Chapter 39: The Ironfang Reckoning
The Ji territory battlefield sprawled across a scarred plain, its earth pockmarked with the remnants of broken shields and the faint, coppery tang of blood mingling with the qi that lingered in the air like a stubborn ghost. The afternoon sun hung low, casting long, jagged shadows over the chaos, its golden light filtering through a haze of dust kicked up by the clash of forces. Lin Xuan moved through the turmoil with a steady gait, his crimson eyes scanning the scene with a mix of determination and weariness, the weight of his 5th Layer Qi Transformation grounding him amidst the storm. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed faintly, a quiet reminder of his purpose as he zeroed in on General Fang, the Ironfang emissary whose 7th Layer Qi Transformation aura dominated the vanguard, his crimson armor gleaming like a beacon of aggression as he barked orders to his troops.
The intel from Lord Wei, their double agent, had been a lifeline—pinpointing Fang's position and exposing the war funds stashed in a supply caravan tucked away in the chaos. Lin Xuan seized the moment, his voice a low growl as he muttered, "Time to end this charade," before launching into action. His Starlit Void Fist connected with a surge of celestial energy, the punch shattering Fang's defensive stance with a resounding crack, followed by Crimson Lance Burst, the crystallized blood spikes embedding into the general's shoulder with a sickening squelch, eliciting a raw, pained roar. Fang staggered, his face twisting in anger, but his guards surged forward, their qi blades slicing through the air with a whistling fury, the storm they unleashed tearing at the ground.
Lin Xuan braced himself, his Vein Fortress Body absorbing the brunt of the assault."Hold the line!" he called out, his voice cutting through the din. Liu Yue appeared at his side, her raven hair whipping in the wind, her Icy Skin casting a chill that frosted the air, icy spikes darting out to pierce a guard's leg with a sharp cry. "I've got your back, Senior Brother," she said, her moonlight eyes steady despite the chaos. Liu Yang joined them, his blood-forged sword arcing with a crimson flash, slicing through an Ironfang shield as if it were paper, his 7th Layer Body Refining qi pulsing with a raw power that made his young face glow with focus. "Let's finish this," he grunted, his voice thick with effort.
Their teamwork flowed like a well-rehearsed dance, the synergy between ice and blood forcing Fang into a retreat, his wounded form disappearing into the dust with a final, venomous glare. Ji Yunjing, his 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura a commanding presence, seized the opportunity, launching a counteroffensive with a shout of, "For Dawnriver!" His forces, bolstered by Lin Xuan's network, moved with precision, spiritual echo stones relaying real-time updates as they ambushed Ironfang caravans under the cloak of night, the clatter of steel and the cries of surprise echoing through the plains. Lin Xuan lingered in the shadows, his crimson eyes tracking every move, the exposure of the war funds a significant blow to Ironfang's plans. "Good work, everyone," he said to his team, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
Back at the inn, the wooden room offered a stark contrast to the battlefield's chaos, its walls adorned with faded tapestries that seemed to sigh with history, the air carrying a gentle herbal scent from Lin Xuan's recent efforts. He sank onto a cushion, the exhaustion of the day settling into his bones as he began refining a pill, the Celestial Unity Crest guiding the slow evolution of his Blood Crystal Core toward the 6th Layer. The process was grueling, his blood humming with a faint red glow beneath his skin, a physical echo of his growth. Liu Yue stepped in, her presence a comfort, her moonlight eyes warm. "You were incredible out there," she said softly, a hint of admiration in her tone. Liu Yang followed, his blood sword resting against the wall, its edge sharper than before. "We showed them what we're made of," he added, a proud grin breaking through his fatigue.
The afternoon stretched into planning as Lin Xuan leaned over a map, his mind turning to Bloodshade's core. "We need to hit them where it hurts next," he mused aloud, his voice thoughtful. Liu Yue nodded, her icy aura softening. "I'm with you, Senior Brother. Whatever it takes." The inn's quiet enveloped them, a sanctuary where the weight of their victory mingled with the promise of future challenges, Lin Xuan's resolve hardening with each passing moment.