Night had fallen.
From the depths of the forest, a strange miasma seeped forth—thick, acrid, and foul—creeping into the village like a silent plague. It slithered upward toward the wooden lodge, curling through the cracks, reaching for the room where the three disciples rested.
Khanh's eyes snapped open. His chest tightened as though an unseen weight pressed down on him. Even a single breath burned cold, as if frost poured into his veins. Beside him, Ho Lam Uyen had already awakened, her sharp gaze fixed upon the violet-black haze as it slid through the doorframe like venomous serpents.
Though Le Vy could not sense spiritual power, the terror etched upon Khanh's face was enough. She understood—the demon had made its move. An unease gnawed at her, especially recalling how Lam Uyen had forbidden her from carrying her three-section staff. Yet she consoled herself: at least her father's martial teachings remained. Enough, perhaps, to buy a heartbeat of survival.
The room fell silent. Only the faint hiss of the miasma brushing against the wooden boards lingered. At last, Lam Uyen rose to her feet.
"It begins."
Her voice was calm, unwavering. From her body surged a chill, like midwinter frost, forcing the invasive haze back through the door and into the corridor.
"Follow me."
The three descended the staircase, their steps hushed. Behind them, the miasma coiled and crawled, sluggish yet relentless, only to be held at bay by Lam Uyen's cold aura.
They reached the old couple's chamber. With a flick of her hand, Lam Uyen pushed the door open.
The sight within froze their blood.
The two frail bodies lay stiff upon the bed. From their gaping mouths, streams of violet-black vapor poured inward like cursed smoke. Their eyes bulged, sclera consumed, leaving nothing but dark voids. Jaws unhinged, they allowed the miasma to sink deeper, ever deeper into their lungs.
Lam Uyen's gaze did not waver. Her words fell heavy and unyielding:
"They are already dead. This miasma drains both life and spiritual essence. Such a power can only belong to a high-grade demon."
She continued, her tone carrying the weight of knowledge:
"High-grade demons may not be the strongest of their kind, but their presence alone can subjugate or corrupt entire villages. They are far more dangerous than the lesser spawn."
Khanh swallowed hard, voice strained with fear:
"If it's that strong… then why not slaughter the villagers outright?"
Lam Uyen's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening.
"Because unlike the lesser breeds, high-grade demons possess intellect. They know how to cultivate their strength. This village has likely become entangled in a pact of coexistence… That is why it has been spared."
Her words lingered in the suffocating silence, echoing like judgment. Outside, the night deepened, and even the shadows seemed to hold their breath.