Just as the leader of the Crimson Cobra Syndicate was about to trigger the self-destruct, an unexpected event occurred. A blinding flash of light enveloped the entire area, causing everyone to shield their eyes. The ground trembled beneath them, and a powerful surge of energy washed over them like a tidal wave.
When the light dissipated and the energy settled, the scene had changed dramatically. The barriers that the leader had erected were shattered, and the exits were no longer blocked. The leader himself was frozen in place, unable to move. It was as if time itself had stopped for him.
The elite team members were bewildered, unable to comprehend what had just happened. They looked around, trying to make sense of the sudden shift.
From within the dissipating light emerged a figure dressed in flowing white robes. He emanated an aura of unparalleled authority and power. His presence alone seemed to calm the chaos that had enveloped the area.
Su Lin's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the newcomer. It was her master, a revered cultivator known for his extraordinary abilities and wisdom but she never knew that her master was this powerful. He had appeared in the most critical moment, seemingly out of thin air.
The elite team members, including Sir Eric and the vice headmaster, were momentarily entranced by the newcomer's presence. They felt a sense of respect and awe emanating from him, despite knowing who he was, They had never felt this feeling before when meeting Su Lin's master.
Without uttering a word, the master extended his hand toward the syndicate leader. The leader's struggles ceased, and a serene expression replaced his maniacal grin. It was as though an invisible force had taken hold of him.
The master's voice resonated in everyone's minds, clear and authoritative. "You have caused enough suffering and chaos. It is time for your actions to be brought to an end."
As he spoke, the leader of the syndicate began to convulse. His body emitted a faint glow of light, which gradually grew brighter. It was a stark contrast to the previous violent aura he exuded.
A collective gasp rippled through the elite team members. They watched in astonishment as the syndicate leader's body transformed before their eyes. His appearance shifted, his expression softened, and his eyes held a mixture of regret and sadness.
The master's voice continued, "In recognition of the lives you have harmed and the pain you have inflicted, I will give you a chance to atone for your deeds in another realm."
With those words, the leader's body dissolved into particles of light, vanishing from the scene altogether. The energy in the air seemed to absorb his essence, leaving behind an air of solemnity.
The master turned his attention to the remaining elite team members. His gaze swept over them, and in an instant, their minds were flooded with a calming energy. The confusion and panic that had gripped them began to subside.
"You all have witnessed events beyond your comprehension," the master's voice echoed within their minds. "But I must ask you to forget what you have seen today. Let this memory fade as if it were a fleeting dream."
As his words settled in their minds, a sensation of drowsiness overcame them. Their eyelids grew heavy, and their memories of the events leading up to this moment began to blur.
Su Lin held onto Asura, her eyes meeting her master's. She understood that he was about to erase the memories of everyone present, including Kallu. It was a necessary step to ensure the balance of this kingdom remained undisturbed.
The master's hand moved in a graceful motion, and a gentle wave of energy washed over the elite team members as well as Kallu. Their consciousness dipped, and their memories of the recent events faded away, leaving only a vague sense of confusion.
As the energy dissipated, the master turned to Su Lin. His eyes held a mixture of pride and concern. With a slight nod, he gestured for them to depart.
Su Lin carefully cradled Asura as she rose to her feet, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She exchanged a brief glance with Sir Eric and the vice headmaster, who seemed disoriented but unharmed. Without a word, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the horizon with Asura and Kallu.
The elite team members began to regain their senses, their surroundings feeling strangely familiar yet hazy. They exchanged confused glances and began discussing what they believed had just transpired.
Asura, Kallu, Su Lin, and her master came to a jungle that was not far from the Xiao Sect.
Kallu, who had come with them, suddenly fell asleep. Su Lin was not surprised - she knew this was her master's doing. Then she carefully asked, "Master, what is your cultivation realm?"
Su Lin's master smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, I lied to you. My cultivation is far beyond the sky realm. But it is not necessary for you to know right now. When the time comes, I will naturally tell you. But first, take this and feed it to Asura when he wakes up - his internal organs are fully damaged from using a strength far beyond his limit."
He gave a bottle to Su Lin which contained a type of liquid she had never seen before. After receiving the bottle Su Lin asked with some concern, "Master, do you know what happened to Asura or what type of strength he used?"
"I don't know what type of strength he used, but I know it was his hidden strength, which was tapped in the critical moment, or else he would be dead by now," Su Lin's master said, adding, "Also, you don't have to worry about falling behind him - you also have something similar to Asura's hidden strength sealed inside you."
Su Lin was surprised and asked, "Inside me? Master, are you really telling the truth? I don't believe I have this type of strength sealed inside me."
Su Lin's master smiled when he heard this and said, "You have to believe it because the one who sealed that strength is me."