MTLNOVEL Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Shadow Hunter Commander
Chapter 11: The Shadow Hunter Commander
The deeper Yuan and Xiao Hua ventured into the Obsidian Valley, the colder the air grew. The shadows felt heavier—alive, as though watching their every step. Yuan's senses sharpened, every fiber of his being alert for the coming danger.
A faint ripple in the darkness made him stop. His eyes narrowed as he whispered, "We're not alone."
Xiao Hua floated closer, her voice tight with concern. "The Shadow Hunter Commander… He's here."
Before Yuan could respond, the shadows around them trembled and twisted. A low, chilling voice echoed through the valley.
"You've come far for a disciple… but your journey ends here."
A figure stepped from the darkness—a tall man clad in black armor etched with crimson runes. His face was concealed by a jagged mask, and the air around him buzzed with oppressive shadow energy.
[System Alert: Shadow Hunter Commander – Zhen Mo Detected.]
Power Level: Peak Nascent Soul Realm
Danger Level: Extreme
Yuan's heart pounded. Zhen Mo's aura was suffocating—far stronger than the scouts. But instead of fear, a spark of excitement ignited in his chest. This was the kind of challenge he needed.
"You must be the one causing trouble," Zhen Mo said, stepping closer. "To wield both light and shadow… a dangerous path for a mere disciple."
Yuan tightened his grip on the Twilight Blade. "I'm not just any disciple," he shot back. "And I'm not afraid of you."
Zhen Mo chuckled coldly. "Arrogance. Let's see if you can back it up."
Without warning, Zhen Mo vanished. Yuan barely had time to react before a blast of shadow energy surged toward him. He raised his sword, activating Radiant Eclipse Slash, slicing through the wave of darkness.
The two clashed, their blades meeting with a deafening roar. Each strike from Zhen Mo was swift and ruthless, pushing Yuan to the edge. But Yuan wasn't backing down. His Twilight Energy surged through his veins, empowering every movement.
"Twilight Domain!" Yuan shouted, releasing a surge of energy. A shimmering field of golden light and dark shadows expanded around him, suppressing Zhen Mo's aura.
Zhen Mo's eyes glinted with interest. "Impressive… but not enough!"
He raised his hand, summoning a spear of pure shadow energy. "Shadow Piercer!"
The spear tore through the air, aimed straight for Yuan's heart. In a flash, Yuan activated Shadow Step, vanishing into the darkness and reappearing behind his enemy.
"Eclipse Mirage!" Yuan whispered, unleashing his newly unlocked skill. Dozens of shadow-cloaked afterimages of Yuan surrounded Zhen Mo, attacking from all directions.
Zhen Mo growled, struggling to track the real Yuan among the illusions. With a flick of his wrist, Yuan struck—his blade slicing deep into Zhen Mo's shoulder.
[Critical Hit – Shadow Hunter Commander Weakened.]
Zhen Mo staggered back, blood dripping from his wound. His mask cracked slightly, revealing a furious glare. "You… dare?!"
Yuan didn't hesitate. He poured the full force of his energy into one final strike. "Radiant Eclipse—Final Slash!"
A blinding arc of twilight energy surged forward, cutting through Zhen Mo's defenses. With a thunderous crash, the Shadow Hunter Commander fell to his knees.
The system chimed:
[System Alert: Shadow Hunter Commander Defeated – +5000 EXP.]
[Bonus Objective Complete – Eclipse Mirage Unlocked.]
[Reward Received – Twilight Lotus Artifact.]
Yuan lowered his sword, breathing heavily. Victory.
Xiao Hua hovered beside him, her eyes wide. "You did it… You really defeated a Nascent Soul cultivator."
Yuan smirked, the thrill of battle still coursing through him. "This is only the beginning. Let them come—I'll be ready."
As the last echoes of battle faded, Yuan knew one thing for certain—he was no longer just a disciple walking the path of cultivation. He was a force to be reckoned with, and the world was only beginning to take notice.
To be continued…