Beyond Virtue

Three days later, Xu Yan walked alongside a river near the Crimson Wraith Forest, the gentle waves of the flowing water a rare respite from the chaos of his usual life. The crimson-tinted clouds overhead mirrored the faint glow of his pendant as he held it tightly in his hand.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade as memories surfaced unbidden. He could see a younger version of himself crouched by a river, carefully stacking smooth stones while a warm laugh echoed in the air.

"Not like that, Xu Yan! You need balance, not just height!" The voice was rich with age but carried an unshakable enthusiasm. Grandpa Chen.

Xu Yan's lips twitched, almost forming a smile as he pictured the man's face. Despite his wrinkled skin and hunched posture, Grandpa Chen had always seemed larger than life. His youth-like energy and unwavering optimism were what kept Xu Yan's world from feeling empty.

It had been just the two of them. No parents. No family. Just an old man and a boy trying to make sense of the world. And now, it was just him.

The pendant pulsed faintly in his hand, its warmth grounding him in the present. Xu Yan exhaled slowly, the faintest trace of sorrow flickering in his eyes before vanishing behind his usual calm demeanor.

He released the pendant and looked ahead. The river continued its journey, relentless and unyielding.

"Just like you always said, Grandpa," he whispered, his voice low. "Keep moving forward."

The edge of the Crimson Wraith Forest loomed before Xu Yan, its twisted black trees shrouded in an eerie crimson mist that seemed to breathe with a life of its own. The faint cries of distant spirit beasts echoed, their sounds lost within the oppressive atmosphere.

A medium-sized group of disciples was already gathered, their voices a low murmur of speculation and strategy. As Xu Yan approached, the conversations ceased, and all eyes turned to him.

"Isn't it the famous Xu Yan?" A boy from the group laughed, his tone dripping with mockery. "I wonder what Elder Mo Ying was thinking, leaving someone like you in the sect. Weaklings like you shouldn't even bother showing up."

Xu Yan's expression didn't falter, his eyes calm and indifferent as he scanned the group.

A taller disciple stepped forward, his imposing figure exuding authority. "Enough," he said, though his tone held little warmth. Turning to Xu Yan, he crossed his arms. "I'm Wei Feng, the group leader. Let's not waste time. If you become a burden, don't expect anyone to save you. Tell us your strengths, Xu Yan. Convince me you're not dead weight."

Xu Yan met his gaze without hesitation. "I excel in fist techniques, particularly the Blood Crushing Fist. I'm familiar with the habits of spirit beasts and the terrain of forests like this one. I can handle myself in a fight. You won't need to worry about leaving me behind."

Wei Feng studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding. "Fine. You'll take the front. If you're as knowledgeable as you say, you'll scout for the group and warn us of any threats before they reach us." 

He turned to address the group, his voice firm and commanding. "The mission is simple: we'll be venturing into the outer edge of the Crimson Wraith Forest. There's been unusual spirit beast activity reported, some have even ventured dangerously close to sect territory. Our objective is to investigate the source of this disturbance, eliminate any threats, and retrieve any valuable materials we find along the way. Stay alert. Even the outer area of the forest is no place for the weak or careless."

The disciples murmured in agreement, their gazes shifting between each other and the ominous forest ahead. Wei Feng glanced over the group once more, then motioned forward. "Let's move."

The group had been trekking through the dense outer edge of the Crimson Wraith Forest for over an hour, the oppressive crimson mist clinging to their robes like an unshakable shroud. The distant rustle of leaves and the faint cries of spirit beasts punctuated the eerie silence, keeping everyone on edge.

Xu Yan walked at the front of the group, his sharp gaze scanning the twisted underbrush ahead. Suddenly, he stopped, his hand raised in a silent command.

"Wait," he said, his voice calm but firm.

The group came to an immediate halt, their eyes snapping to Xu Yan.

Wei Feng, standing a few paces behind him, stepped forward, his brows furrowed. "Why are we stopping?"

Without turning, Xu Yan gestured ahead with a subtle motion. "There," he said evenly. "The corpses of several Shadowback Hares."

Wei Feng's eyes narrowed as he focused on the mangled remains strewn across the ground. The faint glint of blood and torn fur stood out starkly against the blackened forest floor.

"This is usually the work of the Obsidian Winged Crow," Xu Yan continued, his tone low. "They prey on weaker spirit beasts like these hares, using their speed and sharp talons to tear them apart. If the corpses are here, it means we're likely within its hunting grounds."

The air grew heavy with tension as the disciples exchanged uneasy glances. The Obsidian Winged Crow was a notorious predator in these parts, known not only for its size and strength but also for its cunning ambushes.

"Stay alert," Wei Feng commanded, his voice cutting through the silence.

The group tightened their formation, their hands inching toward their weapons as they scanned the misty canopy above. The oppressive quiet of the forest seemed to deepen, every shadow and flicker of movement now a potential threat.