Chapter 16: Shadowgnaw

After spending some time embracing and releasing his inner emotions, Fang Hao gradually regained his composure. He recognized that this would be the final occasion he allowed his emotions to overwhelm him.

"Thank you, Mom," he said, gently wiping his eyes. With a resolute expression, he turned to his father, whose face displayed a contented satisfaction, a clear indication that Hao had matured.

"Let's go," his father announced, lifting them into the air and carrying them to the base of the mountain.

Roars of beasts and wild monsters echoed throughout the area, but as soon as they sensed Fang Xiong's aura, an eerie silence fell. Descending to the base of the mountain, they arrived at a region inhabited by the weaker creatures, under the watchful care of guards who served as breeders.

One of the guards, who was cultivating nearby, leaped to his feet upon the city lord's arrival. This marked the second time he had encountered Fang Xiong up close.

The first encounter had been approximately 500 years ago, during his daughter's arranged battle. Reflecting on this, he turned his gaze behind him and noticed a child – unmistakably the new arrival they had heard rumors about.

Straightening his robes as best as he could, the guard hurriedly knelt down before Fang Xiong, fully acknowledging the city lord. With his head bowed in respect, he awaited further instructions.

Fang Xiong regarded the kneeling guard thoughtfully before addressing him, "Wu Meilin, what do you suggest for young Hao?" The lord's words carried a warm smile, a gesture that deeply moved the guard. Finally, someone of significance recognized him by name.

Rising to his feet, he composed himself, wearing a professional demeanor akin to the one he had exhibited when interacting with Fang Xiong's daughter many years ago.

Turning his attention to Hao behind him, he sought permission from the city lord with a glance, receiving a nod of approval in response.

Examining Hao with a discerning aura, Wu Meilin gauged the young cultivator's power before delving into contemplation. "Lord, what path of cultivation has he undertaken?" he inquired, his confusion stemming from the fact that Hao appeared to be a mortal and lacked significant traces of a sword's influence.

"He cultivates in arrays," Fang Xiong replied casually, dismissing the inquiry with nonchalance.

"Arrays? Wait, you said arrays?" Wu Meilin's head shifted slightly as he exchanged glances between the lord and Hao. His expression transitioned from surprise to wonder, and then to a hint of grim realization as he locked his gaze onto Fang Xiong.

"Lord, why have you revealed this to me? Have I not been a loyal guard for generations?" He let out a resigned sigh, almost as if accepting his fate without registering it fully.

"I understand your concerns," Fang Xiong began calmly, sensing the impending tension. "But rest assured, I have procured a lower-quality Dao scroll for you. It should guarantee your safety." He tossed the scroll towards Wu Meilin, instructing him to read it.

"I see, thank you," Wu Meilin nodded, a wave of relief washing over him as he realized a second chance had been granted. While the scroll's cost was significant for him, he understood its value to the city lord was not much, especially at this grade.

Signing and returning the scroll, he said, "I suggest the fight be against a Shadowgnaw, a pest animal that ambushes in darkness," the guard proposed, demonstrating his thoughtful planning.

Hearing the suggestion, Fang Xiong nodded in agreement. "A good idea. We shall wait here then," he affirmed, signaling for Hao to prepare for the upcoming battle.

"I will be back," the guard rushed down the mountain to fetch an animal for the battle. Meanwhile, Fang Hao stood still, mentally preparing himself and forming a strategy in his head. It didn't take long for Wu Meilin to return, carrying a large rat-like creature slightly shorter than Hao.

The creature had a thin body covered in sleek, obsidian-black fur. Its sharp, needle-like teeth glistened with a malevolent glint, earning the creature its foreboding name - the Shadowgnaw.

For the first time, he laid eyes on an exotic creature of this new world. Amazed by its unique colors and sharp teeth, he observed the Shadowgnaw closely.

Hao sensed the creature's aura—it was at the Late Shell realm, making it a good opponent for his test.

Wu Meilin explained, "This creature is formidable in cave and dark environments, but out in the open, it's weaker than you." He then dropped the Shadowgnaw at a distance from Fang Hao.

The Shadowgnaw looked around, attempting to find an escape route, but it felt trapped by the guard's aura enveloping it. Realizing it had no chance of escaping, it turned its gaze toward Hao, inspecting him, and let out a threatening roar.

Fang Hao maintained a serious expression, fully aware that even though the creature was weaker, he needed to be prepared. Without hesitation, he unsheathed his sword and simultaneously began drawing the diagram Yu Rui had taught him, carefully crafting it in the air.

The creature, sensing the threat, reacted swiftly, charging toward him with its claws pounding the ground as it closed the distance rapidly.

As Hao observed the approaching Shadowgnaw, beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and the diagram he was crafting emitted ominous cracking sounds. The creature rapidly closed the gap, closing in to a mere five meters from him. Springing forward, it lunged with its sharp claws, poised to strike.

With the diagram now complete, Fang Hao faced uncertainty about whether he could hit it with the creature's incredible speed. In a quick decision, he executed the Lotus defensive stance, encasing himself in a protective shield of petals.

This barrier allowed him a small opening for visibility. As the rat-like creature's claws collided with the petals, a series of metallic 'clank' noises resonated through the air, marking the defense's effectiveness.

Hao seized the moment, channeling his spiritual qi into the completed diagram that was on the breaking point.

The array released a blazing beam of light that streaked toward the airborne Shadowgnaw. The intense light found its target, striking the creature on its back, unable to avoid it.

A cry of agony pierced the air as the Shadowgnaw plummeted to the ground, writhing in pain and struggling to regain its footing.

Fang Hao swiftly dismissed the defensive skill, his determination visibly etched on his face. He then decisively activated the offensive variation, transforming the petals into deadly, sharp projectiles that surged forth.

The petals struck the creature's head, eliciting a pained cry. The creature's eyes dimmed, and its head thudded to the ground with a dull noise.

Breathing heavily, the weight of the moment settling in, he observed the lifeless creature before him. He didn't feel any remorse; after all, it wasn't a human being, and he lacked any emotional attachment to it. Moreover, the creature had initiated the attack, even if it had been compelled to do so.

As his heart rate gradually returned to normal, Fang Hao turned his attention to his father, who nodded in approval. His mother, however, appeared deep in thought, her brow furrowed as if contemplating something. "Well done, disciple," his master's voice cut through, carrying a tone of encouragement that brought a faint smile to Fang Hao's lips.

As Fang Hao turned his head, he cast one last glance at the lifeless creature. Then, his father's voice broke the silence. "Yu Rui, take Hao back to rest, and bring him here again tomorrow," the command was issued, and Yu Rui nodded in acknowledgment, leading Hao away towards the training area for meditation.

Observing their departure, Fang Jing turned her gaze to her husband, her expression laced with concern. "Are you certain this is the right decision?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

"In three days he will join the Falling Stars Sword Hall, one of the most formidable sects in this world. Do you wish for him to hesitate when it matters, possibly costing him his life?" Fang Xiong regarded his wife with a serious countenance.

"I understand your desire for him to have the experience of taking a human life before entering the sect, and in a controlled environment. However, is this truly the right decision?" she questioned, pausing to take a breath before continuing.

''Can't we employ the same method we used for our daughter, utilizing illusions to expose him to challenging scenarios?" Fang Jing proposed, her words reflecting their past approach of subjecting their daughter to simulated trials in multiple levels of hellish experience.

"It won't work on Hao; he'll notice. His path will be stained with blood. Remember our daughter? She believed she had taken the lives of a hundred evil humans by the age of 15. How absurd. Only we know the truth, and that unfortunate formation master who couldn't keep his mouth shut," Fang Xiong stated with an angry expression, releasing a terrifying aura before calming down as he had killed him.

"I will think of something, don't worry," he said and walked over to her, taking her hand. "It's been a while since I saw you, my love," he added with a gentle smile, steering the conversation in a different direction.

"We do have much to discuss," she replied, gazing at him with affection, before they soared towards the cave. Despite their reunion, a lingering worry about tomorrow remained in the back of their minds.