Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Chapter 30: Battle at Poor Man's Corner (Epic Scene)

Jin Wu had been one of Jin Royal Family's own, years ago. Once a promising youth of great potential, he had vanished one day, swallowed by the forest and, it was later learned, seduced by the Shadow Church's dark promises. Now, Jin Wu had returned, but not as the boy of a royal family they once knew. He had become a spectral presence, cloaked in darkness, bearing the same obsidian gaze that mirrored the Woodlands themselves, only colder, empty of warmth or mercy.

A sudden stillness rippled through the villagers as a figure appeared on the far edge of the trail, his form blurred in the fading light. Jin Wu stood silently, watching them with a chilling calm. His robes, dark as midnight, blended into the shadows, his eyes fixed upon them with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the entire group and single out Lin Moyi.

"Lin Moyi," Jin Wu's voice was smooth, quiet yet carrying through the silence like a blade drawn in the dark. "You cannot escape. You and your people hold something we need. Surrender it, and the Shadow Church will grant you peace."

Lin Moyi's eyes narrowed, his voice unwavering. "The peace you offer is hollow, Jin Wu. We will not become thralls to your church's darkness."

Jin Wu's expression barely shifted, but his gaze hardened. "I was once like you. Bound to foolish beliefs of loyalty and honor. But the Celestial Shadow Church has opened my eyes. Surrender the boy, Lin Moyi. You know he does not belong to you."

Lin Rou stepped forward, defiance flashing in his eyes. "My father said no. You'll have to get through us first!"

Jin Wu's gaze shifted briefly to Lin Rou, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. "Brave, but foolish. You do not know the power we wield. This land, this forest, that boy... is already ours. You're merely delaying the inevitable."

With a flick of his wrist, shadows began to gather around Jin Wu, coiling like black mist. The air grew colder, and a shiver ran through the villagers as they felt the weight of his power pressing down upon them. Lin Moyi turned to his people, his voice steady but urgent.

"Keep moving! Make for Poor Man's Corner, quickly! They may yet give us shelter."

The villagers surged forward, hastening their pace. Lin Moyi and Lin Rou stayed at the rear, determined to keep Jin Wu at bay long enough for the others to escape. As they pressed on, Lin Moyi could feel the forest around them responding, its ancient energy stirring as though recognizing an intrusion.

Poor Man's Corner was close, the fractured buildings looming larger now, the path narrowing as they approached. Lin Moyi cast a last glance back at Jin Wu, who stood, unmoving, his expression still and calculating. He knew the chase had only begun.

-
As dusk fell over the Obsidian Woodlands, the trees shuddered under the weight of hundreds of shadows that twisted and lurked, shifting among the thick foliage. The sinister presence made Lin Rou's expression tighten as he led the retreat, slowly guiding the villagers toward Poor Man's Corner. Each villager moved hastily, their breaths shallow and panicked as they heard the cracking of branches and felt the eerie chill of approaching danger.

In the center of one of the wagons, Jiang Feng was seated cross-legged, immersed in the intense heat of the Infernal Breathing Technique. He could feel his breath synchronize with the pulse of his blood, each beat strengthening him. Suddenly, he felt the jolt as the wagon picked up speed, accompanied by the desperate shouts of the villagers. Opening his eyes, he glanced through the small window at the back of the wagon and felt his heart drop at the sight of Jin Wu, his smirk cold and cruel, eyes gleaming with deadly intent.

"There he is! After him!" Jin Wu commanded, his figure dissolving into a dark shadow that shot forward. He seemed to glide over the ground, an embodiment of darkness itself, heading straight for the caravan.