Sky Star - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Pressing Forward in Adversity

The three of them gathered their spirits and stepped once more into the unknown journey ahead. The path beneath their feet grew increasingly rugged, resembling a writhing, struggling serpent winding through the desolate mountains and wilderness. Jagged, monstrous rocks lined both sides, like ferocious beasts glaring at them, watching their every move with predatory eyes.

Xiao Chen’s gaze was firm, like the first light of dawn piercing through the clouds. Leading the group, he remained constantly vigilant against potential dangers. He knew that every step could lead into a deadly trap, but for the Celestial Domain and the truth hidden behind the mysterious tower, there was no room for retreat. “Stay close, do not get separated,” he commanded in a deep, powerful voice, his words echoing through the valley, dispelling some of the fear lingering in his companions’ hearts.

Yun Yi followed closely behind, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword. A faint yet steady fluctuation of spiritual energy surrounded him, like an undercurrent stirring beneath a still lake, ready to surge at any moment. His eyes, as sharp as a hawk’s in the dead of night, swept across their surroundings, missing not the slightest movement. Their recent encounter with the eerie black-robed man had left him deeply aware of how treacherous this path truly was. Silently, he reminded himself that he must not let his companions fall into danger.

Ling Xue took up the rear. Her steps were light and graceful, as though carried by the wind. Though her sword remained sheathed, it emanated an aura of latent power, ready to strike at any moment. Her keen eyes constantly observed their surroundings, and every now and then, she would reach up to smooth stray strands of hair from her forehead—a subtle attempt to steady her nerves. Despite the perilous road ahead, teeming with unseen dangers, the resolve in her gaze never wavered. She was like a star shining in the cold night, unwavering and brilliant.

As they reached a mountain ravine, a rushing stream, like a galloping white stallion, roared past, cutting off their path. The water crashed against the rocks, sending up countless splashes, like furious fists pounding in a display of nature’s raw power. Xiao Chen halted, his gaze fixed on the turbulent current, his brow slightly furrowed as he pondered a way across. “This stream is too rapid. Wading through it recklessly would be extremely dangerous. We need to find another way.” His words, though partially drowned by the roar of the water, carried a tone of grave concern.

Yun Yi stepped forward, crouching to dip his hand into the water, only to feel an intense force wrench at his arm, sending a sharp pain shooting up. He quickly withdrew his hand, shaking off the water droplets before standing up with a solemn expression. “The current is too fast, and there are hidden undercurrents beneath. If we try to swim across, it would be almost certain death.” His words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing whatever faint hope they had held.

Ling Xue scanned the area and soon fixed her gaze on several large trees by the riverbank. A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes. “Perhaps we can use these trees to build a simple bridge,” she suggested softly, her voice like a spring breeze carrying a trace of optimism. At her words, the others’ eyes lit up, and they nodded in agreement.

Without delay, Xiao Chen and Yun Yi drew their swords and approached the trees, beginning to cut down branches. Their movements were skilled and forceful, resembling seasoned woodsmen. In no time, they had gathered a pile of branches of suitable thickness. Meanwhile, Ling Xue used her spiritual arts to strip the branches of their twigs and smooth them down, making them easier to assemble.

With their combined efforts, a simple wooden bridge gradually took shape. They carefully positioned it across the river, securing it tightly with vines—constructing a fragile yet vital link between danger and hope. Xiao Chen stepped onto the bridge first, cautiously testing its stability with each step, as though walking a tightrope. Yun Yi and Ling Xue followed closely behind, moving slowly yet resolutely across the stream.

However, before they could even catch their breath, a deep, rumbling noise suddenly echoed from the distance, like rolling thunder across the heavens. The three of them immediately turned their heads, their expressions shifting. From the mountaintop above, an avalanche of massive boulders came crashing down, resembling a cascade of falling stars, engulfed in billowing dust as they hurtled toward them.

“Run!” Xiao Chen’s urgent cry rang through the air like an arrow piercing the clouds, filled with urgency and alarm.

The three of them bolted like startled hares, sprinting towards an open clearing ahead. Behind them, the deafening roar of tumbling rocks grew ever closer, like the bellowing of death itself, shaking the earth with terrifying force. A massive boulder brushed past Xiao Chen’s sleeve, smashing into the ground with an impact that sent a wave of dust and debris flying—like a miniature explosion, sending a shiver down their spines.

Summoning every ounce of strength, they dashed forward and, just as the landslide was about to bury them, finally reached a safe zone. The three collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, their hearts pounding. The relief of survival was like a warm spring sun, momentarily dispelling the shadows of fear. Yet they knew all too well—this was but a brief respite. The path ahead remained treacherous, the mysterious tower still a distant enigma, and the unknown dangers lurking in the dark… ready to strike at any moment.

At that moment, a strange crimson glow tinged the horizon, like blood staining the sky. It cast an eerie and ominous hue over the desolate mountains, sending a chill through the air. The three of them gazed at the red sky, their hearts heavy with unease, as if trapped in an endless nightmare—one from which they did not know when they would awaken…