Wu Ming's cold command echoed through the grand hall, reverberating like a death knell among the scattered cultivators who lay battered and defenseless. Rows of his dark-armored soldiers stepped forward in unison, their weapons drawn, eyes cold with merciless intent. Kai Feng and Yin Shuang stood shoulder to shoulder, blades held defensively, their hearts sinking as they braced for the inevitable, desperate fight.
Kai gritted his teeth, his pulse quickening. Is this truly how it ends? he wondered bitterly. To survive Wu Ming's onslaught only to be slaughtered by sheer numbers?
Yin's gaze narrowed, her breathing steady despite the dreadful odds. Her sword arm trembled slightly, exhaustion seeping into her bones, yet determination flared fiercely within her. She shot a quick glance toward Kai, seeing the same unwavering resolve mirrored in his eyes. They would fight, side by side, until their very last breath.
Wu Ming smiled coldly, enjoying the despair flickering across their faces. "Your unity is commendable," he mocked lightly. "But futile. Numbers matter."
He raised his hand again, signaling the final order to strike—
But before Wu Ming could speak the command, a thunderous noise erupted from the hall's distant entrance. It was the unmistakable rumble of footsteps as dozens, perhaps hundreds, charging urgently forward. Every head turned, eyes widening in astonishment and relief.
The massive doors of the grand hall burst open, splinters flying as a surge of cultivators rushed inside. Leading the charge was a tall, muscular figure dressed in Obsidian Peak's distinctive dark robes, emblazoned with silver stars. His hair was tied tightly, and his expression was fierce and urgent—Shen Rui had arrived.
Behind him flooded a sea of cultivators, all proudly bearing the mark of the Obsidian Peak Sect. The reinforcements were strong, fresh and utterly unyielding. Among them were elite fighters and warriors from every chapter and sub-division within the sect, each radiating an intense, unified killing intent.
"Sect Leader Kai!" Shen Rui called out loudly, his powerful voice booming clearly through the chaos. "We apologize for the delay! All the members from every chapter have been recalled to defend the sect fortress. Please accept our apologies for the tardiness!"
Kai felt an overwhelming surge of relief and pride. His people had come to their aid at the most critical moment, just as their hope had begun to falter.
Yin shot him a quick glance, visibly relieved, her tense shoulders easing slightly. "Your sect has loyalty in spades," she murmured, impressed despite herself.
Kai smiled faintly, breathing out slowly. "They are the heart of Obsidian Peak. Today they've proven it."
Wu Ming scowled darkly, his expression clouded by unexpected frustration. He scanned the sea of fresh, eager cultivators filling the hall. They stood ready, weapons raised, forming protective formations around their injured comrades. Wu Ming realized immediately that he had badly underestimated Obsidian Peak's strength. Their response had been swift, organized and formidable.
He had planned carefully, attacking precisely when so many cultivators were at their most vulnerable, yet still he'd miscalculated. These new Obsidian Peak Sect forces were not only numerous but highly disciplined. He saw no hesitation, no wavering among their ranks. They had come to fight, and fight they would, with deadly determination.
Wu Ming cursed softly beneath his breath. He had underestimated these people and he knew now he should have brought a larger force.
His soldiers, sensing their leader's doubt, shifted uneasily, looking toward Wu Ming for guidance. He felt their uncertainty and knew this battle could quickly spiral beyond his control. He had enjoyed the earlier slaughter, but his calculations had now turned against him.
"Well," Wu Ming announced casually, adopting a tone of bored indifference as he turned to face Kai, "it seems I underestimated the hospitality of your Obsidian Peak Sect. You've certainly provided an impressive welcome."
He lowered his hooks slowly, deliberately signaling that he had no intention of further violence—for now. The tension in the hall did not lessen, but a cautious stillness settled over everyone present.
Wu Ming continued lightly, offering a mocking bow to Kai. "Thank you for your warm reception, Sect Leader. It has been most instructive."
He turned sharply, eyes narrowed dangerously, signaling his troops to fall back. "We're finished here. Withdraw."
His soldiers hesitated briefly before swiftly retreating, maintaining formation as they withdrew behind Wu Ming's imposing figure. Within moments, they had melted into the shadows, leaving a charged, tense silence in their wake.
The hall collectively released its breath, the remaining cultivators visibly relieved. Kai exhaled slowly, feeling exhaustion flood his limbs. Yin's grip on her sword finally loosened, and she sagged slightly, letting out a shaky breath.
They had survived.
As the immediate danger passed, the wounded began attending to their injuries, sect elders and disciples carefully helping one another. The chaotic atmosphere slowly calmed into somber silence, a quiet reverence settling over the hall. Obsidian Peak's reinforcements organized swiftly, treating injured comrades and respectfully assisting visitors from other sects.
Yin watched quietly as Kai took command, directing his people confidently, ensuring aid reached everyone without discrimination. She saw another side of him—decisive, compassionate, fiercely protective.
And something else stirred within her heart, something confusing and unsettling.
With the crisis now averted, other sect cultivators began preparing for their journeys back, eager to leave behind the bloodshed and turmoil. Yin stood aside, uncertain and thoughtful, watching Kai move among his disciples.
Just as she considered approaching him one last time, a soft voice broke her contemplation.
"Sect Leader Kai!"
She turned sharply, noticing Liu Yue approaching Kai quickly, her expression filled with gratitude and relief. Yin observed silently, feeling a strange heaviness forming in her chest.
Liu Yue reached Kai, hesitated slightly, then embraced him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered warmly, eyes moist with gratitude. "Thank you for saving my life. I'll never forget your kindness."
Kai looked surprised but gently returned Yue's embrace, comforting her softly. "Of course. You're my disciple I'll always protect you."
From afar, Yin's heart suddenly twisted painfully. A surge of unfamiliar feelings—disappointment, jealousy, bitterness, all welled sharply within her. She abruptly turned away, breathing unsteadily, feeling utterly confused by her reaction.
Why should she care? Kai's relationships were none of her concern. Yet the feeling lingered, intense and disorienting. The harmony they had shared during battle had forged something undeniable between them, a connection Yin couldn't quite define.
Why, she wondered bitterly, did she feel this painful jealousy over a simple embrace?
Deciding abruptly, Yin turned to leave. Yet despite her attempt to flee swiftly, Kai noticed her retreating form and briefly met her gaze.
She hesitated slightly, their eyes locking across the hall. Kai's expression softened briefly, something complex flickering behind his eyes—a mixture of curiosity, regret, confusion. She looked away quickly, cheeks flushing, and strode rapidly toward the hall's exit.
Outside, Yin paused beneath the open sky, exhaling shakily, trying desperately to calm her racing emotions. This feeling unsettled her deeply, she had never experienced something quite like this before. The twin swordplay had required a deep opening of minds, a mutual understanding more profound than anything she had ever known. Their bond in battle had felt almost unbreakable and undeniable.
Yet Kai's embrace with Yue had stung sharply, reminding Yin how little she truly knew about him. She clenched her fists tightly, breathing deeply. She was disciplined, composed, and serious, nothing like the kind of girls Kai typically surrounded himself with.
Inside the hall, Kai stood still, his mind equally turbulent. Yin was nothing like the cheerful twins, nor like sweet Meng Yao, who brought warmth wherever she went. Yin was serious, reserved, even stern.
Kai couldn't deny the strange, profound connection he had felt during their swordplay. He had never felt anything like it with anyone else. Their unity had transcended mere teamwork, entering a realm of spiritual harmony that had shaken him deeply.
He sighed, troubled. What exactly had happened between them? And why had seeing Yin leave caused an ache he couldn't quite understand?
Both cultivators stood apart, beneath the same distant sky, their hearts filled with confusion, turmoil, and a question neither could yet answer:
What exactly did they feel toward each other?