The clash began with an explosion of magical and spiritual energy. Myra's mages hurled spells of fire and ice, their glowing projectiles lighting up the square. On the other side, Zhen Wei's cultivators countered with techniques honed through centuries of tradition. Their spiritual shields shimmered, absorbing the incoming attacks, while their weapons—infused with spiritual energy—flashed with lethal precision.
Zhen Wei charged forward, his blade leaving a trail of golden light in its wake. He aimed directly for Myra, sensing her as the strongest among the group. "You think you can stand against me, girl?" he sneered.
Myra stood her ground, her eyes narrowing. She summoned a blazing sphere of energy in her palm and hurled it at him. The attack was powerful enough to shatter buildings, but Zhen Wei deflected it with a casual swipe of his sword.
"Impressive," he admitted. "But not enough."
The cultivators and mages clashed in chaotic melee. Myra's forces relied on precise coordination, their spells weaving together in intricate patterns. The cultivators, however, fought with individual brilliance, their techniques reflecting years of solitary training and personal mastery.
Despite their initial confidence, the women quickly realized that the men were no ordinary opponents. Their spiritual energy was as potent as the women's magic, and their martial techniques were devastating. Myra gritted her teeth as one of her lieutenants was sent flying by a palm strike from a Golden Core cultivator.
"Focus your attacks!" she commanded. "Overwhelm them with numbers!"
The mages formed a circle, combining their magic into a massive wave of energy that surged toward the cultivators. Zhen Wei's forces scrambled to counter, their shields straining under the assault.
---
Zhen Wei watched the battle unfold, his smirk never fading. To him, this was merely a test. His men had faced far worse in their wars back in Zhenyuan. Still, the women's coordination and magical prowess were formidable.
"Is this the best your world can muster?" Zhen Wei taunted, his voice cutting through the noise. "You hide behind your spells like cowards. Face me in true combat!"
Myra's eyes blazed with fury. She launched herself at him, her hands crackling with elemental energy. Zhen Wei met her halfway, their clash sending shockwaves through the square.
Their fight was a spectacle of power and skill. Myra's speed and precision matched Zhen Wei's strength and technique blow for blow. Her spells tore through the air, while his sword danced with deadly elegance.
"Not bad," Zhen Wei admitted, parrying a strike. "For a woman."
"Your arrogance will be your downfall," Myra snapped, unleashing a torrent of flame.
Zhen Wei countered with a wave of spiritual energy, the two forces colliding in a brilliant explosion.
---
The battle raged on until both sides were forced to retreat, neither gaining a decisive victory. Myra's forces withdrew to regroup, their numbers dwindled but their resolve unshaken.
Zhen Wei's cultivators returned through the gate, their spirits high despite the stalemate. To them, this was merely the beginning.
As the dust settled, the gate remained, its presence a constant reminder of the connection between the two worlds. Myra stood at the edge of the battlefield, staring at the ominous structure.
"This is not over," she murmured.
On the other side, Zhen Wei stood atop a floating island, gazing at the gate from a distance. He turned to his second-in-command, Li Feng.
"Prepare the troops," he ordered. "We'll show them the true might of Zhenyuan."
---