The sharp echo of the warning horn cut through the mountain air.
Clan members rushed toward the central clearing, wings folding tightly, claws striking stone as warriors and guards assembled. Unease spread quickly—everyone could feel it. Something dangerous was approaching.
Feng Lihan stood at the front, crimson wings half-spread, his presence commanding immediate silence. Mo Shan stood beside him, arms crossed, golden eyes scanning the crowd with cold focus.
"There is a demonic beast on the move," Feng Lihan announced. "It has crossed the lower valley and entered our hunting range."
A wave of murmurs spread through the clan.
"This beast does not attack for survival," Mo Shan added grimly. "It kills for blood."
Feng Lihan raised his hand, and the clearing fell silent at once.
"All warriors will patrol in pairs. Strengthen the mountain barriers. Guard every path."
His voice hardened.
"Protect your homes. Post guards. Do not leave your families unattended."
"Yes, Chief!" the clan answered in unison.
The members dispersed quickly, urgency replacing fear. Soon, only Feng Lihan and Mo Shan remained in the clearing, the wind tugging at their cloaks.
Mo Shan spoke first, his voice low and sharp.
"I don't like talking to you," he said bluntly. "But you know how powerful demonic beasts are."
Feng Lihan didn't look at him. "I know."
Mo Shan stepped closer. "You also know how many clan members have already died because of them."
Silence fell, heavy with memories of blood and loss.
"I'm going to find it," Feng Lihan said finally. "If it reaches the inner mountain, more will die."
Mo Shan's gaze narrowed. "You're going alone?"
"I have to."
Mo Shan exhaled slowly. "Now that you're the Chief, you carry more than your own life."
He paused, then continued, voice controlled but firm.
"While you're gone, I want you to leave Lin Yue's safety to me."
Feng Lihan turned sharply, eyes flashing. "You think I'd leave him unprotected?"
"I think you don't have a choice," Mo Shan replied calmly. "Someone has to stay."
The air between them tightened, tension sharp enough to cut.
"If anything happens to him—" Feng Lihan began.
"I'll answer with my life," Mo Shan said without hesitation.
Their eyes locked.
After a long moment, Feng Lihan turned away.
"I'm going to track the demonic beast. Don't let Lin Yue leave the cave."
Mo Shan nodded once. "Kill it."
Feng Lihan spread his wings wide and leapt into the sky, disappearing beyond the cliffs.
Mo Shan watched until the red wings vanished.
Then he turned toward the inner caves.
Lin Yue stood near the cave entrance, unaware of the danger moving closer to the mountain. Sunlight brushed his silver hair as he looked up when Mo Shan approached.
"The Chief has gone out," Mo Shan said evenly. "Until he returns, you stay under my protection."
Lin Yue sensed the seriousness in his tone and nodded quietly.
Far beyond the cliffs, deep within the forested ravine, a dark presence stirred—eyes glowing, claws scraping stone.
The demonic beast had entered their territory.