SWORD OF THE DEMON WOLF

Sword of Demon Wolf

After gathering enough branches and dry wood, Xiao Chen tied them tightly with strips of tree bark—two bundles instead of one, to make them sturdier. This was no difficult task for him; he had spent almost every day collecting firewood for Lu Feng.

The bundles rested easily on his shoulders, light in his hands—perhaps because he was already used to the work.

But after only five steps, a pack of more than a dozen wolves appeared, blocking his way. Their eyes glinted sharply, and saliva dripped onto the ground, as if they had just found a fresh prey.

Even though he had plenty of experience living in the forest, Xiao Chen still felt fear. But running was not an option—he knew well he would be caught instantly. Most of the time, the only animals he encountered while gathering firewood were wild dogs, and even then, never more than one or two.

He set the bundle down, picked up two branches that were thick and heavy enough to swing as weapons.

"If you want to eat me, come on then!" he shouted boldly. "I’ve faced death more than once already—I don’t fear it! At the very least, I’ll take some of you with me!"

But his attempt to intimidate them had no effect. The hungry wolves began to creep forward.

"Damn it! Why won’t misfortune leave me alone?" he cursed inwardly. He hated to complain, but every time one problem seemed over, another came crawling back.

The wolves ignored his threat, holding their ground, eyes locked on him. Neither side moved first.

Then, he saw another wolf approach—this one nearly twice the size of the rest. Xiao Chen swallowed hard. Could this be the leader?

Sweat poured down his face, his mind scrambling for a solution. Running was useless—the pack was much faster than him.

"All of you, sit!" came a voice from behind.

Xiao Chen turned to see Zhang Wei walking toward him, carrying two wild chickens and some fruit.

"Thank goodness you’re here, Grandpa. If you hadn’t come, my body would’ve been their next meal."

Zhang Wei smiled and shook his head. "They weren’t going to eat you—they were welcoming you."

Xiao Chen frowned, then turned to see the wolves now sitting neatly in rows, tongues lolling. Even the massive one.

"Benggala, come here!" Zhang Wei called.

Xiao Chen could only scratch his head in disbelief as the largest wolf stood and approached. Instinctively, he hid behind Zhang Wei’s back.

"Don’t be afraid. Benggala is tame—he won’t hurt you," Zhang Wei said with a small smile.

"How can I not be afraid? He’s almost as tall as I am," Xiao Chen muttered, peeking over Zhang Wei’s shoulder.

"That’s why you need to get to know each other. Now, go on—approach him."

Swallowing hard, Xiao Chen stepped forward. To his surprise, Benggala rubbed his head against him like a friendly dog. In return, Xiao Chen gently petted the wolf’s head.

"He’s accepted you as a friend, Xiao Chen. While you train here, Benggala and his pack will guard you. No one dares enter this place, because I’ve ordered Benggala to protect it while I meditate," Zhang Wei explained.

The old man led both Xiao Chen and Benggala back to the cave entrance, while the rest of the wolves melted into the dense forest.

At the entrance, Zhang Wei gave one of the wild chickens to Benggala and handed the other to Xiao Chen.

"Can you roast wild chicken?" he asked.

"Of course, Grandpa. I even saw some herbs and a beehive earlier—we can make it taste even better."

"Good. While you prepare it, I’ll go fetch something," Zhang Wei said before vanishing in a flash.

Xiao Chen shook his head at the old man’s astonishing speed, then ran off to gather the herbs he had seen.

About an hour later, Zhang Wei emerged from the cave, drawn by the smell of roasting chicken.

"I can’t wait to try your cooking, Xiao Chen. Judging from the aroma, it must taste incredible," he said, pulling off one glistening brown chicken leg.

He took a huge bite. Xiao Chen watched closely, waiting for his reaction.

Zhang Wei’s expression shifted as he chewed and swallowed. "This is the best roast chicken I’ve ever had in my life. From now on, while you’re here, you’re in charge of cooking for me."

Relieved, Xiao Chen smiled and took the other chicken leg for himself.

After eating, Zhang Wei led Xiao Chen back inside the cave. The old man took out a thick martial arts manual and handed it to him.

"Xiao Chen, I’ve long wanted to pass this manual on to someone who could put its martial techniques to good use. I believe you’re the right person to carry on my legacy in the martial world."

"Do you think I can learn it, Grandpa? I’ve never studied martial arts before, nor do I know the basics."

Zhang Wei smiled. "I’m certain you can."

In truth, knowing of Xiao Chen’s rare body and special blood, Zhang Wei had no doubts at all. But he understood that ultimately, it would depend on Xiao Chen’s will and determination.

Along with the manual, Zhang Wei gave him a sword with a wolf’s head for a hilt. "Once you’ve mastered everything in the manual, this sword will also be yours. In the martial world, it’s known as the Devil Wolf Sword."

Xiao Chen stared at the ominous weapon. The moment he held it, his vision shifted—he saw a scene from long ago, where a lone warrior wielding a wolf-headed sword was surrounded by hundreds of fighters.

"Surrender, Benggala! Hand over the sword and the manual!" shouted a man dressed entirely in white, holding a pale golden staff.

"Why should I give them to you? I know full well your sinister intentions," Benggala sneered. "Understand this—the sword and manual will vanish with me, and they will only reappear when the time is right."

As he finished speaking, thick black smoke poured from Benggala’s body, swallowing the battlefield in darkness.