Chapter 32 - The Crimson Pact
The bodies of the defeated assassins lay sprawled across the damp forest floor, their groans fading into the eerie silence of Phantom Mist Valley. Wang Li took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with exhaustion. His wounds burned, but he couldn't afford to stop now.
"If I stay in one place too long, more will come."
Tightening his grip on his dagger, he moved deeper into the valley, weaving between towering trees shrouded in mist. Every step felt heavier than the last, but his mind raced.
"Huo Jian wouldn't just send a handful of thugs. This was a test."
Whoever survived this valley would emerge stronger. Huo Jian likely expected Wang Li to die here, but even if he didn't, he'd be worn down by endless battles.
Wang Li smirked.
"You underestimated me."
But he needed to regroup. Quickly.
A New Threat Emerges
After another hour of trekking, Wang Li stumbled upon a clearing. A small, dilapidated shrine stood at its center, ancient carvings etched into the stone. Moss and vines covered the once-pristine structure, and faint remnants of spiritual energy lingered in the air.
"An abandoned shrine? Here?"
Before he could investigate further, the air shifted. A cold presence pressed against his skin, and a figure emerged from the mist.
A woman, draped in crimson robes. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, her piercing red eyes glowing unnaturally. A silver mask covered the lower half of her face, revealing only a slight smirk.
"Who is she?"
"You handled those assassins well," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "But you're bleeding."
Wang Li tensed. "And you are?"
She chuckled, stepping closer. "Someone interested in survival. And from the looks of it, you might need a little... help."
His instincts screamed danger, but something about her was oddly familiar. Her movements were calculated, her aura both deadly and alluring.
"You're not from the sect," Wang Li said cautiously.
"Neither are they," she gestured toward the unconscious assassins. "And yet, here you are, standing victorious. Impressive."
Wang Li narrowed his eyes. "You didn't answer my question."
The woman tilted her head. "I go by many names. But for now, call me Xue Lian."
Something about the name nagged at his memory, but he pushed it aside. "Why are you here?"
Xue Lian's smirk deepened. "Because I know the real dangers of this valley. And trust me, those assassins were just the beginning."
As if to prove her point, a deep howl echoed through the mist. The ground trembled slightly.
Wang Li's eyes flicked to the treeline. He sensed it too—something massive was approaching.
Xue Lian sighed dramatically. "And here I was hoping to have a pleasant conversation before the real monsters showed up."
"Monsters?"
Before Wang Li could react, a massive figure burst through the trees.
The Phantom Behemoth
A hulking, four-legged beast towered before them. Its body was covered in obsidian scales, its glowing green eyes fixed on Wang Li. It exuded a deadly aura, thick with malice.
"A Phantom Behemoth," Xue Lian murmured. "What a rare sight."
Wang Li took a step back, gripping his dagger. "Any advice?"
"Yes," she said, casually drawing a curved blade. "Try not to die."
The behemoth lunged, the ground cracking beneath its weight.
Wang Li dodged, barely avoiding the massive claws that raked through the air. The sheer force of the attack sent a shockwave rippling through the clearing.
Xue Lian moved like a shadow, her blade flashing. She slashed at the beast's side, but its scales deflected the strike, sending sparks flying.
"It's tougher than it looks," she mused.
Wang Li clicked his tongue. "Great. Any weak spots?"
"Behind the eyes, at the base of the skull," she said. "But good luck getting there."
The behemoth roared, releasing a blast of green mist.
"Don't breathe it in!" Xue Lian warned, leaping backward. "It's a venomous fog!"
Wang Li immediately covered his mouth, retreating to higher ground. His mind raced.
"I can't overpower this thing, but I can outmaneuver it."
He activated Shadow Step, his form blurring. In an instant, he appeared behind the behemoth, aiming for its weak spot—
But the creature anticipated him.
With terrifying speed, its tail whipped around, striking him mid-air.
"Shit!"
The impact sent Wang Li crashing into the shrine's stone pillars. Pain exploded through his ribs, but he forced himself to stand.
Xue Lian sighed. "You're reckless."
"You're welcome to step in anytime," he groaned.
She twirled her blade. "Fine. Let's end this."
Xue Lian raised her free hand, her crimson qi gathering into a swirling vortex.
"Blood energy?"
Wang Li's eyes widened.
With a sharp motion, she unleashed the attack. A crimson spear of pure energy shot forward, piercing through the behemoth's shoulder.
The beast howled, staggering.
Wang Li saw his chance.
Summoning every ounce of qi left, he propelled himself forward, dodging the beast's desperate swipe. He landed on its back, dagger poised—
And plunged it deep into the base of its skull.
The beast let out one final, earth-shaking roar—then collapsed.
Silence filled the clearing.
Wang Li pulled his dagger free, panting. His arms trembled.
Xue Lian strolled up beside him, inspecting the corpse. "Not bad. You're not entirely useless."
Wang Li gave her a tired glare. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She chuckled, wiping the blood from her blade. "You should. Now, let's talk about why I'm really here."
He exhaled. "This should be good."
Xue Lian leaned in slightly, her red eyes gleaming. "You're caught in a war you don't even understand. Huo Jian? The assassins? They're nothing compared to what's coming."
Wang Li frowned. "And you know this how?"
"Because," she said, a mysterious smile on her lips, "I was sent here to recruit you."
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His blood ran cold. "By who?"
Xue Lian tapped her mask, her voice a whisper.
"The Crimson Pact."