The tension that hung over the Li Clan estate was palpable. Word of an impending attack had spread through the ranks, and every warrior was on edge, anticipating a repeat of the last brutal assault. But this time, Li Wei was determined not to wait for the enemy to strike. He stood at the center of the courtyard, his gaze sharp and focused.
"We can't afford to be on the defensive again," Li Wei declared, his voice filled with authority. "They'll come at us stronger than before. But we know where they're gathering. We'll strike first."
Li Huang, standing nearby, frowned. "A preemptive strike? That's a risky move. If we're wrong, we could lose even more."
"We don't have a choice," Li Wei said firmly. "If we wait, we'll be overwhelmed again. I've broken through to the middle stage of Core Formation, and we have the advantage of surprise. This time, we take the fight to them."
Li Yan stepped forward, her expression grim but resolute. "I agree. We've been on the back foot for too long. If we hit them before they're ready, we can disrupt their plans."
Li Huang sighed, his eyes narrowing. "Then we'll need to move fast. They'll be expecting us to stay behind the walls."
Li Wei nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "We move before dawn. I'll lead the strike force."
The Plan
The night was still as Li Wei gathered a small group of the clan's strongest warriors. They couldn't afford to take their entire force, but this attack wasn't about brute strength—it was about precision. If they could disrupt the masked men's operations, they could buy the clan more time to prepare.
"We hit their camp hard and fast," Li Wei said, his voice low as he addressed the group. "We aim for their leaders. If we can take them out, the rest will scatter. We don't stay longer than necessary."
Li Huang and Li Yan stood by his side, along with a dozen other skilled fighters. The tension in the air was thick, but there was also a sense of purpose. This wasn't a desperate defense—it was a calculated strike, and it would change the course of the conflict.
Li Wei's mind was clear, his Qi flowing steadily through him. He could feel the difference after his breakthrough—his connection to the Heavenly Sword Art was deeper, his control over his spiritual energy more refined. Tonight, he would test the limits of his new power.
"Let's move," he said, his voice quiet but commanding.
A Strike in the Shadows
The Li Clan strike force moved through the forest like shadows, silent and deadly. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows as they approached the enemy camp. The sound of rustling leaves and distant footsteps were the only signs of life.
Li Wei moved at the front, his senses heightened. His Qi extended outward, allowing him to sense the energy signatures of the masked men ahead. The enemy camp was close.
They stopped just at the edge of a small clearing, where the enemy had set up a temporary base. Tents were scattered among the trees, and the flicker of campfires illuminated the masked figures moving about. There were more of them than Li Wei had expected, but that didn't deter him.
He raised his hand, signaling the group to stop.
"We attack from two sides," he whispered. "I'll take the left with Li Yan and half the group. Li Huang, you lead the rest on the right. We strike when I give the signal."
Li Huang nodded, his expression grim. "Understood."
Li Wei watched the camp carefully, his eyes scanning for the leader of the group. If they could eliminate him quickly, the rest would fall into chaos. But there was no sign of the masked leader who had fought him before.
He's hiding, Li Wei thought. No matter. We'll tear through their ranks first.
With a silent gesture, Li Wei signaled his team to move. They crept through the underbrush, circling the camp. As they got closer, Li Wei felt the familiar hum of the Heavenly Sword Art in his veins, the power of his Qi flowing freely through him. He could feel the energy building, ready to be unleashed.
He glanced at Li Yan, who nodded in return, her bow already drawn and ready.
Then, with a sharp exhale, Li Wei gave the signal.
The Ambush
The attack was swift and devastating. Li Yan's arrows flew through the air, striking down the enemy guards before they even knew what was happening. Li Wei leaped forward, his sword glowing with the energy of the Heavenly Sword Art as he unleashed a powerful Sky-Cutting Slash. The shockwave tore through the camp, scattering the masked men in confusion.
"Go!" Li Wei shouted, and the strike force surged forward.
Chaos erupted as the Li Clan warriors descended on the camp. Li Huang led his team from the right, cutting through the enemy ranks with brutal efficiency. The masked men, caught off guard, scrambled to defend themselves, but they were no match for the Li Clan's ferocity.
Li Wei moved like a blur, his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision. His Qi-enhanced strikes flowed seamlessly, each attack guided by the principles of the Heavenly Sword Art. He could feel the power of his middle stage Core Formation cultivation coursing through him, and for the first time, he felt truly in control of the technique.
"Sword of Flowing Heavens!" Li Wei muttered, unleashing a rapid series of strikes that cut down the enemy warriors before they could react.
The masked men tried to regroup, but the sheer speed and precision of the Li Clan's attack left them in disarray. Li Wei could see the panic in their movements, the confusion in their eyes as they struggled to comprehend the ferocity of the assault.
But then, just as the battle seemed to be turning in their favor, Li Wei felt it—a dark, oppressive energy approaching from the shadows.
A Hidden Power
Out of the darkness, a figure stepped forward, his presence commanding and his Qi overwhelming. It was the masked leader, but this time, his aura was even more intense, radiating power that shook the air around him.
Li Wei's heart raced as the masked leader approached, his sword drawn and glowing with dark energy. "So, you've come to face me again," the leader said, his voice cold and mocking. "A bold move, but it will be your last."
Li Wei tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing. The masked leader was stronger than before—far stronger than Li Wei had anticipated. He could feel the overwhelming pressure of the man's Qi pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe.
But he couldn't back down.
"Your attacks won't stop us," Li Wei said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "The Li Clan will not fall."
The masked leader chuckled darkly. "We'll see."
Without warning, the leader lunged at Li Wei with terrifying speed. Li Wei barely had time to react, raising his sword just in time to block the strike. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through his body, but he held firm, his Qi surging through him.
This fight would be different from the last. This time, Li Wei had grown stronger. He had advanced his cultivation, and he had more control over the Heavenly Sword Art.
With a sharp exhale, Li Wei stepped back and channeled his Qi into his sword. "Celestial Ripple Strike!" he shouted, sending waves of sword Qi outward to disrupt the masked leader's flow.
The ripples of energy collided with the leader's dark Qi, but the man simply smirked, pushing through the disruption with brute force. "You'll have to do better than that," he growled, swinging his sword again with deadly precision.
Li Wei gritted his teeth, pushing back with all his strength. He had to stay focused—one mistake, and it would all be over.
But he wasn't alone.
As the masked leader pressed his attack, Li Yan's arrows flew through the air, aimed directly at the leader's unguarded back. The leader turned, blocking the arrows with a flick of his sword, but the distraction gave Li Wei the opening he needed.
With a burst of speed, Li Wei surged forward, his sword glowing with the power of the Heavenly Sword Art.
"Heavenly Edge of the Void!" he shouted, unleashing a powerful slash aimed at the masked leader's chest.
For the first time, the leader's eyes widened in surprise as the attack connected, the energy of the strike tearing through his defenses. He staggered back, his dark Qi faltering.
But the battle was far from over.
End of Chapter 9