The Devouring

POV Zhao Lianhua

Lianhua moved effortlessly through the dense forest, her steps silent against the damp earth. The moon had begun to rise, casting a pale glow over the treetops. She didn't need to look back to know they were coming. She could feel them.

From the shadows, two figures emerged, tall, elegant women dressed in black uniforms, their long hair tied neatly behind them. Their beauty was striking, yet their presence carried a sharp, disciplined air. They stopped a few feet away and immediately bowed in the traditional manner, bending at the waist with their hands folded in front of them, heads lowered in deep respect.

"Mistress," one of them spoke, her voice steady but laced with unease.

Lianhua's dark eyes studied them for a moment before she asked, "How did the mission go?"

The guards did not meet her gaze. Instead, they bowed even deeper.

"The mission… was not a success," the second woman admitted, her tone carefully measured.

Silence hung between them.

A flicker of irritation sparked within Lianhua. Her expression darkened, and before she realized it, her aura surged outward.

A suffocating pressure filled the air. The trees trembled. The guards gasped as an invisible force pressed down on them, making it hard to breathe. Lianhua's eyes glowed a dangerous, blood-red, the power radiating from her uncontrolled.

Immediately, the two guards dropped to their knees, bowing until their foreheads pressed against the forest floor.

"Forgive us, Mistress!" they pleaded in unison, their voices tight with strain. Sweat dripped from their brows as they trembled beneath the weight of her power.

For a brief moment, Lianhua considered making them kneel longer. Let them feel the failure they had brought. But then she exhaled, forcing herself to rein in her emotions. The red glow in her eyes faded, and the heavy pressure in the air vanished.

She turned away, her voice cold. "Forget it."

The guards remained kneeling for a moment before swiftly rising to their feet. In perfect sync, they bowed once more.

"Thank you, Mistress," they said in unison, their voices filled with relief.

Without another word, they stepped behind her, following in silent formation as Lianhua made her way to her clan's stronghold. The mission's failure was an issue, but there were more important matters to deal with.

Right now, she needed to report to the clan leader what had happened today.

Meanwhile, far behind her, James walked alone through the woods, completely unaware about what has taken place in the forest.

POV James 

James trudged along the dirt road, his feet aching from the long journey. His relief grew as he finally spotted the city in the distance. Just as he allowed himself a small breath of relief, the thunderous sound of hooves filled the air.

A carriage sped past, nearly knocking him off his feet. James stumbled back, his frustration flaring.

"Watch where you're going!" he muttered under his breath.

As he collected himself, he noticed a large number of people heading towards the city. Curiosity gnawed at him, something was happening.

As James got closer to the city, he saw the tall stone walls. They were made of large gray bricks, worn by time but still strong. Some parts had vines growing on them, making the walls look old but sturdy.

At the entrance, a huge wooden gate with iron bands stood partly open, letting people pass through. Two guards in shiny armor stood on either side, watching everyone who came in. Above the gate, a big wooden sign hung, with golden letters neatly carved into it, showing the city's name called Longshen City.

He stopped a passing traveler. "Excuse me, why is there such a crowd?" that was heading to Longshen City.

The man glanced at James, then nodded. "A powerful sect is arriving tomorrow morning to select new disciples. Everyone wants a chance to impress them."

James's eyes widened. "A sect? Which one?"

"The Ying Sect," the man replied.

James repeated the name, rolling it over in his mind. "Ying Sect…?" He had heard of sects before, but the name made him wonder. Was it an all-female sect?

The traveler chuckled, recognizing the look on James's face. "No, they accept males too. But they're rare among their ranks."

James nodded, thanking the man before continuing toward the city gates. He couldn't shake the thoughts racing through his mind. A sect was recruiting here? And he just so happened to have a sect badge in his possession.

As he approached the entrance, two guards in heavy armor blocked his path. One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, raised a hand.

"Pass?"

James blinked. "Pass?"

The guard sighed, clearly used to dealing with clueless travelers. "You need a pass to enter. If you don't have one, you can buy it over there." He gestured toward a small booth near the gate.

James thanked him and was about to head over when another carriage rolled past. Unlike the first, this one moved gracefully, its polished wood gleaming in the sunlight. Through the open window, James caught sight of a beautiful girl seated inside.

Their eyes met.

For a brief moment, time seemed to slow. She studied him, her gaze unreadable. Just as the carriage reached the gates, it suddenly came to a halt.

A guard accompanying the carriage approached him. "You. Come with us."

James stiffened. "What? Why?"

The guard didn't answer. Instead, he glanced back toward the carriage, where the girl sat. Though she said nothing, there was a quiet authority in her presence.

James hesitated. He had no money for a pass this might be his only way into the city. With a deep breath, he nodded and followed.

Whispers spread through the crowd. Some men shot him envious looks, muttering amongst themselves. James ignored them, his mind racing with questions.

Who was this girl? And why did she want him to come along?