Yang Kang's Perspective: The Web of Deceit
The Thousand Layered Peaks were a perfect place for ambition to thrive. The chaotic landscape—riddled with hidden dangers, unpredictable traps, and countless opportunities for betrayal—suited Yang Kang perfectly. As one of Yang Kai's half-brothers and a fellow contender in the Inheritance War, Yang Kang knew that brute strength alone wasn't enough to win this war.
He had always been a strategist, someone who preferred to strike from the shadows rather than engage in open confrontation. In the previous trials, he had allowed others to fight and weaken each other, only stepping in when the time was right to take advantage of their exhaustion or missteps. And now, as the Thousand Layered Peaks trial was underway, his mind buzzed with plans.
Yang Kang sat quietly in a secluded cave, deep within the mist-covered mountains. He wasn't alone—several of his trusted allies, all cultivators loyal to his cause, stood around him. Their faces were grim, but their loyalty was unquestionable.
"He's becoming too powerful," one of the cultivators said, his voice filled with nervous energy. "Yang Kai has already defeated several of the top contenders."
"That's exactly what I'm counting on," Yang Kang replied smoothly, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. "Let him fight. Let him make a spectacle of himself. All that strength will mean nothing when I strip him of everything."
His eyes gleamed as he formulated his plan. Yang Kai had always been a thorn in his side—too powerful, too determined, and far too independent. But Yang Kang knew something about Yang Kai that few others did: he didn't trust easily, and that could be exploited.
"We'll use his arrogance against him," Yang Kang continued. "He's strong, but he's still just one man. And no matter how powerful someone is, they can always be brought down if they're isolated."
One of the cultivators stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "What's the plan, my lord?"
Yang Kang leaned back against the stone wall of the cave, a calculating look in his eyes. "We'll spread rumors. Let it be known that several of the weaker competitors are gathering near the eastern side of the peaks. Make sure the word reaches him. He won't be able to resist a chance to take them down and assert his dominance. Once he's lured in, we'll strike when he's most vulnerable."
The cultivators nodded, understanding the brilliance of the scheme. Yang Kai was strong, yes, but he was also prideful and determined to prove himself. If they could manipulate him into chasing after false victories, they could weaken him enough for Yang Kang to make his move.
"Send the message," Yang Kang ordered. "And prepare the ambush."
As his men hurried to carry out his instructions, Yang Kang couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. The Thousand Layered Peaks were dangerous, but they weren't the only threat Yang Kai would face. He had no idea that his own brother was waiting in the shadows, ready to strike.
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Yang Kai's Perspective: Into the Depths of the Peaks
Meanwhile, Shiv (Yang Kai) moved steadily through the treacherous paths of the Thousand Layered Peaks, his senses heightened as the dense mist swirled around him. The jagged terrain and the thick, suffocating fog made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead, but his instincts had been honed by years of battle. He was always ready for an ambush.
Despite the overwhelming danger, Shiv felt confident. His recent surge in cultivation had left him feeling stronger than ever. The battles he had fought had only sharpened his skills, and he knew that he was ready for whatever the Inheritance War could throw at him.
But something felt… off.
As he moved further into the peaks, he began to hear whispers. Rumors, passed between other competitors who were trying to survive the brutal trial.
"They say some of the weaker ones are gathering near the eastern cliffs…"
"It might be a chance to take them all out…"
"I heard Yang Kang is nearby, but he's keeping his distance…"
The rumors piqued Shiv's interest, but he remained cautious. His brother, Yang Kang, had always been a schemer, preferring to strike from the shadows rather than face his enemies head-on. Shiv knew better than to trust anything that seemed too easy or convenient.
Still, the idea of taking out multiple competitors in one swoop was tempting. The Inheritance War was brutal, and any advantage he could gain would be valuable. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. Yang Kang's name being mentioned made him wary.
As Shiv continued moving eastward, toward the area the rumors had indicated, he kept his guard up. His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, ready to strike at a moment's notice. The terrain became rougher, the cliffs steeper, and the mist thicker, making it difficult to see anything clearly.
And then, he sensed it.
The subtle shift in the air, the almost imperceptible change in energy that signaled danger. Shiv paused, his senses on high alert. His sharp eyes scanned the area around him, but there was nothing immediately visible. Still, he knew he wasn't alone.
A trap.
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The Ambush Unfolds
Without warning, figures emerged from the mist, surrounding Shiv on all sides. They moved with precision, their cultivations ranging from the Eighth to Ninth Stages of the True Element Boundary. These weren't mere weaklings—they were experienced fighters, and they had been waiting for him.
"So, you fell for it after all," one of the attackers sneered, his voice filled with malice.
Shiv didn't respond. His mind was already calculating the best way to deal with the ambush. His blade was in his hand before his enemies had even finished forming a circle around him.
The first strike came from his left, a blade aimed directly at his side. Shiv reacted instantly, parrying the blow with a quick flick of his wrist and sending the attacker stumbling back. Another came from behind, but Shiv spun on his heel, dodging the attack with fluid grace before countering with a swift slash that sent his opponent crashing to the ground.
The battle erupted in a flurry of movement, each of Shiv's enemies striking with lethal intent. But Shiv was faster. His movements were precise, calculated—each strike landing with deadly accuracy.
The mist worked against his attackers, obscuring their vision and making it difficult for them to coordinate their attacks. But for Shiv, the mist was an ally. His heightened senses allowed him to detect even the slightest shifts in the air, and he used that to his advantage, striking from unexpected angles and keeping his enemies off-balance.
Within moments, several of his attackers had fallen, their bodies lying motionless on the jagged ground. But more kept coming, each one more determined than the last.
"You can't win," one of the attackers hissed, his voice filled with desperation. "We have you surrounded!"
But Shiv only smiled. He had been in worse situations before, and he knew that his strength wasn't just in his cultivation—it was in his will.
With a surge of energy, Shiv unleashed a powerful wave of force, sending his remaining attackers sprawling. The ground beneath them shook as the energy tore through the earth, leaving deep cracks in the stone. The mist parted for just a moment, revealing the devastation he had caused.
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Aftermath: The Shadows Stir
As the last of his attackers fell, Shiv stood amidst the chaos, his breathing steady, his body barely showing signs of strain. The ambush had been well-coordinated, but it hadn't been enough to take him down.
But as the mist began to close in once more, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
Yang Kang had always been one for schemes and manipulation, and Shiv knew that his brother was watching from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
This trial wasn't just about strength—it was about survival. And in the Thousand Layered Peaks, the greatest danger wasn't always the enemies you could see.
It was the ones lurking just out of sight.