THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 26

It was so dark that it is hard to tell time. Shěn Lí didn’t know the irection they were walking or what their goals were. On top of that, she wasn’t sure how Xíng Zhǐ measured “two laps.” Several times she wanted to ask how much longer they had to walk, but his steps ahead of her were so sure and steady she could only clamp her mouth shut before the words could spill out. As a king, she needed to appear calm and collected.

Nonetheless she sighed repeatedly as her patience wore thin. The situation felt increasingly hopeless, like they were taking two steps forward only to retreat three. It was frustrating he wouldn’t take the necessary steps to resolve the dilemma. . .

A strong wind suddenly blew by her ear. The killing intent it brought with it was unmistakable. Shěn Lí’s face tightened. “Monster beasts.”

“Finally, I was becoming impatient,” was Xíng Zhǐ’s nonchalant reply.

Shěn Lí was shocked by his words. She was still wondering about them when a high shrill erupted nearby, making her unconsciously summon her spear. She moved forward ready for battle.

Xíng Zhǐ held is arm out stopping her. He tilted his head in her direction and asked, “Do you wish to see what the Ruins look like?”

See the Ruins? Shěn Lí looked at him uncertain. Her heart wasn’t prepared when a dazzling ball of light appeared. It danced on the palm of Xíng Zhǐ’s hand before rushing off and slamming directly into something not too far away.

Though the impact was loud, the shrill scream that accompanied it was even louder. An explosion of light followed, puncturing the darkness and illuminating the world around them.

Shěn Lí saw the remains of a monster beasts, its limbs torn away and smashed to pieces. Countless murderous eyes revealed themselves in the light.

The monsters huddled in packs, many displaying grotesquely wide grins full of sharp jagged teeth. Some had their tongues hanging out with spit and drool dripping from their open mouths. Others withdrew behind the fallen body, retreating, but still looking at Shěn Lí and Xíng Zhǐ with vicious eyes.

Shěn Lí was shocked. Even though the tiny hairs on her body rose up, she maintained an air of outward calm. The darkness gradually returned as the ball of light faded away. She asked, “This whole time we were walking. . .  you knew they were watching us?”

“Of course.”

His light tone made Shěn Lí ponder silently. It had cost so much for her to kill the single fox-tailed scorpion. The person in front of her was able to dispatch a monster beasts while chatting. He could stroll so casually while surrounded by so many. This kind of power was mind boggling.

“Azure Sky king.” Xíng Zhǐ abruptly stopped. Turning to look at her he asked, “Does the air here feel nerve-wracking, fearsome?”

“No. . . ”

“Is that so.” His expression was grim as he said, “Make sure no one approaches the Ruins after we leave.” He glanced at Shěn Lí briefly before grabbing her hand. Energy moved from his hand into hers.

She watched as dark miasma ejected out of Xíng Zhǐ’s injured arm, while she felt something forced out of her body at the same time. Both things happened in the blink of an eye.

“Hold your breath.”

Shěn Lí immediately did as told, sucking in a deep breath and holding it in.

Sensing something, the surrounding monster beasts shrieked and began moving, launching themselves forward as one.

Shěn Lí’s head throbbed at the deep piercing shrieks but the sounds quickly faded away. She looked around, dazzled by the bright moonlight shining overhead. She raised her head and saw Xíng Zhǐ’s face in profile gradually becoming more distinct. His breath was erratic and droplets of sweat clung to his forehead.