Golden energy surged around Yan Fu like a blazing sun as he stepped forward from the dust. The shattered pillars of the courtyard still crumbled behind him, fragments falling to the ground with hollow echoes. Despite the powerful blow he had just received, his eyes were calm—focused.
Across from him, the mysterious visitor stood within a storm of silver flames.
For the first time since arriving at Ji Xia Sect, the visitor's aura had been fully released.
The pressure was suffocating.
Even the elders had begun circulating their cultivation techniques just to remain standing.
Above them, Tianlong's wings beat against the darkening sky. Lightning flashed across the clouds as the dragon roared.
Vorath's claws scraped against the cracked courtyard stones, his amber eyes burning with fury.
Aetherion stood calmly beside Yan Fu, celestial energy flowing like a quiet river around his glowing form.
The visitor slowly raised a hand.
Silver flames twisted into strange symbols around their fingers.
"So you survived that strike," they said calmly.
Yan Fu lifted his staff.
"I told you already."
His voice echoed through the courtyard.
"If you want to test Ji Xia Sect…"
Golden runes spiraled outward from the ground.
"Then test it properly."
BOOOOM!
The staff slammed into the stone.
A massive formation activated instantly.
Golden pillars of light erupted around the battlefield, forming an enormous array that stretched across the courtyard and into the sky.
The disciples watching from behind the defensive barriers gasped.
Li Fei's eyes widened.
"That formation… Master has never used that before."
Elder Shuye stared with disbelief.
"That is an ancient Ji Xia Sect combat array…"
The visitor's silver eyes flickered with curiosity.
"Oh?"
Yan Fu raised one hand.
The formation responded immediately.
Dozens of glowing symbols appeared in the air.
"Celestial Binding Formation."
Golden chains of spiritual energy shot forward like lightning.
The visitor moved instantly.
WHOOSH!
But the chains followed.
They twisted through the air like living dragons, attempting to trap the visitor inside the formation.
The stranger spun gracefully, cutting through two chains with a wave of silver flame.
Yet three more wrapped around their arm and leg.
For the first time, the visitor's movement slowed.
Aetherion stepped forward.
"Now."
His horn shone brilliantly.
A beam of turquoise light shot forward.
"Celestial Purification Strike."
The beam slammed into the visitor's barrier.
BOOOOOOM!
The explosion shook the courtyard.
Vorath roared and lunged forward again.
This time he did not hold back.
His claws glowed with dark destructive energy as he swung downward with terrifying force.
"Shadow Devouring Claw!"
The attack tore through the air like a blade of darkness.
The visitor raised both arms to defend.
BOOOOM!!!
The impact shattered the courtyard again.
A massive crater formed where the strike landed.
Dust exploded into the air.
The disciples could barely see through the chaos.
Li Fei gripped the railing tightly.
"Did we hit them?!"
The dust slowly began to clear.
Then silver flames erupted outward again.
The visitor stepped out of the crater.
Still standing.
Though their robe had been torn slightly, and several glowing cracks had appeared in their energy barrier.
They laughed softly.
"Yes."
Their eyes gleamed.
"This is finally becoming interesting."
The visitor raised both hands toward the sky.
Silver flames expanded outward like a storm.
The clouds above the mountain twisted violently as spiritual energy gathered into a massive vortex.
Tianlong roared angrily.
The dragon dove downward.
Lightning gathered in its jaws.
"Storm Judgment!"
CRAAAAAAACK!
A bolt of lightning thicker than a tower crashed down from the heavens.
The visitor thrust one hand upward.
The silver flames condensed into a spear of light.
BOOOOM!!!
Lightning and silver flame collided in midair.
The explosion lit up the entire mountain.
Shockwaves rippled across the forests below Ji Xia Sect, shaking trees and scattering flocks of birds.
But just as the clash reached its peak—
A new disturbance appeared.
Far below the mountain path.
Multiple powerful auras began rising toward the sect.
Yan Fu felt them instantly.
His eyes narrowed.
"More visitors."
Elder Huoran turned toward the mountain entrance.
Dozens of cultivators were climbing the stone path.
Their robes were crimson and black.
Each one carried weapons glowing with spiritual energy.
At their front walked a tall man with sharp eyes and a curved blade resting on his shoulder.
The man smiled coldly.
"So the rumors were true."
His voice carried easily across the battlefield.
"Ji Xia Sect has returned."
Li Fei's expression darkened.
"Another sect…"
Elder Shuye's face turned pale.
"I recognize those robes."
Yan Fu asked calmly,
"Who are they?"
Her voice was tense.
"Blood Flame Sect."
The disciples gasped.
The Blood Flame Sect was known across the region for its brutality and greed.
They were notorious for destroying weaker sects and stealing their cultivation resources.
The man leading them stepped forward.
His eyes scanned the battlefield, stopping briefly on the mysterious visitor.
Then he laughed.
"Well now…"
"What an interesting situation."
He pointed his blade toward Yan Fu.
"You must be the new sect master."
Yan Fu said nothing.
The man's grin widened.
"We came to investigate rumors of divine beasts and ancient treasures."
His gaze moved toward Aetherion… then Vorath… then Tianlong.
His eyes filled with greed.
"But it seems the rumors were even better than we hoped."
He raised his blade.
"Blood Flame Sect disciples."
Dozens of crimson flames erupted from the cultivators behind him.
"Prepare to seize everything."
The disciples of Ji Xia Sect tensed.
For the first time since joining the sect…
They were facing a real enemy army.
Yan Fu exhaled slowly.
So this was how the world worked.
The moment a sect showed power…
Others came to take it.
He looked toward his disciples.
Then toward the approaching Blood Flame Sect army.
Then toward the mysterious visitor still standing within the battlefield.
Three different threats.
One battlefield.
Yan Fu raised his staff again.
Golden light erupted across the courtyard.
"Ji Xia Sect disciples."
His voice carried across the entire mountain.
"Prepare for battle."
The first true war of the reborn Ji Xia Sect…
Had begun.