The explosion shook the entire mountain range.
Qi storms rippled outward, tearing banners and shattering stone. Disciples screamed as protective barriers flared to life around the sect's area.
Li Ming hit the ground hard, coughing smoke. His vision swam — the air was filled with red fire and spiraling spiritual energy.
"Xue Yan!" he shouted.
No response.
Lan Yue landed beside him, face pale from the backlash. "The intruder's Qi signature— it's… above Core Formation!"
Li Ming's heart froze.
"What?! That shouldn't even be possible here! The barrier—"
"Was broken from the inside," Lan Yue said, voice sharp. "Someone tampered with the arena formation."
Before they could react, the intruder reappeared above them, flames coiling around his arm like a living serpent. His red robes fluttered in the scorching wind.
"You shouldn't have meddled in Crimson Sect matters," he said coldly.
