Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Chapter 11: Blood Cave

"It's time for me to get out of here" Jiang Feng made his way towards the edge of the island, the island wasn't too large nor was it too small, it had a peaceful environment, laced with tall grass, trees, rocks, and sandy coasts. The swaying of the bamboo trees creates a pleasant sound to the ear that makes him forget all his troubles and pain from the previous days.

Standing at the edge of the island, Jiang Feng calculated the distance between himself and the shoreline of the mainland, and though it wasn't too far, it still took him one and a half hours to swim across. He had to expend a lot of energy just to make it which caused his hunger to skyrocket. He was soaked from head to toe when his body started to heat up, giving off steam.

"This flame seed seems to have some practical applications for now. Considering that I don't recognize any of these landmarks, I can only conclude that my father has taken me much farther than I originally anticipated."

Jiang Feng was currently making his way through a dense forest, there were tall trees for as far as the eyes could see, casting a large shadow on the ground. He randomly picked a direction and started to run at a moderate speed, two hours passed by quickly and he was still surrounded by large trees, but the area he entered now was filled with large rocks.

"Damnit when will I get out of this place?" Jiang Feng was starting to fell frustrated, with hunger setting in, he felt as if he would collapse at any moment.

"I've been running for two hours yet I've not run into any wildlife, something isn't right with this forest or maybe this area of the forest!"

Jiang Feng took a deep breath, the air around him thick with tension, as he cautiously made his way through the labyrinth of large rocks. Each step was deliberate, his senses heightened, and his guard up at all times. The jagged stones loomed around him like ancient sentinels, their surfaces worn smooth by time. As he edged forward, the muted sound of his footsteps seemed to echo in the stillness.

He soon noticed a narrow path winding between two massive rocks that stood like imposing doors, partially hidden in the shadows. The rocks' surfaces were covered in moss and etched with strange, almost mystical markings. As a gentle breeze whispered through the passage, it carried with it the unmistakable scent of blood, faint but unmistakable, wafting from the darkness beyond the opening. The scent stirred something primal within him, a mix of fear and curiosity compelling him to proceed despite the ominous signs.

"That's the smell of blood, could something have happened here, this smells like human blood! Why did father brought me to a place like this?"

Jiang Feng took two steps back and turned around to leave the area as quickly as he could, but as he took those few steps, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. That was because the cave entrance appeared behind him as well, but a lot closer than before.

"What the hell?"

Jiang Feng dashed to the side, his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to make a run for it. Suddenly, the dark cave materialized before him, its gaping maw looming ominously as if it were a beast ready to devour him whole. His breathing became rapid and shallow, each breath echoing loudly in the oppressive silence. The metallic scent of blood grew stronger with each passing moment, filling his nostrils and sending a shiver down his spine.

Unseen voices began to howl, their eerie wails blending into a cacophony of chilling sounds. It was as if the very walls of the cave were alive, whispering secrets and taunting him with sinister laughter. The sound of crying intermingled with the deranged laughter, creating an otherworldly symphony that heightened his fear. The cave's darkness seemed to pulse and writhe, beckoning him to step inside and face whatever horrors lay within.

Jiang Feng forced himself to steady his breathing, trying to clear his mind from the overwhelming fear. He knew he had no choice but to face whatever lay within the cave. His father's intentions were a mystery, but he had learned to trust in the old man's wisdom, even when it seemed cruel or incomprehensible.

"I can't let fear control me," he muttered under his breath, steeling his resolve. "I've survived worse through the pain of tribulation lightning, what else must I fear"

With a final deep breath, he stepped into the cave, the darkness enveloping him immediately. He focused on the ever so faint light ahead, moving cautiously but with every step he took. The sound of his footsteps echoed eerily off the walls, and the scent of blood grew stronger, almost suffocating.

As he ventured deeper, he noticed the cave's walls were lined with strange symbols, similar to those on the rocks outside. They seemed to glow faintly, casting an otherworldly light that barely illuminated his path. The voices grew louder, more distinct, and he could almost make out words among the wails and whispers.

"Jiang Feng..." a voice hissed, sending a chill down his spine. "Welcome..."

He spun around, trying to pinpoint the source, but there was nothing but darkness. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. Swallowing his fear, he pressed on, determined to uncover the truth.

Suddenly, the cave opened into a vast chamber, lit by an eerie blue glow. In the center, an altar stood, covered in ancient runes and drenched in blood. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, making it hard to breathe.

On the altar lay a figure, motionless and draped in tattered robes. Jiang Feng approached cautiously, every instinct screaming at him to turn back. But he knew he had to see it through. As he drew closer, he recognized the face, his father.

"No...!" Jiang Feng screamed, rushing to the altar. "Father!"

His father's eyes fluttered open, filled with pain but also a strange serenity. "Jiang Feng... my son... you've come..."

"Father, what happened? Who did this to you?" Jiang Feng demanded, fighting back tears.

His father managed a weak smile. "This... is the final test. You must... take the flame seed... and complete... the purification."

Jiang Feng's eyes widened in horror. "But... how? I don't understand!"

His father coughed, a harsh, rattling sound. "The flame seed... within you... it can solve the mystery in your... blood"