Lin Xuan stood up, dusting himself off. The fog in the Shadow Valley was thick, making it hard to see beyond a few meters. The trees were twisted and gnarled, their branches like claws reaching out in the dim light.

  A deep growl echoed through the valley.

  Lin Xuan’s body tensed. I’m not alone.

  He took a slow step forward, his senses sharp. Every rustling leaf, every faint movement in the shadows—it all felt dangerous.

  This was a test of survival. If he wanted to leave this valley, he had to be ready for anything.

  Suddenly—a blur of black fur lunged from the side!

  Lin Xuan barely dodged in time. Slash! The creature’s claws missed his chest by inches, cutting through the bark of a nearby tree instead.

  He turned quickly, getting a full look at his attacker—a Shadow Wolf.

  Its glowing red eyes locked onto him, saliva dripping from its fangs. Its black fur blended perfectly into the fog, making it hard to track.

  The wolf circled him, waiting for the right moment to strike again.

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  Lin Xuan took a deep breath. No panic. Focus.

  As soon as the wolf lunged again, Lin Xuan reacted. He sidestepped and struck!

  His fist, powered by Heavenly Script’s energy, slammed into the wolf’s side.

  Boom!

  The wolf yelped, crashing into a tree. But it wasn’t done. It got up, its body shaking but its eyes still burning with hunger.

  Lin Xuan clenched his fists. This thing won’t stop until one of us is down.

  The wolf dashed forward once more, even faster this time.

  Lin Xuan stepped back, dodging its snapping jaws. He countered with a quick palm strike to its head. The impact sent shockwaves through its body, but the wolf refused to go down.

  It snarled, its muscles flexing. It’s adapting.

  Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes. Then I’ll finish this in one move.

  As the wolf charged again, Lin Xuan’s Heavenly Script flared to life. Blue energy surrounded his hands, crackling like lightning.

  He leaped forward and, in a single motion, struck the wolf’s chest with full force!

  BOOM!

  The wolf’s body froze. Its glowing eyes dimmed. Then, it collapsed.

  Lin Xuan exhaled slowly. His hands were shaking, but he had won.

  He didn’t have time to rest.

  More distant howls echoed through the valley.

  He wasn’t the only one in danger. Other disciples were fighting their own battles.

  Lin Xuan clenched his fists and started moving. The valley was full of dangers, but he wasn’t going to fall here.

  He had to survive.

  To be continued…