Chapter 22 – Confrontation with the Lieutenant
The inner sanctum was cloaked in darkness, the air thick with magical wards and the scent of incense used to amplify protective spells. Leon Jian, Mei Lin, and Kael advanced cautiously, the Celestial Jade and dark orb glowing in unison—gold and crimson light intertwining like living flames.
"We're close," Leon whispered, feeling the pulse of power emanating from the very heart of the stronghold. "Someone powerful is guarding the inner chamber."
Mei Lin's grip tightened on her sword. "Eldric's lieutenant. He's the final gatekeeper before we reach the vault—or Eldric himself."
Kael's eyes scanned the shadows. "He's strong… but we've faced stronger before. Focus, coordination, and control. That's our advantage."
Suddenly, a figure stepped from the shadows—a tall, imposing man clad in black armor etched with crimson runes. Twin spears shimmered in his hands, and his eyes glowed like molten fire.
"I am Ruan Xie," the man announced, voice cold and commanding. "No one enters Eldric's sanctum without paying the price."
Leon's golden eyes flared. "We've come to settle scores, not negotiate. Step aside—or face defeat."
Ruan Xie smirked and charged, his spears moving in a deadly synchronized pattern. Each strike carried the force of a hurricane, enhanced by dark magic. Leon braced himself, golden and crimson energy erupting from the jade and orb, forming a protective barrier that deflected the first barrage.
Mei Lin and Kael engaged the surrounding guards, clearing space for Leon to focus on Ruan Xie. The lieutenant's speed and precision were formidable, but Leon's control of the orb and jade allowed him to predict and counter each strike.
Crimson tendrils from the orb lashed at Ruan Xie, binding his limbs temporarily, while Leon's golden energy struck at his core, sending shockwaves that reverberated through the chamber.
"You… are strong," Ruan Xie hissed, breaking free from the binds. "But strength alone won't save you from the shadows of the sect."
Leon's aura blazed brighter. "I don't rely on strength alone. I rely on control, strategy, and allies. You'll see the difference."
With a surge, Leon unleashed a combined attack of jade and orb energy—a wave of golden and crimson light that swept across the chamber, forcing Ruan Xie back. He parried and countered, but the relentless onslaught from Leon, paired with Mei Lin and Kael's support, began to wear him down.
Finally, with a concentrated strike, Leon sent a bolt of pure energy into Ruan Xie's chest. The lieutenant stumbled, defeated but alive, glaring at Leon with a mixture of hatred and respect.
"You've… grown beyond expectation," Ruan Xie said, retreating into the shadows. "But Eldric… he will not forgive this."
Leon lowered the orb and jade slightly, breathing heavily. "Then we prepare. The real challenge awaits. Eldric himself."
Mei Lin sheathed her sword. "We've cleared the gatekeeper. The path is open—but Eldric won't face us lightly."
Kael nodded. "Then we make sure we are ready. Every ounce of power, every skill… it all leads to this moment."
Leon's eyes burned with determination. "The reborn cultivator has arrived. Eldric… your reckoning is here."
The inner sanctum's doors loomed ahead, pulsating faintly under the combined energies of the Celestial Jade and dark orb. Beyond them lay the ultimate confrontation—the culmination of Leon Jian's journey for vengeance, power, and justice.