The colossal giant with dark flame wings loomed over the shattered hill, its glowing eyes blazing like twin suns that scorched the air, shaking the ground with a roar that echoed like rolling thunder across the valley. The Lotus Soul Amulet hung on the chasm's jagged edge, its golden lines flickering weakly like a candle about to go out, slipping further with every tremor as Lin Hao stretched with all his might, his face twisted with effort. His body ached with deep cuts and bone-deep exhaustion, blood soaking his torn robe and dripping onto the dusty ground, but his heart blazed with a fierce resolve to save his sect, no matter how dark the odds.
The Verdant Lotus Sect was a broken shadow under the chaotic aftermath of the Starfall Festival, the air thick with swirling dust and the bitter, acrid smell of scorched magic that stung their eyes and throats. Disciples lay scattered among the rubble, their green staffs splintered like dry twigs scattered by a storm, their chants a faint whisper lost in the chasm's hungry growl that rumbled like a beast below. Elder Qian Yu stood shaky but proud on wobbly legs, her tattered robe fluttering in the wind, her face lined with grim hope that refused to break, even as the giant's shadow darkened the sky.
"This is the Celestial Gate's moment to crush us if we give up," she croaked, her voice rough but steady like a rock in a raging river. She lifted her cracked staff with a trembling hand, a frail green shield sputtering to life with a faint hum, barely holding back the giant's dark power that pressed down like a mountain ready to fall. "Lin Hao, that amulet is our last hope—reach it before it's too late!" she urged, her eyes locking with his, filled with a mix of fear and faith.
Lin Hao crawled forward, his knees scraping against jagged stones that cut into his skin, leaving red trails in the dust. "I won't let it fall into the dark," he panted, stretching his bloody fingers toward the amulet with a desperate hope that burned brighter than his pain, his muscles straining with every inch. Lian Wei staggered to his side, their silver robe in shreds and caked with dirt, their staff glowing a weak blue like a fading moon struggling to shine through clouds. "The Gate's ripping the sky's barrier to pieces," they whispered, voice shaky but urgent with a spark of courage, placing a hand on his shoulder. "The festival's power is still wild, like it was in the 8th Cycle—grab it and fight with everything you've got left, my friend!"
The giant swung its flaming wings with a mighty whoosh that sent hot air blasting across the hill, a dark blast roaring down like a tidal wave of shadows that swallowed the faint light. The hill shook violently, the chasm splitting wider with a loud crack that sent more rocks tumbling into the dark pit with a roar, the ground trembling under their feet. Rong Shen cackled with a wild, evil laugh that cut through the noise, his red cloak snapping in the wind like a torn banner, purple fire blazing like a furious storm that lit the ruined battlefield with angry, dancing flames.
Jiao Mei charged forward with a fierce shout that echoed off the broken stones, her sword glowing with magic lines that twisted like fiery ropes ready to strike. The gaunt guy summoned a black-flamed tiger, its growl rumbling through the air with a chilling sound that made the ground quake, its eyes glowing with malice. Lin Hao's fingers brushed the amulet, its warmth sparking back like a sudden fire leaping to life, filling him with bold energy that pushed away his pain and tiredness, giving him a surge of strength.
Qian Yu's green shield crumbled with a sharp pop that rang in their ears, but she stood tall with a determined grunt, her staff shaking in her grip as she braced herself. Wei Tao rallied the scattered disciples with a hoarse yell, their chants weak but steady like a fading pulse, their green light mixing with the dawn's dim glow to fight the dark with fading strength, their faces etched with exhaustion. Lian Wei's blue magic clashed with the tiger, ice shards flying like a sharp hailstorm across the hill, striking the enemy with cold fury that glittered in the smoky air.
Lin Hao grabbed the amulet with a tight grip, holding it close to his chest, and chanted the Starfall Codex with every bit of strength in his worn-out body, his voice rising like a prayer. A golden flower shield bloomed big and bright before him, its petals shimmering like stars piercing the smoky sky, casting a warm glow on his face. The giant's dark blast slammed into it with a thunderous bang that jolted him to his core, the impact sending a shiver through his bones, but the shield held firm like a brave warrior standing against the raging storm, its light steady and strong.
Rong Shen's purple fire joined the assault with a roaring blast that lit the air with violet streaks, the hill trembling with every fiery surge that scorched the earth and sent embers flying like angry sparks across the battlefield. Jiao Mei's sword sparked against the shield with a metallic clang, her moves fast and fierce like a striking panther, her eyes glinting with rage as she pressed her attack. The tiger's flames roared loud and hot, the chasm widening further with every fiery breath, its dark jaws gaping wider, ready to gulp down the hill and everyone fighting desperately on it.
The altar's scattered remnants glowed faintly like dying embers scattered in the dirt, its magic clinging to the air like a soft whisper of lost glory that lingered like a memory. Lin Hao pushed harder with a determined growl that rumbled in his throat, the golden flower standing strong, its light slicing through the darkness like a shining blade that rallied the fallen and gave them a flicker of hope. Qian Yu's green magic boosted him with a warm surge that flowed through his veins, the colors blending into a dazzling wave that lit the hill like a festival torch, sparking courage in the hearts of the battered sect and lighting their weary faces.
Lian Wei's staff smashed the tiger with a loud crack that rang like a bell across the ruins, turning it to fading smoke that drifted away like a ghost vanishing in the wind. The gaunt guy stumbled back with a cry, his face pale and terrified, his hands shaking like leaves caught in a storm, his confidence shattered. The giant roared with a deafening bellow that shook the air, its dark energy swelling into a massive storm that blackened the sky, casting a shadow that swallowed the dawn's last light and plunged the battlefield into a suffocating gloom.
"You can't stop the Gate's dominion over all realms," it boomed, the storm swirling wild and loud like an angry dragon let loose from its chains. The hill split more with a deep groan that sounded like the earth weeping, rocks crashing into the chasm with a thunderous boom that echoed across the valley, shaking the very foundation of their world. Lin Hao's shield wobbled like a sapling in a hurricane, his energy slipping fast like water through a cracked bowl, his legs trembling under the crushing weight of the giant's power pressing down on him with relentless force.
A blue wall shot up from Lian Wei with a brilliant flash that cut through the dark, joining Qian Yu's magic in a dazzling burst that lit the ruins like a beacon of hope shining in the night. The storm slowed, its edges tearing apart like worn cloth under their combined power, giving the sect a fleeting moment to catch their breath amidst the chaos, their faces showing a mix of relief and fear. Jiao Mei stabbed again with a fierce cry that sliced through the noise, her sword nicking the shield's edge, cutting Lin Hao's chest with a sharp, burning sting that made him clench his jaw against the searing agony, his breath hitching.
Blood dripped down his chest, pain shooting through him like a hot lash across his skin, but he held on with every last shred of will he could muster, his eyes fixed on the amulet. He poured the amulet's power into the codex with a loud shout that echoed off the ruins, a golden wave blasting out with a whoosh that shook the ground, pushing Jiao Mei and the gaunt guy back with a heavy thud that rocked the hill and sent dust flying. The storm weakened for a breath, the giant staggering with a deep growl that rumbled like far-off thunder, its strength fading just enough to give them a slim chance to strike back and turn the tide.
"Stand tall and fight with all you've got inside," Qian Yu shouted, her voice ringing out like a leader's horn piercing the swirling dust and smoke, her eyes blazing with defiance. The disciples' shields flickered like tired embers struggling to stay alive, their chants rising with hope and grit despite the danger closing in like a dark tide ready to overwhelm them, their hands gripping their broken staffs. The chasm's edge crumbled more with a groan, its dark depth pulling at the hill's remains, the festival's power wild and chaotic, tossing magic like a stormy sea that battered the fighters with relentless force, threatening to drag them under.
Lian Wei's blue light struck the giant with a bright flash that lit the air, ice cracking its dark wings with a loud snap that echoed off the shattered hills like a war drum calling to battle, sending shards raining down. The black-cloaked figure chanted in a creepy, low tone that sent chills down their spines, a new dark wave rolling toward the hill like a shadowy flood ready to drown them in despair, its edges curling with dark energy. Lin Hao's energy drained away fast, the amulet cooling like a lifeless rock in his hand, his vision blurring with heavy exhaustion that dragged him down into a foggy haze of fatigue, his body swaying.
He gripped the amulet tight with both hands, its warmth flickering like a tiny candle battling a howling gale, the light dimming with each passing moment. The golden flower dimmed in his mind, the festival's power slipping away like sand through his fingers, leaving him weak and dizzy with every ragged breath, his strength fading fast. Qian Yu's green array faltered with a soft whimper, the disciples struggling hard, their magic fading under the dark wave's crushing push that threatened to shatter their spirits and end their fight once and for all, their faces showing the strain.
"Find your deep strength within you," Lian Wei urged, their staff glowing bright like a guiding star cutting through the gloom with a ray of hope, their voice steady despite the danger. Qian Yu rallied the team with a loud, heartfelt cheer that rose above the chaos, their green light flaring up again like a sudden campfire bursting to life, lifting their tired hearts with a surge of new fire that burned bright against the dark, their spirits lifting. Lin Hao sang the codex with all his heart and soul, a final golden burst lighting the hill like a blazing sunrise, pushing back the darkness with a mighty roar that shook the air and rallied the fallen warriors with renewed vigor, their voices joining his.
The dark wave paused with a shudder, the black figure stumbling back with a hiss of fury that curled the dust into angry swirls, its cloak billowing in the wind. Rong Shen roared like a wild beast set free from its cage, the violet tear widening with a greedy, hungry pull, sucking at the hill's magic like a thirsty monster devouring its prey, the edges glowing with a sinister light. The giant raised its arms high with a menacing growl that vibrated through the ground, dark energy swirling into a huge blast that lit the sky with a fiery glow, promising to wipe out the sect in one final, devastating strike that would leave nothing but ashes behind.
Lin Hao's shield broke apart with a loud bang that rang in his ears like a tolling bell, his energy nearly gone, his body collapsing to the dusty ground in total exhaustion that left him gasping for air, his chest heaving. The blast hit with a deafening boom that shook the world, the hill exploding with light and sound, rocks flying like angry birds in every direction, pelting the fighters with sharp edges that cut through the smoky air, leaving trails of dust. He rolled to the side with a groan, the amulet slipping from his sweaty hand once more, teetering dangerously on the chasm's edge, its glow fading like a dying hope that hung by a thread thinner than silk, the ground trembling beneath him.
Qian Yu and Lian Wei pushed back with all their might, their magic clashing with the blast in a wild burst of color and power that lit the ruins like a desperate flare against the encroaching dark, their faces strained with effort. The disciples' chants grew faint and shaky, their shields shattering like fragile glass under the giant's overwhelming might, leaving them exposed to the crushing energy that threatened to bury them under rubble and despair. The hill's edge crumbled more with a deep, mournful groan, the chasm's dark depth pulling at the ground with a hungry roar, swallowing debris and magic alike into its endless void, the edges glowing with a sinister purple hue.
The violet tear pulsed with a deep, steady beat that vibrated through the earth like a heartbeat of doom, the giant figure growing even larger and more terrifying, its wings spreading wide like a shadow of death that covered the sky, blocking out all light. Rong Shen cackled with a wild, triumphant laugh, his fire flaring bright and hot like a furnace stoked to its peak, Jiao Mei and the gaunt guy rushing forward with fierce determination burning in their eyes like wildfire, their weapons raised. Lin Hao crawled through the wreckage, his hands bleeding and raw from the rough stones, reaching for the amulet with a desperate lunge, its faint glow calling to him like a lifeline in the suffocating dark, his fingers trembling with effort.
His fingertips grazed it with a shaky touch, the warmth rushing back with a bright spark that lit his hand like a torch cutting through the gloom, sending a jolt of energy through his body. The hill shook harder with a violent shudder that made the ground buckle, the chasm widening with a groan that sounded like the earth crying out in agony, the festival's energy wild and chaotic, tossing magic like a stormy whirlwind that battered the fighters with relentless force, knocking some off their feet. A new violet shape burst from the tear with a blinding flash that seared their eyes and forced them to shield their faces, its eyes glowing brighter than the sun, a deep voice booming, "The Celestial Gate rises to claim all realms and beyond, sealing your doom forever in eternal night!"
The shape grew into an even mightier giant with wings of dark flame that danced like living shadows, its presence filling the sky with a suffocating weight that pressed down on their chests like a boulder, making it hard to breathe. Lin Hao clutched the amulet with a tight grip, his energy sparking back to life with a jolt that made his heart race like a wild drum beating in his chest, the Starfall Festival's fate hanging by a thin, fragile thread that could snap with the next heartbeat, his resolve hardening. The mightier giant roared with a power that shook the dawn sky, splitting the ground with jagged cracks that raced toward them like lightning, its wings spreading wide to crush the hill and everyone on it, leaving no hope of escape as the tear pulsed with an endless, ravenous hunger that promised an even greater terror to come, its edges glowing with a menacing purple light.