Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Chapter 26: Shadow Church's Pursuit

The procession wound slowly through the dense underbrush of the Obsidian Woodlands, the towering black-barked trees looming above them like silent sentinels, dark and foreboding. Early morning mist clung to the forest floor, curling around their ankles with every step, carrying with it a chill that seeped through flesh and bone. This was no casual journey; it was a solemn exodus from a life once filled with quiet stability.

Even the youngest children, typically full of chatter, sensed the gravity of their flight. They moved in silence, wide-eyed as they gazed into the foreboding shadows, trying to understand the danger lurking within. Lin Rou, leading from the front, kept his senses honed, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his blade. Every rustle of leaves, every faint howl that echoed through the trees, felt like a threat—a beast waiting to pounce or a curse ready to strike.

At the rear, Lin Moyi's face was set in grim determination. He watched the winding trail behind them, feeling the ancient, predatory presence of the forest pressing in around them. The trees seemed alive with hidden intent, whispering warnings in the creak of their branches. Lin Moyi knew that the Celestial Shadow Church's involvement likely meant they were not just fleeing a shadowy enemy but were venturing into a place where even the forest itself felt hostile, where beasts prowled with unnatural aggression.

Jiang Feng, newly adopted into this village, walked near the center of the group. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the storm that had uprooted him. Days ago, he had been a wanderer, an outsider seeking refuge. Now, he was part of this exodus, forced to leave with people who had offered him shelter. Glancing around, he saw the quiet resolve on their faces, the acceptance of hardship as they carried what they could, leaving cherished belongings behind. Determination welled within him. Though he felt powerless, he vowed to find a way to protect these people. He would not let them down, no matter what dangers lay ahead.
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The council hall in Phantom Moon Valley buzzed with tense energy. Shadows flickered across the walls as deep voices echoed within, each council member raising concerns over the troubling events in Lin Village.

"Jin Wu, are you certain of what you sensed in the boy?" Elder Xu's voice boomed, his tone both commanding and heavy with doubt. "Are you sure it's draconic spiritual energy and not some lesser form?"

Silence fell over the council hall. Jin Wu knelt on one knee, his head bowed as he responded. "I am positive, Elder Xu. I would not make such a mistake. Lin Moyi protected the boy fiercely. We clashed, but he remains at his peak."

Elder Bia, a tall figure cloaked in shadow and sharing equal authority with Elder Xu, interjected with barely restrained disapproval. "You were instructed only to observe, Jin Wu. Who authorized you to take action on your own?"

Jin Wu's head lowered further in deference. "I was shocked at what I discovered, and I acted impulsively. I am prepared to accept punishment according to the church's rules."

Elder Xu sighed, his focus shifting back to the more pressing matter at hand. "That will wait. Right now, we must prioritize this young man. If my instincts are right, Lin Village will have already begun its evacuation. Lin Moyi wouldn't hesitate."

From thin air, Elder Xu produced a black book and flipped through its worn pages until he reached a map of the Obsidian Woodlands. Though rough, the map detailed the terrain with remarkable precision: nearby hills, lakes, and neighboring villages, each marked with their affiliations and alliances. His eyes gleamed as he took in the details. "Lin Village is aligned with Northern Moon Village, a moderately powerful settlement under the Feng Clan of Ten Waves City. With over half a million inhabitants, they would accept Lin Village without question. It's only a four-day journey, and they've likely already covered half of that."

Elder Xu closed the book and looked at Jin Wu. "They will take the safe route through Poor Man's Corner. Send a team after them, but beware of Lin Moyi. Take Hang Cai with you."

Jin Wu nodded, his expression hardening. Hang Cai was a Core Formation expert like himself. Together, they would confront Lin Moyi and retrieve the boy—if the forest allowed them to get that far.
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Meanwhile, Jiang Feng requested to ride in one of the wagons, determined to begin his training despite the journey's hardship. Settling in amid crates and supplies, he closed his eyes, ready to embrace the path his newfound abilities would demand of him.

As the sunlight pierced through breaks in the forest canopy, illuminating the bloodstained clothes of Lin Rou and his warriors, the reality of their journey weighed heavily. In the last two days, Lin Rou had slain countless beasts—demonic and otherwise—to safeguard the villagers. The warriors accompanying him were weary, their vigilance rewarded with no less than three deaths among their ranks. Yet, they soldiered on, a mix of sadness and resolve thick in the air. Lin Rou ensured that any demonic beast meat with rich spiritual essence was saved and given to Jiang Feng, seeing potential in the young man to shoulder some of their burden in the future.

A voice echoed within Jiang Feng's mind, ancient and wise, the voice of the Eternal Flame Codex that had remained silent until now. "It is time I impart to you the breathing technique that complements the Skyforge Flame. Each flame seed holds its own breathing method, unique to each cultivation stage. Though the principles remain largely the same, their power will adapt as you progress."

Jiang Feng sat up straighter, listening intently as the codex continued. "The Skyforge Flame has only appeared twice in countless millennia. The first ancestor who wielded it created the Infernal Forge Breathing Technique and earned the name Lord Infernal. The technique was later strengthened by myself and by its second wielder, the legendary King Golden Hammer. Now, as you approach the formation of your third meridian and have absorbed enough spiritual energy from the demonic beast meat, your blood has reached fifty percent purity. You are ready to blaze ahead on the Foundation Path."

A wave of energy surged through Jiang Feng as the codex imparted the ancient breathing technique into his mind. It was as if the knowledge had always been there, a dormant power waiting to awaken. He focused, following the intricate rhythm of breaths, drawing the heat of the Skyforge Flame into his core. As he meditated, his awareness deepened, and he felt the flames inside him stir, beginning to merge with his being.

The wagon creaked as they continued onward, the villagers unaware of the storm of change brewing within Jiang Feng's body and soul.