Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Chapter 26

The group trudged through the dense forest, the mist curling around their legs like ghostly tendrils. The path was uneven, scattered with roots and stones that made every step a careful calculation. Their breaths puffed visibly in the crisp, cool air, and fatigue hung over them like a damp cloak.

At the front, Han Qing surveyed the terrain with his usual sharpness, his sword hand never straying far from its hilt. His expression was grim, his sharp eyes darting from side to side as he scanned for danger.

"We’re close now," he said, his voice low but steady.

Behind him, the crown prince nodded, his face pale but determined. "Let’s keep moving," he said, glancing back at the rest of the group. His words carried a quiet authority that kept the others focused.

Feng Jiao Xue walked near the middle of the group, keeping her presence inconspicuous. She adjusted her pace to match the others, her cold expression unreadable as she silently observed their surroundings. Her hand hovered near her weapon, but she let the others take the lead in voicing their concerns.

"I don’t like this place," Mei Lin murmured, her red hair standing out against the gray mist. She clutched her on her weapon, her steps hesitant. "It feels... too quiet."

"Quiet is better than what’s likely waiting for us inside," one of the other cultivators muttered, his voice carrying a nervous edge.

"Enough," Han Qing snapped, his tone brooking no argument. He gestured toward a rocky outcropping ahead, barely visible through the shifting mist. "That’s it, the cave. Stay sharp."

The group moved closer, their pace slowing as the cave entrance came into view. It was larger than any of them had expected, a dark maw that seemed to swallow the mist itself. Jagged rocks framed the opening like teeth, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed from within.

"So, this is it?" Mei Lin asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Unless you know of another ominous looking cave that houses rare herbs," one of the cultivators said dryly, earning him a glare from Han Qing.

The crown prince stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he studied the cave. "We’ve come too far to hesitate now. Keep your wits about you, and don’t stray from the group."

As they prepared to enter, Feng Jiao Xue stayed quiet, letting Han Qing take charge. She tightened her cloak around her shoulders, her eyes flickering briefly toward the mist behind them. Something about the stillness of the forest set her on edge, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

The moment they crossed the threshold, a chill swept over them. The air inside the cave was damp and heavy, carrying the faint scent of earth and decay. The walls glistened faintly in the dim light, their surfaces slick with moisture.

"This place..." One of the mage’s whisphere echoed, her voice trembling. "It feels wrong."

"Everything about this mission feels wrong," the same cultivator muttered under his breath.

"Enough talk," Han Qing said sharply. "Stay focused. Keep an eye on the walls and the floor. The last thing we need is a surprise."

The group descended slowly, the narrow path forcing them to move single file. Loose rocks crumbled beneath their feet, tumbling noisily into the darkness below. The sound echoed endlessly, amplifying the oppressive silence.

Feng Jiao Xue moved carefully, her steps deliberate and careful. She remained in the middle of the group, her expression neutral as she allowed Han Qing and the crown prince to lead. She could sense the faint hum of energy in the air, but she kept her observations to herself.

"Jin De, can’t they feel it?" She asked through their mind link since the others look cautios but not alarm. "Or is this supposed to be normal?"

"They can feel it but not in the way that you can. Your physique is not... like normal." He explained making Feng Jiao Xue remember that indeed, this problematic physique can either be a curse or a blessing.

"Aside from you, only the prince has a different physique that is why he has potential but should his journey end here, there’s a reason why the graveyard is the wealthiest place. It’s filled with what could have been" Huang Jin De shrugged unbothered. He would never let Feng Jiao Xue end with such a fate but the prince has nothing to do with him.

Feng Jiao Xue couldn’t help glance at the prince at that.

Liang Feng had paused at one point, his hand brushing against the cave wall. "The qi here is concentrated," he said, his voice calm but thoughtful. "It must be tied to the herb we’re seeking." he told her when he noticed her gaze.

"It’s strong," Han Qing agreed, his gaze darting ahead. "We’re on the right track."

As they descended further, the path grew steeper and more treacherous. At one point, Mei Lin stumbled, her staff against the rocks. Feng Jiao Xue was quick to steady her, her grip firm but silent.

"Thank you," Mei Lin murmured, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

Feng Jiao Xue nodded briefly but said nothing, letting Mei Lin move ahead as if the moment had never happened.

"Are you sure you’re alright? You can wait for us in the camp, the rest of the party can head on" Cheng Rong asked concerned followed by the others’ in her group warming her heart.

"No, I’m fine. It was just a mirage, nothing more. Something like that can’t stop me" she whisphered back.

The cave’s atmosphere grew heavier with every step, the faint hum of energy becoming more pronounced. It thrummed through the air like a heartbeat, growing louder as they progressed. The group’s unease was palpable, their movements slower and more deliberate as they neared what felt like the heart of the cave.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the narrow passage widened slightly as they all paused. Before them felt like an open mouth of a cave leading to an unknown but they can feel it now, sense it. The cavern distorting due to the immense amount of Qi like a veil before them

Han Qing tightened his grip on his sword, his expression grim. "If this is the entrance, I don’t want to imagine what’s guarding the other side."

Feng Jiao Xue remained at the edge of the group, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the veil. She could feel the energy pulling at her, its rhythm strangely familiar yet alien. But she kept her thoughts to herself, allowing Liang Feng to take the lead.

"This is the only way forward," he said, turning to face the group. "Steel yourselves. Whatever lies beyond, we’ll face it together."

Without waiting for a response, he stepped towards the ’exit’. The others followed, their resolve firm despite the fear flickering in their eyes.

The group trudged down farther in the rocky decline, the energy in the air soffucating them making some feel dizzy as the air grow havier and havier, it was damp and thick, and the walls of the cave seemed to close in as they descended. The path was steep and uneven, forcing them to tread carefully. A few loose rocks clattered underfoot, echoing ominously in the confined space.

After what felt like an eternity, the group emerged from the narrow passage, and froze. The sight before them was beyond comprehension.

A vast desert stretched endlessly in every direction, its golden sands shimmering under a harsh, artificial light. The air was hot and dry, a stark contrast to the chill of the cave they had just exited.

"How...?" one of the cultivators murmured, their voice filled with disbelief.

"It’s a distorted space," the crown prince said, his voice calm despite the sweat beading on his brow. "A fragment of another realm, likely tied to the herb’s energy. It must have warped reality here."

Feng Jiao Xue narrowed her eyes, shielding them from the blinding light with her hand. The air carried a faint trace of magic, a pulsating rhythm that resonated with her untrained magical core. She glanced at the crown prince, whose breathing had grown labored.

"This realm is unstable you should move quickly." Huang jin De warned inside the space ring making Feng Jiao Xue’s expression turn into unease.

This is new to her, beasts, magic qi, she can handle as she can control them, avoid them but this makes her stomach churn. Sentient man eating mist? Okay, they have hazardous air back on earth. To her who has never even imagined a place like this, it’s like she was placed in the mouth of a beast waiting to be swallowed.

Huang Jin de used his own qi to wrapped her in a ’blanket’ to assure her.

"You don’t have to do this. We can try something else to make you stronger before coming to places like this" Huang Jin De assured her, comforting her.

He wants her to be strong but at the same time, he just wants to protect her from the world.

Feng Jiao Xue froze when she felt a hand on her shoulder, she didn’t realize she had froze up and managed to tune out the world. She cursed herself for her recklessness. For such a stupid newbie mistake.

"Hey, you doing okay?" Liang Feng asked, worried marred his beautiful face.

"Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Just never been to something like this" Feng Jiao Xue replied coldly forcing herself to calm down.

"Well, bravery isn’t found in the absence of fear. It’s okay to be afraid you know?" He assured her and Feng Jiao Xue just nodded.

"Don’t worry, i’m not a coward to succomb to my fear" She assured him, not foolish enough to deny it but hating it no less. "Your... a good leader" Feng Jiao Xue acknowledge. It’s what she had observed from him during the journy. Able to take command when need be but neither arrogant nor too humble. He carries himself with pride and humility.

The tip of Liang Feng’s ears reddened slightly as he gave him a gentle smile. "Thanks, I am to be" he chuckled sheepishly.

"May I?" He asked offering his hands for her to take since he noticed that she seems to prefer her own company and didn’t want to make her uncomfortbale for just holding her hand without her permission.

Feng Jiao Xue frowned. "I don’t need you to hold my hand like I’m a child"

"No, no, not like that" He rubbed his nape sheepishly. "Well, can you hold my hand then?" He amended.

Feng Jiao Xue raised her brow but still wordlessly took his hand. It was cold but for some reason, it made her feel warm.

Liang Feng smiled softly, squeezing her hand lightly once as he walked beside her, Han Qing frowning when he looked back at his prince and saw them walking towards him too close to each other but chose to remain silent.

The group pressed forward, their steps sinking into the sand as they navigated the unfamiliar terrain. Shadows danced along the horizon, shifting and twisting as if alive. Every so often, the wind carried faint whispers, teasing them with half-heard words.

Feng Jiao Xue couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Her fingers tightened around her weapon as she scanned the endless expanse. Something about this place felt wrong, as if the desert itself were a living, breathing entity, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Ahead, the faint outline of a structure came into view, half-buried in the sands. The crown prince pointed toward it, his eyes alight with hope.

"If the herb is here, it must be there," he said, his voice tinged with urgency.

But as they approached, the ground beneath their feet began to shift, the sands swirling unnaturally. A low growl rumbled through the air, and the shadows along the horizon began to converge, taking shape.

"Prepare yourselves," Feng Jiao Xue ordered, her tone sharp. "We’re not alone."