With the appearance of the mysterious figure, an invisible pressure bore down like Mount Tai, making it almost impossible to breathe. The surrounding dark forces grew even denser, swirling wildly like thick black ink as if trying to devour everything in sight. The already dim heavens and earth now seemed plunged into an endless abyss, filling the heart with despair and dread.
Zhang Zhi stared fixedly at the figure, his heart leaping to his throat and beating frantically as though it might burst through his chest. He thought to himself, "Just what kind of entity is this fellow? With such overwhelming oppressive force, he won't be easy to handle. But no matter what, I cannot back down; I still have companions behind me who need my protection." His gaze was resolute and unyielding as he gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Lin Wan'er was pale with fright, her delicate body trembling uncontrollably as she said with a shaky voice, "Zhang Zhi, I... I'm so scared. This dark power makes me feel suffocated, I'm afraid that we..." Her eyes welled with tears, and her hands gripped her own clothes tightly, as if it were her only lifeline.
Chapter 26