Soul Land: A Foreign Fantasy

Zhi's plan was elegantly straightforward: his book imbued with mystical properties, functioned like a radar, scanning the surrounding space for any signs of movement. The air crackled with tension as Chen prepared to unleash his shadows; as soon as the pages of Zhi's book flipped, the shadows would spring into action, weaving together to form a cage-like structure designed to ensnare the elusive beetle. Chen, a master of spirit manipulation, knew that his spectral confines would be fleeting—lasting only a couple of seconds—but even that brief moment would be crucial for capturing the creature.

Zhi felt a surge of relief that his spirit had remained strong even before they arrived in this strange place.

"Still no sight of it?" Jin inquired, his excitement barely contained as he bounced on his heels, eager for the thrill of earning his first ring. "Where could that beetle be hiding?"

"Patience, Jin," Chun interjected gently, placing a calming hand on his shoulder to help him focus. "We'll locate it soon enough."

While Chun and Jin exchanged light banter, Hua Quin's gaze fell on Chun. Unlike the others who wore cheerful expressions, he seemed a bit withdrawn, a shadow cast over his features. Wanting to lift his spirits, she asked softly, "What's bothering you, An?"

Chen sat lost in deep thought, his mind swirling with various concerns when he was jolted back to reality by Hua Quin's unexpected question. He hadn't even registered Zhi's earlier command, and now he realized with a sinking feeling that the beetle, which had been their target, would likely slip away into the shadows. "Wh… what?" he stammered, his heart racing.

Hua Quin, her eyes sharp and unwavering, observed Chen's startled reaction. "If you keep acting like that, the beetle will never be caught," she admonished gently but firmly.

A deep flush crept across Chen's cheeks as he registered her words. Despite being only slightly older than him, Hua Quin radiated a level of maturity that made him feel small and inexperienced. It was a humbling realization—that his years of life didn't equate to the wisdom she displayed so effortlessly. Her composure deserved acknowledgment, and he silently vowed to learn from her example.

Initially an outsider to their group, Hua Quin had been drawn into their circle by Hu Chun's keen eye for talent. When they first encountered the shadow wolf—an ominous creature that could have terrified even the bravest of souls—she had a choice to flee. Yet instead of turning back, she stood by their side, fully aware of the perils lurking in the dark, ready to face the challenges ahead. Her courage in the face of danger was commendable, and it inspired Chen to muster his resolve.

"Sorry, I was lost there for a second," he said with a warm smile, Hua after that spread her hand across his head patting him. Her actions reminded Chen that he was just six years old, indeed other than Ying, Chun, and Quing all of them were six years old.

He was about to reply when he heard pages turning, An Chen immediately sent out his shadows to cover the entire area under Zhi's range. As soon as the cage formed, then he could see a golden light that clasped against the southern end of the wall.

Jin immediately rushed towards it with his dagger, a small, golden insect with unmatched speed. Dogged Jin's dagger as if it was nothing, yet unexpectedly it was caught by Chun who happened to be in the correct position. The golden beetle now lay clasped in the hands of Chun.

"Well done Chun," said Jin as he sent the Dagger Through the gapes in Chun's Clutch. The blood spread out so did the insect's body.

After killing the insect, everyone was left speechless. "too easy" they thought. No one here expected such an easy fight, even Zhi prepared countermeasures if the insect escaped but it seemed that none of that would help him now.

Unable to make sense of the situation Zhi looked into the book and laughed like never before.

His reaction drew out everyone's interest as they looked into the book.

[Name: none]

[Species: Golden Beetle]

[Age: 423]

[Details: Deep within the shadowy recesses of a cave, a remarkable species of golden beetle thrives. These beetles, shimmering with an ethereal glow, have evolved to navigate the darkness at astonishing speeds, leaving observers in awe of their agility.

However, lurking beneath their mesmerizing exterior is a critical flaw in their genetics. Surprisingly, they remain untouched by the passage of time, showing no physical changes as they mature from the tender age of 10 all the way to a staggering 423 years.

Yet, one must exercise caution: those rare golden beetles that live beyond the age of 423 develop an extraordinary power. At this point, they surpass the strength of entire groups of spirit masters, becoming formidable creatures that command both respect and fear in the subterranean world they inhabit.]

They were saved indeed, who can guess when that beetle would surpass his age, it might have been tomorrow for all they know.

They all celebrated their victory, as the spirit ring appeared, Wang Jin knew he was about to step into the realm of the spirit master his face glowing with excitement. After all the level of spirit master which he only heard in stories would be his.

As soon as he spotted the shimmering ring, he lunged forward, desperate to absorb its power. Abruptly, the ground beneath them began to tremble violently, sending loose rocks cascading from the ceiling and startling the entire group.

"Everyone, get outside now!" Chun shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. Zhi echoed his urgent warning, and panic ensued as everyone scrambled toward the cave entrance. Wang, too, snatched up his ring and raced after the others, adrenaline fueling his every step.

In the midst of the chaotic escape, Qing and Ying emerged first, bursting into the daylight with relief. They were soon joined by Chun, while Wang Jin and An Chen followed closely behind. Sheng Zhi, determined not to be left behind, kept pace with the group.

As they dashed through the dark passageway, Zhi's sharp eyes caught sight of a heavy rock formation teetering perilously overhead. An instinctual sense of dread washed over him. He glanced at Jin, who seemed to share his concern. The two exchanged a grave look, then turned to Chen, silently communicating a plan.

Without a moment to lose, they quickened their pace, propelling Chen forward with urgency. Just as they burst into the open air, a thunderous crash echoed behind them. With a heartwrenching thud, the cave entrance collapsed, burying Zhi and Jin beneath a cascade of stone and debris.