Sky Star - Chapter 34

chapter 34: Terror in the Cave

Deep within the cave, a low, rumbling roar echoed like rolling thunder, reverberating through the narrow passage. The sheer intensity of the sound made the trio’s eardrums ache, tightening the already tense atmosphere to its extreme. Despite his exhaustion and injuries, Xiao Chen forced himself to stand, his gaze sharp as icy stars as he fixed his eyes on the abyssal darkness, trying to pierce through the void and discern the lurking danger.

“Everyone, be careful. We don’t know what kind of creature is hiding in this cave, so don’t act recklessly.” Xiao Chen’s voice was hushed, taut like a drawn bowstring, carrying a faint tremor. In the eerie silence of the cave, his words drifted gently yet landed heavily in the hearts of his companions, making them even more vigilant.

Yun Yi also struggled to prop himself up, his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. Spiritual energy surged within him like a hidden current, ready to erupt at any moment. He shifted slightly closer to Xiao Chen, his wary gaze sweeping across their surroundings. In a low voice, he said, “That roar doesn’t sound friendly. It’s probably even more troublesome than the insects outside. We need a strategy—one that allows us to deal with whatever’s inside while keeping the cave entrance secure.” His words were as sharp as a cold wind, clearing the fog of uncertainty in their minds and making them realise the severity of their predicament.

Ling Xue’s beautiful eyes carried a trace of worry. She bit her lower lip lightly, resembling a delicate red plum blooming in the snow, evoking a sense of fragility. She brushed the dust off her clothes, then took light, graceful steps to stand beside the two men, clutching her sword as though it were her final lifeline. “I’ll try using my celestial arts to sense what’s inside the cave. Maybe I can pinpoint the creature’s location.” With that, she slowly closed her eyes, calming her mind. Her slender fingers formed a mystical seal as a soft glow enveloped her, shimmering like starlight in the night as she reached into the unknown darkness.

Moments later, Ling Xue opened her eyes, the worry in them growing deeper. “The aura inside the cave is chaotic. There’s an immense and violent force surging deep within. I can roughly determine its position, but I can’t see what it is.” Her gentle voice, like a spring breeze, carried hints of helplessness and unease, making the already eerie cave feel even more sinister.

As they were discussing their next move, the roar grew even louder, deafeningly close. Then came the sound of heavy footsteps, each thudding like a hammer striking the earth, gradually approaching from the depths. Every step seemed to stomp on their hearts, making them break out in cold sweat.

Xiao Chen’s eyes sharpened. Without hesitation, he made a decisive call: “We don’t have time to think—we need to retreat deeper inside and find a favourable position. We can’t just sit here at the entrance and wait for death!” Without another word, he took the lead, striding into the darkness, his figure swiftly swallowed by the abyss, leaving behind only a faint silhouette.

Yun Yi and Ling Xue exchanged glances before nodding firmly, as if swearing a silent oath. Without hesitation, they followed closely behind Xiao Chen.

They treaded cautiously through the cave, their path uneven and treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted out unexpectedly, tripping them like mischievous spirits lurking in the shadows. The damp cave walls glistened, with droplets of water occasionally falling onto their skin, sending an icy chill down their spines.

After a short distance, the path suddenly opened up into a spacious cavern. However, the air inside was thick with a nauseating stench, reminiscent of a slaughterhouse soaked in blood. The suffocating odour made their stomachs churn.

Before they could even steady themselves, a massive beast lunged out from the darkness. It was enormous, its entire body emitting an eerie red glow. Its head was as large as a hill, and its blood-red eyes burned like embers, locking onto them with a terrifying, bloodthirsty madness.

Without hesitation, Xiao Chen unleashed the power of the stars within him. Like a raging river, his energy surged into his fists as he charged straight at the beast, roaring, “Vile creature! Today will be your end!” His voice boomed like a mighty bell, making the air tremble as he attempted to overwhelm the beast with his sheer presence.

The monster was provoked, releasing a deafening roar. The soundwaves rippled through the air like invisible blades, slicing painfully into their ears. It swung its thick forelimbs—each as massive as a tree trunk—like a siege hammer, slamming down towards Xiao Chen with destructive force.

Xiao Chen reacted swiftly, dodging to the side with agile movements. The moment the beast’s limb struck the ground, the cave floor caved in as if struck by a meteor, sending debris flying like a miniature disaster.

Seeing this, Yun Yi swiftly formed hand seals, resembling a mysterious sorcerer casting an ancient spell. His spiritual energy surged, weaving intricate threads of light aimed at binding the beast. The glowing strands wrapped around the creature, but it tore through them effortlessly, snapping them as if they were mere cobwebs. Snarling, it retaliated with a blast of black miasma—like hellfire from the abyss. The toxic fumes burned through the air, hissing as they approached, melting even the stone walls.

Ling Xue’s jade-like hands danced through the air, her celestial arts unleashed to their fullest. Ice shards and wind blades rained down upon the beast, but its thick hide barely registered the attacks. The ice shattered on impact, leaving only faint white marks, while the wind blades brushed past as harmlessly as a gentle breeze.

The battle was fierce. Within moments, the cavern became a whirlwind of flashing swords and crackling energy, a deadly yet dazzling spectacle. But despite the overwhelming odds, the trio showed no signs of retreat. Their eyes burned with determination, and their spirits surged with newfound courage.

Back to back, they fought on, pouring every ounce of their strength into each strike, each spell—desperately searching for a sliver of hope in the depths of despair…