The journey back to the Li family estate was swift, the urgency palpable. Li Tian and Zheng Wei moved in silence, their steps quick and deliberate as they traversed the rugged mountain terrain. Though the peaceful countryside seemed calm, a sense of dread hung in the air. The system's warning about an unknown force approaching his home echoed in Li Tian's mind, stirring a deep unease.
As they crossed the last ridge, the Li family estate came into view—a sprawling compound surrounded by high walls and guarded by powerful cultivators. But even from a distance, Li Tian could sense something was amiss. The aura of the estate was tense, filled with defensive energy.
"We need to move faster," Li Tian said, glancing at Zheng Wei. She nodded, her face set with determination, and they both quickened their pace.
As they approached the gates, one of the guards spotted them and immediately bowed in respect.
"Master Li Tian," the guard said, "there's been an incident. Several dark cultivators were spotted near the estate. Your father, Lord Li Feng, has summoned all the family heads for an emergency meeting."
Li Tian's eyes narrowed. "Dark cultivators? Here?"
"Yes, Master. They've been seen lurking near the borders for the past few days. It's as if they're waiting for something."
Li Tian's heart pounded. The dark cultivators he had fought earlier had likely been just the beginning. Whoever was behind this wasn't finished. Without another word, he and Zheng Wei entered the estate, heading straight for the main hall.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Li Feng stood at the head of the room, surrounded by the elders and various family heads. His face was grim, his usually calm demeanor strained by the gravity of the situation.
"Li Tian," Li Feng said as soon as his son entered, "you've returned just in time. We're preparing for a possible assault."
"What's the situation?" Li Tian asked, his voice steady but his mind racing.
Li Feng gestured toward a map laid out on the large table in front of him. "Several dark cultivators have been seen gathering near the northern forest. They're powerful, likely sent by one of the dark sects that have been making moves in recent months. We're not sure what their objective is, but the timing is too suspicious to ignore."
Li Tian studied the map, noting the strategic locations the dark cultivators had taken. They were positioned in a way that could potentially cut off access to the estate's defenses, leaving the family vulnerable.
"They're planning something big," Li Tian said, his voice filled with certainty. "This isn't a random attack. They're targeting us specifically."
Zheng Wei, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Do we have any information on their leader? Whoever's organizing this must be powerful."
One of the elders shook his head. "No, we've tried to gather intelligence, but every time we send someone to scout, they don't return."
Li Feng's jaw tightened. "We can't wait for them to strike first. We need to be proactive."
Just as Li Tian was about to respond, the system chimed in.
[New Quest: Defend the Li Family Estate. Eliminate the dark cultivators before they breach the walls.]
[Reward: Dragon Soul Technique.]
Li Tian's eyes flickered with intensity. The stakes had just been raised. The Dragon Soul Technique was one of the most coveted abilities in the cultivation world, known for its immense power and ability to overwhelm even the strongest opponents.
"Father," Li Tian said, his voice calm but resolute, "I'll take care of the dark cultivators. Let me lead the strike team."
Li Feng looked at his son, seeing the confidence in his eyes. Though Li Tian had often been underestimated by many in the family, recent events had proven his strength beyond doubt. Li Feng gave a curt nod. "Very well. But be cautious. These enemies are dangerous."
Li Tian turned to Zheng Wei. "Are you ready?"
"Always," she replied, her grip tightening on her spear.
The two of them gathered a group of elite cultivators, handpicked for their skill and loyalty. Within minutes, they were ready to head out, moving swiftly toward the northern forest where the dark cultivators had been spotted.
As they neared the edge of the forest, the air grew colder, and a sinister energy enveloped the area. Li Tian's senses heightened, picking up on the faint whispers of dark qi swirling around them.
"They're close," Zheng Wei whispered, her spear already glowing with energy.
Li Tian nodded. "Spread out. Stay alert."
The group moved silently through the dense trees, their eyes scanning every shadow for signs of movement. It didn't take long before the dark cultivators made their presence known.
From the shadows, figures cloaked in black emerged, their eyes glowing with malevolent energy. There were more of them than Li Tian had anticipated—at least twenty, all exuding an overwhelming aura of darkness.
"Surround them!" Li Tian commanded, and his team of cultivators immediately formed a defensive circle.
The dark cultivators wasted no time, launching a coordinated attack with dark energy blasts and sword strikes. But Li Tian was ready.
With a swift movement, he activated the Phoenix Flame Strike, sending a wave of searing fire toward the enemies. The flames engulfed several of the dark cultivators, their screams echoing through the forest as they were consumed by the inferno.
Zheng Wei moved with lightning speed, her spear dancing through the air as she cut down two dark cultivators in quick succession. The elite cultivators fought fiercely, but the dark energy was oppressive, and the enemies seemed to be endless.
"We need to find their leader," Li Tian shouted over the chaos, slashing through another wave of enemies.
Just as he spoke, a figure appeared in the distance, standing atop a large rock. Dressed in dark robes with glowing red eyes, the leader of the dark cultivators exuded an aura of death and destruction.
"There," Zheng Wei pointed, her eyes narrowing. "That's the one."
Li Tian's grip on his sword tightened. The system chimed once more.
[New Sub-Quest: Defeat the Dark Cultivator Leader.]
[Reward: Soul Shattering Slash.]
Without hesitation, Li Tian charged forward, his sword blazing with fire as he prepared to face the dark leader. The two forces collided, sending shockwaves through the forest.
The leader's dark energy clashed with Li Tian's flames, the ground beneath them shaking from the sheer force of their attacks.
"You think you can stop me?" the dark leader sneered, his voice filled with venom.
Li Tian's eyes burned with determination. "I don't think. I know."