The cave's fire sputtered as the Crimson Envoy's vampires flooded in, their eyes glowing like coals in the dim light. Lin Tian's Wolf Spirit Sense mapped their movements, the System's tactical overlay highlighting their coordinated advance. The air reeked of blood and malice, the cave's walls amplifying their snarls.
Su Xueyao stood beside him, her claws extended, her breath steady despite the odds. "These are no thralls," she warned, her voice low. "Elite hunters. Stay sharp."
The System chimed:
[Task: Repel the vampire ambush, protect Su Xueyao. Reward: Heavenly Wolf Bloodline Awakening Progress +15%, Wolf Clan Relic: Soul Shard]
Lin Tian nodded, his Heavenly Wolf Fist forms flowing smoother after the training. He activated Terrain Manipulation:
[Terrain Analysis: Cave—narrow, rocky. Manipulable Elements: Loose stones, stalactites. Action: Destabilize ceiling.]
He stomped, channeling the System's power, and cracks spiderwebbed above. "Get back!" he shouted, as stalactites crashed, crushing two vampires. Dust choked the air, buying them a moment.
[Eliminated Vampire Elites x2, gained 400 EXP]
The Crimson Envoy laughed, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Clever boy. But you're out of your depth." She raised a hand, blood pooling around her, forming crimson whips that lashed out.
Su Xueyao deflected a whip, her claws sparking, but another grazed her thigh, drawing a hiss. "She's controlling blood!" she shouted. "Don't let her touch you!"
Lin Tian dodged a whip, its tip slicing the rock behind him. The System analyzed:
[Blood Manipulation: Requires line of sight and concentration. Counter: Disrupt focus.]
"Keep her busy!" Lin Tian called, charging the remaining elites. His fists roared, each punch a wolf's howl, shattering bones and scattering mist. The training paid off—his stamina held, his strikes precise.
[Eliminated Vampire Elites x4, gained 800 EXP. Current Level: Mortal Level 5]
Su Xueyao clashed with the Envoy, her claws a blur, but the blood whips multiplied, forcing her back. Lin Tian's heart raced—he needed to act. He activated Wolf Spirit Sense, spotting a flaw: the Envoy's focus wavered when attacking.
He grabbed a loose rock, hurling it at her face. She flinched, her whips faltering, and Su Xueyao seized the chance, her claws slashing the Envoy's arm. Black blood sprayed, the Envoy snarling.
"You'll pay!" she hissed, her blood coalescing into a massive spear. Before she could strike, a deafening roar shook the cave, the ground trembling.
A colossal beast burst through the entrance, its black fur matted, crimson eyes blazing. The Blood Wolf towered, its claws gouging the stone, its aura dwarfing the Envoy's.
[Warning: Blood Wolf, Mortal Level 7. Vampire-tamed beast. Weakness: Heart. Recommendation: Coordinate attack.]
The Envoy smirked, retreating. "Deal with my pet. I'll be back for the Mark." She dissolved into mist, her elites following.
Lin Tian cursed, facing the wolf. Su Xueyao panted, her thigh bleeding. "Its heart's the target, but it's fast. Cover me—I'll strike."
Lin Tian nodded, the System prompting:
[Task Updated: Defeat the Blood Wolf. Reward: Heavenly Wolf Bloodline Awakening Progress +15%, Wolf Clan Relic: Soul Shard]
The wolf lunged, its claws tearing the air. Lin Tian rolled, using Terrain Manipulation to raise a stone barrier, slowing it. "Over here!" he shouted, drawing its attention.
Su Xueyao darted in, her claws aiming for its chest, but the wolf's tail whipped, knocking her into a wall. She grunted, blood trickling from her lips.
"Xueyao!" Lin Tian's rage surged, his pendant blazing. The System flashed:
[Bloodline Resonance: Temporary boost available. Risk: Minor backlash.]
He accepted, power flooding him, his fists glowing. "Heavenly Wolf Fist—Soul Crusher!" His punch slammed the wolf's flank, cracking ribs, but it roared, its jaws snapping at him.
Su Xueyao staggered up, her eyes fierce. "Now!" She leaped, claws piercing the wolf's heart. It thrashed, then collapsed, a blue crystal rolling from its corpse.
[Eliminated Blood Wolf, gained 5000 EXP. Current Level: Mortal Level 6]
[Task Completed! Reward: Heavenly Wolf Bloodline Awakening Progress +15%, Wolf Clan Relic: Soul Shard]
Lin Tian slumped, backlash burning his muscles. He helped Su Xueyao up, her face pale but defiant. "You're tougher than you look," she said, a faint smile breaking through.
He grinned, holding the Soul Shard, its blue glow mesmerizing. The System noted:
[Soul Shard: Enhances Bloodline Awakening or unlocks Wolf Soul Valley's wards.]
Su Xueyao's eyes widened. "A wolf clan relic… It'll get us into the valley." Her voice turned grave. "But the Envoy's report means bigger threats are coming."
Lin Tian's jaw set. "Then we move fast. For my mother."
She nodded, but her eyes held worry. "Your bloodline's waking, but it's drawing attention. Vampires, and maybe worse."
The System chimed:
[Hidden Task: Reach Wolf Soul Valley's altar. Reward: Heavenly Wolf Bloodline Awakening Progress +20%, Memory Fragment: Lin Wanqing's Fate]
Outside, the rain slowed, but growls echoed in the distance. Lin Tian and Su Xueyao shared a look, steeling themselves for the trials ahead.