As the battle in the cavern raged on, the clash of steel and raw power reverberated through the ancient hall. Bai Jian and Wang Shao fought their way through waves of undead, holding their ground. Meanwhile, at the center of the chaos, City Lord Zheng Rui clashed with the Zombie Patriarch, a dark figure shrouded in decayed robes and pulsing with malevolent qi.
Zheng Rui's aura flared as he struck, each blow landing with calculated precision. His opponent, the twisted remnant of the Celestial Wind Patriarch, met his attacks with a chilling calm, deflecting each strike with dark energy. The two were locked in a deadly duel, each one fighting with a unique strength of purpose.
Between strikes, Zheng Rui's gaze was steely. "You could've been remembered as a great cultivator, a guiding force for your clan. But this — binding your spirit to this shell — is nothing but madness."
The Zombie Patriarch sneered, sidestepping an attack and retaliating with a surge of dark energy. "Legacy? Greatness? You think that matters when we're all just waiting to be swallowed by oblivion?" His hollow laugh echoed through the hall.
"What do names or noble deeds matter to the void?"
Zheng Rui's grip tightened on his blade, his jaw set. "Your fear of death turned you into the very thing you once swore to fight. The pursuit of power has blinded you to the decay it brought upon yourself and your clan."
The Patriarch's eyes flashed with dark amusement. "And you think yourself different? How many others have you slain to obtain your current cultivation? Yet you convince yourself it's for some 'greater good'? Power is power. It only asks for a willing host."
"Perhaps," Zheng Rui replied, his voice steady, "but power used without honor consumes you. You are the proof of that."
Their words faded as the Zombie Patriarch lunged forward, his decayed hand emitting a dark pulse that rippled across the room. Zheng Rui dodged, retaliating with a swift slice of his sword. The Patriarch staggered back, snarling, his form beginning to falter as cracks formed along his decaying body, revealing dark energy seething beneath.
The patriarch smirked, his voice twisted with anger and bitter pride. "I have seen realms beyond the living and claimed power beyond your wildest dreams. This vessel may weaken, but as long as I exist, I can devour every soul in this chamber and restore my power."
Zheng Rui's eyes narrowed, his determination unwavering. "Not today. Your legacy ends here, in these ruins you defiled with your ambition."
With one final, decisive strike, Zheng Rui channeled his qi and struck the Zombie Patriarch in his chest. The decayed figure let out a final scream, his form shattering into ash as the dark energy dissipated in a blinding flash.
The ground beneath them trembled, cracks widening as the ancient cavern began to collapse. Stones fell from above, and disciples scattered, each one desperate to escape the ruins.
"Everyone, get out!" Zheng Rui commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Bai Jian glanced at Wang Shao, and the two exchanged a quick nod before darting through the debris-filled hallways, making their way toward the exit. They navigated the labyrinthine corridors with haste, dodging falling stones and narrowly avoiding collapsing walls.
Finally, Bai Jian and Wang Shao managed to escape. Outside, the two fell to the ground, each of them trying to catch their breath.