Chapter 63: The Siege of Dusk
The Duskwind Clan outpost loomed as a fortified stronghold, its stone walls weathered and stained with the soot of battle, the air thick with the acrid scent of smoke and the faint, metallic tang of blood from recent skirmishes. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the rugged terrain, the ground trembling under the charge of Ironfang's forces, led by an 8th Layer Qi Transformation elder in dark robes. Lin Xuan stood at the forefront, his crimson eyes blazing with valor, the power of his 9th Layer Qi Transformation surging like a tempest. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed with a steady rhythm, a quiet guide as he raised his voice. "We break their hold—now!"
He repelled the elder with Internal Fracture Wave, the shockwave from his crystal veins rippling outward, shattering the man's qi shield and sending him staggering, blood trickling from his mouth. "You're done," Lin Xuan said, his tone icy, wiping sweat from his brow as he pressed the attack. Liu Yue, her 6th Layer Qi Transformation qi flowing with Frost Phoenix Cry, and Liu Yang, his 4th Layer Qi Gathering qi steady, held the perimeter, her snowflake mark glowing as she froze an enemy's advance, his blood-thread seals snaring a scout. "Hold the line, Senior Sister—don't let them through!" Liu Yang shouted, his young face set with focus, the glaive's crimson edge a defiant spark.
The Dawnriver Sect and Veilmoon Sect reinforcements clashed with the enemy, Elder Gao Feng's 3rd Layer Qi Transformation aura a rallying point. "Push them back—secure the walls!" he roared, his staff a blur. Ji Yunjing, at the early 4th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, reinforced with the Azure River Guards, his silk robes fluttering as he directed the troops. "For Dawnriver—break their spirit!" he called, his voice commanding. Bai Ningxue, her 8th Layer Qi Transformation aura a serene contrast, sealed enemy qi with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art, her seals shimmering as she stabilized the front. "I've got their energy locked—keep going!" she said.
The siege stretched into the evening, the air thick with the scent of blood and scorched earth, the outpost secured as the enemy retreated. The team captured Duskwind intel, a map revealing Ironfang's next target. Lin Xuan gathered his team, his breath heavy but his resolve firm. "We've got their plans—let's use them," he said to Liu Yue. She nodded, her breath steady but her eyes alert. "Together, Senior Brother—we'll turn this around," she replied, the war camp buzzing with the clink of armor and the murmur of victory.