chapter 5: the mysterious village

The Emerald Mist Forest stretched endlessly, its ancient trees looming like silent sentinels. Shen Tian walked through the dense undergrowth, his mind still replaying the events of the ambush.

Those bandits… they were just small fry. A test.

Someone powerful wanted him dead.

'Whoever it is, I'll return the favor soon.'

For now, he needed to focus on survival.

A Faint Scent of Smoke

As Shen Tian continued deeper into the forest, his sharp senses picked up something strange.

Smoke.

It wasn't from a wildfire—it was the controlled burn of cooking fires.

A village? Here?

Curious, he leaped onto a high tree branch, gazing into the distance.

Indeed, nestled within the valley was a small village, barely visible through the mist.

No map he had ever read mentioned a settlement here.

'Strange…'

Still, it was an opportunity. He needed information, supplies, and maybe even a decent meal.

With that thought, he descended the trees and made his way toward the village.

---

The Village of Hidden Clouds

As Shen Tian approached, he noticed something peculiar.

Despite being a simple village, spiritual energy swirled around the area unnaturally, forming subtle protective formations.

This was no ordinary place.

The villagers, dressed in plain robes, glanced at him with wary eyes. Many carried farming tools, yet their movements were too precise, too controlled—like warriors disguised as peasants.

A hidden sect? An ancient lineage?

Shen Tian's lips curled into a smirk.

Interesting.

"Welcome, traveler."

An old man approached, his beard white as snow. His aura was calm, yet beneath it lay the strength of a seasoned cultivator.

"My name is Elder Yan. What brings you to the Village of Hidden Clouds?"

Shen Tian clasped his hands in a respectful greeting.

"I am but a wandering cultivator, seeking shelter for the night."

Elder Yan studied him for a moment, then nodded.

"You are welcome to stay, but I must warn you—this place is not what it seems."

Shen Tian chuckled.

"I wouldn't have come if it was."

The old man raised an eyebrow but said nothing, leading him further into the village.

---

The Secrets Beneath the Surface

As night fell, the village came alive.

Lanterns glowed with a soft golden hue. The smell of roasted meats and herbal brews filled the air.

Despite the warmth of the scene, Shen Tian felt it—an undercurrent of tension.

People spoke in hushed whispers. Eyes darted toward the forest's edge every few moments.

They were afraid.

Something was watching them.

And then—

BOOM!

A loud explosion rocked the village.

Screams filled the air as flames erupted in the distance.

Elder Yan's face turned grim.

"They've come again…"

Shen Tian narrowed his eyes.

"Who?"

Before the elder could answer, dark figures emerged from the mist.

Their bodies were shrouded in tattered black robes.

Their faces… were not human.

Twisted, elongated skulls. Hollow, glowing eyes. Clawed hands that dripped with black mist.

Spectral Assassins.

A forbidden existence—undead warriors forged through cursed rituals.

Shen Tian's expression darkened.

Whoever was behind this wasn't just after him.

They wanted the entire village erased.

Elder Yan took a battle stance, spiritual energy gathering around his fists.

The villagers, too, grabbed weapons, ready to fight for their lives.

Shen Tian cracked his knuckles.

"You don't need to waste your energy, Elder."

He stepped forward.

The Spectral Assassins rushed toward him, their clawed hands reaching for his throat.

Shen Tian raised a single hand—

And snapped his fingers.

BOOM!

A wave of golden light exploded outward, swallowing the assassins in an instant.

Their ghostly forms disintegrated without a sound.

Silence fell over the battlefield.

The villagers stared in shock.

One snap of his fingers… and the enemies were gone.

Elder Yan exhaled slowly.

"I see now… You are no ordinary traveler."

Shen Tian smirked.

"Now, tell me—who sent them?"

Elder Yan's eyes darkened.

"…The Shadow Sect."

Shen Tian's expression grew cold.

A secretive, powerful organization known for its ruthless assassins and dark arts.

So they were the ones after him.

'Good.'

Because now, he was after them.

End of Chapter 5