Volume One, Chapter 15: The Perilous Quest for the Spirit-Seeking Herb, Breaking the Deadlock and Counterattacking

Lin Fan took a deep breath, the humid air carrying a strong scent of grass and earth filling his nostrils as he stepped onto the winding path. The surrounding mist grew denser, like soft yet icy silk wrapping around his body. The soil beneath his feet turned soft and slippery, each step pressing into the sponge-like ground with a faint “pfft” sound. The silence around was uncanny, broken only by occasional sharp cries of unknown birds from afar, heightening the eerie atmosphere of this place.

He could clearly feel that the spiritual energy fluctuations around him became increasingly chaotic the deeper he ventured in. The oppressive sensation in the air was like an invisible giant hand gripping his throat tightly, making his breathing heavier. Instinctively, he gripped the sword hilt tightly and cautiously scanned his surroundings.

Suddenly, a thick wave of fog surged from all directions, instantly obscuring Lin Fan’s vision to less than a meter. It felt as if he were enveloped in a giant white cocoon, surrounded by nothingness, unable to discern any direction. An inexplicable sense of danger crept up his spine like a cold venomous snake.

“Be careful!” Lin Fan murmured to himself, slowing his pace and trying to sense his surroundings through subtle perceptions. But what greeted him was an even fiercer assault. Within the mist, vague, shifting phantoms flickered faintly; their forms varied, ghostlike and elusive. These illusions surged like tides, shrieking and swinging indistinct claws as they lunged toward him.

Lin Fan swung his sword to block, only to find his attacks passing through empty space; the blade pierced the phantoms without causing any harm. He attempted to strike with spiritual energy, but it vanished without effect, as if cast into an endless abyss. These phantoms were ethereal, intangible, immune to any physical or spiritual assault.

Yet their attacks landed on him with tangible force. Each collision numbed his body, a cold, sinister aura invading him, steadily draining his strength. His breath grew rapid, sweat soaking through his clothes. Dodging and countering continuously, his body began to falter.

At last, he realized he was trapped in a vast snare. These illusions were products of a special formation designed to imprison intruders. Despair surged like a tide, crushing his chest as if he were plunged into an endless abyss of darkness, struggling futilely as hopelessness threatened to consume him.

Suddenly, he recalled the protective talisman Lin Wan’er had given him. Fingertips caressed the smooth amulet, carved from unknown wood with intricate, arcane patterns. He had once thought it an ordinary charm for safety, but now it was his sole hope.

Clutching the talisman tightly, he felt a faint warmth emanate from its surface and silently prayed, “Please work!”

At that very moment, the talisman blossomed with a gentle white light, like a small moon quietly rising in his palm. Where the light touched, the dense mist seemed to recoil in fear. The snarling phantoms appeared burned, emitting piercing screams as they retreated.

This sudden change jolted Lin Fan’s heart, joy swelling beyond words. He stared in disbelief at the softly glowing talisman, whispering, “This... really works!”

But before he could savor the relief, the dispersed phantoms roared once more and surged forward again, now more numerous and ferocious. The white light could only hold a narrow radius within the thick fog, while the phantoms, like ravenous beasts, sought to engulf it entirely.

Lin Fan drew a deep breath, forcing calm into his mind. He understood the talisman’s light could drive away the mist but was no ultimate solution to defeating these phantoms.

He gripped his sword firmly, eyes sharp with determination. He began to carefully observe the phantoms’ attack patterns, seeking a rhythm. He noticed that despite their elusive forms, each strike had a brief pause — a moment when they gathered their strength.

His heart leapt, clutching at this lifeline. No longer passive, he seized the opportunity to strike.

He summoned the full power of his Wood Spirit Body, a potent life force surging through him. The soil beneath stirred, roots breaking through and entwining around his sword, which now emitted a deep green glow.

His sword swings were no longer intangible; each strike carried the mighty force of the Wood Spirit, sounding like thunder and wind, causing the ground to tremble slightly. The phantoms shrieked sharply as they were scattered by the sword’s light, only to reassemble moments later. The battle escalated fiercely, wild spiritual energy whipping the mist into gusts that rustled the surrounding trees.

Lin Fan darted swiftly through the fog, his sword flashing like a silver serpent. Every attack was precise and powerful. No longer prey chased by shadows, he had become a blade of lethal intent, each strike laden with resolute killing intent.

As he cleaved one phantom in two, a low voice echoed from the void: “You... how...”

His blade sliced through the air, each strike landing exactly on the core of the phantom’s form. The Wood Spirit’s power infused the sword, each collision crackling sharply like roasting beans. The phantoms screamed and dissipated, reforming more slowly than before.

He could feel their strength waning with each attack. The fog around him thinned like dust stirred by a gale, and his vision broadened. Beads of sweat dotted his brow; his clothes drenched, yet his eyes burned with unwavering resolve.

Gripping his sword, feeling the surging power within, joy of imminent victory filled his heart.

The final phantom dissolved completely in the sword’s glow. The mist lifted entirely, sunlight filtering through leaf gaps, dappling the ground with warm light. The air was fresh and moist, infused with the scent of earth and grass.

Looking around, Lin Fan found himself in a spacious forest clearing. Nearby stood the gaping entrance of a deep valley, thick with dense spiritual energy, swirling like a massive vortex that drew his gaze irresistibly.

He inhaled deeply, sensing the flow of spiritual power within him, a faint smile touching his lips.

The spirit herb awaited there.

A profound sense of accomplishment surged through him, as though he had undergone a transformation — from defensive survival to active assault, each step brimming with challenge and growth.

He envisioned himself returning laden with the spirit herb, heart pounding with excitement.

He hurried toward the valley entrance, each step filled with renewed vigor.

Thoughts of Lin Wan’er crossed his mind; her smile like flowers blossoming in spring, always bringing him warmth and strength.

If he succeeded in bringing back the herb, she would surely be overjoyed.

He imagined her surprised eyes, and his heart swelled with tenderness and anticipation.

This emotion propelled him to run faster.

Entering the valley, the sunlight was blocked by dense trees, casting shadows inside. The spiritual energy thickened, as if he had stepped into a natural treasure trove of vitality.

He slowed, carefully scanning for any sign of the spirit herb.

Then, heavy, labored breathing came from behind, rough and powerful like a beast’s exhalation.

He spun around sharply to see a massive figure emerging from the mist — a pair of crimson eyes radiating a sinister, bloodthirsty gleam, fixed intently on him.

Lin Fan’s heart sank suddenly, a chill shooting from his feet to his head.

He tightened his grip on the sword, muscles taut, eyes locked on those blood-red orbs.

As the fog cleared, a colossal beast stood fully revealed before him. It resembled a giant ape, its body cloaked in thick black fur that gleamed like forged steel in the dim light.

It stood over twenty feet tall, muscles bulging with explosive power.

Its crimson eyes burned like twin blazing lanterns.

Hot breath, thick with a pungent stench, poured from its nostrils, nearly suffocating Lin Fan.

The giant ape let out a deafening roar, the shockwave rippling outward, ringing in Lin Fan’s ears. Trees shook violently, leaves fluttering down.

Lin Fan drew a steadying breath, forcing calm within.

He knew this was a battle for survival.

He summoned the full power of his Wood Spirit Body, his sword radiating dazzling green light like a coiling venomous serpent, ready to deliver a fatal strike.

The giant ape swung its massive fist with a roaring gust, aiming at Lin Fan.

He nimbly dodged, the fist crashing into the ground with a thunderous boom, shaking the earth and creating a deep crater.

Seizing the moment, Lin Fan thrust his sword toward the ape’s eye.

The beast roared angrily, raising its thick arm to block.

The clash of sword against arm rang sharp and metallic, sparks flying.

A shallow wound appeared on the ape’s arm, black blood slowly oozing out.

The ape winced in pain and launched a more furious assault.

Lin Fan dodged left and right, narrowly evading each blow.

He struck relentlessly at the ape’s weak points with his sword.

The battle reached a fever pitch, the heavens seeming to darken in response.

Wild spiritual energy rampaged through the valley, uprooting trees, shattering rocks, and cracking the earth.

Lin Fan felt his stamina draining rapidly but refused to retreat.

He knew he must endure, for Lin Wan’er, and for himself.

The ape unleashed a thunderous roar, muscles swelling as a formidable power erupted within.

It raised both arms and slammed down with overwhelming force.

“Boom!”

A tremendous explosion of light and sound shook the valley as if it might collapse.

When the dust settled, Lin Fan stood beneath the ape’s feet, his sword broken, his body battered and bleeding profusely.

The giant ape lowered its massive head, its crimson eyes fixed on him, and rumbled in a deep voice, “Human... you are strong...”