Chapter 22: Shadows in the Misty Forest
Night fell, and Lin Xuan knocked on Liu Yue's door. "Zhi Clan hunters plan an ambush," he warned, sensing their curse qi. "Keep Mistress and Liu Yang within the ring's protection array." She nodded, and he headed to the Misty Forest to train the Scarlet Flow Phase of the Crimson Blood Crystallization Art.
Deep in the forest, six Zhi Clan elders, each at the 5th Layer Qi Transformation, emerged. Lin Xuan smirked. "So you've shown yourselves, courting death!" he taunted. He activated Abyssal Lotus Step, dodging a qi blade. Celestial Wrath Elbow struck an elder's chest. Starlit Void Fist shattered another's defense. Tooth Dagger and Energy Devour felled four elders. He captured two, demanding information. "The Hei Clan," they gasped, knowing little of the Scriptures' value. He killed them and claimed their space rings.
Simultaneously, two Zhi elders attacked the inn, but the protection array activated, a golden dome shielding the family. Lin Xuan returned, unleashing Crimson Lance Burst—crystallized blood spikes that pierced and killed the attackers.
Liu Yang approached, his young face resolute. "Senior Brother, I wish to be your disciple—to protect my family," he requested, bowing deeply. Lin Xuan initially refused, but Liu Yang's persistence swayed him. "Very well," he agreed.