Wu Chen's heart skipped a beat. It was a human voice, weak and desperate. He quickened his pace, following the sound until he came upon a small clearing.
In the center of the clearing, lying on the ground, was a young girl. Her clothes were torn and bloodied, and her face was pale and drawn.
Wu Chen rushed to her side, kneeling down beside her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
The girl looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear. "Please... help me... they're coming..."
Before Wu Chen could respond, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned just in time to see a group of shadowy figures emerge from the trees.
They were humanoid in shape, but their features were twisted and grotesque, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light.
Wu Chen's heart sank. He had stumbled upon a group of demonic humans, creatures that had been corrupted by demonic energy.
These were not mere beasts—they were once people, their humanity stripped away by forces beyond their control.
And they were far more dangerous than anything he had faced before.
But Wu Chen was ready. He tightened his grip on the spearhead, his mind focused and his body primed for battle.
The demonic humans lunged at him, their claws slashing through the air. Wu Chen met their attack head-on, his movements swift and precise.
The battle was intense, the demonic humans' strength and coordination pushing Wu Chen to his limits.
But he fought with everything he had, his determination unwavering. He used his newfound power to its fullest, striking with precision and landing blow after blow.
As the fight dragged on, Wu Chen's sharp instincts picked up on something unusual.
The demonic humans' movements grew increasingly erratic, their attacks losing precision and coordination.
It was as if their strength was draining away, their once-menacing power fading with every passing moment.
A flicker of excitement surged through Wu Chen as he realized what was happening.
this wasn't just a coincidence.
It was him.
His unique ability, one he had only begun to understand, was at work.
Not only could he predict attack patterns and decipher fighting styles, but he could also subtly erode his opponents' strength the longer the battle lasted.
It was as if his very presence disrupted their energy, sapping their power and leaving them vulnerable.
However, Wu Chen knew this ability had its limits. The effectiveness of this draining effect depended on the gap between his strength and his opponent's.
If the disparity was too vast, the impact would be minimal, barely noticeable.
But against foes of comparable or slightly higher strength, the effect was undeniable.
A slow, inevitable weakening that turned the tide in his favor.
A grin tugged at the corners of his lips as he pressed his advantage.
This was no ordinary battle; it was a test of his growing power, and he was beginning to see just how far he could push it.
Wu Chen seized the opportunity, striking with precision and landing a blow that sent one of the creatures reeling.
With a final, desperate lunge, Wu Chen plunged the spearhead into the chest of the lead demonic human.
The creature let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as it collapsed to the ground.
The other creatures hesitated, their glowing eyes filled with fear and hatred, but they still pressed forward. Wu Chen dealt with them calmly, evading their attacks with calculated precision and finding openings to strike.
The young girl's eyes widened in awe. Despite her injuries, she could see how the boy—no, the young man. Fought with a calm, almost serene focus. His every move was deliberate, as if he were toying with the creatures. These were Special Mortal Creatures at Level 2 and 3, capable of overwhelming ten men of the same level from her village. Yet here was a boy, no older than sixteen, battling all three of them with ease. It was nothing short of extraordinary.
Wu Chen stood over the fallen creatures, his chest heaving with exertion. He had done it—he had defeated a group of powerful foes. But before he could catch his breath, the familiar voice echoed in his mind once more.
[ You have slain a Special Mortal Creature Level 3: Demonic Humans. ]
[ Do you wish to absorb the Special Demonic Core? ]
[ You have slain a Special Mortal Creature Level 2: Demonic Humans. ]
[ Do you wish to absorb the Special Demonic Core? ]
[ You have slain a Special Mortal Creature Level 2: Demonic Humans. ]
[ Do you wish to absorb the Special Demonic Core? ]
Wu Chen hesitated, his mind racing. He had just absorbed two demonic cores, and the power they had granted him was undeniable.
But he also knew the risks.
The potential for corruption, the danger of losing himself to the demonic energy. Yet, the thought of gaining even more power was tempting.
After a moment of contemplation, Wu Chen made his decision. "Absorb," he said, his voice steady.
The black smoke rose from the corpses of the demonic humans, swirling around him before being absorbed into his body.
The surge of energy was even more intense this time, and Wu Chen felt his strength increase exponentially. His muscles bulged with power, and his senses sharpened to an almost supernatural level.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 1 Master. ]
Wu Chen stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his chest heaving as he absorbed the surge of energy from the demonic core.
The power coursed through his veins like a raging river, filling him with a sense of invincibility.
His muscles felt stronger, his reflexes sharper, and his senses heightened to an almost supernatural level.
The wounds he had sustained during the fight began to heal rapidly, the pain fading into a dull ache. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw energy pulsating within him.
But as the adrenaline began to subside, Wu Chen's mind turned to the young girl lying on the ground.
She was still breathing, though barely, her face pale and her body trembling. He knelt beside her, his voice soft but urgent. "Can you hear me? Who are you? What happened here?"
The girl's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused but filled with fear. "They... they came out of nowhere," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"They killed many in... my village... my family..." Her words trailed off as tears streamed down her face.
Wu Chen's heart ached for her, but he knew there was no time to grieve. The forest was still teeming with danger, and the demonic humans he had just defeated might not be the last.
He needed to get her to safety, but where could they go? The forest seemed endless, and he had no idea where he was or how to navigate it.
"Can you walk?" he asked, helping her sit up.
The girl winced in pain but nodded weakly. "I... I think so. But we need to hurry. They're still out there... more of them..."
Wu Chen's eyes narrowed. "More? How many?"
"I don't know," she replied, her voice barely audible. "But they're everywhere. They've taken over the forest. No one is safe."
Wu Chen's mind raced. If what she said was true, then the forest was far more dangerous than he had imagined. He couldn't afford to stay in one place for too long.
He needed to find a way out, but he also couldn't abandon the girl. She was injured and vulnerable, and leaving her behind would be a death sentence.
"Come on," he said, gently lifting her to her feet. "We need to move. Stay close to me."
The girl nodded, leaning on him for support as they began to make their way through the forest.
The mist grew thicker, obscuring their vision and making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The air was cold and damp, and the silence was unnerving.
Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made Wu Chen's heart skip a beat. He kept his spearhead at the ready, his senses on high alert.
As they walked, Wu Chen couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. The forest seemed to close in around them, the trees looming like silent sentinels.
He glanced over his shoulder several times, but saw nothing. Still, the feeling persisted, gnawing at the edges of his mind.
"Where are we going?" the girl asked, her voice trembling.
"I don't know," Wu Chen admitted. "But we can't stay here. We need to find shelter, somewhere we can rest and regroup."
The girl nodded, her grip on his arm tightening. "There's... there's a cave nearby. My village used it as a hiding place during storms. It's not far from here."
Wu Chen's eyes lit up. "Can you lead us there?"
She hesitated, then nodded. "I think so."
With the girl guiding the way, they moved through the forest with renewed purpose. The mist began to thin, and the trees grew sparser.
Soon, they came upon a rocky outcrop, partially hidden by thick vines and underbrush. The girl pointed to a narrow opening in the rocks.
"There," she said. "The cave is inside."
Wu Chen helped her through the entrance, his eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of danger. The cave was small but deep, with a low ceiling and walls that glistened with moisture. It was cold and damp, but it offered a temporary refuge from the dangers outside.
"Stay here," Wu Chen said, helping the girl sit down. "I'll see if I can find anything to make a fire."
He ventured deeper into the cave, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. As he explored, he noticed something.
A tunnel-like passage, its walls lined with faintly glowing runes. The air grew warmer as he approached, and a faint hum filled the space, as if the cave itself were alive.
Wu Chen's heart pounded with excitement. This was it—a way forward. He turned to the girl, who was watching him with wide eyes.
"This is it," Wu Chen said. "This is our way out."
The girl nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you... for everything."
Together, they stepped into the passageway, the light from the runes guiding their way. The tunnel was narrow and winding, but it felt safe, as if the forest's dangers couldn't reach them here.
As they walked, Wu Chen couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The Trinity Palace, the trials, the demonic cores—it was all connected, and he was determined to uncover the truth.
But for now, his focus was on survival. The passageway led them deeper into the earth, the air growing colder and the walls closing in around them.
Yet, despite the uncertainty, Wu Chen felt a sense of hope. He had faced countless dangers and emerged stronger each time. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready.
The tunnel eventually opened up into a vast chamber, its walls lined with glowing crystals that bathed the room in a soft, ethereal light.
At the center of the chamber stood a massive stone door, covered in intricate carvings and symbols. Wu Chen approached it cautiously, his heart racing.
"Wait," the girl said, her voice trembling.
"The door will lead you back to our village. The young and weak among us were supposed to escape here while the strong ones stayed behind to hold off the creatures. But... if we open it, the creatures might follow us."
Wu Chen frowned. "Then what do we do? We can't stay here forever."
The girl looked down, her expression pained. "The village needs help, but the creatures are too many. If we go back, we might not survive."
Wu Chen understood her fear, but he also knew that he couldn't abandon the village.
If the villagers were connected to the trial, they might hold the key to his progress. He needed to help them, not just for their sake, but for his own.
"Let's go," he said, his voice firm. "We'll face whatever comes together."
The girl nodded, her eyes filled with resolve. Together, they stepped through the door, leaving the forest behind and heading for the village.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Wu Chen knew one thing for sure.
He could not back down and he won't . He had power, purpose, and a destiny to fulfill. And he would stop at nothing to see it through.
...
Li Wei stood at the edge of the village, his hands gripping a crude spear tightly. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the horizon, where the forest seemed to writhe and churn like a living beast.
The air was thick with tension, and the faint cries of demonic creatures echoed in the distance.
His younger sister, Li Mei (李梅), had gone missing hours ago, and the thought of her alone in the forest filled him with dread.
"Li Wei!" his father, Li Jian (李健), called out, his voice strained but firm. "We need to hold the line here. The creatures are coming, and we can't let them break through."
Li Wei nodded, his jaw clenched. He was only sixteen, but he had trained with the village's hunters since he was a child.
He knew how to fight, but the creatures they faced now were unlike anything he had ever encountered. They were faster, stronger, and far more vicious.
The villagers had gathered in the center of the settlement, their faces pale but determined.
The elders, led by Old Man Zhang (张老), had devised a plan: the strongest among them would form a defensive line to stall the creatures while the women and children fled through the hidden tunnel beneath the village shrine.
It was a desperate plan, but it was their only hope.
"Li Wei," his mother, Li Fang (李芳), said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Be careful. Your sister... she's strong. She'll find her way back."
Li Wei swallowed hard, his throat tight. He wanted to believe her, but the fear in her eyes told him she was trying to convince herself as much as him.
The first wave of creatures arrived just as the sun dipped below the horizon. They were humanoid, their twisted forms illuminated by the flickering light of torches.
Their glowing eyes and jagged claws sent shivers down Li Wei's spine.
"Hold the line!" Old Man Zhang shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Li Wei stood shoulder to shoulder with the other youths and elders, their weapons raised. The creatures lunged at them with terrifying speed, their claws slashing through the air.
Li Wei dodged a strike and thrust his spear into the chest of a Level 1 demonic human, its body convulsing before collapsing to the ground.
But for every creature they killed, two more seemed to take its place. The villagers fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered and outmatched.
The creatures' strength and coordination were overwhelming, and the defensive line began to crumble.
"Fall back!" Li Jian shouted, his voice hoarse. "To the shrine!"
The villagers retreated, their movements frantic as they tried to regroup. But as they reached the shrine, they realized the creatures had already surrounded them.
The tunnel was blocked, and there was no way out.
Despair washed over Li Wei as he realized they were trapped. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Li Mei, but she was nowhere to be found.
His heart ached with a mixture of fear and guilt. He had promised to protect her, and now she was gone.
Just as the creatures closed in, a deafening roar echoed through the village. Li Wei turned to see a figure emerging from the forest, his silhouette illuminated by the moonlight.
It was a young man, no older than himself, but his presence was commanding. In his hand, he held a jagged spearhead, its surface glistening with blood.
Behind him was Li Mei, her face pale but alive.
"Li Mei!" Li Wei shouted, his voice cracking with relief.
The young man stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. Without a word, he charged at the creatures, his movements fluid and precise.
He moved like a shadow, dodging attacks with ease and striking with deadly accuracy.
Li Wei watched in awe as Wu Chen dispatched one creature after another. The Level 2 demonic humans fell like wheat before a scythe, their bodies collapsing to the ground in lifeless heaps. Even the Level 3 creatures, which had seemed invincible moments ago, were no match for him.
"Who is he?" Li Jian muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"He's... a hero," Li Mei whispered, her voice filled with reverence.
Wu Chen fought with a ferocity that reignited the villagers' hope. The youths and elders rallied behind him, their spirits lifted by his presence.
Together, they pushed back the creatures, their combined strength turning the tide of the battle.
But just as the last of the creatures fell, a low rumble shook the ground. Li Wei's heart sank as he turned to see a new horde emerging from the forest.
These creatures were larger, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. They were all Level 3, their power radiating like a suffocating wave.
The villagers froze, their hope evaporating as quickly as it had come.
Wu Chen stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. He raised his spearhead, his gaze fixed on the approaching horde.
"Stay behind me," he said, his voice steady.
Li Wei and the others obeyed, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and admiration. They knew the battle was far from over, but with Wu Chen leading them, they felt a glimmer of hope.
As the horde closed in, Wu Chen stood tall, a lone figure against the darkness. The villagers watched in silence, their hearts pounding as they prepared for the fight of their lives.
The horde of Level 3 demonic creatures surged forward, their glowing eyes fixed on Wu Chen and the villagers.
The ground trembled under their weight, and the air grew heavy with their malevolent energy.
Wu Chen stood at the forefront, his spearhead gleaming in the moonlight, but even he felt the weight of the task ahead.
"This is too much", Wu Chen thought, his mind racing. "Even with my ability, I can't take on this many Level 3 creatures at once. I need to get stronger—fast."
His eyes darted to the fallen demonic creatures scattered across the village. Their cores were still intact, and he knew what he had to do.
Without hesitation, he activated his ability, absorbing the demonic cores one by one.
The villagers watched in stunned silence as a transparent black smoke rose from the corpses of the slain creatures, swirling around Wu Chen before being absorbed into his body.
Their eyes widened in amazement, but none of them understood what was happening.
"What... what is he doing?" Li Wei whispered, his voice trembling.
"I don't know," Old Man Zhang replied, his eyes narrowed in curiosity. "But it seems to be giving him strength."
Wu Chen felt the surge of energy as the cores were absorbed, his body growing stronger with each one. The familiar voice echoed in his mind:
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 2 Beginner. ]
Wu Chen's muscles tightened, his senses sharpening to an even greater degree. He could feel the power coursing through him, a raw, untamed force that filled him with confidence.
The horde was almost upon them now, their claws slashing through the air as they prepared to strike.
Wu Chen didn't wait. He charged forward, his movements faster and more precise than before.
The first creature lunged at him, its claws aimed at his throat. Wu Chen sidestepped with ease, his spearhead slicing through the creature's neck in one fluid motion.
The creature collapsed, its body twitching as black smoke rose from its corpse.
The villagers watched in awe as Wu Chen moved through the horde like a whirlwind, his every strike landing with deadly accuracy.
He was a blur of motion, his strength and speed far beyond anything they had ever seen.
"He's... unstoppable," Li Jian muttered, his voice filled with disbelief.
Wu Chen fought with a ferocity that left the villagers speechless. The Level 3 creatures, which had seemed invincible moments ago, fell one after another.
Their attacks were swift and coordinated, but Wu Chen's ability to predict their movements and weaken them over time gave him the upper hand.
As the battle raged on, Wu Chen continued to absorb the cores of the fallen creatures discreetly.
He made sure to do it in moments when the villagers' attention was elsewhere, ensuring they wouldn't fully understand what was happening. Each core brought him closer to his next breakthrough.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 2 Intermediate. ]
The surge of energy was intoxicating, but Wu Chen knew he couldn't stop. The horde was thinning, but there were still too many of them. He needed to reach the next level if he was going to end this once and for all.
With a final, desperate push, Wu Chen unleashed the full extent of his power. His spearhead became a blur, cutting through the remaining creatures with ease.
The villagers could only watch in stunned silence as the last of the Level 3 creatures fell, their bodies collapsing to the ground in lifeless heaps.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 2 Master. ]
Wu Chen stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as he absorbed the final core. The villagers stared at him, their expressions a mixture of awe, gratitude, and fear.
"You... you saved us," Li Mei said, her voice trembling.
Wu Chen nodded, his expression calm but weary. "For now. But this might not be over."
The villagers exchanged uneasy glances. They knew he was right. The creatures had been relentless, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't return.
"Stay with us," Li Jian said, stepping forward. "At least for a while. If they come back, we'll need your strength."
Wu Chen hesitated, then nodded. "I'll stay. But I need to know more about this place. How did the creatures come to be? What is the connection to the Trinity Palace?"
Old Man Zhang stepped forward, his expression grave. "That is a long story, young man. But for now, let us tend to the wounded and prepare for what may come. We will answer your questions in time."
Wu Chen agreed, and the villagers quickly set to work. They cleared the bodies of the fallen creatures and tended to their wounded, their spirits lifted by Wu Chen's presence.
As the night wore on, Wu Chen found a quiet moment to absorb the remaining cores of the slain creatures.
He did it discreetly, ensuring no one saw the black smoke rising from the corpses.The energy from the Level 3 cores was immense, and he could feel himself growing stronger with each one.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Stabilized: Mortal 2 Master. ]
Wu Chen clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing through him. He knew he was reaching the limits of what these cores could offer.
To advance further, he would need to face stronger foes or a large number of lower-level creatures.
As the villagers prepared for the possibility of another attack, Wu Chen's thoughts turned to the future.
He needed to uncover the secrets of the Trinity Palace and complete the trial. But for now, he would stay with the villagers, protecting them and gathering the information he needed.
*Atop the Hill
Unbeknownst to the villagers and Wu Chen, a fearsome creature watched from the top of a nearby hill.
Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its massive form radiated an aura of power far beyond anything Wu Chen had faced.
The creature had observed the entire battle, its expression unreadable. It was the boss of the demonic horde, a being of immense strength and intelligence.
With a final glance at the village, the creature turned and disappeared into the darkness, its plans for the future already taking shape.
The village, once a place of chaos and despair, now buzzed with a cautious sense of hope.
The villagers worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been destroyed, their spirits lifted by Wu Chen's presence.
He had become their protector, their hero, and though they didn't fully understand his abilities, they were grateful for his strength.
Wu Chen, however, remained vigilant. He knew the battle they had won was only a temporary reprieve.
The creatures they had faced were not mindless beasts—they were organized, led by something far more powerful.
The thought of the boss creature lingered in his mind, a shadowy figure he had yet to encounter but could feel watching from the darkness.
As the days passed, Wu Chen took the opportunity to learn more about the village and its connection to the Trinity Palace. He spent hours speaking with Old Man Zhang and the other elders, piecing together fragments of information.
"The Trinity Palace is an ancient place," Old Man Zhang explained one evening as they sat by the fire. "It is said to be a trial ground for those chosen by fate. The demonic creatures you've faced are part of its test, but they are also a curse that has plagued our land for generations."
Wu Chen frowned. "A curse? What do you mean?"
The old man sighed, his eyes distant. "Long ago, our ancestors in pursuit of strength and power encountered a mystery called Trinity Palace. They sought power to protect the village, but in doing so, they unleashed something terrible. The demonic creatures began to appear, and the forest became a place of darkness. We have been fighting them ever since."
Wu Chen's mind raced. If the creatures were tied to the Trinity Palace, then defeating them might be the key to completing the trial. But he needed more information.
"Is there a way to break the curse?" he asked.
Old Man Zhang shook his head. "We do not know. The secrets of the Trinity Palace are beyond our understanding. But if anyone can find a way, it is you, Wu Chen."
The weight of the old man's words settled on Wu Chen's shoulders.
He had come to this place seeking power and answers, but he was beginning to realize that his journey was about more than just himself.
The villagers were counting on him, and he couldn't let them down.
Wu Chen fought with a ferocity that left the villagers speechless. The Level 3 creatures, which had seemed invincible moments ago, fell one after another.
Their attacks were swift and coordinated, but Wu Chen's ability to predict their movements and weaken them over time gave him the upper hand.
As the battle raged on, Wu Chen continued to absorb the cores of the fallen creatures discreetly.
He made sure to do it in moments when the villagers' attention was elsewhere, ensuring they wouldn't fully understand what was happening. Each core brought him closer to his next breakthrough.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 2 Intermediate. ]
The surge of energy was intoxicating, but Wu Chen knew he couldn't stop. The horde was thinning, but there were still too many of them. He needed to reach the next level if he was going to end this once and for all.
With a final, desperate push, Wu Chen unleashed the full extent of his power. His spearhead became a blur, cutting through the remaining creatures with ease.
The villagers could only watch in stunned silence as the last of the Level 3 creatures fell, their bodies collapsing to the ground in lifeless heaps.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Increased: Mortal 2 Master. ]
Wu Chen stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as he absorbed the final core. The villagers stared at him, their expressions a mixture of awe, gratitude, and fear.
"You... you saved us," Li Mei said, her voice trembling.
Wu Chen nodded, his expression calm but weary. "For now. But this might not be over."
The villagers exchanged uneasy glances. They knew he was right. The creatures had been relentless, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't return.
"Stay with us," Li Jian said, stepping forward. "At least for a while. If they come back, we'll need your strength."
Wu Chen hesitated, then nodded. "I'll stay. But I need to know more about this place. How did the creatures come to be? What is the connection to the Trinity Palace?"
Old Man Zhang stepped forward, his expression grave. "That is a long story, young man. But for now, let us tend to the wounded and prepare for what may come. We will answer your questions in time."
Wu Chen agreed, and the villagers quickly set to work. They cleared the bodies of the fallen creatures and tended to their wounded, their spirits lifted by Wu Chen's presence.
As the night wore on, Wu Chen found a quiet moment to absorb the remaining cores of the slain creatures.
He did it discreetly, ensuring no one saw the black smoke rising from the corpses.The energy from the Level 3 cores was immense, and he could feel himself growing stronger with each one.
[ Demonic Core Absorbed. ]
[ Power Level Stabilized: Mortal 2 Master. ]
Wu Chen clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing through him. He knew he was reaching the limits of what these cores could offer.
To advance further, he would need to face stronger foes or a large number of lower-level creatures.
As the villagers prepared for the possibility of another attack, Wu Chen's thoughts turned to the future.
He needed to uncover the secrets of the Trinity Palace and complete the trial. But for now, he would stay with the villagers, protecting them and gathering the information he needed.
*Atop the Hill
Unbeknownst to the villagers and Wu Chen, a fearsome creature watched from the top of a nearby hill.
Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its massive form radiated an aura of power far beyond anything Wu Chen had faced.
The creature had observed the entire battle, its expression unreadable. It was the boss of the demonic horde, a being of immense strength and intelligence.
With a final glance at the village, the creature turned and disappeared into the darkness, its plans for the future already taking shape.
The village, once a place of chaos and despair, now buzzed with a cautious sense of hope.
The villagers worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been destroyed, their spirits lifted by Wu Chen's presence.
He had become their protector, their hero, and though they didn't fully understand his abilities, they were grateful for his strength.
Wu Chen, however, remained vigilant. He knew the battle they had won was only a temporary reprieve.
The creatures they had faced were not mindless beasts—they were organized, led by something far more powerful.
The thought of the boss creature lingered in his mind, a shadowy figure he had yet to encounter but could feel watching from the darkness.
As the days passed, Wu Chen took the opportunity to learn more about the village and its connection to the Trinity Palace. He spent hours speaking with Old Man Zhang and the other elders, piecing together fragments of information.
"The Trinity Palace is an ancient place," Old Man Zhang explained one evening as they sat by the fire. "It is said to be a trial ground for those chosen by fate. The demonic creatures you've faced are part of its test, but they are also a curse that has plagued our land for generations."
Wu Chen frowned. "A curse? What do you mean?"
The old man sighed, his eyes distant. "Long ago, our ancestors in pursuit of strength and power encountered a mystery called Trinity Palace. They sought power to protect the village, but in doing so, they unleashed something terrible. The demonic creatures began to appear, and the forest became a place of darkness. We have been fighting them ever since."
Wu Chen's mind raced. If the creatures were tied to the Trinity Palace, then defeating them might be the key to completing the trial. But he needed more information.
"Is there a way to break the curse?" he asked.
Old Man Zhang shook his head. "We do not know. The secrets of the Trinity Palace are beyond our understanding. But if anyone can find a way, it is you, Wu Chen."
The weight of the old man's words settled on Wu Chen's shoulders.
He had come to this place seeking power and answers, but he was beginning to realize that his journey was about more than just himself.
The villagers were counting on him, and he couldn't let them down.