Chapter 7 - Clash of Fates
The air crackled with tension, a charged silence enveloping the training grounds as Liang steadied himself against the onslaught of the monstrous form of Wen. The boy he had known, now transformed into a hulking, grotesque abomination, stood before him. Malphyric Wen was a horror, his body twisted and contorted beyond recognition, skin marred with grotesque, pulsating tumors, and eyes devoid of sanity, filled only with a feral rage. The very essence of humanity had been stripped from him, leaving only a savage shell driven by the insatiable hunger for power.
With a sudden, terrifying speed, Wen lunged, his claws extended like daggers, aimed directly at Liang's heart. Liang barely managed to sidestep, feeling the rush of air as Wen's claws sliced through the space where he had stood just a moment before. The ground where he had been was gouged, dirt and grass flying in the wake of the attack, leaving a deep, dark trench. Liang's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he gripped the hilt of his blade, ready to engage this nightmare.
As the battle began, Liang summoned the energy within him, channeling his spirit into the Celestial Blade—a weapon that had tasted blood in countless battles. He knew he had to use all his martial prowess he had studied, the very essence of his being converging into a single, focused attack. With a swift motion, he struck, his blade glinting as it met the air, arcing toward Wen with lethal intent.
Wen twisted his grotesque form, narrowly avoiding the blow, the blade grazing his side. Dark ichor spilled from the wound, staining the earth beneath them as the abomination let out a guttural roar of fury. Liang felt a surge of confidence; he could wound him, could bring him down. But as he prepared for another strike, Wen's claw swung back around in a brutal arc, forcing Liang to backpedal, narrowly evading the razor-sharp talons that would cleave him in two.
In that brief moment of distraction, Liang's eyes darted to the entrance of the training grounds. The shadows shifted as Jian burst into the scene, breathless and wide-eyed. Fear and determination mixed in his expression, an unwavering resolve to confront the horror before him. Liang could see the flicker of courage sparking in Jian's heart, the young boy who had always looked up to him now stepping onto the battlefield.
"Jian, stay back!" Liang shouted, but his voice was drowned out by Wen's enraged howls, reverberating through the air. In a heartbeat, Wen was upon Liang again, lunging with ferocious speed. Liang barely managed to dodge, feeling the rush of wind from Wen's massive form as it sailed past him.
Jian's heart raced as he saw Liang struggling against the Malphyric monstrosity. He knew he had to act, to protect his senior, but fear gripped his heart. Without thinking, he sprinted forward, a reckless determination propelling him toward danger. He couldn't let Liang face this terror alone. His resolve crystallized; he had to block the next attack, had to be the shield for his mentor.
In an instant, Wen's claws struck again, this time aimed at Liang's exposed side. Jian launched himself into the path of the attack, instinct overriding rational thought. He felt the air shift as the claws came down, felt the chilling dread in the pit of his stomach. With a desperate lunge, he interposed himself between Liang and the oncoming strike.
The world slowed as Jian raised his arms in a futile attempt to block the blow. Wen's claws sliced through him with sickening precision, cutting deep into his flesh. Pain exploded through Jian's body like wildfire, a searing agony that shot from his shoulder down to his fingertips. Blood sprayed in a crimson arc, soaking the ground as he was flung aside, landing hard against the training ground's floor. The air was filled with the metallic scent of blood, mingling with the earthy aroma of disturbed soil.
Jian gasped for breath, his vision blurring as he stared in horror at the wound. The deep gash nearly severed his arm, flesh hanging loosely, tendons and muscle exposed in a grotesque display of raw injury. Panic surged within him, but he forced it down. He could not succumb to fear; he had to fight, had to protect Liang.
"Jian!" Liang's voice cut through the haze of pain, urgency lacing his tone. He turned to face Wen, fury igniting within him. This was not how it was supposed to end. Jian, his friend, his comrade, was injured, and he would not let this creature claim another life.
As Wen turned his attention back to Liang, distracted by Jian's intervention, Liang seized the moment. With a practiced grace, he moved forward, blade drawn, and thrust it toward Wen's vulnerable midsection. But Wen, fueled by the curse's dark magic, was far from done. He roared, swinging a massive arm in a desperate counterattack, but Liang was faster.
He ducked under the strike, feeling the air rush past him as he positioned himself for an attack. The energy within him surged, coalescing into a focused point. "Celestial Convergence!" he shouted, unleashing the advanced technique yet one more time.. he had honed over countless days of grueling training. Light erupted from his blade, spiraling around him as he directed it toward Wen, who had momentarily stumbled in his rage.
The energy struck true, colliding with Wen's monstrous form, a shockwave of power that lit up the training grounds. Wen was momentarily stunned, his grotesque features twisting in pain as the energy coursed through him, sending him reeling. But Liang knew this wouldn't be enough. He had seen firsthand the horrors wrought by the Arcane Blight, the resilience it granted its victims, and he could not let his guard down.
"Liang!" Jian called weakly, trying to rise but struggling against the throbbing pain that pulsed through him. He watched helplessly, blood pooling around him, as his friend faced the monstrosity that had once been a fellow disciple.
Liang stood firm, ready to strike again, but the realization dawned on him: this fight was far from over. Malphyric Wen, even momentarily stunned, was still a threat, an abomination fueled by a curse that made him stronger, faster, and more relentless than ever before.
The clash continued, the training grounds now a battlefield soaked in blood and desperation. Liang stood resolute, determination etched on his face as he faced the Malphyric form of Wen, who was regaining his composure, the dark energy swirling around him like a living thing. Every moment was a dance of death, where one misstep could mean the end for both him and Jian.
As Wen roared, a guttural sound that reverberated through the air, Liang felt the weight of his resolve press down upon him. He knew they had to end this, and quickly. Jian struggled to his feet, blood dripping from his severed arm, his face pale but eyes alight with defiance. "Liang, we can't give up!" he yelled, his voice strained but filled with an unyielding spirit. "We need to keep fighting!"
"Stay behind me, Jian!" Liang commanded, positioning himself protectively between his friend and the monstrous Wen. The Malphyric creature lunged again, claws gleaming with dark ichor, and Liang met him head-on, blade raised. The collision of their forces sent shockwaves through the air, a clash of martial prowess against corrupted might.
Liang struck with precision, his blade slicing through the air, only for Wen to retaliate with a savage swipe that forced Liang to pivot and duck. The force of the blow sent tremors through the ground, nearly unbalancing him. Liang countered quickly, thrusting his weapon into Wen's flank, the steel biting deep. Yet, the abomination barely flinched, dark energy enveloping his body, healing the wound with unsettling rapidity.
Frustration bubbled within Liang as he danced around Wen, trying to find an opening. Every attack was met with ferocity; every attempt to outmaneuver this monstrosity was thwarted. He felt the weight of Jian's gaze on him, the boy's faith in him lending strength to his resolve. But as Wen swung again, Liang realized they were both reaching their limits. The fatigue was creeping in, making every movement feel heavier, every breath more labored.
"Liang!" Jian shouted suddenly, his voice cutting through the haze of battle. "I have an idea!"
"What?!" Liang barked back, barely dodging another swipe from Wen's claws that tore through the air, creating a gust that nearly knocked him off his feet.
"Distract him! I'll use the remaining strength I have!" Jian gritted his teeth, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. Liang hesitated, but he saw the fire in Jian's gaze—a reflection of the bond they shared, a reminder of everything they fought for.
"Alright, but be careful!" Liang warned, his heart pounding in his chest. He launched himself toward Wen, blade flashing as he feinted left and then right, attempting to draw Wen's attention away from Jian.
Wen, enraged by Liang's relentless assault, focused on him, claws poised to strike. This was the moment. Jian gathered what little strength he had left, focusing on the rune arts he had seen Liang wield. He closed his eyes, concentrating, feeling the warmth of the energy surge within him, a flicker of the ancient power he had barely begun to understand.
"Now, Liang!" Jian shouted, and Liang capitalized on the moment, thrusting forward with all his might. He aimed for Wen's chest, hoping to pierce through the heart of the beast. But Wen was prepared, slashing downward with his claws, forcing Liang to dodge to the side.
Just as Liang moved, he felt a powerful surge of energy erupt beside him. Jian had unleashed a torrent of glowing qi energy, an energy forged from desperation and pain. The bright light engulfed the training ground, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. The energy arced toward Wen, striking him squarely in the side and throwing him off balance.
Wen howled, a sound filled with rage and confusion, as the qi energy hits him and pulsed through him, causing his body to convulse. In that split second, Liang saw his opening. He called upon every ounce of his training, focusing the Celestial Blade's power. "Celestial Convergence!" he shouted, unleashing the technique in a desperate bid to end the fight.
The attack surged toward Wen, Along with Jian's Skyward flow..
With a deafening crash, Wen slammed against the wall of the training grounds, the impact echoing through the air. Dust and debris exploded outward, the force enough to rattle the very earth beneath their feet. Liang and Jian stood breathless, eyes wide, as they witnessed the full extent of their combined attack.
As the dust settled, a silence fell over the battlefield. The monstrous figure of Wen lay crumpled against the wall, his form twitching, the dark energy flickering around him like dying embers. Liang felt the adrenaline begin to fade, replaced by exhaustion. They had done it—they had pushed back the darkness, at least for now.
But as they took in the sight of their fallen foe, a lingering dread settled in Liang's heart. The battle may have been won, but the war against the curse was far from over.
Jian collapsed to the ground, clutching his wounded arm, the blood still flowing freely. Liang rushed to his side, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's pain. "Jian, stay with me! We need to get you help!" he urged, his voice trembling with concern. But Jian shook his head, gritting his teeth against the pain.
"Liang, we can't... we can't let him... rise again," Jian gasped, the urgency in his voice piercing through the fog of exhaustion. "We need to finish this."
Liang's gaze flicked back to Wen, who lay still for a moment, but then began to stir. The dark energy pulsing around him flickered ominously, and Liang felt a chill creep down his spine. "He's not done yet!" Liang shouted, panic surging through him. "Get back!"
But Jian struggled to his feet, determination igniting in his eyes once more. "I can still fight! I have to!" he insisted, despite the blood cascading from his wound. He steadied himself, trying to summon the runic arts again, even as he trembled from blood loss and pain.
"Jian, you're in no condition!" Liang shouted, fear mingling with anger as he saw his friend's resolve. "You'll die if you push yourself further!"
Wen's form began to rise, the twisted, monstrous body of his former friend reassembling before them, dark energy crackling like a storm. He was healing, the wounds inflicted by their combined attack slowly knitting together. The sight was horrific; the once-familiar features of Wen were becoming more monstrous with each passing second, consumed by the curse.
"Liang!" Jian cried, desperation filling his voice as he steadied himself. "I need your help! We can end this together!"
"Then we do it together!" Liang shouted, feeling his own determination surge once more. They had faced the darkness together, and they would face it again. He stepped forward, bracing himself beside Jian, shoulder to shoulder. The bond between them felt palpable, a shared purpose igniting a flame within their hearts.
As Wen fully regained his footing, the darkness around him swirling like a tempest, Liang raised his blade high. "We won't let you take anyone else!" he roared, focusing all of his energy into the Celestial Blade, feeling its power resonate with the intent of his heart.
Jian raised his blade, his suppressed and hidden yet extreme potential now awakens right Infront of his eyes due to desperation and determination.
Jian's blade gets covered in extreme and refined martial qi..
"Senior Liang! I'm ready!"
Liang was surprised, the strength jian was showing. It was not a strength a lowly sword bearer of the celestial blade sect posseses.
But this was no time to be surprised, there was a much more dire situation right Infront of them.. he nodded
Liang brings down his blade with all his remaining strength and might hoping to end wen with this last combined attack..if this last attack doesn't work..they will die.
Wen could sense the two planning something..he did not wait with any further and dashes with terrifying speed.
"I'll kill all of you!" Wen barked in a monstrous, unrecognizable voice
Liang gritted his teeth and brings down his slash.
"Celestial Convergence!" Liang screamed with the last of his strength.
"Skyward Flow!" Jian attacked with Liang.. It was one of the most basic techniques of the celestial blade sect, a foundational technique. Yet, in the hands of someone with flames of determination, it can be perfected.
A bright Light coming from the combined attack.. blinds wen for a moment..and it hits him, Creating a massive shockwave..covering the entire training grounds in dust and debris.
Did that..finally end him? "Jian asked..with both desperation and fear."
I hope so.. "Liang replied."
They look as the dust begins to settle..just to find.. wen's monstrous silhouette.
Wen roars fiercely, creating a shockwave that knocks both Liang and jian back..then before they could even react, Wen was already Infront of them..looking more monstrous than he was before.
Wen claws at them.. "This is the end..we lost" They both thought..
Just when the attack was about to hit both Jian and Liang..
A massive and refined sword energy out of nowhere hits wen.
In the eye of the storm, Wen let out one last, anguished howl. The sound pierced the air, a final cry of rage and despair, before he was flung back, crashing violently against the wall. The impact shattered the silence, leaving behind a deafening echo. Dust and debris cascaded down like rain as Wen's monstrous form slumped to the ground, the dark energy dissipating into the air like smoke.
This Confused both Jian and Liang..
"What was that..?"
Jian murmured with his hoarse and pained voice to Liang.
"I'm not sure what that was and where but..that sure saved us.."
Liang answered with a pained voice as well.