As the light from the teleportation array gradually faded, Wang Quan and the other cultivators were transported outside the relic, into a vast, open valley. Sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, casting a serene glow over the landscape, as if they had returned to a peaceful world.
However, Wang Quan knew all too well that the real storm was just beginning.
No sooner had they regained their footing when several powerful spiritual energy waves surged from the distance. Wang Quan looked up and, as expected, Yunlan Mountain's reinforcements had arrived.
A group of five cultivators soared through the air—one Foundation Establishment cultivator leading four Qi Refining disciples. The Foundation Establishment cultivator was clad in Yunlan Mountain's signature azure robes, gripping a longsword as spiritual energy swirled around him, his aura sharp and imposing, clearly a seasoned warrior.
The four Qi Refining disciples followed closely behind, their presence intimidating, even though their spiritual power wasn't as overwhelming as their leader's. As soon as they arrived, they coldly scanned Wang Quan and the other rogue cultivators.
"Yunlan Mountain's reinforcements…" Wang Quan's heart sank as he felt the immense pressure of their arrival. Although the Foundation Establishment cultivator wasn't one of the sect's top elites, the mere presence of a Foundation Establishment cultivator was not something Wang Quan, still in the Qi Refining stage, could contend with.
But Wang Quan wasn't the only one under pressure; the others were clearly feeling it too. Especially the rogue elder—his expression darkened as soon as he sensed the Foundation Establishment cultivator's powerful aura. Without hesitation, he donned the Black Iron Armor he had acquired from the relic, preparing for the inevitable battle.
"Good, let's see who comes out on top today," the elder sneered, his confidence clearly bolstered by the armor's protection. The armor not only greatly enhanced his defense but also stabilized his spiritual energy, giving him an edge in battle.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator from Yunlan Mountain glanced over the rogue elder, Wang Quan, and his own disciples, his eyes narrowing as they settled on the elder.
"A mere rogue dares to seize opportunities on Yunlan Mountain's territory? You overestimate yourself," the Yunlan Mountain cultivator's voice was cold, with a faint hint of killing intent.
"We followed the rules and sought our own opportunities. But it was your Yunlan Mountain disciples who turned on us halfway through," the rogue elder scoffed, his Black Iron Armor clanking ominously. Clearly, he wasn't going to back down easily. With the armor's protection, his confidence surged, making him unafraid of the Yunlan Mountain cultivators.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator's eyes grew colder, clearly irked by the elder's defiance. The four Qi Refining disciples also readied themselves, preparing to strike at any moment.
As the tension mounted and the atmosphere grew thick with the anticipation of battle, Wang Quan subtly moved to the side, quickly strategizing.
"The situation is extremely delicate. Both sides are formidable," Wang Quan thought. He understood that the Foundation Establishment cultivator from Yunlan Mountain and the rogue elder were formidable enemies. While no one had made a move yet, the moment the battle began, the situation would spiral out of control.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Quan calmed his nerves. Despite his recent advancement to the eighth stage of Qi Refining, he was still far from strong enough to take on a Foundation Establishment cultivator head-on. The wisest course of action would be to observe the situation and seize the right opportunity, rather than jumping into a fight where the odds were stacked against him.
He knew that both sides were unlikely to claim victory in a short time. With the Five Elements Plate in his possession, he could bide his time, gather strength, and eventually tip the scales in his favor. Rushing in would only lead to him becoming collateral damage in this looming confrontation.
Meanwhile, the rogue elder narrowed his eyes, his sneer deepening. "Fine, let's see if you, Yunlan Mountain lapdogs, can take a bite out of me!"
With a roar, his spiritual energy erupted, and the Black Iron Armor flared with power. The elder now resembled an immovable mountain, his presence domineering and resolute.
"Let's fight!"
In an instant, the tension broke. The Yunlan Mountain Foundation Establishment cultivator unsheathed his sword, unleashing a dazzling blade of spiritual energy. His aura surged as the spiritual pressure crashed down, aimed directly at the rogue elder. The four Qi Refining disciples moved into formation, summoning their spiritual weapons as they advanced on the two remaining rogue cultivators.
"Clang!"
The Foundation Establishment cultivator's sword strike, imbued with sharp metal elemental energy, sliced through the air like a streak of light, heading straight for the rogue elder.
"Haha! Bring it on!"
The rogue elder didn't flinch. With a roar, he swung his fists, enveloped in thick earth elemental energy, and met the sword strike head-on. The impact of their clash sent tremors through the ground, splitting the earth with the force of their collision.
The Black Iron Armor glowed faintly, dispersing the sharp sword energy. The elder stood his ground, unshaken by the powerful attack.
Meanwhile, the four Qi Refining disciples clashed with the two rogue cultivators. Spiritual energy and weapons collided, producing blinding flashes and deafening roars as the battle escalated.
Wang Quan watched from the periphery, coldly observing the chaos. He knew the outcome of this battle would determine his next move. The Five Elements Plate in his storage bag glimmered faintly, almost as if it were awaiting his decision.
"If I don't act now, when will I?"
His eyes flickered as he weighed his options. His hands gently rested on the hilt of his sword, and he began circulating his five-elemental energy, ready to strike at a moment's notice.