Chapter 67: Into the Jade Forest
The path through the Jade Forest was dense and winding, shrouded in mist that seemed to pulse with life. Xu Tian, Lian Feng, and Zhao Wu moved cautiously, their senses sharp. The forest itself was ancient, its trees towering like giants, their trunks etched with forgotten symbols of cultivation long past. Somewhere within, the Jade Forest Sect waited, and with them, the possibility of a crucial alliance.
Xu Tian's hand brushed Lian Feng's briefly as they walked, a silent reassurance that he was close. Her water aura rippled slightly in response, calming and steadying him. Zhao Wu led the way, his earth affinity allowing him to navigate the natural energies of the forest with ease.
As they ventured deeper, a voice called out from the mist. "Halt, strangers. The Jade Forest is no place for the uninvited."
An elder appeared, cloaked in green robes that shimmered like the forest itself, his eyes sharp with age and wisdom. Behind him, a group of disciples emerged, their hands ready at their weapons.
Xu Tian stepped forward, offering a respectful bow. "We come in peace, seeking counsel with the elders of your sect. The Immortal Cultivators are returning, and we must unite to stand against them."
The elder's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing them. "We have heard whispers of their return. Very well, we will hear your plea. But know this—our aid is not given lightly."
Chapter 68: The Elders' Test
Within the heart of the Jade Forest, the trio stood before a circle of elders. The air was thick with the natural energy of the forest, which the sect had mastered over generations. The eldest among them, a woman whose presence seemed to merge with the trees around her, spoke first.
"We have seen your growth, Xu Tian, Lian Feng, and Zhao Wu. Your cultivation has brought you to the stage of Core Formation, and your mastery over your elements is impressive. But we will not ally with you without proof of your worth."
Xu Tian exchanged glances with Lian Feng and Zhao Wu before stepping forward. "What do you require of us?"
The elder's gaze was steady. "A trial. Face the spirit of the Jade Forest itself. Only those who can prove harmony between their own power and the natural world will earn our trust."
Without hesitation, they accepted the challenge.
Chapter 69: Trial by Nature
The trial was unlike anything they had faced. The forest itself came alive, twisting its branches and roots into monstrous shapes, testing not only their combat skills but their ability to harmonize with the elemental forces around them. Xu Tian's fire blazed against the onslaught, but he quickly realized that raw power alone would not win.
Beside him, Lian Feng flowed like water, countering the force of the forest with grace. Her movements were fluid, never opposing directly but redirecting the energy. Zhao Wu, in contrast, stood firm, using his earth affinity to absorb the blows, becoming as immovable as the mountains.
It was through their combined efforts—fire, water, and earth in perfect balance—that they finally subdued the spirit of the Jade Forest. The elders, watching from afar, nodded in approval.
"You have passed," the elder woman said, her voice filled with quiet respect. "The Jade Forest Sect will stand with you in the battles to come."
Chapter 70: Shadows on the Horizon
The alliance with the Jade Forest Sect brought them new allies, but it also came with grim news. The Immortal Cultivators had begun to gather their forces in the western regions, and their power was growing. Rumors spoke of dark rituals and forbidden techniques, methods that would allow the Immortal Cultivators to transcend even death itself.
Xu Tian felt the weight of it all. Every step they took seemed to lead closer to the inevitable confrontation. But with every day that passed, his bond with Lian Feng deepened, their love becoming an anchor amid the storm. At night, when the world was quiet, they would sit together, drawing strength from each other.
"We'll face them together," Lian Feng whispered one night, her hand resting on his chest as they lay beneath the stars. "No matter what happens, we won't let them take this world."
Xu Tian kissed her forehead, feeling the truth of her words in his very core. "Together. Always."
Chapter 71: The Gathering Storm
Days passed as they prepared for the final confrontation. News came from across the realm—other sects were joining the fight. The forces of light were gathering, but so too were the Immortal Cultivators. The skies seemed darker, the winds colder. The world itself seemed to sense the coming battle.
Zhao Wu remained ever vigilant, training relentlessly. "We must be ready for anything," he said one morning as they sparred. "The Immortal Cultivators won't hold back. Neither can we."
Lian Feng agreed, though her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. "They've delved into forbidden techniques. The corruption will be strong. We have to be prepared for more than just physical combat. Their minds and souls might already be lost."
Xu Tian felt the weight of their words. They had to be prepared for the worst. Not just the battle ahead, but the possibility of losing themselves to the power they had cultivated.
Chapter 72: The Immortal Assault
The first strike came sooner than they had anticipated. A small vanguard of Immortal Cultivators attacked one of the allied sects, testing their defenses. Xu Tian, Lian Feng, and Zhao Wu were among the first to respond, leading a small force to repel the invaders.
The battle was fierce. The Immortal Cultivators had become something more—twisted versions of their former selves, their eyes glowing with dark energy, their bodies moving with unnatural speed and strength. Xu Tian fought with everything he had, his fire burning brighter than ever, while Lian Feng moved like a torrent of water, her strikes precise and deadly. Zhao Wu held the line, his earth affinity making him an unbreakable force.
But the Immortal Cultivators were relentless, their attacks laced with corruption. For every one they defeated, two more seemed to rise. It was only with the combined efforts of the Jade Forest Sect and their allies that they managed to push the enemy back.
As the battle ended, Xu Tian stood over the bodies of the fallen, his heart heavy. "This is only the beginning," he muttered. "They're testing us."
Lian Feng came to his side, her expression grim. "Then we'll be ready when the real battle comes."
Chapter 73: The War Council
Back at their mountain refuge, the leaders of the allied sects gathered for a war council. Tensions were high as they discussed strategy. Some called for an immediate attack on the Immortal Cultivators' stronghold, while others argued for a more defensive approach, fortifying their sects against further incursions.
Xu Tian, now seen as a leader among them, listened carefully before speaking. "We can't afford to wait. If we give them more time, their power will only grow. We need to strike soon, but we can't rush into it blindly. We need a plan."
Lian Feng supported him, her voice calm but firm. "We need to gather our forces and strike at their heart. But we must also be wary of the corruption that surrounds them. It's not just their strength we're facing—it's the darkness they've embraced."
The council agreed, and plans were set in motion. The final battle was drawing near.
Chapter 74: Forging the Final Path
The days leading up to the final battle were tense. Xu Tian, Lian Feng, and Zhao Wu trained harder than ever, pushing themselves to their limits. They knew that the fate of the realm rested on their shoulders, and they could not afford to fail.
In quiet moments, Xu Tian and Lian Feng would steal away from the others, finding solace in each other's presence. Their love had become a beacon in the dark, a reminder of what they were fighting for.
"Whatever happens, we'll find a way through this," Xu Tian said one night, his hand gently brushing her cheek.
Lian Feng smiled softly, her eyes filled with determination. "We will. And we'll rebuild this world together."
Chapter 75: March to the Immortal Stronghold
The day had come. The allied forces gathered at the edge of the Immortal Cultivators' territory, a barren wasteland where no life could thrive. Xu Tian stood at the front, Lian Feng and Zhao Wu by his side. Their core formations glowed with power, the result of years of training and unity.
"Are you ready?" Xu Tian asked, glancing at his companions.
Zhao Wu grunted, his hand on the hilt of his blade. "More than ready."
Lian Feng nodded, her water aura rippling in the air. "Let's finish this."
The ground trembled as the armies marched forward, the final battle against the Immortal Cultivators about to begin.