Li Tian sat in his quarters, his thoughts meticulously organizing the events that had transpired over the week. The clan's borders were now a smoldering graveyard, the enemy's advance ruthlessly efficient. Yong Shen Wei's plan, bolstered by Li Tian's earlier suggestions, had initially brought success. But cracks in the strategy had surfaced, leading to devastating losses. Now, the enemy had capitalized on those vulnerabilities, overwhelming the borders and pushing closer to the heart of the Yongshen Clan.
Just as he poured himself a cup of tea, a frantic knock echoed at the door. A clan messenger entered, his face pale and voice trembling. "Mr. Zhao Ming, the clan leader urgently requests your presence in the strategy hall. It's… it's about the borders."
Li Tian's eyes narrowed, and he set the cup down carefully. "Lead the way," he said, his tone as calm as still waters.
The strategy hall was in chaos. Clan elders argued fiercely while Yong Shen Wei stood silent, his fists clenched at his sides. The map of the region was scattered with red markers, showing the enemy's dominance over their borders. The grim reality was evident—the borders had fallen, and with them, countless Yongshen warriors.
Li Tian stepped into the room, his presence commanding silence. Yong Shen Wei turned to him, his eyes bloodshot and weary. "Zhao Ming," he began, his voice heavy with despair. "The enemy exploited a weakness in our defenses. They've massacred our warriors and are advancing rapidly. If we don't act now, the clan will be lost."
Li Tian's gaze swept over the room, his expression unreadable. "What forces do we have left?" he asked coolly.
"A handful of Rank 3 Gu Masters and a few Rank 2 reinforcements," one elder replied. "But their morale is shattered. They won't hold for long."
Li Tian's lips curled into a faint, calculating smile. "Prepare your remaining forces to fortify the inner defenses. Leave the protection of the clan to me."
Yong Shen Wei's eyes widened. "You expect me to fight them alone? Their leader is powerful, even as a Rank 4 Gu Master!"
Li Tian tilted his head slightly, his smile unwavering. "Trust me, Clan Leader. You have the strength to handle them. I'll ensure this place remains secure in your absence. Your warriors need to see your leadership on the frontlines."
After a moment's hesitation, Yong Shen Wei nodded firmly. "Very well. I'll leave the clan's safety in your hands."
Yong Shen Wei led a column of warriors toward the border. The barren expanse before them bore the marks of fierce combat: charred earth, shattered weapons, and the blood of their fallen comrades. The air was thick with the metallic tang of death.
On the horizon, two figures loomed. One, the leader of the Fengxia Clan, exuded a menacing aura. His frame was tall and wiry, and the green shimmer of his Wood Path Gu glowed faintly in the dim light. Beside him stood another Rank 4 Gu Master, a stout man clad in heavy armor, his breath forming frost in the air, signaling his mastery of Ice Path.
Yong Shen Wei clenched his fists, the weight of his clan's survival pressing down on him. "Prepare yourselves," he barked to his warriors. "This will not be an easy battle."
The Fengxia leader stepped forward, a sneer curling his lips. "Yong Shen Wei, your days are numbered. Surrender now, and I might spare your clan's remnants."
"Empty words from a coward who hides behind allies," Yong Shen Wei shot back, his voice ringing with defiance. "Come, let us settle this with blood."
The battle erupted. The Ice Path Gu Master raised his hand, unleashing a torrent of frozen shards that rained down like a hailstorm. Yong Shen Wei dodged nimbly, activating a killer move. A fiery serpent coiled around his arm, its scales shimmering with molten energy. With a flick of his wrist, the serpent surged forward, colliding with the ice shards in a cacophony of steam and heat.
Behind him, his warriors engaged the Fengxia forces. A Rank 3 Gu Master from Yongshen activated a Wind Blade Gu, slicing through the enemy ranks with razor-sharp gusts. But the Fengxia warriors countered with Root Binding Gu, ensnaring their opponents in thorny vines that tore at their flesh.
Yong Shen Wei locked eyes with the Fengxia leader. The Wood Path Gu Master smirked, summoning a massive tree from the ground. Its roots lashed out like whips, seeking to crush the Yongshen leader. But Yong Shen Wei was prepared. He activated another killer move, Flame Burst Explosion, enveloping himself in a sphere of fire that incinerated the approaching roots.
The battle raged on, both sides exchanging blows that shook the earth. Just as Yong Shen Wei gained the upper hand, the Ice Path Gu Master joined the fray. He summoned an icy barrier, blocking Yong Shen Wei's attacks and forcing him on the defensive.
Sweat dripped from Yong Shen Wei's brow as he gritted his teeth. "I will not fall here," he muttered, gathering his strength for one final assault. But before he could strike, the enemy forces pressed in from all sides, overwhelming his warriors and leaving him isolated.
The Fengxia leader laughed coldly. "Your efforts are futile, Yong Shen Wei. This is the end."
As he said the Fengxia Leader killed Yong Shen Wei, seeing this the morale of the army fell and the Yong clan Gu masters all died under the Fengxia clan's might.