Chapter 26: Revenge is a Dish Best Served Chaotic
The elder from the Coiled Serpent Sect narrowed his eyes at Kayode, sensing something was off. He had heard the rumors of Kayode's supposed crippling at the hands of the sect master. Yet, here stood the boy, alive and oozing an aura that wasn't entirely normal.
"You shouldn't even be standing," the elder said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The sect master shattered your Golden Core. You're nothing but a cripple now. Hand over the treasures and surrender quietly, or I'll finish the job myself."
Kayode chuckled darkly, his spear glowing faintly. The three spectral tails of Apex Rend swayed ominously behind him, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators eyeing prey.
"Crippled, you say?" Kayode muttered, his voice filled with mockery. "Do I look like someone begging for mercy?"
The elder scoffed. "You're bluffing. That weak aura you're trying to hide behind illusions can't fool me. I'll crush whatever pitiful resistance you have left."
Kayode tilted his head, his golden eyes gleaming. "If you think I'm bluffing, then why don't you come and try?"
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A Foolish Mistake
The elder didn't hesitate. With a burst of Qi, he charged forward, his palm glowing with a deadly green light—a signature venomous technique of the Coiled Serpent Sect. "Serpent Fang Palm!" he roared, aiming for Kayode's chest.
Kayode didn't flinch. As the elder's attack neared, the crimson tail of his Apex Rend shot forward, intercepting the strike. The impact caused a shockwave that rippled through the forest, but the elder's confident smirk vanished when he saw his palm begin to wither and decay upon contact.
"What—?!" the elder screamed, stumbling back as his arm went numb.
Kayode raised his spear, the aura around him shifting. "You came here thinking I was still the same person your sect master defeated. That was your first mistake. Your second mistake was assuming I'd let you leave here alive."
The elder's face turned pale. He tried to retreat, but the second tail lashed out, cutting off his escape route with a wave of spiritual pressure. The air grew heavy as Kayode stepped forward, his spear glowing brighter.
"I have no time for weaklings," Kayode said coldly, thrusting his spear toward the elder.
The elder screamed as the chaotic energy from the third tail enveloped him. His body twisted unnaturally, and in moments, he was gone, leaving nothing but a faint shimmer of energy behind.
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To the Coiled Serpent Sect
Kayode turned to Oba, who was grooming his paw lazily. "Well, that was anticlimactic."
Oba glanced up, his golden eyes amused. "He wasn't worth the effort. But if you're planning to march into the Coiled Serpent Sect, you'd better be prepared. They'll have elders, disciples, and the sect master himself waiting for you."
Kayode smirked, his spear crackling with energy. "Good. Let them come. I'm not the same person they humiliated. It's time to return the favor."
The system chimed in, its tone cautious but approving. "Your Nascent Soul is unique, Kayode. The Warrior Soul within you amplifies your strength in ways they won't expect. But tread carefully—the sect master is no ordinary opponent."
Kayode nodded, his expression resolute. "I didn't come this far to back down now. I'll make them pay for what they did to me."
With a deep breath, Kayode began his march toward the Coiled Serpent Sect. The forest seemed to part before him, as if sensing the storm he carried within.
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Arrival at the Sect
By nightfall, Kayode stood before the gates of the Coiled Serpent Sect. The massive structure loomed over him, its dark, serpent-like carvings radiating malice. Disciples patrolled the area, their movements disciplined and precise.
Kayode raised his spear, and the three spectral tails of Apex Rend appeared behind him, glowing ominously in the darkness. The disciples froze, sensing the oppressive energy radiating from him.
"Who goes there?" one of them demanded, stepping forward.
Kayode's voice rang out, clear and cold. "Your sect made a mistake when they crossed me. Tonight, I'm here to settle the score."
The disciple sneered. "You dare show your face here? After what the sect master did to you? You must have a death wish!"
Kayode smirked, his spear glowing brighter. "I'm not the one who should be worried about dying."
Before the disciple could react, Kayode swung his spear, and the crimson tail lashed out, cutting through the gate like it was paper. The massive doors crumbled, and a wave of energy surged through the sect, alerting everyone inside.
The disciples scrambled, shouting orders and gathering their forces. Elders emerged from the inner halls, their auras flaring as they prepared to confront the intruder.
Kayode stepped through the rubble, his golden eyes glowing with a predatory light. "Coiled Serpent Sect," he said, his voice echoing through the compound. "Your time of reckoning has come."
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To Be Continued…