After his successful mission to retrieve the Shadow Pearl, Feng Xiao earned newfound respect and admiration within the sect. His courage and the powerful techniques he'd showcased during his infiltration of the Crimson Serpents' stronghold had made him a legend among the disciples. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease about the artifact. The Pearl's dark energy and the image it left in his mind—a crimson sky, shadowy figures—had deeply unsettled him.
As the days passed, Feng Xiao spent time with his companions, Lin Yue and Feng Mei, strengthening his friendships and training together. With each day, the bond between them grew deeper, evolving from mutual respect into a sense of shared purpose. Feng Xiao found himself feeling more comfortable with them, and a natural, light-hearted camaraderie began to emerge.
However, as they trained together, Feng Xiao remained on guard. He knew that taking the Shadow Pearl from the Crimson Serpents would have repercussions. He wasn't sure when, but he was certain they would seek revenge.
One morning, Feng Xiao found himself sparring with Lin Yue. She was agile, quick on her feet, and surprisingly fierce in combat, despite her calm and composed demeanor.
"Alright, Feng Xiao, let's see if your recent experience has made you any faster!" she teased, drawing her sword and taking a defensive stance.
Feng Xiao grinned, taking up his own stance. "I won't go easy on you, Lin Yue."
As they sparred, Lin Yue deftly used her Ethereal Blossom Technique, a skill that allowed her to move gracefully and unpredictably, much like petals dancing in the wind. Feng Xiao found himself constantly adjusting his strikes to match her fluid movement.
"You'll have to be faster, Feng Xiao," she laughed, evading his strike with ease.
He decided to try a new move he had been developing: Windbreaker Steps, a technique that allowed him to increase his speed momentarily by channeling his qi to his legs in a specific pattern. With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, catching her off guard.
"Got you!" he declared, lightly tapping her shoulder with his palm.
Lin Yue raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad, Feng Xiao. You're getting quicker." She then lowered her sword, smiling. "But don't get cocky. You'll need more than speed if you're going to face the Crimson Serpents again."
Later that day, as Feng Xiao and Lin Yue walked back to the sect grounds, a cloaked figure approached them. Feng Xiao instinctively reached for his sword, but the figure held up his hands in a gesture of peace.
"Calm yourselves," the stranger said in a low voice. "I'm only here to deliver a warning."
Feng Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
The figure hesitated, then replied, "Consider me a friend, though I cannot reveal my identity. I come with a message from someone within the Crimson Serpents."
Lin Yue's eyes widened. "The Crimson Serpents? You're one of them?"
"No, but I am connected to them. Word has spread among the Serpents about the loss of the Shadow Pearl, and they have dispatched a high-ranking member to hunt down the one responsible."
Feng Xiao felt a shiver of concern. "Do you know who they've sent?"
The figure nodded. "Yes. Her name is Lady Xu, a powerful disciple who has mastered the Serpent's Venom Technique. She's known for her ruthlessness and skill in dark arts, and she will stop at nothing to recover what was taken."
Feng Xiao exchanged a glance with Lin Yue, both of them understanding the severity of the situation. Lady Xu's reputation was infamous in the cultivation world; she was feared even by other Serpents for her merciless nature and her ability to manipulate toxins and dark qi.
"I appreciate the warning," Feng Xiao replied. "But if Lady Xu comes for me, I'll be ready."
The figure gave a nod, then disappeared into the shadows, leaving them alone.
That evening, Feng Xiao gathered with Lin Yue, Feng Mei, and some of his close friends, including a fellow disciple named Jin Hu, known for his jovial nature and formidable strength. Jin Hu had a boisterous laugh that often lightened the mood, even in tense situations.
"So," Jin Hu said, slapping Feng Xiao on the back. "You've stirred up some trouble, haven't you? First, you steal their precious Pearl, and now they're sending their top assassin after you. I can't tell if you're incredibly brave or just reckless."
Feng Xiao chuckled. "Maybe a bit of both, Jin Hu. But don't worry—I'm not facing her alone."
Jin Hu grinned. "Good. You've got all of us by your side. If this Lady Xu dares to come here, we'll make sure she regrets it!"
Over the next few days, Feng Xiao and his companions began preparing for Lady Xu's arrival. They practiced defensive techniques and created traps around the sect's outer perimeters. Lin Yue brewed potent antidotes to counter any toxins, while Feng Mei, with her profound understanding of protective formations, set up a Heaven's Guard Barrier, an advanced defense array that could protect the sect from dark qi attacks.
Feng Xiao also focused on improving his new techniques. He refined his Windbreaker Steps, adding a burst of qi to increase his evasion speed. He also began studying Dragon Claw Fist, a rare martial technique that allowed him to channel his qi into powerful, claw-like strikes.
Just before dawn, Feng Xiao sensed a dark aura approaching the sect. The air grew colder, and a chilling silence settled over the grounds. He quickly alerted Lin Yue and Jin Hu, who were on guard with him, and they prepared for Lady Xu's arrival.
Moments later, a figure cloaked in black appeared at the edge of the sect's boundary. Her presence was unmistakable—Lady Xu radiated an intimidating dark energy, her eyes gleaming with a deadly intent.
"Well, well," she sneered, her voice smooth but filled with menace. "You must be Feng Xiao, the thief who dared to steal from the Crimson Serpents."
Feng Xiao stepped forward, meeting her gaze without fear. "The Pearl doesn't belong to your clan. It's a dangerous artifact, and I won't let it fall into the wrong hands."
Lady Xu smirked, unfazed by his defiance. "Bold words for someone who's about to die." She raised her hands, dark qi swirling around her fingers as she activated her Serpent's Venom Technique. Dark tendrils shot towards Feng Xiao, each laced with venom that could corrode even the strongest defenses.
Feng Xiao immediately activated his Phoenix Rebirth Flames, creating a barrier of fire that incinerated the venomous attacks on contact. The two energies clashed violently, lighting up the night as flames and dark qi battled for dominance.
Jin Hu rushed forward, roaring as he unleashed his Iron Boulder Stance, a technique that gave him immense physical strength and defense. He swung his fists at Lady Xu, forcing her to split her attention.
Lin Yue joined the fray, utilizing her Ethereal Blossom Technique to weave through Lady Xu's attacks, distracting her with feints and strikes. Together, they pressed her, but Lady Xu's skill and dark arts made her a formidable opponent. She countered their moves with ruthless efficiency, her dark qi empowering her every strike.
Seeing his friends struggle, Feng Xiao knew he had to end the battle quickly. Drawing on his qi reserves, he activated Dragon Claw Fist, his hand glowing with a golden light as he channeled his energy into a powerful strike. He lunged forward, breaking through Lady Xu's defenses and landing a direct hit.
Lady Xu staggered, her expression shifting from confidence to shock. Blood trickled from her mouth as she glared at Feng Xiao, seething with hatred.
"This isn't over," she hissed. "The Crimson Serpents will not forget this."
With a final glare, she activated a smoke talisman, disappearing into the night, leaving behind a bitter aura that hung in the air.
As the adrenaline faded, Feng Xiao and his companions exchanged relieved glances. They had survived the encounter, and Lady Xu had been forced to retreat. But they all knew that this was only the beginning. The Crimson Serpents wouldn't stop until they had reclaimed the Shadow Pearl, and their vengeance would only grow fiercer with each defeat.
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End of Chapter