As Zhang Mu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao faced the formidable black mist, they knew they were in a dire situation. The entity stronger than them—escaping seemed impossible, let alone defeating it. But retreating wasn’t an option either.
The trio had no idea what the black mist’s realm form was. Was it really just a formless cloud, or was something far more sinister lurking beneath?
"What do we do now?" Liu Hai asked, his voice laced with frustration. "There's no way we can take this thing down with just the three of us."
Zhang Mu clenched his fists. His expression darkened as he realized the gravity of their mistake.
"If only we had listened to Lin Xiao earlier," he muttered.
Lin Xiao glanced at him but said nothing. There was no point in dwelling on it now. Since they couldn’t defeat the creature, their only option was to escape. But with the mist blocking every possible exit and their chances of tricking it again slim, the situation seemed hopeless.
As the black mist stirred, Zhang Mu made his move, stepping forward to shield Lin Xiao and Liu Hai. Without hesitation, Liu Hai followed, launching into the fight.
While they kept the black mist at bay, Lin Xiao wracked his brain for a solution. This wasn't his usual role, he had always preferred to stay out of such matters. But now, with Zhang Mu and Liu Hai counting on him, he had no choice but to step up.
"You really think you can defeat me with just the two of you?" The black mist sneered. "Even if that little one joins in, you don't stand a chance."
Zhang Mu and Liu Hai exchanged glances, their expressions tense. Lin Xiao’s abilities hadn’t yet matured, so bringing him into the battle would be dangerous.
But Lin Xiao had already made up his mind. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, surprising them both.
"Lin Xiao! What are you doing?" Zhang Mu shouted. "Get back! You don’t have the strength for this!"
Lin Xiao shook his head.
"If I just stand by and watch, what kind of comrade would I be?" he said firmly. "We’re in this together. No matter what happens, I’ll fight alongside you."
A smile tugged at Liu Hai’s lips. Zhang Mu, too, felt warmth spread through his chest.
"That’s right," Liu Hai said with a grin. "We’re a team—we fight together!"
Seeing their determination, the black mist laughed.
"You three are amusing," it said. "But no matter how brave you are, courage alone won't save you."
The fight continued, and despite their best efforts, Zhang Mu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao were slowly being overwhelmed. The black mist was relentless, and exhaustion began to wear them down.
Just as the black mist prepared to strike the final blow, a sudden burst of energy shot through the battlefield. A familiar figure darted into view—Ling Xi. She had sensed the battle from afar and had hurried to their aid.
Seeing Zhang Mu, Liu Hai, and Lin Xiao struggling against the black mist, she knew she couldn’t just stand by. If she didn’t intervene, they would be killed. She had no choice—she had to save them.
Weak and barely conscious, Lin Xiao was the first to sense her arrival. He lifted his gaze, recognizing the concerned expression in her eyes.
She wasn’t their enemy. She was here to help.