The battle with Yun Zhen continued to rage, the air crackling with energy as the two opponents clashed. Li Wei's body screamed in pain from the relentless onslaught, but his spirit remained unyielding. He knew that this was more than just a fight for survival—it was a test, a trial that would determine his future and the fate of the Immortal Dragon Sect.
With a final, desperate surge of energy, Li Wei launched himself toward Yun Zhen, his sword glowing with a brilliant golden light. The power within him surged, and for a brief moment, it felt as though the heavens themselves had granted him strength beyond his limits. But Yun Zhen was faster, his eyes gleaming with cold confidence as he effortlessly dodged the attack and struck back with lethal precision.
The impact sent Li Wei crashing into the ground, the force of the blow leaving a crater where he landed. He struggled to stand, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His vision blurred, and his limbs felt heavy, but he refused to give up. He couldn't afford to lose.
"You're stubborn, I'll give you that," Yun Zhen's voice echoed, as his figure appeared above Li Wei, looking down at him with disdain. "But that's not enough to save you."
Li Wei's heart pounded in his chest as he slowly rose to his feet. His sword was now glowing dimly, its power waning, but his determination burned brighter than ever. "I will not be defeated by you," he said through gritted teeth, each word carrying the weight of his resolve.
Yun Zhen's expression twisted into a sneer. "You still don't understand, do you? The artifacts, the power you seek—they are beyond your comprehension. You are simply a pawn in a much larger game."
Li Wei's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Yun Zhen's eyes darkened, and for the first time, there was a hint of hesitation in his voice. "The artifacts are not just tools for power. They are the remnants of an ancient and forbidden force—one that has the potential to reshape the entire world. And you, Li Wei, have unwittingly become its target."
The revelation hit Li Wei like a thunderbolt. His mind raced as he tried to process Yun Zhen's words. The artifacts, the power he had been chasing for so long, were not just keys to personal strength—they were tied to something much more dangerous, something that could threaten the very fabric of the world itself.
"Why are you telling me this?" Li Wei asked, struggling to make sense of it all. "If you want to stop me, why not just end it here?"
Yun Zhen's face grew grim. "Because I cannot simply destroy what I helped create. You are part of something much bigger than you realize, Li Wei. The forces you've unleashed will attract attention, and not all of it will be welcome."
Li Wei's heart raced as he began to understand the true depth of the situation. The artifacts were not just powerful tools—they were part of a much darker and more complex web of fate. And Yun Zhen, his former mentor, was not just an enemy. He was someone who had been involved in the creation of this mess, someone who had known about the consequences all along.
"You... you were part of this from the beginning," Li Wei said, his voice shaking with realization. "You knew what would happen if I found the artifacts."
Yun Zhen's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of regret passing through his eyes. "I did not know it would go this far. But now that it has, there is no turning back. You have to understand, the artifacts are not meant for your kind. The power they hold is too dangerous, too unstable."
Li Wei's grip on his sword tightened. "I will take that risk. I won't let fear control my destiny."
Yun Zhen sighed, shaking his head. "Then you are truly a fool." He raised his hand, and the atmosphere around them shifted once more. The air grew thick with energy, and Li Wei could feel the pressure mounting. It was clear that Yun Zhen was preparing for a final strike.
But just as the tension reached its peak, a voice suddenly interrupted the standoff.
"Enough."
A figure appeared from the shadows, a silhouette barely visible against the fog. The newcomer's presence was overwhelming, and for a moment, Li Wei felt a wave of dread wash over him. This was no ordinary cultivator.
Yun Zhen froze, his eyes widening in shock. "You..."
The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, imposing man dressed in dark robes. His face was obscured by a hood, but his eyes burned with an intense, almost unnatural glow.
"Who are you?" Li Wei demanded, his voice filled with both suspicion and curiosity.
The figure turned toward him, his gaze sharp and penetrating. "I am someone who has been watching you, Li Wei. You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into."
Li Wei's heart raced. "Who are you?" he repeated, more urgently this time. "What do you know about the artifacts? What is going on?"
The man gave a low, amused chuckle. "So many questions, so little time. But I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Xuan Tian, and I have been following the trail of the artifacts for years. The truth is... much darker than you can imagine."
Yun Zhen's expression darkened. "Xuan Tian, you have no right to interfere."
Xuan Tian's smile was cold and devoid of warmth. "It is not about right or wrong, Yun Zhen. It's about survival. And I've come to ensure that this foolishness ends before it's too late."
Li Wei looked between the two, his mind racing. The stakes had just escalated to an unimaginable level. Whatever this man, Xuan Tian, was involved in, it was clear that it was far beyond his understanding.
"Stay out of this, Xuan Tian," Yun Zhen warned, his hand twitching, ready to strike. "This is my battle."
Xuan Tian's eyes narrowed. "Then prepare yourself, because you won't be able to stop what's coming."
As the tension between the two cultivators reached its peak, Li Wei realized that the real battle was only just beginning. And he had no choice but to face it head-on.