley.

Instead, they stood in a vast chamber, its ceiling lost in shadows. The walls shimmered like liquid night, shifting as if alive. In the center of the room stood three statues, each one radiating immense pressure.

A voice boomed through the chamber. "Prove yourselves."

The statues moved.

Bai Yuan barely had time to react before the first one lunged at him, its stone fists crashing down with enough force to shatter bones. He dodged, but the sheer power of the impact sent cracks spiderwebbing across the floor.

Ling Xi flipped over another statue, slashing at its joints, but her blades barely left a mark. "These things are sturdy!"

Bai Yuan's mind raced. They weren't dealing with ordinary constructs—these were tests of skill, endurance, and intelligence. His Tactical Awareness flared, analyzing their weak points.

"The runes on their chests," he called out. "That's where we strike!"

Ling Xi nodded, adjusting her stance. Together, they launched their counterattack.

The fight had just begun.