While the Fire Clan prepared their full-force attack to storm the Dead Mountain at sunrise, Lim Kris and Chinye strategized in the temple.
Seated by the balcony under the moonlight, their expressions were grim.
"Lim Kris," Chinye began hesitantly, "when do you think Master will return?"
Lim Kris sighed, her brows furrowed. "I don't know. He might be dealing with something far more important. But one thing's certain if we don't act, this temple might not survive the attack."
Chinye's gaze swept over the sacred structure, its towering spires reaching for the stars. "I can't bear the thought of it being destroyed… Master entrusted us to protect this place."
Lim Kris stood abruptly, her resolve evident. "Then we won't let it fall. We'll intercept them before they even get close."
"But," Chinye hesitated, "we don't know the full extent of their strength, especially their clan leader's power."
"We don't need to fight them head-on. We'll take the battle to the base of the mountain. The Phoenix and Dragon Guardians will still safeguard the temple if it comes to that."
Chinye nodded, her confidence growing. "You're right. We'll defend it with everything we've got."
With their plan set, they descended to the foot of Dead Mountain. The location provided a tactical advantage with its natural barriers and narrow passes, giving them the upper hand to face an advancing army.
As the hours passed, the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon. The distant echo of marching troops grew louder, the steady rhythm reverberating through the mountain.
"Do you feel that?" Chinye murmured, sensing the overwhelming energy approaching.
Lim Kris unsheathed her glowing sword, her aura flaring. "They're close. Stay ready."
At the same time, the Fire Clan marched with purpose. Their leader rode at the front, his fiery aura casting long shadows over his forces. Behind him marched hundreds of warriors, their steps synchronized, their spirits high.
Elder Tuhan walked beside the leader, speaking cautiously. "Leader, I must warn you. The princesses' powers are unlike anything we've seen. They're connected to the Ancient Sword Clan and Ancient Lightning Clan."
The Fire Clan leader smirked, his voice filled with disdain. "Ancient techniques or not, they're just two children. Crush them beneath the flames of our might."
As the Fire Clan approached the mountain pass, two figures emerged from the haze—Lim Kris and Chinye, their presence halting the entire army.
Lim Kris raised her blade, its tip gleaming in the morning light. "This is as far as you go. Retreat, and we might let you leave alive."
Chinye, her hands sparking with golden lightning, added coldly, "If you proceed, it will be your last march."
The Fire Clan warriors laughed, mocking their audacity.
But the Fire Clan leader narrowed his eyes, sensing the weight of their presence. "Let's see if your words hold true, Princesses. Warriors, show them the power of the Fire Clan."
The ground trembled as the army advanced toward the two defenders. The battle was about to begin.