Chapter 9: The Emberhold Shadows
Chapter 9: The Emberhold Shadows
The night in the Emberveil Forest was silent—too silent. Even the chirping of mana-crickets and the hoot of nocturnal spirit owls had faded into the oppressive stillness. Chen Yue sat cross-legged under the towering moonstone tree, its pale bark glowing faintly, casting silver light over the camp. Lina slept nearby, her breathing soft, a faint crimson aura swirling gently around her as her cultivation stabilized after another exhausting session.
Chen Yue's eyes, however, were sharp and alert. His senses, honed through Qi circulation, felt the subtle ripple of energy hidden in the dark. They're here.
The System Interface appeared in the corner of his vision:
[Warning: Multiple Hostile Intent Auras Detected]
[Approximate Strength: Mana Core Stage × 3 | Mana Knight Stage × 7]
[Recommendation: Engage or Evade Before Dawn]
Chen Yue exhaled slowly. Emberhold really doesn't waste time. He had expected Kaelen to come back eventually—but not this soon.
A Blade in the Dark
The first strike came without sound—an arrow of condensed flame, ripping through the night air. Chen Yue moved like a shadow, two fingers snapping out to catch it mid-flight. Heat seared his skin, but Qi wrapped around his hand, smothering the flames.
A mocking voice echoed from the trees. "Impressive reflexes… for a stray."
Figures emerged from the forest, their armor reflecting the faint moonlight. At their head stood a woman clad in black-and-scarlet leather, her crimson hair bound in a warrior's braid. Her eyes gleamed like molten gold.
"Kaelen sends his regards," she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Chen Yue's gaze hardened. "And who are you?"
"Seris Pyre," she replied. "Captain of the Emberhold Shadows. My orders are simple—take the girl home and burn everything else to ash."
As if on cue, seven knights drew their blazing swords, their mana radiating like an inferno. Lina stirred awake, eyes widening as she saw the flames surrounding them.
"Chen Yue…" Her voice trembled.
He raised a hand to silence her. "Stay calm. And don't move."
The First Clash
Seris flicked her fingers. The knights surged forward, flames bursting from their blades.
Chen Yue's Qi exploded outward like a tidal wave, forming a golden domain that shimmered under the moonlight. His body blurred—like lightning he appeared before the first knight, palm slamming into his chest. Bones cracked as the man flew backward, smashing into a tree.
Two more came from behind. Chen Yue twisted, his leg sweeping low. Qi wrapped around his kick, striking both opponents in the ribs, sending them sprawling.
The remaining knights hesitated for the briefest second—long enough for Chen Yue to flick his wrist. Threads of Qi manifested, slicing through the air like invisible blades.
Three more knights dropped, their weapons shattered, groaning in pain.
Only two remained—both backing away, terror dawning in their eyes.
Seris didn't flinch. If anything, her smile widened.
A Dance of Fire and Gold
"You're stronger than Kaelen said," she purred, stepping forward. Fire erupted around her body, forming a crimson phoenix cloak that radiated destructive heat. The ground blackened beneath her boots.
Chen Yue felt his skin prickle. So she's at late Mana Core Stage… maybe even peak.
"Interesting," he murmured. "You're not just a messenger."
She grinned, unsheathing twin curved blades wreathed in fire. "No. I'm your executioner."
She moved—and vanished.
Chen Yue barely had time to cross his arms as her blades came down like twin firestorms. Sparks flew, Qi clashing with flames, the shockwave splitting the ground. Lina screamed as the campfire was snuffed out by the sheer force.
The Hidden Trump Card
Seris pressed her assault relentlessly, her strikes a blur of crimson arcs. Chen Yue parried and countered, each blow sending shockwaves through the clearing. Flames licked at his skin, but his Qi barrier held—barely.
[System Alert: Host HP dropping | Qi Reserves: 62% | Recommend: Activate Martial Art]
Chen Yue's eyes narrowed. "Fine."
He shifted his stance. The Golden Dragon Qi surged through his meridians, coiling like a sleeping beast awakened.
When Seris lunged again, Chen Yue struck—not with speed, but with overwhelming force. His palm glowed like molten gold as he unleashed Golden Dragon's Roar.
The impact shattered her phoenix cloak. Fire exploded outward in a blazing storm as Seris was hurled back, crashing through three trees before slamming into the earth, blood dripping from her lips.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You… you're not from this world, are you?"
Chen Yue didn't answer. He stood over her fallen form, eyes cold.
"Leave. Tell Kaelen if he comes next time… I won't hold back."
Seris spat blood and laughed softly. "Oh… this is only the beginning."
With a flare of mana, she vanished into the darkness, her surviving knights dragging themselves away.
A Silent Oath
Chen Yue turned back to Lina. She was staring at him—fear, awe, and something deeper swirling in her eyes.
"You… beat her," she whispered.
"For now," Chen Yue said quietly, his Qi aura dimming. "But they'll return. Stronger."
Lina clenched her fists. "Then I'll become strong too. Strong enough to stand with you."
Chen Yue gazed at her for a long moment before nodding. "Good. Because this world isn't ready for what's coming."
Above them, the moon hung like a silver blade in the black sky, silent witness to the oath that would shape the fate of kingdoms.
Chapter End Teaser:
In the next chapter, Chen Yue and Lina travel toward the city of Emberhold—where secrets, politics, and dangerous alliances await. But in the shadows, an ancient force stirs… one that even Chen Yue's system fears.