The night sky stretched above them, dotted with stars, as the joint forces of the Azure Sky Sect and the Celestial Thunder Sect made camp in the mountains. The air was thick with tension; despite the temporary truce, both sides remained wary of each other. Disciples from each sect eyed their counterparts cautiously, their hands never straying far from their weapons.
Xiang Chen sat with Yuan Mei, Lei Hong, and Jin Li near the edge of the camp. The flickering flames of the campfire cast long shadows across their faces, the warmth doing little to ease the unease in the air.
"Keep your eyes open," Xiang Chen reminded them. "We may be allies for now, but we cannot afford to be careless."
Yuan Mei nodded, her gaze drifting to the Celestial Thunder Sect's campfires. "I don't trust them, but if we're going to fight the rogue cultivators, we'll need to work together, at least for now."
Jin Li shrugged. "Let's hope they know how to fight as well as they talk. I'd hate to think we came all this way for nothing."
Lei Hong grinned. "If they don't, we'll just have to show them how it's done."
Despite their attempts at lightening the mood, Xiang Chen could sense the seriousness beneath their words. The mission was dangerous enough without the added tension of working alongside potential rivals.
An Unexpected Encounter
In the early hours of the morning, Xiang Chen and his team were summoned by Lei Feng to discuss the next phase of their operation. They met at the center of the camp, where the leaders from both sects had gathered around a map spread out over a flat stone.
"The rogue cultivators have set up another stronghold in the western valley," Lei Feng explained, tracing his finger across the map. "Our scouts have confirmed their numbers—roughly fifty, most of them at the Foundation Establishment stage, but we suspect at least one Core Formation cultivator is leading them."
Yuan Mei frowned. "A Core Formation cultivator? That's going to make things difficult."
Lei Feng nodded. "Which is why we need to strike decisively. Our two sects will split into two groups. One will create a diversion, drawing their forces out, while the other targets the leader directly. If we can eliminate the head of the snake, the rest will scatter."
Xiang Chen studied Lei Feng's expression, searching for any hint of deceit. "And which group will you be leading?"
Lei Feng smirked. "I'll be leading the main assault. Your team will handle the leader."
Xiang Chen's eyes narrowed. "Convenient. If things go wrong, we'll be the ones facing the most danger."
Lei Feng's smirk faded. "I assure you, this is the most efficient way to handle the situation. You have proven yourselves capable, and we need the best for this mission."
Elder Yuan, who had accompanied them, stepped forward. "Very well. We'll proceed as planned. But remember, this alliance is temporary. We expect full cooperation."
Lei Feng bowed slightly. "Of course, Elder Yuan. We all have the same goal."
The Ambush
With the plan set, Xiang Chen, Yuan Mei, Lei Hong, and Jin Li led a group of Azure Sky Sect disciples through the dense forest, following the winding path toward the rogue cultivator stronghold. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting an eerie glow over their path.
The tension in the air was palpable as they approached their target. The rogue cultivators' encampment lay in a narrow valley, surrounded by natural rock formations that provided both cover and a tactical disadvantage. Xiang Chen could feel the presence of hostile energy emanating from the camp.
He signaled for the group to halt and turned to Yuan Mei. "Can you sense the Core Formation cultivator?"
Yuan Mei closed her eyes, extending her spiritual senses. After a moment, she nodded. "He's there, in the central tent. His aura is powerful but unstable."
Xiang Chen's eyes sharpened. "Unstable?"
Yuan Mei opened her eyes, concern flickering within them. "It's as if he's using some forbidden technique to boost his power. If that's the case, he'll be even more dangerous."
Jin Li gripped his sword. "So, what's the plan?"
Xiang Chen took a deep breath. "We'll approach quietly and wait for the diversion from the Celestial Thunder Sect. Once their forces are drawn out, we move in and target the leader. Be prepared for anything."
A Battle in the Shadows
They crept forward, positioning themselves behind the rocks that bordered the valley. As they waited, the distant sounds of battle reached their ears—shouts, the clash of weapons, and the crackle of energy techniques. Lei Feng's group had launched their assault.
Xiang Chen motioned for his team to advance. They moved swiftly, staying low as they approached the central tent. The rogue cultivators had indeed taken the bait, and most of their forces were engaged in combat, leaving the camp's center lightly guarded.
As they neared the tent, a sudden wave of dark energy erupted from within. Xiang Chen barely had time to react as a figure emerged—a tall man with a gaunt face, his eyes glowing with an unnatural crimson light. His aura was wild and oppressive, the energy swirling around him like a storm.
"Who dares to challenge me?" the man bellowed, his voice echoing through the valley.
Xiang Chen stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. "We do."
The rogue cultivator's eyes locked onto Xiang Chen. "Ah, the Azure Sky Sect's disciples. You've come to die, then."
Without warning, he launched an attack, his hands forming complex seals as bolts of dark lightning surged toward them. Xiang Chen reacted instantly, drawing his sword and deflecting the bolts with swift movements. Yuan Mei countered with a protective barrier, shielding their team from the brunt of the assault.
Lei Hong and Jin Li charged forward, their swords blazing with spiritual energy. The rogue cultivator met their attacks head-on, his movements swift and precise. Despite his unstable aura, he fought with the skill of a seasoned warrior.
Xiang Chen saw an opening and leapt forward, his sword aimed at the rogue cultivator's chest. But just as his blade was about to strike, the man's aura flared, and a blast of dark energy knocked him back.
The Revelation
Xiang Chen landed, skidding across the ground. The rogue cultivator laughed, a hollow, mocking sound. "You fools don't understand, do you? The power I wield is beyond anything your pathetic sects can comprehend."
Yuan Mei's eyes widened as she recognized the runes glowing on the man's arm. "Those markings… they're part of the Demonic Blood Arts."
The rogue cultivator smirked. "Clever girl. Yes, I've made a pact with the Demon Blood Sect. Soon, the Azure Sky and Celestial Thunder Sects will fall, and the true rulers of this land will rise."
Jin Li gritted his teeth. "Demonic Blood Arts? That explains the unnatural power."
Xiang Chen's mind raced. The Demon Blood Sect was an ancient and forbidden faction, long thought to be extinct. If they were making a comeback, it could spell disaster for all the sects in the region.
The rogue cultivator's aura intensified, and Xiang Chen knew they had to end this quickly. "We can't let him live. Prepare for a full assault."
Yuan Mei, Lei Hong, and Jin Li nodded, their expressions serious. Together, they unleashed their strongest techniques, their spiritual energy combining into a coordinated strike aimed at the rogue cultivator.
The man roared, summoning a barrier of dark energy to defend himself, but it wasn't enough. Their combined power broke through his defenses, and Xiang Chen's sword pierced his chest, ending the battle with a flash of light.
As the rogue cultivator collapsed, his body disintegrating into ashes, Xiang Chen felt a chill run down his spine. The Demon Blood Sect's involvement meant their enemies were far more dangerous than they had imagined.
A Warning and a Promise
With the rogue leader defeated, Xiang Chen and his team regrouped with the Celestial Thunder Sect's forces. Lei Feng met them, his expression unreadable.
"Well done," Lei Feng said, though his tone lacked warmth. "It seems the rogue forces were more organized than we thought."
Xiang Chen nodded. "They were using demonic techniques. The Demon Blood Sect is behind this."
Lei Feng's eyes narrowed. "The Demon Blood Sect? If they've truly returned, this alliance may need to extend beyond today."
Elder Yuan, who had joined the group, agreed. "If the Demon Blood Sect is involved, we must prepare for a prolonged conflict. But remember, our alliance is still one of necessity. We will not let our guard down."
Lei Feng's gaze met Xiang Chen's. "Nor will we."
As they parted ways, Xiang Chen couldn't shake the feeling that a much larger storm was brewing. The rogue cultivators and the Demon Blood Sect were only the beginning. But no matter what came next, he was determined to face it head-on.