The scent of scorched earth filled the air as Liu Shen limped away from the grove, shoulder freshly bandaged with cloth torn from a fallen disciple's robes. Though the wound from Gu Yao's shadow clone had begun to heal, the spiritual corrosion lingered.
He would need time—or a stronger soul—to fully purge it.
> A fragment of his will managed to harm me this much… if Gu Yao truly awakens, it'll take more than tricks and Qi to defeat him.
As he moved, the terrain changed.
The ash-coated trees gave way to jagged obsidian stones and pits where spirit beasts once roamed. But now… they were fleeing.
Even corrupted creatures feared what was coming.
He paused atop a cliff that overlooked the center of Ashfire Hollow.
There—beneath the swirling clouds of black Qi—was a gaping crevice pulsing with crimson light.
The rift.
His goal.
And possibly, his grave.
---
Elsewhere – Deep Within the Hollow
Five disciples stood together, panting, injured, but alive. Among them were Feng Lei, Huo Tan, and Wei Xiu—outer court elites.
"We lost eight already," Wei Xiu growled. "What kind of trial is this? These beasts are beyond Core Formation!"
"They want us dead," Feng Lei spat. "No way only ten are meant to survive. We're bait—nothing more."
Huo Tan, ever silent, nodded. "And one of us… isn't who he seems."
Feng Lei frowned. "You still think it's Liu Shen?"
"He's the only one walking around untouched," Huo Tan said. "You saw what happened to Feng Yan. Crushed like a worm."
Wei Xiu nodded slowly. "Then let's remove him before he removes us."
---
Back to Liu Shen – Rift's Edge
The red glow intensified as he approached the rift. He could feel it drawing on his demonic essence—recognizing him.
Just as he reached the jagged edge, a faint sound broke the silence.
Step. Step. Step.
He turned sharply.
Feng Lei, Huo Tan, and Wei Xiu emerged from the mist, weapons drawn.
"You've gone far enough," Wei Xiu said.
"No further," Feng Lei added, flaring his Qi in a show of strength.
Liu Shen sighed. "I've already killed a high priest's shadow today. Are you three sure this is the hill you want to die on?"
"You're a threat," Huo Tan said, voice flat. "You don't act like an outer disciple. You speak like you've lived ten lifetimes."
Liu Shen chuckled. "More than ten."
That shook them for a moment.
Feng Lei clenched his blade. "Even so, if we don't act now, we'll die later."
"Agreed."
Without another word, all three charged.
---
The Battle – Crimson Mist Ridge
Huo Tan struck first, sending a wave of flame-covered daggers toward Liu Shen's chest.
Liu Shen spun, deflecting two, catching the third with his bare hand.
Burnt skin sizzled… and then regenerated.
He hurled the dagger back—embedding it in Huo Tan's leg.
Wei Xiu followed with a thunderous palm technique. Lightning crackled as his hands clashed with Liu Shen's.
Boom!
Dust and ash exploded around them.
Feng Lei tried to stab Liu Shen from behind—but Liu Shen vanished.
Shadow Step.
Reappearing behind Feng Lei, Liu Shen grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the stone floor.
"Still want to test me?" he said, foot pressing on Feng Lei's chest.
Wei Xiu coughed blood nearby, struggling to rise.
Huo Tan dropped his weapon and bowed his head.
"We yield," he muttered.
"Good." Liu Shen kicked Feng Lei aside and stepped back.
"You were wise to try," he said coldly. "But you underestimated me."
He walked past them toward the rift.
"And next time, I won't be so forgiving."
---
Unknown to All – Beneath the Rift
Deep below the earth, a pulse of demonic energy surged.
A pair of molten eyes opened slowly within the darkness.
A voice echoed, ancient and broken.
> The Sovereign has returned… but he is incomplete.
> Let us welcome him… with a proper trial.