The familiar outline of the Li Clan estate appeared over the hill as Li Wei and Li Yan made their way back. The journey home had been filled with a renewed sense of purpose, yet Li Wei couldn't shake a feeling of unease. The trial in the Valley of Shadows had shown him the strength of his own spirit, but it had also made one thing clear: his enemies were not slowing down.
As they crossed the gates, a few guards greeted them with nods of respect. Among them was Lin Feng, a reliable warrior known for his defensive technique, Iron Wall Stance, which allowed him to absorb enemy attacks by fortifying his Qi into an unbreakable shield. His expression was a mix of relief and worry as he stepped forward.
"Li Wei, Li Yan, it's good to see you both safe," Lin Feng said. "There have been sightings of masked men in the woods. They seem to be testing our borders."
"Li Huang should have more details for us," Li Yan murmured as they entered the estate.
Li Wei nodded, his gaze set on the main hall. If the rumors were true, then they had less time to prepare than he'd hoped.
An Ominous Report
Inside the main hall, Li Huang was already waiting for them, his expression serious. Known for his powerful Ironwood Strike—a single, unyielding punch that harnessed Qi to strike with the force of iron—Li Huang was a steadfast presence in the clan. He nodded to Li Wei and Li Yan as they entered, and there was a weight to his gaze that set Li Wei's nerves on edge.
"Welcome back, Li Wei," Li Huang said, though his tone was grim. "I trust the journey was successful?"
Li Wei gave a brief nod, patting the pouch at his side where the fragment was safely stored. "Yes, we recovered the first fragment. But it wasn't without its challenges."
Li Huang's brow furrowed. "Then you've seen the extent of these shadows. We're starting to see signs here as well."
Li Wei's gaze sharpened. "Explain."
Li Huang motioned for them to sit, taking a deep breath. "Since you left, we've had reports of masked men spotted near the estate. They haven't attacked outright, but they're observing us. Several of our scouts, including Xin Ren, went missing while patrolling the eastern border. We found their belongings… but no sign of them."
The weight of the news settled over the room, the tension thickening. Xin Ren was one of their strongest scouts, known for her stealth technique Phantom Step, which allowed her to move swiftly and silently. If even she hadn't returned, the enemy was closer—and stronger—than expected.
"They're testing us," Li Wei said, his voice tight. "Watching for weaknesses. This is no longer just a threat from the shadows. They're making their move."
Li Yan leaned forward, her face drawn. Known for her signature move, Shadow's Mark, which allowed her to lock onto her targets with a flash of her Qi for precise, lethal shots, Li Yan was already preparing her archers. "If they're this close, it means they're preparing for something big. They may have already uncovered some of our defenses."
Li Wei nodded. "Then we need to accelerate our preparations. The alliance with the Ironwood Sect will help, but if we're going to hold our ground, we need every advantage."
Li Huang's gaze turned thoughtful. "You've returned stronger, Li Wei. I can sense the difference in your Qi. Did the fragment enhance your cultivation?"
Li Wei glanced at him, feeling the faint pulse of the fragment within him. "Yes, but it's only a beginning. The fragment offers knowledge and insight into the Heavenly Sword Art, but it takes time to incorporate fully. Still, it has strengthened my connection to the art. I'll need to use this advantage to prepare our defenses."
Strengthening the Clan
Over the next days, Li Wei set about reinforcing the Li Clan's defenses, training his warriors with new techniques he had learned from the fragment. He spent hours with Li Huang and Li Yan, organizing the patrol routes, fortifying the estate's boundaries, and preparing contingency plans for any future attacks.
He could feel the power of the fragment aiding him, enhancing his clarity and control over the Heavenly Sword Art. During training sessions, he demonstrated new techniques, pushing his warriors to learn faster, to cultivate with discipline and focus.
One evening, as he trained in the courtyard, he noticed a group of younger clan members watching him with wide eyes. He motioned for them to approach, their expressions nervous but eager.
"You're all here because you're dedicated to protecting the Li Clan," he said, his voice carrying a steady conviction. "But remember, strength comes not from power alone, but from mastery. Each strike, each breath, must be guided by purpose."
He demonstrated a basic form of Celestial Ripple Strike, showing them how to channel their Qi with balance and precision. The young warriors practiced under his watchful eye, their determination bringing a sense of pride to Li Wei. They were learning not only the techniques but the mindset that would make them stronger in the battles to come.
A Night Attack
Just as Li Wei began to see his warriors advancing, the enemy struck.
It was midnight when the alarms rang out, the sounds sharp and jarring against the quiet of the estate. Li Wei leapt from his bed, grabbing his sword and rushing outside, where the courtyard was already in chaos. Warriors scrambled to their posts, the clang of weapons and shouts filling the air.
"Masked men!" one of the scouts shouted as he rushed to Li Wei's side. "They breached the eastern wall!"
Li Wei's heart pounded as he moved toward the commotion. He spotted Li Yan rallying a group of archers while Li Huang led a group of warriors to reinforce the breached section of the wall. The masked attackers moved like shadows, their forms blending into the darkness, but there was no mistaking the deadly intent behind their movements.
Li Wei's gaze sharpened as he took in the scene. These attackers weren't merely probing their defenses; they were coordinated, moving with precision, their tactics suggesting a leader who knew the estate's layout well.
"Li Yan, focus on their archers with Shadow's Mark," Li Wei commanded, his voice carrying above the chaos. "Li Huang, with me. We'll hold the breach with Ironwood Strike."
He surged forward, his sword gleaming as he channeled the Heavenly Sword Art through his strikes. The attackers met him with fierce resistance, their eyes cold and focused, each movement precise.
Li Wei struck with Sky-Cutting Slash, sending a wave of Qi through the masked men, scattering their ranks. But they regrouped quickly, their leader—a tall figure with a cold gaze—signaling them forward with a silent command.
"Li Wei," the leader said, his voice carrying a chilling calm. "Your efforts to resist are futile. This estate will fall, and the Heavenly Sword Art will be ours."
Li Wei's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening. "You may try, but you will fail."
With a shout, he unleashed Heavenly Edge of the Void, his sword glowing as he cut through the leader's defenses. But the man was skilled, dodging with an almost unnatural speed. Li Wei's strike hit another attacker, sending him sprawling, but the leader remained untouched.
They clashed again, each strike a test of skill and endurance. The masked leader's strength was formidable, his movements calculated and precise. It was clear that this was no ordinary cultivator; his Qi radiated power and darkness, a twisted aura that seemed to sap the energy around him.
Li Wei gritted his teeth, summoning the strength he'd gained from the fragment. The fight was intense, each strike pushing him closer to his limits. The leader's attacks were relentless, his blade moving with deadly speed, but Li Wei matched him, his mind focused, his spirit unyielding.
Turning the Tide
Just as the battle seemed to be reaching a stalemate, Li Yan's Shadow's Mark enabled her archers to pick off attackers with deadly accuracy, forcing them to scatter. Li Huang and the other warriors took advantage of the chaos, pressing forward with his Ironwood Strike, the force of his Qi breaking through enemy defenses. The tide was turning.
Li Wei saw his chance. With a final surge of energy, he struck with Celestial Ripple Strike, waves of Qi rippling through the leader's defenses. The masked leader staggered back, his aura flickering, a hint of desperation in his gaze.
"This isn't over," the leader hissed, his voice filled with venom. "We will return, and the Li Clan will fall."
Before Li Wei could press the attack, the masked leader signaled to his men, and with a flash of dark Qi, they began to retreat, fading into the shadows.
Li Wei stood in the courtyard, catching his breath as the last of the attackers disappeared into the night. Around him, the Li Clan warriors regrouped, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination.
Aftermath and Resolve
As dawn broke, Li Wei surveyed the damage. The eastern wall had taken the brunt of the attack, and several warriors were injured, but the estate remained standing, and the Li Clan's spirit was unbroken.
Li Huang approached, his face lined with fatigue but his eyes resolute. "We held them off, but this was only a beginning. They'll return, and next time, they may not retreat so easily."
Li Wei nodded, his gaze hard. "I know. The masked men are getting bolder. They won't stop until they have what they want."
He looked around at his clanmates, each of them standing strong despite the night's battle. This was more than just survival now—it was a fight for their legacy, for the art that defined them.
"We'll train harder, strengthen our defenses further," Li Wei said, his voice steady and determined. "They may come again, but we will be ready. The Li Clan has withstood countless trials, and we will not fall now."
End of Chapter 15