The once-thriving Water Clan was no more, its lands turned to ash under the tyranny of the Fire Clan. Survivors were enslaved, their cries of despair echoing through the barren lands that were once a haven.
Back in the Dead Mountain, Lim Kris and Chinye had spent weeks honing their newfound powers. Despite their progress, thoughts of their fallen clan plagued their minds.
One evening, while they prepared their simple meal by the fire, the weight of the silence was too much to bear.
"Lim Kris," Chinye started hesitantly, her voice breaking the stillness, "what do you think has happened to our people? To the Water Clan?"
Lim Kris stared into the flickering flames, the memory of their home flashing in his mind. "I need to know, Chinye. We've grown stronger… maybe it's time we see what's become of them."
Chinye nodded in agreement, her resolve hardening. "But we must be cautious. No one can know who we are or why we're there."
Late that night, the two set out, cloaked in shadows as they descended from the mountain. They soon arrived at what used to be their homeland. But what they found shook them to their core.
The Water Clan's once-glorious rivers now ran sluggish and grey. The towns were in ruin, Fire Clan banners marking the conquered territory. Survivors toiled as slaves, their backs bent under heavy loads while Fire Clan warriors barked cruel orders.
Chinye gritted her teeth as tears welled up in her eyes. "How could they…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Focus," Lim Kris said, her tone firm but pained. "We'll free them, but first we need to know what the Fire Clan is planning."
The two infiltrated the old Water Clan temple, now repurposed as a fortress. Hidden in the shadows, they listened intently as Elder Tuhan addressed a gathering of Fire Clan warriors.
"The Dead Mountain," Elder Tuhan began, his voice dripping with malice. "That is our next target. The has disrupted our plans too long. Tomorrow, all fire clan strike with full force and crush his disciples."
Chinye and Lim Kris exchanged a tense look. The Fire Clan didn't know that Chen Franz, the "mysterious man," wasn't there. Only they knew the truth.
"This is bad," Chinye whispered.
"It'll be worse if they discover Master is gone," Lim Kris replied.
Their whispers were cut short as a loud voice rang through the hall.
"Who's there?!"
A group of Fire Clan warriors had spotted them. The alarm sounded, and the two found themselves surrounded.
Chinye reacted first, unleashing her Ancient Lightning Technique, sending golden bolts crackling through the air. Lim Kris drew his blade, activating the Ancient Sword Technique, and faced Elder Tuhan.
"Impressive," Elder Tuhan sneered as he parried Lim Kris's strikes. "But you're out of your depth!"
The battle was intense, with Lim Kris and Chinye's power felling several warriors. But reinforcements from the Fire Clan poured in, overwhelming them.
"Chinye, we need to retreat!" Lim Kris shouted, blocking a powerful strike from Elder Tuhan.
"But"
"Now!" he snapped, slashing through an enemy to clear a path.
Chinye released one final surge of lightning, disorienting their pursuers, and the two made their escape. They didn't stop until they reached the safety of Dead Mountain.
Elder tuhan is almost Dead after chinye released of her power
Breathless, Chinye clutched her chest, tears streaming down her face. "They're going to attack here. We have to do something, Lim Kris!"
Lim Kris's jaw tightened. "Master isn't here to protect us, but we'll make sure Dead Mountain stands. For the Water Clan… and for him."
With determination burning in their hearts, the two began preparing for the battle ahead.