The mightier giant with dark flame wings towered over the crumbling hill, its glowing eyes blazing like twin suns that scorched the smoky air, shaking the ground with a roar that rumbled like an endless storm. The Lotus Soul Amulet teetered on the chasm's jagged edge, its golden lines flickering weakly like a candle about to die, slipping closer to the abyss with every tremor as Lin Hao lunged with all his strength. His body throbbed with deep cuts and bone-deep exhaustion, blood staining his torn robe and pooling on the ground, but his heart burned with a fierce determination to save his sect, even as hope seemed to fade.
The Verdant Lotus Sect was a shattered remnant under the chaotic aftermath of the Starfall Festival, the air thick with swirling dust and the bitter stench of burned magic that choked their breaths. Disciples sprawled among the ruins, their green staffs broken into useless shards, their chants a faint murmur drowned by the chasm's hungry growl that echoed like a beast below the earth. Elder Qian Yu stood shaky but resolute, her tattered robe flapping in the wind, her face etched with grim hope that clung on despite the giant's overwhelming shadow darkening the sky.
"This is the Celestial Gate's triumph if we lose now," she rasped, her voice hoarse but firm like a steady drum. She raised her cracked staff with a trembling hand, a frail green shield sputtering to life with a weak hum, barely pushing back the giant's dark power that pressed down like a crushing wave. "Lin Hao, that amulet is our last light—grab it before it's gone!" she pleaded, her eyes meeting his with a mix of desperation and trust.
Lin Hao crawled forward, his knees grinding against jagged stones that tore at his skin, leaving bloody streaks in the dust. "I'll save it no matter what," he panted, stretching his raw fingers toward the amulet with a desperate hope that fueled his every move, his muscles screaming with effort. Lian Wei staggered beside him, their silver robe in tatters and smeared with dirt, their staff glowing a faint blue like a dying ember. "The Gate's tearing the sky's barrier to shreds," they whispered, voice shaky but urgent, gripping his arm to steady him. "The festival's power is still raging, like in the 8th Cycle—take it and fight with all you've got left, brother!"
The giant swung its flaming wings with a mighty whoosh that sent a blast of hot air across the hill, a dark blast roaring down like a tidal wave of shadows that swallowed the faint dawn light. The hill shook violently, the chasm splitting wider with a loud crack that sent rocks tumbling into the dark pit with a thunderous roar, the ground buckling under their feet. Rong Shen cackled with a wild, wicked laugh that pierced the chaos, his red cloak snapping in the wind like a tattered flag, purple fire blazing like a furious storm that lit the ruined battlefield with angry, swirling flames.
Jiao Mei charged with a fierce yell that echoed off the broken stones, her sword glowing with magic lines that twisted like fiery tendrils. The gaunt guy summoned a black-flamed bear, its roar shaking the air with a chilling sound that made the ground tremble, its eyes glowing with a sinister light. Lin Hao's fingers brushed the amulet, its warmth sparking back like a sudden flame leaping to life, filling him with bold energy that pushed away his pain and tiredness, giving him a surge of strength to keep going.
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 trembling as she braced herself against the onslaught. Wei Tao rallied the scattered disciples with a hoarse shout, their chants weak but steady like a fading heartbeat, their green light mixing with the dawn's dim glow to fight the dark with fading courage, their faces pale with strain. Lian Wei's blue magic clashed with the bear, ice shards flying like a sharp hailstorm across the hill, striking the enemy with cold fury that glittered in the smoky air like tiny stars.
Lin Hao seized the amulet with a tight grip, holding it close to his chest, and chanted the Starfall Codex with every ounce of strength in his worn-out body, his voice rising like a defiant song. A golden flower shield bloomed big and bright before him, its petals shimmering like stars piercing the smoky sky, casting a warm glow that steadied his resolve. 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 unwavering.
Rong Shen's purple fire joined the assault with a roaring blast that painted 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 burning with rage as she swung again and again. The bear'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 buried in the dirt, its magic clinging to the air like a soft whisper of lost glory that lingered like a fading dream. 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 to cling to. Qian Yu's green magic boosted him with a warm surge that flowed through his veins like a river, 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, determined faces.
Lian Wei's staff smashed the bear 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 of shock, his face pale and terrified, his hands shaking like leaves caught in a storm, his spirit broken by the loss. 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 that pressed on their chests.
"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, its voice a thunderclap that echoed. The hill split more with a deep groan that sounded like the earth weeping, rocks crashing into the chasm with a thunderous boom that reverberated across the valley, shaking the very foundation of their world with violent tremors. 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, threatening to crush his spirit.
A blue wall shot up from Lian Wei with a brilliant flash that cut through the dark like a blade, 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 as they glanced at each other. Jiao Mei stabbed again with a fierce cry that sliced through the noise, her sword nicking the shield's edge, cutting Lin Hao's arm with a sharp, burning sting that made him clench his jaw against the searing agony, his breath catching in his throat.
Blood trickled down his arm, 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 with fierce focus. 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 into the air. 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 against the dark.
"Stand tall and fight with all you've got inside you," Qian Yu shouted, her voice ringing out like a leader's horn piercing the swirling dust and smoke, her eyes blazing with defiance as she waved her staff. 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 with renewed resolve. 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, knocking some to their knees.
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 like a cold rain. 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 tendrils of 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 as he fought to stay upright.
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 as if it might vanish. 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 like the dawn. 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 of their last stand.
"Find your deep strength within your soul," 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 pressing in. 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 reigniting. 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 in a defiant chorus.
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 like a dark cloud. 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 purple light that pulsed with power. 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 silence 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 with effort. 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 destruction. 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 as if alive with fear.
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 and determination. 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, their hands reaching out for support. 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 that pulsed with an eerie rhythm.
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 and casting a chilling darkness. 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 with renewed fury. 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 the last of his strength.
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 weary body. The hill shook harder with a violent shudder that made the ground buckle and sway, 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 to the ground with a thud. 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 in eternal night with no escape!"
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 or move. 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 like steel. 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 that pulsed like a living thing.