The aftermath of the attack left the Rusty Blade in shambles. Broken tables, shattered lanterns, and bloodstains littered the floor. Yet, within the chaos, a spark of defiance burned brighter than ever.
Old Hu sighed as he leaned against a pillar, wiping blood from his blade. "It's been years since I've fought like that. My bones are complaining already."
Xu Liang chuckled, slumping into a chair. "Better your bones than your life, Old Hu. That was intense."
Lei Xian grinned as he kicked a broken chair leg aside. "They thought they could just waltz in here and take us down. Serves them right."
Tang Xiu, however, wasn't smiling. He stood in the middle of the room, his arms crossed and his expression cold. "This was only a warning. They're testing our defenses, seeing how much resistance we can muster. The next time they come, it'll be far worse."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled over everyone.
Old Hu straightened up, his face grim. "If that's the case, we need to prepare. The Shadow Sect won't stop until they've destroyed everything and everyone connected to you."
Tang Xiu nodded. "Exactly. Which is why we won't just wait for them to strike again. We'll take the fight to them."
Xu Liang raised an eyebrow. "Boss, are you serious? We're strong, but the Shadow Sect is an entire organization. They've got resources, connections, and an army of killers at their disposal."
Tang Xiu's gaze was unwavering. "I'm very serious. The Shadow Sect thrives on fear. They think no one can challenge them, and that's why they're so powerful. But if we strike back, if we show the world that they're not invincible, their grip on power will weaken."
Lei Xian smirked. "I like the sound of that. Let's show those bastards they messed with the wrong people."
Old Hu frowned, his expression conflicted. "It's a bold plan, but it's also dangerous. If we fail…"
Tang Xiu's voice was firm. "Failure isn't an option. We fight not just for ourselves but for everyone the Shadow Sect has oppressed. It's time to plant the seeds of resistance."
Over the next few days, the Rusty Blade became a hub of activity. Tang Xiu, Old Hu, Xu Liang, and Lei Xian worked tirelessly to fortify their defenses and gather intelligence. Tang Xiu also began training the group in advanced techniques, pushing them to surpass their limits.
"Focus your energy here," Tang Xiu instructed, demonstrating a precise movement with his palm. "It's not just about strength; it's about control. Even the smallest amount of qi can become a weapon if used correctly."
Lei Xian gritted his teeth as he tried to replicate the technique, sweat pouring down his face. "This… is harder than it looks."
Tang Xiu's lips twitched in a faint smile. "Hard work pays off. Keep at it."
Xu Liang, meanwhile, was practicing his footwork, weaving through obstacles with surprising agility. "Boss, you've got us working like soldiers. Are you sure this is necessary?"
Tang Xiu's gaze was sharp. "If you're not prepared, you'll die. This isn't a game, Xu Liang."
Xu Liang sighed but didn't argue, his movements growing more precise with each step.
Old Hu watched from the sidelines, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "You're turning them into warriors, Tang Xiu. But will it be enough?"
Tang Xiu's voice was quiet but resolute. "It has to be."
As night fell, a messenger arrived at the Rusty Blade—a young boy with a tattered cloak and wide, frightened eyes. He handed Tang Xiu a sealed letter before disappearing into the shadows.
Tang Xiu opened the letter, his expression darkening as he read its contents.
"What is it?" Old Hu asked, his voice tense.
Tang Xiu handed him the letter. "It's from an informant within the Shadow Sect. They've located one of their bases not far from here. It's heavily guarded, but it's where they're planning their next move."
Xu Liang leaned over to read the letter, his eyes widening. "They're targeting more than just us. The entire region is at risk."
Lei Xian cracked his knuckles. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's hit them before they hit us."
Tang Xiu's expression was cold and determined. "We will. But this isn't just about attacking. We need to send a message—a message that the Shadow Sect's reign of terror is over."
Old Hu nodded slowly. "If we're doing this, we'll need to be smart. A frontal assault will get us killed."
Tang Xiu's lips curved into a faint smile. "Who said anything about a frontal assault? I have a plan."
As he laid out the details, the group listened intently, their resolve hardening with each word. The Shadow Sect thought they could crush Tang Xiu and his allies, but they were about to learn a harsh lesson:
The phoenix rises stronger from the ashes.