Chapter 12: Dancing with Shadows

Silence hung heavy in the clearing, broken only by the low, menacing growl rumbling in the chest of the Shadowfang Wolf Alpha. Perched atop the rock, its midnight fur seemed to drink the dim light, and its intelligent, burning eyes remained locked onto Lin Fan's position. The dozen or so remaining wolves in the clearing shifted nervously, glancing between their Alpha and the hidden intruder who had effortlessly dispatched three of their packmates.

Lin Fan remained concealed behind the tangle of roots, his own senses stretched taut. The Alpha's aura, pressing towards the sixth layer of Qi Refinement, was potent. This wouldn't be as easy as the Training Ground puppets.

The standoff lasted only a few more seconds. The Alpha threw back its massive head and let out a sharp, commanding howl that echoed through the Silent Woods. It wasn't a sound of rage, but an order.

Instantly, the twelve wolves below exploded into action. They didn't charge blindly. Instead, they fanned out, using the rocks and sparse trees in the clearing for cover, attempting to encircle Lin Fan's position from multiple angles. Their movements were fluid, coordinated, showcasing the pack instincts honed through countless hunts. Red eyes gleamed in the shadows as they stalked closer.

Lin Fan didn't wait for them to complete their encirclement. He burst from his cover, enhanced Wind Step carrying him like a phantom towards the nearest group of three wolves.

Surprise is a weapon, he thought.

Before the wolves could fully react to his sudden appearance, his Flowing Shadow Sword was already singing. Infused with his dense fifth layer Qi, the blade left shimmering afterimages as it executed three lightning-fast thrusts. Three yelps, cut short, and three wolves collapsed, vital points pierced.

The remaining nine wolves reacted instantly, converging on him. Some leaped, claws extended, while others spat bolts of corrosive shadow saliva. Lin Fan became a whirlwind of motion. Wind Step allowed him to weave between lunges, sidestep corrosive spit that sizzled on the ground where he'd stood moments before, and maintain optimal positioning.

He unleashed a Wind Blade, intercepting a leaping wolf mid-air. The Qi construct sliced through its neck, sending the carcass tumbling. Simultaneously, he spun, his sword parrying the claws of another wolf while his foot lashed out, cracking ribs and sending the beast staggering back.

Four down. Eight left.

They were learning, adapting. They started using more feints, trying to force him into unfavorable positions. Two attempted the flickering shadow-phasing technique simultaneously, trying to attack from his blind spots.

"Annoying," Lin Fan muttered. He couldn't afford to get tied down. Reaching into his robe with his free hand, he pulled out one of the Fireball Talismans acquired from the lottery. Channeling a wisp of Qi into it, he tossed it towards the center of the largest cluster of wolves.

FWOOSH!

The talisman erupted into a blazing sphere of fire, engulfing three wolves in searing flames. Their shadow-based abilities offered little protection against raw elemental fury. Their howls of pain were brief as they were incinerated or fatally burned.

Seven down. Five left.

The remaining wolves hesitated, their pack coordination shattered by the sudden fiery assault and Lin Fan's relentless efficiency.

DING!

[Detected Host's dominant performance against multiple opponents of significant strength.]

[Triggered emotions from Alpha Wolf: Rage (+50 Points), Shock (+30 Points), Calculation (+10 Points)] [System Points earned: 90]

[Current System Points: 725 + 90 = 815]

Points for killing wolves? Or maybe just for the Alpha's reaction? Interesting. Lin Fan noted the unexpected point gain, but didn't dwell on it.

The Alpha atop the rock let out another deep growl, this one filled with genuine fury. It had clearly underestimated the intruder's capabilities. It wouldn't wait any longer.

With a prodigious leap that easily cleared twenty meters, the Alpha descended from its perch, landing heavily in the center of the clearing. Dust and pebbles flew outwards from the impact. It ignored the few remaining pack wolves cowering nearby and fixed its blazing eyes solely on Lin Fan.

The sheer pressure emanating from the Alpha intensified. It was significantly larger up close, powerful muscles rippling beneath its dark pelt. Its fangs looked capable of shearing through steel.

Lin Fan felt a thrill, a surge of anticipation mixed with caution. This was the real test.

The Alpha didn't waste time with subtlety. It blurred forward, its speed easily matching Lin Fan's unenhanced Wind Step, a black streak against the gloomy backdrop. Its claws, wreathed in faint shadowy energy, slashed towards Lin Fan's chest.

Lin Fan pushed his enhanced Wind Step to its limit, dodging backwards at an angle. The claws missed by a hair's breadth, ripping through the air with an audible whoosh. He countered immediately, thrusting his Flowing Shadow Sword towards the Alpha's flank.

CLANG!

His sword, which had easily pierced the hides of the lesser wolves, met significant resistance. It felt like striking tough, cured leather layered over iron. While his Qi-infused strike left a shallow cut, it was far from a debilitating blow. The Alpha barely flinched, twisting with incredible agility and snapping its massive jaws where Lin Fan's head had been a split second before.

Lin Fan used Wind Step again, putting distance between them. He launched two quick Wind Blades at the Alpha's face. The beast simply shook its head, the Qi constructs dissipating harmlessly against its innate defenses and thick fur, leaving only minor irritation.

Tough hide, high resistance to basic Qi attacks, Lin Fan assessed. Standard tactics won't work well.

The Alpha gathered shadowy energy in its maw, then unleashed a piercing howl – not just sound, but a focused sonic blast mixed with spiritual pressure, aimed directly at Lin Fan's mind.

Lin Fan felt a sharp pain lance through his head, his concentration wavering for an instant. He gritted his teeth, his fifth layer spiritual sense resisting the assault, but it was disorienting.

Seizing the momentary opening, the Alpha charged again, faster this time, its shadow-wreathed claws aiming for a killing blow.

No time to fully dodge! Lin Fan instantly activated Iron Skin Art, channeling Qi defensively, while simultaneously bringing his sword up in a desperate block.

CRUNCH!

The force of the blow was immense. Lin Fan felt his arm scream in protest, the Flowing Shadow Sword vibrating violently. His Iron Skin held, preventing the claws from tearing through flesh, but the sheer kinetic energy sent him stumbling back several steps, his feet digging trenches in the soft earth.

He looked up, eyes narrowed. The Alpha stood poised, growling low, readying for another assault. Its eyes held a cold, calculating intelligence. This beast was strong, fast, durable, and possessed unique attacks beyond simple claws and teeth. It truly deserved its near-sixth-layer reputation.

The remaining pack wolves kept their distance, clearly intimidated by the unfolding battle between their Alpha and the intruder, unwilling to interfere. It was down to Lin Fan and the Alpha.

Lin Fan took a steadying breath, his Qi circulating rapidly to soothe his aching arm. He gripped his sword tighter, a determined glint in his eyes. Conventional attacks weren't enough. He needed more power, more focus, or perhaps... a different approach entirely.

The Alpha tensed, preparing to launch itself again. The real fight was just beginning.