Haruno wandered deeper into the world, her eyes wide with wonder and curiosity as she took in the vast landscapes beyond the Beast Forest. Mountains loomed in the distance, rivers cut through valleys, and the sky stretched endlessly above her. This was the world she had long dreamed of exploring, and now, it was all hers to discover.
Despite the excitement bubbling in her chest, Haruno couldn't shake Ravihiro's warning from her mind. His words echoed with every step she took: "Be wary of humans." She had grown strong under Ravihiro's guidance, but she was still a beast in a human form, something that could easily draw unwanted attention.
She touched the jade pendant resting against her chest. It hummed with the formations Ravihiro had inscribed, a constant reminder of his protection. But Haruno was determined not to rely on it unless absolutely necessary. She wanted to forge her own path, to prove to herself—and to Ravihiro—that she could survive on her own.
As days turned into weeks, Haruno traveled through various towns and cities, her identity carefully concealed. She met merchants, wandering cultivators, and ordinary folk, observing how humans lived and interacted. She learned about the power dynamics between sects, the constant struggle for dominance, and how the strong ruled over the weak. It was a harsh world, but one that fascinated her.
One night, while resting at a secluded inn near the mountains, Haruno overheard a group of cultivators discussing something intriguing.
"Did you hear about the Black Lotus Sect? They've been hunting spirit beasts in the northern forests for rare materials."
"Yeah, I heard they captured a rare one—a spider beast. They say it's the last of its kind."
Haruno froze. A spider beast? Could it be one of her kin? Her heart raced as she strained to listen to more of their conversation.
"They're auctioning it off in the next few days. Word is, the beast is too valuable to kill outright, so they're hoping some rich cultivator will buy it for alchemy or weapon crafting."
A cold shiver ran down Haruno's spine. She couldn't let this happen. If it really was a spider beast, she had to save it. Her fists clenched at the thought of one of her own being treated as nothing more than a commodity.
The next morning, Haruno set out toward the northern forests, determined to free the captured beast. The journey took several days, but she was relentless, pushing herself to her limits. When she finally reached the outskirts of the Black Lotus Sect's territory, she scouted the area carefully, making sure not to reveal her presence.
The sect's compound was heavily fortified, with guards patrolling the perimeter. Haruno knew she couldn't fight her way through—at least, not without drawing too much attention. She would have to rely on her abilities, her cunning, and the teachings Ravihiro had imparted to her.
As night fell, Haruno activated the Concealment Formation inscribed on the jade, cloaking herself in an invisible aura that masked her presence from spiritual detection. She slipped past the guards with ease, moving like a shadow through the darkness. Her heart pounded as she approached the inner sanctum of the sect, where the rare beast was likely being held.
Inside the dungeon-like holding area, she saw it—the spider beast. It was chained and caged, its large, dark eyes filled with fear and anger. Haruno's heart clenched at the sight. The beast was weak, barely able to move under the heavy restraints. She could feel the spiritual suppression arrays draining its power.
Haruno crouched low, whispering to the beast. "I'm here to help you. Stay calm."
The spider beast's eyes flickered with recognition, sensing that Haruno was no ordinary human. It made no sound, trusting her as she began dismantling the array that suppressed its strength. Haruno had spent years learning from Ravihiro about formations and arrays, and now that knowledge was her greatest weapon.
Just as she was about to free the final restraint, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Haruno's eyes widened—someone was coming.
She quickly stepped into the shadows, activating the Illusion Formation on the jade. The guard entered the room, glancing around suspiciously, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Haruno held her breath, her heart racing as the guard stood mere inches away from her hiding place.
After what felt like an eternity, the guard left. Haruno exhaled in relief and quickly returned to freeing the beast. With a final snap, the chains fell away, and the spider beast let out a low, grateful hiss.
"Let's get you out of here," Haruno whispered.
They moved swiftly through the compound, avoiding detection thanks to the jade's formations. But just as they reached the outer gates, an alarm sounded. Haruno cursed under her breath—the guard must have noticed something wrong in the holding area.
She had no choice now. "Go!" she urged the beast. "Run into the forest. I'll distract them!"
The spider beast hesitated for a moment, but Haruno gave it a fierce look. "I'll be fine. Go!"
The beast bolted into the trees, its legs moving with newfound strength. Haruno, meanwhile, prepared herself for the fight that was coming.
The guards rushed toward her, swords drawn and spiritual energy flaring. Haruno's eyes gleamed with determination. She hadn't wanted to fight, but now she had no choice.
As the first guard lunged at her, Haruno unleashed her String of Poison, wrapping the threads around his arm and infusing them with venom. He collapsed instantly, writhing in pain. Another guard came at her from the side, but she dodged effortlessly, releasing her Cry of Fear in a sharp scream that sent him stumbling back, stunned and disoriented.
Haruno fought with the precision and power Ravihiro had taught her, but more guards kept coming. She was outnumbered, and the sect's elite warriors were closing in fast. Her muscles tensed as she readied her next move.
Haruno knew that she had to retreat but she wasn't ready to give up just yet. Her eyes narrowed as she prepared for one final attack before making her escape.