Chapter 25: Evacuate-Obsidian Woodlands

As dawn broke over the battered village, Lin Rou and Jiang Feng had already crossed miles of dense forest, moving swiftly and quietly, each breath measured to avoid detection. Jiang Feng's body still ached, bruised and bloodied from the clash. The sheer speed of their escape left him struggling to process what had happened.

He cast a wary glance at Lin Rou, whose expression was grim, his jaw set in steely determination. The weight of Jin Wu's threats hung heavily between them, and the echoes of Lin Moyi's powerful winds still rang in his ears.

They paused by a shallow creek, and Lin Rou crouched down, motioning for Jiang Feng to do the same. "We'll rest here, just long enough to catch our breath" Lin Rou murmured, his gaze scanning the area, every sense alert. He dipped his hands into the cool water, splashing it over his face, washing away the remnants of blood and dirt.

Jiang Feng followed suit, the water's chill soothing his weary muscles. But beneath the physical exhaustion, something new simmered, a fierce determination backed by hatred, a desire to understand the mysterious power within him that Jin Wu seemed so keen to possess.

After a moment, Lin Rou glanced at Jiang Feng, his voice low. "Listen, I don't know why the Shadow Church suddenly showed up on the surface, they could also be the ones behind the beast waves, but one thing's clear, they won't stop. That power inside you, it's something they also want and they either fear or covet it, maybe both." His eyes softened, a flicker of concern crossing his usually stoic face. "You'll need to grow stronger. This was just a taste of what's to come."

As the shock waves from the battle dissipated, Lin Moyi seemed to materialize beside Lin Rou and Jiang Feng, his face a mask of deep concern and somber resolve. The mere mention of the Celestial Shadow Church had cast a dark shadow over his thoughts, and his expression betrayed the weight of his worries.

Their reputation was feared across the empire and likely throughout the entire realm of Axina. The church's loyalty to its high priest was known to be unbreakable, and its branches spread like a web, ensnaring countless towns and villages in its influence. Facing them directly, even on the fringes, was a dangerous gambit.

Lin Rou's face was grim as he turned to his father. "What should we do next, Father? That bastard Jin Wu will surely come back, and our people won't stand a chance against the Celestial Shadow Church." He knew his father's arrival was no accident; Lin Moyi could track him and Jiang Feng in a heartbeat, especially after sensing such a fierce battle.

Lin Moyi's gaze hardened, already formulating their escape. "We'll evacuate the village in six hours. That should give us just enough time. We have a protection agreement with Northern Moon Village, and they'll shelter us until this blows over. Use every wagon we have; put those who've reached the Foundation Stage in the lead to guide the way. The elderly, women, and children will stay in the center under your care, Lin Rou. I'll stay at the rear with the blanked warriors to cover our escape."

Jiang Feng absorbed every word, feeling the gravity of Lin Moyi's plan. He'd heard about the Obsidian Woodlands and its dangers from Lin Rou but had never truly understood them. As he listened, his brow furrowed, He had always known he was a stranger in this land, but now he was seeing just how vast and perilous the world of Axina could be.

"Father, the Northern Moon Village is a four-day ride from here," Lin Rou interjected with concern. "Even if we move as quickly as possible, the Obsidian Woodlands are teeming with wild and demonic beasts. A large-scale evacuation will only draw their attention. Do we have enough time to make it?"

Lin Moyi's gaze was steely as he considered his son's words, but his resolve did not waver. "There's no choice, Lin Rou. If we stay and fight, the death toll could be catastrophic—potentially the end of our village. I won't risk our people for the sake of pride. Get everyone moving. Feng, you're welcome to join us. You've helped us before, and it's only right we offer the same." With a weary wave of his hand, Lin Moyi turned away, his brow furrowed, the weight of leadership pressing upon him as he prepared to guide his people through the coming storm.

The evacuation was swift but tense, a meticulous operation where every detail mattered. In the dim pre-dawn light, villagers moved with silent determination, loading essentials onto the few worn wagons they had, each creaking under the strain of supplies, weapons, and hurriedly packed bundles. Faces were taut with anxiety as families gathered, the children clinging to their mothers while the elders watched with haunted eyes. Each person knew the dangers awaiting them beyond the forest, but the threat of Jin Wu and the Celestial Shadow Church loomed even darker.

Lin Rou moved through the crowd, his voice calm and commanding as he organized the Foundation Stage cultivators at the front, instructing them to stay alert for any signs of danger. His wounds from the earlier battle were bound hastily, and though he was visibly exhausted, his focus was unbreakable. Each step was purposeful, every instruction given with a confidence that instilled a semblance of hope in those around him.

As they prepared to leave, Lin Moyi took his place at the rear, his figure sturdy and unyielding. His eyes scanned the treeline, knowing that each moment they lingered in the village increased their vulnerability. When the caravan finally began its slow journey, he whispered a silent prayer for his people. He knew the road ahead would test their strength and unity in ways they had never imagined. The journey through the Obsidian Woodlands would be perilous, but he resolved to protect them with every ounce of his power.

"I guess this is where my journey truly begins" Jiang Feng murmured as he followed close to Lin Rou.