Lei Chen's heart pounded. He was sure that his cover had been blown, but instead of attacking, Qing Yuan seemed intrigued.
"I've seen your kind before," Qing Yuan said, circling him slowly. "The ones who seek revenge. But the Black Veil Sect isn't a place for honor or redemption."
Lei Chen clenched his fists. "I'm here for my father. I know you're holding him."
Qing Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Ah, the old man. He's quite the enigma. But he's just a pawn in the sect's greater game."
"I don't care about your games," Lei Chen replied. "I'm getting him out."
Qing Yuan chuckled, though there was no humor in his eyes. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. But I can respect that."
Seeing the fire in Lei Chen's eyes, Qing Yuan offered a deal. "Help me regain my honor, and I'll help you find your father."
Reluctantly, Lei Chen agreed. Qing Yuan, despite his fall from grace, was a powerful swordsman, his techniques blending darkness and light in a way Lei Chen had never seen before. Together, they could stand a chance against the Black Veil Sect.
That night, as they prepared their escape from the outpost, they were confronted by a squad of Black Veil enforcers. These disciples were unlike the others—stronger, faster, their qi laced with dark energy.
The battle that followed was brutal. Lei Chen's control over his essence was tested as the enforcers unleashed waves of corrupted energy. But with Qing Yuan's help, Lei Chen managed to hold his ground. He drew on the War God's techniques, his qi flaring with golden light as he struck down the enforcers one by one.
But the battle wasn't without cost. Qing Yuan revealed that the Black Veil Sect was preparing to use his father to unlock an ancient artifact—an artifact that could give them control over the continent.