Wang Quan and Xiao Yan had just endured a sleepless night of relentless probing attacks, waves of enemies crashing upon them like a tide. Although they successfully held the northwestern node, exhaustion was etched across their faces. As dawn's first light spilled over the array's blue glow, it cast an eerie and desolate hue across the resource point.
Sitting on a moss-covered stone, Wang Quan's sweat trickled down his brow as he meditated, trying to replenish his spiritual energy. The battles had drained his Five Elements energy significantly, especially against an enemy adept at controlling spirit beasts; he had nearly exhausted himself to fend off that foe.
"It seems the enemy intends to wear down our defenses here," Xiao Yan said, looking up at the rising sun, worry clouding his eyes. "Last night's raid might not have succeeded, but it has left our forces and resources strained."
"Yes, we can't sustain this for long," Wang Quan murmured, gripping his sword tighter as a flash of determination crossed his gaze.
Not far away, Feng Ran patrolled the array's perimeter, his face tense with concern. Though they had withstood the night's assault, the overall morale and energy levels had taken a significant hit. The array's glow remained bright but appeared somewhat dim in the morning light.
"The enemy's strategy is clear. They intend to exhaust us before launching a full-scale attack when we're worn out," Feng Ran's voice resonated with a subtle fatigue as he glanced over at Wang Quan and Xiao Yan, nodding. "You two, rest today but stay alert."
Wang Quan and Xiao Yan acknowledged with a nod and sat by the array node, focusing on recovery. The morning air was damp and cool, adding a slight chill as Wang Quan calmed his mind and began circulating the Five Elements energy through his meridians. Slowly, he felt a spark of vitality returning to his body.
By midday, a heavy silence hung over the array node as disciples seized the opportunity to rest. Half-opening his eyes, Wang Quan glanced around and noticed Xiao Yan had entered a deep meditation. Feng Ran stood near the core of the node, his eyes scanning the distance like a hawk, missing no movement.
At that moment, a messenger disciple hurried over, an urgent expression on his face. "Senior Brother Feng Ran, latest report—enemy forces are gathering in the southeast. There might be a major offensive tonight."
Feng Ran's brows knitted together, a hint of concern crossing his features. "The southeast… that's one of the array's weaker points. How did they know?" he muttered before issuing orders, "Relay this to all node sentinels. Increase vigilance and prepare for a potential assault tonight."
Hearing this, Wang Quan's heart sank. He understood that a full-scale assault from the southeast would greatly strain Yunxiao Sect's defenses, making them the frontline defenders.
"It looks like tonight won't be peaceful," Xiao Yan said as he awoke, catching the tail end of the messenger's report. He gave a wry smile tinged with resignation.
"We have to be prepared. If our line is breached, even returning to the sect alive won't spare us from punishment," Wang Quan said, standing up as his sword emitted a low, resonant hum, echoing his inner resolve.
"Of course. Hopefully, some capable opponents come my way so I can test my new techniques," Xiao Yan said, eyes glimmering with rising battle intent.
Feng Ran, observing the two, allowed a brief nod of approval. He recognized that while these young disciples were still learning, they were the burgeoning strength of the sect and essential to holding the array's nodes. "If the enemy indeed strikes from the southeast, our node might become a decoy or diversion. You must stay aligned with my commands and do not break formation."
"Understood," Wang Quan and Xiao Yan replied in unison.
The afternoon sun spread over the array node, casting a solemn veil over the land, hinting at the impending conflict. Wang Quan felt the weight in his chest morph into a steely resolve. He knew that while he had reached the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, his individual power was far from enough to repel sustained assaults, especially against the enemy's late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Only by standing together and maintaining the array's integrity could they hope to survive this war.
"Who knows when this war will end? In such dangerous times, life is as fragile as a leaf floating on water," Wang Quan reminded himself as he let the Five Elements array in his body circulate, its gentle glow bringing a rare moment of comfort and confidence.