Legend of the Divine Archer

The pursuers relentlessly chased after Wei Xi and Yan Bai. Hours had passed since they left Blue Bell City, yet the two never slowed their pace, moving with unnerving precision.

"Where are they heading?" one of the pursuers asked, his breath ragged as exhaustion seeped into his bones. Keeping up with their speed was becoming a struggle.

"They're too fast," another muttered, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Something feels off."

"It's like they're deliberately heading in the wrong direction… There's nothing ahead but the Beast Forest."

A grim realization settled over the group. "It's a trap!"

The pursuers skidded to an abrupt halt, instincts screaming at them to retreat. But hesitation came too late.

Two spears—one dark as the abyss, the other gleaming silver—ripped through the air with terrifying speed. They struck like lightning. Two men barely had time to react, flinching aside at the last moment, but the others weren't as fortunate. The deadly projectiles found their mark, impaling their targets with sickening precision. The bodies hit the ground, lifeless.

The remaining two survivors exchanged a glance, reaching the same conclusion in an instant—flee. Without a word, they bolted in opposite directions, desperate to escape the unseen predator lurking in the shadows.

Wei Xi and Yan Bai descended onto the battlefield, retrieving their weapons with practiced ease.

"Should we go after them?" Yan Bai asked, wiping blood from his silver spear.

Wei Xi spun his spear, flicking the crimson droplets off its tip. "They were better off staying with us. The moment they started running, they became Yan Jin's prey."

Far in the distance, a piercing cry shattered the air. Scarra, the Garuda, had found one of the fleeing men. With a shriek, the monstrous bird of prey folded its wings and dove. The runner barely had time to look up before razor-sharp talons sank into his back. With sheer, brutal strength, the Garuda wrenched him apart, splitting his body in two. Blood and viscera rained down, painting the earth beneath a deep shade of crimson.

The last survivor fared no better.

Marked by the Throne of Pride, Yan Jin couldn't use his bloodline energy without revealing his location. But he didn't need it. His Heretical God's physical strength and soul power were more than enough.

The lone pursuer knelt before him, trembling, both arms torn from his body, blood pooling at his sides. His ragged breaths came in sharp gasps as Yan Jin loomed over him, fingers pressed against his forehead.

The man convulsed violently as Yan Jin's soul power invaded his mind, forcefully tearing through his thoughts, and sifting through the layers of pain and fear for the truth.

The man trembled violently, his face contorted in agony as Yan Jin's soul power invaded his mind. His lips moved soundlessly, his remaining strength drained by the sheer force of Yan Jin's intrusion.

His fingers dug into the man's scalp as he tore through the fragments of his thoughts, sifting through the pain and panic for the truth. The pursuer had no chance to resist—his mind was an open book, his memories laid bare.

He withdrew his soul power with a sharp, final twist. The pursuer let out a strangled gasp before his body slumped forward, lifeless. Yan Jin exhaled slowly, standing up and dusting off his hands as though nothing had happened.

Wei Xi approached, twirling his spear between his fingers. "Anything useful?"

Yan Jin nodded. "Nie family death soldiers. Remnants of Nie lie's faction. They are looking for revenge.."

Wei Xi scoffed. "That bastard just won't stay down."

Yan Bai, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "What do we do now?"

Yan Jin "We continue as planned. To the Shao family."

Wei Xi looked at scara who was flying over their head. " If we go at full speed we should make it in two days"

"Let's get going, then," Yan Jin urged.

The group climbed onto the back of the massive Garuda. At Yan Jin's command, Scarra took off, slicing through the night sky as they soared toward the Eastern Central City.

The journey took two days, just as planned. They arrived under the cover of darkness, the city's towering walls illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, Yan Jin had Scarra retreat into the forest while he and the others approached the entrance on foot.

The city guards were disciplined and efficient, sparing them the usual hassle of lengthy inspections or unnecessary confrontations. Passing through without issue, they made their way to the nearest inn and rented three rooms for the night

The night passed uneventfully, and the city awoke to a peaceful morning. The chatter of merchants and townsfolk filled the streets, blending with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the enticing aroma of sizzling food, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere.

Yan Jin and his companions sat at a corner table, enjoying their breakfast. A young server in a neat maid's uniform moved efficiently between tables, ensuring their needs were met.

As Yan Bai settled the bill, he casually asked the cook, "Do you know where the Shao Clan is located?"

The older woman, eyeing the generous tip he left, smiled. "Just head north. You can't miss it."

Returning to his seat, Yan Bai relayed the information. "She said if we go north, it'll be impossible to miss."

Wei Xi tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. "Should we just walk in directly? Wouldn't it be better to gather more information first?"

"It doesn't hurt to try," Yan Jin said as he stood up. "If we get turned away, we can figure out another approach."

With that, the group left the inn and followed the northern path.

It didn't take long before the Shao Estate came into view—and the cook hadn't been exaggerating. The fortress-like compound stretched toward the horizon, its vast, interconnected courtyards exuding both grandeur and history. Though the structures weren't towering, they were built with impeccable craftsmanship, each one a testament to the clan's deep-rooted legacy and wealth.

At the entrance, an ornate wooden gate—scented with rare incense—stood as a barrier to outsiders. A handful of guards, clad in pale green robes and gripping long spears, maintained a vigilant watch, their presence radiating quiet intimidation.

Without hesitation, the trio stepped forward.

Yan Jin, taking the lead, greeted the guards with a respectful nod. "Good morning, brothers. We are travelers from the northern region, and we have journeyed far to seek an audience with the Shao family's patriarch. Would you be so kind as to announce our arrival?"

One of the guards studied them for a moment before responding. "The patriarch is not someone easily met, but follow me—someone will receive you."

With that, he turned and pushed open a smaller side gate, motioning for them to enter the Shao family's domain.