Outside the cavern, the Black Tied Sect regrouped, their breaths heavy as they processed the aftermath of the recent clash. Dust swirled in the air, gradually revealing the absence of their targets. One of the sect members shouted in frustration, "They're gone! They've escaped!"
The leader of the sect clenched his fists, his voice low and venomous. "Jonathan Runner, you won't evade me forever. When I find you, I will ensure you pay dearly for this. I will crush you to satisfy my anger little brat."
---
Meanwhile, in an entirely different realm, Jonathan and Liriana materialized amidst breathtaking surroundings. They stood on the edge of a vibrant mountain, its lush greenery cascading into tiered waterfalls that sparkled like liquid silver. The air was rich with spiritual energy, humming faintly around them.
"Where are we?" Jonathan asked, his voice tinged with awe as he took in the scenery.
"This is the Fifth Heavenly Mountain," Liriana replied, her tone carrying a sense of familiarity and respect. "A sacred site belonging to the Fifth Heavenly Faction. Their disciples often come here to enhance their spiritual cultivation."
Jonathan's eyes widened as he continued to marvel at the ethereal beauty of the mountain. "This place… it feels alive. You mean to say this energy can actually speed up one's growth?"
Liriana nodded. "Yes, but we shouldn't linger. This mountain is fiercely protected, and trespassers are rarely shown mercy. We need to leave as soon as possible, lest we are caught here."
Reluctantly, Jonathan followed her as they began descending the mountain, searching for a more discreet location to regroup and strengthen themselves. As they approached the foot of the mountain, Liriana suddenly halted, her eyes narrowing.
"What's wrong?" Jonathan asked, sensing her unease.
"There's a battle nearby," she murmured. "The energy signatures… they belong to the Fifth Heavenly Faction. We should steer clear."
Jonathan hesitated, his curiosity piqued. "Can't we just take a look? I'd like to see how they fight. It might be useful to understand their techniques. Can we please."
Liriana frowned but relented. "Fine. But we must be careful. If we're discovered, it could be disastrous."
Raising her hand, she cast a shimmering veil of light over them. "This will mask our presence for a short time. Our scent and energy wont be discovered this way. Stay close."
---
The two crept closer to the source of the commotion, their steps silent as shadows. Soon, they reached a vantage point overlooking a chaotic battlefield. A group of seven warriors clad in pristine white held their ground against a larger force of attackers. Their movements were precise, each strike imbued with spiritual power, but their exhaustion was evident.
Liriana's eyes widened as recognition dawned upon her. "That's Litia… my sister," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Jonathan glanced at the group below. "These seven… they're the Angels in Training of the Fifth Heavenly Faction, aren't they?"
"Yes," Liriana confirmed, her fists clenching. "We can't just stand here. They're outnumbered, and they're struggling."
Before Jonathan could respond, Liriana darted forward, her determination blazing. Jonathan followed, his own resolve solidifying.
---
On the battlefield, the Angels in Training were pressed to their limits. Litia, their leader, rallied her team with what little strength she had left. "Hold the line! We cannot let them claim this mountain and its treasures."
Paul, one of the warriors, grimaced as he parried a series of strikes. "Litia, we can't hold on much longer! There are too many of them!"
Another warrior, Tila, added, "Paul's right. If reinforcements don't arrive soon, we're finished."
Litia gritted her teeth, her voice barely a whisper. "We must endure… for the sake of the mountain."
Under the weight overwhelming numbers game, the seven angels in training could do nothing but brace themselves for an eminent attack.
"Is this really the end of it all?", Litia murmured with a low voice that carried a lot of resentment and disappointment towards herself. "Sister, it seems I have failed you."
Surrounded and outmatched, the group braced themselves for the inevitable. Just as despair began to settle over them, a sudden surge of wind tore through the battlefield. A powerful vortex formed, scattering the attackers and momentarily halting the fight.
"What was that?" Litia gasped, her eyes darting toward the source.
Through the haze of dust and debris, two figures emerged. Jonathan stood at the forefront, his stance steady and confident. Beside him, Liriana radiated an aura of determination, her presence commanding attention.
"Who—" one of the Angels began, but Litia interrupted, her voice filled with both shock and relief. "Liriana! Jonathan!"
"Are you guys okay, we're here to help," Liriana called out, her tone firm. She turned to Jonathan. "Let's even the odds."
Jonathan grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."
The two charged side by side, showcasing how well they work together and unleashed a series of well coordinated attacks which momentarily pushed back the opponents.
The battlefield erupted once more, but this time, the tide began to turn. Jonathan unleashed a series of wind-based attacks, his strikes precise and devastating. Liriana moved with unparalleled grace, her techniques both defensive and offensive, shielding the Angels while driving back their foes.
The Angels, reinvigorated by the unexpected reinforcement, rallied behind Liriana and Jonathan. Together, they pushed the attackers back, their combined efforts creating a formidable force.
As the dust settled, the remaining bandits fled, their morale shattered. Litia approached Liriana, her expression a mix of gratitude and worry. "Why are you here? This is dangerous territory for outsiders."
Liriana placed a reassuring hand on her sister's shoulder. "We didn't mean to intrude, but when I saw you in danger, I couldn't stay away."
Jonathan stepped forward, offering a respectful nod. "We'll leave as soon as we're sure you're safe. But for now, let's regroup. You've fought hard, and you need to recover."
Litia hesitated but finally nodded. "Thank you. Both of you."
As the group began tending to their wounds and discussing their next steps, Jonathan couldn't help but glance back at the mountain. His journey with Liriana had just begun, and he sensed that their challenges were far from over.