The rolling black clouds, the flashing lightning and thunderous roars, the howling winds that swept across the land - the once serene golden glow over the Cloudtop Immortal Abode was shattered, replaced by a suffocating aura that presaged a coming storm of blood and violence.
"An attack! A powerful enemy approaches!"
Someone's panicked cry pierced through the chaos.
The guests in the plaza immediately descended into disarray, fearfully looking up to the sky, where dark figures emerged from the swirling clouds like ghostly apparitions. Clad in black garments, their faces hidden behind black masks, with only their cold, merciless eyes visible, they wielded various sharp blades that gleamed with a chilling light, exuding an aura of merciless killing intent as they descended upon the Cloudtop Immortal Abode like a black tide.
"Protect the Patriarch! Protect the Young Master!"
The disciples of the Cloud Clan, though panicked, reacted quickly, forming a defensive formation to shield Cloud Soaring Sky and Cloud Beguile, drawing their own weapons and preparing for battle.
"Kill! Leave no one alive!"
The leader of the black-garbed figures, his voice hoarse and icy, devoid of any humanity, sent a shiver down the spines of all who heard it.
"Kill!"
Hundreds of black-clad assailants let out a collective roar, like savage beasts, their deafening cries shaking the heavens. They charged at the Cloud Clan disciples, their blades relentless and deadly, showing no mercy. In the blink of an eye, dozens of Cloud Clan disciples lay in pools of blood, their agonized screams, furious shouts, and the clashing of weapons creating a hellish symphony.
"You insolent ruffians, daring to rampage in my Cloudtop Immortal Abode! You seek death!"
Cloud Soaring Sky's thunderous roar shook the very air, his hair and beard standing on end, his eyes glowing with a fierce, primal power, like an awakened lion, his aura overwhelming.
"Azure Lotus Sword Technique, kill them all!"
Cloud Soaring Sky swung his sword, and a massive azure sword qi erupted, morphing into a colossal azure dragon that roared as it charged towards the black-garbed assailants.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Wherever the azure dragon passed, the black-clad figures were torn to shreds like paper, their agonized screams echoing as dozens of them were slain by Cloud Soaring Sky's sword.
"Our Patriarch is mighty!"
"Slay these treacherous dogs!"
Inspired by their Patriarch's display of power, the Cloud Clan disciples fought with renewed vigor, their battle cries echoing through the plaza.
However, faced with the overwhelming numbers and strength of the black-clad foes, the Cloud Clan disciples, despite their valiant resistance, gradually began to lose ground. More and more of them fell, and the plaza was soon drenched in blood and littered with bodies, a horrific sight to behold.
"Father, watch out!"
Cloud Beguile saw a black-clad assailant take advantage of Cloud Soaring Sky's distraction to attack him, and he cried out in alarm.
But it was too late.
"Squelch!"
The sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed, and the black-garbed attacker's weapon plunged into Cloud Soaring Sky's back, causing a spray of blood that stained his white robes.
"Father!"
Cloud Beguile let out a anguished roar, his eyes burning with fury. He swung the Azure Enigma Sword, cleaving the black-clad assailant in two, then rushed to his father's side, supporting the wavering Patriarch, his eyes filled with worry and desperation.
"Beguile... Run... Don't worry about me... They... They're after you..."
Cloud Soaring Sky's face was deathly pale, his lips drained of color. He reached out and grasped Cloud Beguile's arm, speaking with great difficulty, his breath growing faint.
"No! Father, I won't abandon you!" Cloud Beguile tightened his grip on Cloud Soaring Sky's hand, tears welling in his eyes, his voice resolute.
"Foolish child... Listen to me..."
Cloud Soaring Sky tried to say more, but was wracked by a violent coughing fit, blood spilling from the corners of his mouth, staining the front of his robes.
"Father!"
Cloud Beguile's heart was torn with anguish. He quickly pulled out a healing elixir from his robes, trying to feed it to Cloud Soaring Sky.
"It's... no use... I've... already..."
Cloud Soaring Sky weakly shook his head, stopping Cloud Beguile's attempt. He looked at his son, his eyes filled with regret and love, and used his last ounce of strength to say, "Beguile... Live on... Avenge... the Cloud Clan..."
With that, Cloud Soaring Sky's arm fell limply, his eyes slowly closing, his breath fading away.
"Father..." Cloud Beguile collapsed to his knees, clutching his father's lifeless body, his anguished roar filled with endless sorrow and despair.
"Cloud Beguile, prepare to join your father in death!"
At that moment, a chilling voice echoed from the sky, like a harbinger of doom from the depths of the underworld.
Cloud Beguile looked up, and saw a tall, imposing figure in a purple robe, his features cold and hard, an immense aura radiating from him, standing before him, his eyes glinting with murderous intent.
"Who are you? Why do you seek to annihilate us?" Cloud Beguile demanded, his eyes red with rage.
"I am the Purple Yang Immortal, and I have been ordered to take your life, to reunite you with your wretched father!" the Purple Yang Immortal sneered, his tone dripping with contempt.
"The Purple Yang Immortal? You... You're from the Purple Yang Sect? Why have you betrayed us?!" Cloud Beguile asked in disbelief. The Purple Yang Sect and the Cloud Clan had been allies for generations, and he could not fathom why the Purple Yang Immortal would turn against them.
"Hmph! Betrayal? Cloud Beguile, you flatter yourself too much!" The Purple Yang Immortal scoffed, saying, "If you're wise, surrender quietly and spare yourself the agony of death!"
"Dream on! If you want to kill me, let's see if you have the skill to do it!" Cloud Beguile roared, suppressing the grief in his heart. He rose to his feet, his gaze icy as he fixed his eyes on the Purple Yang Immortal, the Azure Enigma Sword in his hand emanating a chilling glow. He was prepared to fight to the bitter end.
Today, even if it cost him his life, he would avenge his father!