Chapter 40: The Crimson Dawn Rises
The Bloodshade Abyss border loomed as a desolate frontier, its jagged cliffs shrouded in a thick, oppressive mist that carried the sharp scent of blood and the faint, eerie hum of dark qi rising from the depths below. The dawn light struggled to break through, painting the rocky terrain in a crimson hue that seemed to pulse with the land's ancient wounds. Lin Xuan led the Soul Lamp Hall forward, his crimson eyes reflecting a mix of resolve and quiet anticipation, the steady strength of his 5th Layer Qi Transformation—teetering on the edge of the 6th—fueling his steps. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed with a gentle rhythm, a silent guide as he commanded his growing force: Xiao Fen, the Bai Clan defector, and the recruits, their auras now steadier after weeks of training, their faces set with determination.
The abyss's defenses rose before them, qi-infused barriers shimmering like ghostly walls, patrolled by scouts with 6th Layer auras, their crimson robes a stark contrast to the barren landscape. Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his voice steady as he said, "This is our moment—let's break through." His Internal Fracture Wave surged forward, the shockwave from his crystal veins shattering the outer barriers with a deafening crack, stone fragments raining down like a sudden storm. The Soul Lamp Hall rallied, Xiao Fen tossing alchemical smoke bombs that cloaked the field in a thick haze, while the recruits unleashed Void Pulse Kick, their kicks sending shockwaves to scatter the scouts with startled shouts. "Keep moving!" Lin Xuan called, his tone firm yet encouraging.
A 7th Layer Bloodshade elder emerged from the mist, his gaunt frame cloaked in dark qi, his qi blade crackling as he lunged with a snarl. "You dare challenge us?" he hissed, his voice rough with menace. Lin Xuan met the attack head-on, his Vein Fortress Body absorbing the strike with a dull thud, the impact jarring his frame. "I dare what's necessary," he replied, countering with Crimson Lance Burst, the blood spikes embedding in the elder's shoulder, drawing a pained grunt. Starlit Void Fist followed, the celestial punch landing squarely on the elder's chest, the force sending him staggering back, his aura flickering. "Retreat!" the elder barked to his forces, his wounded form disappearing into the fog, the scouts scattering in disarray.
The victory came at a cost, the Soul Lamp Hall's morale lifted by the breach, their breaths heavy with exertion. Back in Dawnriver City, the Ji Clan palace buzzed with celebration, its marble halls adorned with vibrant banners, the air rich with the scent of incense and the clink of ceremonial cups. Ji Yunjing crowned himself king, his 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura a regal force, his silk robes catching the torchlight with a soft sheen. He turned to Lin Xuan, his bow deep and sincere. "Senior Brother, your help secured my throne. I won't forget this," he said, his voice warm with gratitude. Lin Xuan returned the bow, a small smile breaking through. "The kingdom's strength is my honor, Your Majesty," he replied, the alliance solidified as the court murmured their respects.
On the battlefield's edge, Liu Yue's legacy art awakened, her raven hair whipping wildly as her snowflake mark pulsed, an icy aura spreading across the ground in a crystalline expanse that halted the last of the Bloodshade stragglers, their cries cut short by the freeze. "I didn't know I could do that," she breathed, her moonlight eyes wide with wonder. Liu Yang stood nearby, his 7th Layer Body Refining qi stabilizing as his blood core pulsed, the Human Emperor's bloodline anchoring his strength, his blood-forged sword and armor gleaming with pride. "That was amazing, Sister," he said, his voice thick with admiration, a grin spreading across his young face.
The morning found Lin Xuan by the inn's window, the quiet focus of refining a pill drawing his attention, his qi nearing the 6th Layer with each careful movement. Liu Yue and Liu Yang joined him, her icy aura softening as she leaned against the wall. "Senior Brother, the dawn rises—what's next?" she asked, her tone curious yet supportive. Liu Yang nodded, his sword resting nearby. "Yeah, we're ready for whatever comes." The inn's stillness wrapped around them, a sanctuary where the weight of their triumph mingled with the promise of confronting Ironfang's core, Lin Xuan's crimson eyes fixed on the horizon with unwavering resolve.