The Beginning of Survival

The Realm of Void stretched out before Shu Shu, a desolate expanse of nothingness. The sky hung above, a sickly yellow hue devoid of life or color, like a canvas drained of its vibrancy. The air reeked of decay and death, heavy with the stench of rotting flesh. A faint, ominous hum filled the air, akin to the mournful buzzing of a thousand dying insects.

As Shu Shu slowly opened his eyes, a creeping sense of fear enveloped him, wrapping him in its icy grasp. His gaze fell upon a terrifying creature, its face a twisted mockery of life, with features so ugly and grotesque that they seemed to defy the very fabric of nature. The demon's body was emaciated, its skin pulled taut over its skeletal frame, lending it an air of macabre elegance.

Shu Shu froze, his heart pounding in his chest, as the demon growled softly, its ears twitching, its eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. The creature's gaze seemed to bore into Shu Shu's very soul, and he dared not breathe, lest he draw attention to himself.

As the demon began to move away, its attention diverted from Shu Shu, he knew he had to act swiftly. He couldn't remain there, exposed and vulnerable, lest the demon sense his presence. With utmost care, Shu Shu rose to his feet, his movements deliberate and silent. However, the chain around his neck seemed to have a mind of its own, its metal links clinking softly as he stood, threatening to betray his presence to the demon.

As Shu Shu's heart pounded in his chest, the chain around his neck betrayed his caution, emitting tiny, betraying sounds. The demon, its attention still diverted, growled softly, yet mercifully did not turn towards Shu Shu.

With deliberate care, Shu Shu gently gathered the chain around his arm, intent on silencing its incriminating clinks. He poised himself to take a step, but alas, the chains around his arms chose that inopportune moment to clink loudly together.

"Oh heavens," Shu Shu sighed, his voice barely audible. Yet, it was enough. In the blink of an eye, the demon's gaze snapped towards Shu Shu, its eyes blazing with a ferocious hunger.

Shu Shu, his heart racing with fear, swiftly rearranged the chain into a makeshift weapon, readying himself for the impending attack. The demon, its movements lightning-fast, struck with its razor-sharp claws, tearing through Shu Shu's flesh and scoring a gash on his arm.

A pained groan escaped Shu Shu's lips as blood began to trickle down his arm. Weakened and at a disadvantage, Shu Shu swiftly reassessed his situation. His body, still frail from his ordeal, would not withstand a prolonged battle.

With a deep breath, Shu Shu abandoned his attempts at valor and chose the wiser path – flight. He turned to flee, the demon mere steps behind, its thunderous roar echoing through the desolate landscape as it pursued Shu Shu with relentless ferocity.

Shu Shu fled into the depths of a foreboding forest, its twisted trees looming above him like specters. His breathing grew labored as he ran, the demon mere steps behind, its thunderous roar echoing through the woods. Shu Shu's legs ached, his body screaming in protest as he pushed himself to his limits.

Just as the demon was about to deliver the final blow, its jaws wide open in a snarling snout, an arrow pierced its eye, sending it into a frenzy of pain. The demon's anguished roar shook the forest, sending Shu Shu tumbling to the ground, his heart racing with fear.

As the demon prepared to strike again, a young warrior descended from the trees above, his sword flashing in the faint light. With a swift, deadly stroke, he severed the demon's head, sending its lifeless body crashing to the earth. Blood gushed from the wound, staining the forest floor.

Shu Shu lay there, his chest heaving with exhaustion, as the young warrior landed deftly on his feet. His tattered robe bore the markings of a seasoned fighter, and his eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

"Are you new here?" the young warrior asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

Shu Shu, still reeling from his ordeal, managed a barely audible reply. "Y-yes."

The young warrior nodded curtly. "I am Zhang Wei. Let us not bother with formalities. We shall not get along."