After their victory at the southern pass, Zhao and his allies returned to the sect with cautious optimism. But as they walked through the gates, Zhao felt a lingering tension in the air—a warning that their respite would be brief. The presence of Liang Shen at the pass had left an indelible mark on Zhao's mind, a reminder of the powerful adversary they had yet to face.
The sect leaders gathered in the main hall to discuss their next steps. Elder Qian began the meeting with a grave expression. "The recent ambush has shown us that Liang Shen's forces are closing in. Feng Wei's betrayal has fractured our sect's unity, and now we face a war on two fronts: enemies from outside and doubt from within."
Yun Xia, standing beside Zhao, nodded. "We must strengthen our defenses and ensure that every disciple is prepared. Liang Shen's forces are relentless, and they won't hesitate to exploit any weakness."
Zhao took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Liang Shen was at the pass. He's not just sending his men—he's leading them himself. We need to gather our strongest disciples and prepare for a final confrontation."
Elder Qian looked at him, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Then you will lead this defense, Zhao. You've proven yourself worthy of the flame, and the disciples trust you."
As the meeting ended, Zhao felt a strange mixture of pride and anxiety. Leading the sect's defense was an honor, but the responsibility weighed heavily on him. Mei Lin caught up with him as he walked toward the training grounds.
"You did well, Zhao," she said, her tone warm but serious. "But this fight isn't over. Liang Shen is ruthless. He'll find any way to break us."
Zhao met her gaze, feeling the intensity of her determination. "I know, Mei Lin. And I won't let him destroy what we've worked so hard to protect."
Their conversation was interrupted by Lin Yu, who arrived with urgent news. "Zhao, one of our scouts spotted a group of Liang Shen's disciples camped near the northern border. They seem to be preparing for another attack."
Zhao nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "Gather our allies. If they're trying to move on the northern border, we need to intercept them before they reach our gates."
That night, Zhao led a small team to the northern border, where they observed Liang Shen's forces setting up a hidden camp. From the cover of the trees, Zhao counted nearly two dozen enemy disciples, some already preparing their weapons and focusing their Qi. The sight of them drove home the stakes of this battle—they were outnumbered, but the element of surprise was on their side.
Zhao turned to his team—Mei Lin, Lin Yu, Jing Hao, and Ren among them. He outlined his plan quickly, each member nodding in understanding. They would divide into two groups: one to attack from the front and draw attention, while the other would circle around to hit from behind.
As they moved into position, Zhao felt the familiar heat of the Celestial Flame stirring within him, ready to protect his allies. He gave the signal, and their ambush began.
They attacked with swift precision. Mei Lin's strikes were a blur, taking down enemies with lethal accuracy, while Lin Yu wielded his spear to block and counter each assault. Zhao himself unleashed bursts of the flame, creating a barrier that repelled the enemy's attacks and shielded his friends.
Just as the battle seemed to be tipping in their favor, a sudden, powerful aura pulsed through the clearing. Zhao looked up to see a figure emerging from the shadows—it was Liang Shen himself, his face a mask of calm malice as he surveyed the scene.
"So, the little flames think they can extinguish me?" Liang Shen's voice was smooth, but the threat was unmistakable.
Zhao clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of his strength. "Liang Shen, your quest for power ends here. I won't let you harm this sect."
Liang Shen laughed, a sound that sent chills through the clearing. "Brave words, but let's see if your power matches them."
He unleashed a wave of dark energy that sent Zhao's allies staggering back. Zhao countered with the Eternal Flame Defense, creating a barrier that absorbed the impact and shielded his team. But he could feel the immense power of Liang Shen pressing down on him, testing his limits.
The battle turned brutal, each strike and counter leaving scars on the land around them. Zhao could sense his allies fighting with every ounce of their strength, but Liang Shen's power was overwhelming. He knew that if they didn't end this soon, they risked losing everything.
Desperate, Zhao summoned the deepest reserves of the Celestial Flame, channeling it into a single, powerful strike aimed at Liang Shen. The flame erupted, searing through the darkness and driving Liang Shen back. For a moment, Zhao thought he had won.
But Liang Shen only laughed, his voice mocking. "Impressive, but still not enough." He countered with a strike that knocked Zhao off his feet, leaving him dazed and vulnerable.
Just as Liang Shen closed in for the final blow, Mei Lin intervened, positioning herself between Zhao and the enemy. Her presence reignited Zhao's determination, and he forced himself to stand, drawing strength from the flame within him and the bond he shared with his allies.
Together, Zhao and Mei Lin launched a coordinated attack, their movements perfectly synchronized. Their combined efforts created a force powerful enough to drive Liang Shen back, forcing him to retreat with a furious glare.
"This isn't over, Zhao," he spat, his voice echoing as he vanished into the shadows.