Ms. Ye and Ye Dushen had been watching from the shadows, their hearts pounding at Mei'yin's sudden display of power. Shock, awe, and relief mingled within them—her presence, so small yet so overwhelming, had shifted the entire battlefield.
" I...Impossible! She's doing it," Ms. Ye whispered, eyes wide, her mind racing. "Now's our chance, Dushen."
Dushen nodded, jaw tight. "Stay close. Follow my lead. We move quickly."
With precise coordination, they struck. Using the confusion Mei'yin had created, Ms. Ye moved silently, cutting the cages and freeing the villagers one by one. Dushen covered the rear, his sword flashing as he kept the remaining men at bay.
Mei'yin, still commanding the risen dead and controlling the tremors beneath them, glanced at her sister and her brother. Her mischievous grin returned, even in the chaos. "Go… now! Hide!" she called, her voice carrying both authority and warmth.
The villagers didn't need to be told twice. They scrambled, moving quickly through the corridors and hidden exits Dushen and Ms. Ye had prepared.
Ms. Ye hesitated for a brief moment, her gaze meeting Mei'yin's. "Be careful," she said softly, worry and pride mingling in her eyes.
"I always am," Mei'yin replied, bloodied but fierce, her aura unwavering.
Dushen cast a glance at her, his expression hard but his eyes softening ever so slightly.
With the villagers safely away, Mei'yin turned back toward Ye Xuan's men, ready to continue the standoff, while Ms. Ye and Dushen melted into the shadows, knowing they had gained the advantage—at least for now.
The freed people ran swiftly, hearts racing, but hope rekindled. Behind them, Mei'yin's figure remained a dark, defiant beacon against the oppressive power of Ye Xuan.
The ground trembled violently as Mei'yin's control over the risen dead. Dust swirled around her, mixing with the sharp tang of fear and the scent of the spirits, her small frame radiating a power no one expected.
Suddenly, a series of disciplined footsteps echoed through the hall. The dust parted as reinforcements arrived.
First came Feng Yangguang, his expression fierce, eyes locked on his sister. Without hesitation, he cut down the nearest attacker, keeping them from breaking through Mei'yin's makeshift barrier.
Beside him was Qin Yuxi, his calm composure hiding the tension in his chest. He unsheathed his sword, ready to fight.
Close behind were Qin Yijun and Mo Yuming, both moving with precision, their eyes scanning for any opportunity to assist Mei'yin without putting her at risk.
From another entrance, Bai Yujing and Bai Chengxing stepped in, strategic and swift, coordinating with the others to protect the freed villagers.
And then, the air shifted further as three figures emerged—Mo Xiang, Bai Yue, and Qin Jian, their presence commanding, radiating the authority of the four clans. The Masters' gazes swept over the hall, assessing the chaos and the sudden rise of Mei'yin's unexpected power.
"Enough!" Mo Xiang's voice rang through the hall, resonant and unwavering. "Step back, all of you. Do not harm another soul here!"
Bai Yue's sharp eyes flicked to Mei'yin. "She… she's controlling the dead?" he murmured, a mixture of surprise and calculation in his tone.
Qin Jian stepped forward, raising a hand. "Everyone, hold your positions. We can end this without more bloodshed. We must coordinate, now."
Mei'yin glanced at her brother, her fiancé, her friends, and finally the three Masters. Her mischievous grin softened into determination.
Even as Ye Xuan's men faltered, sensing the overwhelming force now converging, Mei'yin maintained control over the trembling ground and the dead, buying time for the Masters and allies to press forward.
The hall was alive with tension—power, strategy, and determination converging in one moment.
Ye Xuan's eyes flared with a dark, unrelenting fury. Shadows thickened around him, twisting and writhing like living serpents. The air itself seemed to scream in protest as black energy pulsed outward, shaking the hall and rattling the very bones of those inside.
"Enough games," he growled, voice like rolling thunder. "You dare challenge me? Then feel my true power!"
In an instant, the floor beneath everyone cracked and split, jagged fissures snaking outward. Massive tendrils of shadow surged from the walls, slamming into the ground and flinging debris like missiles. The ground quaked violently, threatening to swallow anyone who faltered.
Mei'yin's grip on the dead tightened, her aura flaring wildly. The black birds circling her screamed, diving at Ye Xuan's shadows, while the skeletal figures rose higher, slamming their ethereal fists into the attacking tendrils.
Yangguang charged forward, wind slicing through the darkness, deflecting the shadows with controlled gusts, creating a safe path for Yuxi to play his erhu. Every note he struck sent waves of harmonic resonance through the hall, weakening the tendrils and forcing Ye Xuan's energy to fracture.
Mo Yuming moved like a shadow herself, manipulating ink and darkness to counteract Ye Xuan's attacks, forming shields around their allies. Her eyes never left Mei'yin, ensuring she had the support she needed.
Qin Yijun and Bai Chengxing coordinated their strikes with deadly precision, cutting through the shadow minions that Ye Xuan unleashed, their movements a perfect blend of timing and power.
Even the Masters stepped in, their combined authority and skill pushing back the chaos. Mo Xiang's artistic manipulations twisted the shadows, turning Ye Xuan's own attacks against him. Bai Yue's illusions disoriented the enemy, while Qin Jian's harmonized strikes resonated with Yuxi's music, forming a stabilizing wave of energy that countered Ye Xuan's overwhelming darkness.
Ye Xuan roared, the hall shaking violently as he poured all his strength into a massive surge of black energy, a final attempt to crush the intruders and reclaim control.
But Mei'yin, standing amid the chaos, her aura blazing, met his full force with unwavering resolve. The dead, the earth, and the birds around her reacted to her will alone, forming a barrier of deathly precision.
With a synchronized effort, the four clans and the Masters advanced, exploiting the slightest opening, their combined strength finally beginning to push back Ye Xuan's unstoppable assault.
The hall trembled, shadows collided, and the air sparked with tension and raw power. The battle had reached its apex—the full might of Ye Xuan against the unity, courage, and sheer determination of Mei'yin and the allied clans.
Yijun killed Ye Yubao.
Yujing killed Su Yeng.
Ye Xuan's shadow tendrils crashed with unstoppable force, splintering the walls and shaking the floor like an earthquake. Every strike carried a dark, suffocating weight, but Mei'yin stood her ground, skeletal hands clashing against the black waves, the dead rising and answering her every command.
Ye Xuan's laughter echoed, raw and cruel. "Do you think mere mortals can challenge me? I am darkness incarnate!"
He thrust a hand forward, sending a torrent of black energy cascading like a river of shadows. The ground split wide, skeletal remains of ancient warriors rising to meet the assault, guided by Mei'yin's unwavering command. The black birds circled, screaming, diving, and tearing at the shadows as if their tiny bodies held the weight of her will.
Mei'yin's aura flared to its limit, her eyes glowing like fire in the darkness. She stood atop a mound of fractured stone, her hand lifted toward the sky.
Yangguang hurled a gust of wind that twisted into a razor-like spiral, cutting through a wave of shadow.
Mo Yuming flung inky tendrils that bound Ye Xuan's minions, while Bai Chengxing and Yujing struck in tandem, exploiting every small opening Ye Xuan left exposed.
The three Masters unleashed their ultimate techniques:
Ye Xuan's fury peaked, black energy exploding outward, rattling the walls and sending shards of stone flying. He roared in frustration as Mei'yin's command over the dead, her unyielding presence, and the coordinated assault of the clans and Masters resisted his every move.
Then, with one final, decisive movement, Mei'yin raised both hands and slammed them to the ground. The earth erupted in a shockwave, a fusion of necrotic power and sheer force, throwing Ye Xuan backward, staggering him for the first time in the battle.
Ye Xuan staggered, shadows flickering and tearing, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Impossible… how can so little… resist me?!"
Mei'yin, bloodied but unbroken, stepped forward.
Ye Xuan's aura flickered, and for the first time, doubt flashed in his eyes. The combined might of the clans, the Masters, and Mei'yin's unparalleled control of the dead and the earth had finally pushed him to the edge.
The hall was silent for a moment, the wind, shadows, and echoes of battle settling into tense stillness. Mei'yin's gaze locked on Ye Xuan.
Mei'yin's chest heaved, sweat and blood streaking her face. Her small frame trembled as the adrenaline that had kept her standing began to fade.
Before her knees could buckle, strong arms wrapped around her waist. Yangguang's face was etched with worry, his eyes soft but intense as he held her steady.
"Hey… stay with me," he murmured, voice low and urgent. "You've done enough. Just… breathe."
Mei'yin tried to smile, but it faltered, her energy nearly spent.
Her head rested against his chest, and for the first time since the fight began, she allowed herself to truly relax, the exhaustion overtaking her. Her aura, once fierce and commanding, dimmed into quiet warmth in Yangguang's embrace.
"You're… incredible," he said softly, almost to himself. "You stood against him… all by yourself… and held us all together."
Mei'yin's lips curved faintly in a tired, mischievous grin.
"I… couldn't have done it without knowing you were all here."
Yangguang tightened his hold, letting her feel the steadiness and strength of someone who would never let her fall. Around them, the battlefield was quieting, the remnants of Ye Xuan's chaos lingering like smoke—but here, in this small pocket of calm, Mei'yin finally allowed herself to rest.
Her last thought before succumbing to the exhaustion was a flicker of relief and trust: she was safe in the arms of her brother.
The hall was quiet after the battle. Mei'yin lay asleep, utterly drained from her exertions, unaware of the storm brewing outside.
Through the corridors, a disciplined group of figures moved with precision—Bai Yujing, Bai Chengxing, and a contingent of Bai Clan warriors. Their mission was clear: capture Ye Dushen and Ms. Ye.
They found the two just outside the ruined hall, overseeing the freed villagers. With a coordinated strike, magical bindings and chains, reinforced by the Bai Clan's signature illusion techniques, shot out and restrained them before they could react.
Despite their strength, neither Dushen nor Ms. Ye could break free. The Bai warriors moved with precision, taking them to a secure chamber prepared in advance, carefully avoiding any unnecessary harm.
Three days had passed before Mei'yin finally woke.
Her hands were tied, and the ropes bit into her wrists. Slowly, she turned her head and saw her sister, Xiao.
"You're awake, Mei…" Xiao said, her voice calm but laced with tension.
Mei'yin's eyes narrowed, her mischievous expression gone, replaced with a cold, dead glare. "Why… am I tied up?" she demanded.
Xiao didn't answer directly. "You saved Ms. Ye's people… and it almost killed you."
"That's not what I'm asking," Mei'yin said, her voice sharp.
Xiao's face hardened. "You saved the people who killed our father."
"They didn't!" Mei'yin shouted, her voice trembling with fury.
"MEI! ENOUGH!" Xiao yelled, stepping closer. "Please, have some justice for our father. No matter her reasons, what she did isn't valid!"
"You're not listening!" Mei'yin snapped, struggling against the ropes. "She didn't do it! Release me! Why am I tied up?!"
Before Xiao could respond, a deep, resonant gong echoed through the hall, its vibrations rattling the air.
Mei'yin stiffened, eyes darting around. "What… does that mean?"
Outside, the courtyard crackled with tension. A Feng family member stepped forward, his sword raised, voice cold and accusatory:
"Why did you kill my father?" he asked firmly but couldn't gaze directly on her eyes.
"I didn't kill him!" Ms. Ye shouted, her voice trembling but firm.
"Liar! You ran away when we discovered the poison! Why?!" the man among the villagers bellowed.
"It's a misunderstanding! Please… I didn't kill him!" Ms. Ye pleaded, her eyes darting toward Dushen, who stood silently by her side, jaw clenched being tied up with her.
Inside the room, Mei'yin struggled against her bonds, her eyes blazing as she looked at Xiao.
"Sister Xiao! Please… untie me! I have to stop them! You don't understand, it's not what it looks like!"
Xiao's expression was tight, conflicted, but she didn't answer.
Outside, Another voice, from one of the other clans, interjected with brutal finality:
"Master Lei is dead. There is no more reason to question them. End this now!"
Madam Yan's face remained poker-straight, her grief and anger simmering beneath the surface. She gave a subtle nod.
The swords rose, gleaming in the sunlight, aimed at the necks of Ye Dushen and Ms. Ye.
Suddenly—a twang. An arrow shot through the air, striking the man holding the sword. He stumbled back, a cry escaping his lips.
"Who—who untied her?!" Master Yue asked.
The courtyard froze. All eyes turned toward the source of the arrow, the tension thick enough to choke.
Mei'yin's grin was wild and determined, her small hands still tied but her mind sharp. Somehow, she had managed to act, and now the balance of power had shifted, if only slightly.
"Have you lost your mind, Mei?! Those people killed your father!" Madam Yan's voice cracked, trembling with grief and anger.
"Forgive me, Mother, but you are mistaken! They did not kill Father!" Mei replied, her voice shaking, yet firm with conviction.
"Mei'yin, please… don't throw yourself into our conflict," Dushen said quietly, worry etched into his face.
"Are you blind, Mei?! Whether they killed him or not, attempting the life of a leader is unforgivable!" Lingxi shouted, her voice breaking, full of fear and anger.
"They did it to save the lives of their people…" Mei tried to explain, her tone desperate, pleading for them to understand.
Xiao stepped closer to Mei, eyes wide with worry. "Stop this, Mei'yin! Please, don't push it any further!"
"If you had to choose—one life or the lives of many? They sacrificed one life for the greater good!" Mei's voice rose, edged with desperation and righteous fury. Xiao immediately slapped her across the face.
"You fool! That was our father's life, Mei!" Xiao's tears fell freely, her voice choked with grief.
"Release them! Or do you want me to tear this whole place apart!" Mei yelled, her small frame trembling with raw emotion and anger.
"Go ahead, Mei! Just because you have power now, do you want everyone to bow before you?!" Yangguang shouted, his face a mixture of disbelief and frustration.
Mei'yin's eyes swept the room, catching Yuxi's gaze for a brief moment, before she turned away, torn between fury and sorrow.
"Seems you've been deceived, Feng Mei'yin! Or perhaps you've grown too fond of one of them!" Chengxing mocked, a cruel smile tugging at his lips.
In one swift motion, Mei'yin pulled Xiao close, pressing the tip of a small blade to her neck. Her chest heaved, tears welling up as her voice wavered.
"Mei'yin!" everyone shouted, panic and fear erupting around her.
"Mei'yin, please!" Ms. Ye's voice cracked, pleading and desperate.
"Don't do it, Mei!" Xiao sobbed, her whole body shaking.
"Release them!" Mei demanded, her voice breaking, thick with emotion, and immediately, everyone obeyed.
With a trembling hand, Mei'yin led Xiao away, her tears falling freely, leaving the hall behind. Outside Fengming, the night air bit at her face.
"I'm sorry!" she whispered through her tears, her voice raw with guilt and sorrow, leaving Xiao behind, who also wept, both hearts heavy with pain.