The fortress of Shadowveil loomed ahead, its walls shrouded in ethereal mist. Torches burned with dark-blue flames, a testament to the growing power of her clan.
Xel'Varyn strode through the gates, her presence alone commanding silence from the gathered cultivators.
Her System Interface flickered.
---
[Clan Growth Update]
New Recruits Pending: 7
Resource Storage Increased
Threat Level: Moderate → High (Enemy movement confirmed)
---
Her golden eyes flickered with interest. "Show me the threat details."
A new holographic projection formed before her, outlining the eastern ruins where her scouts had detected movement.
Enemy Forces Identified: Cult of the Black Maw
Members: Estimated 100+
Threat Level: High
Objective: Unknown (Possibly seeking ancient artifacts)
Her third arm clenched into a fist. The Cult of the Black Maw. A sect known for its ruthless pursuit of forbidden techniques, rumored to sacrifice Qi cultivators to fuel their power.
They were encroaching on her territory. That would not be tolerated.
She turned sharply, her three familiars materializing behind her in a swirl of dark mist.
Veyne, the Raven of Whispering Shadows – Master of reconnaissance and deception.
Kael'Dris, the Infernal Direwolf – A beast of pure flame and fury.
Sylvaine, the Phantom Serpent – A venomous spirit lurking within the veil of reality itself.
"Prepare the warband," she commanded. "We strike before they have a chance to fortify."
Edric, her second-in-command, bowed. "Shall we offer terms first, Matron?"
Xel'Varyn's lips curled into a mockery of a smile.
"No. We make an example of them."
---
[New Title Acquired: Shadow Matron]
"She does not rule through kindness alone. The shadows bend to her will, and her enemies tremble in the dark."
Effects:
+15% to intimidation against weaker factions
Increased combat effectiveness in night battles
Unlocks Clan-Wide Skill: Nightborn Supremacy
---
A surge of dark Qi flooded through her veins, the System reinforcing her power.
She savored the sensation.
The Cult of the Black Maw would regret stepping into her domain.
---
The Assault on the Black Maw Encampment
The ruins were lit with eerie green fire, shadowy figures moving between the collapsed structures.
Xel'Varyn crouched atop a crumbling archway, observing their movements. Her System Interface outlined their defenses:
Five perimeter guards (Low-level cultivators)
Three spirit ward totems (Disrupts Qi flow)
Central altar (Focal point of their rituals)
She exhaled slowly. A full-frontal assault would be reckless. But a coordinated strike? Devastating.
She turned to her forces, shadow-cloaked warriors awaiting her orders.
"Edric, you and the infiltrators disable the spirit wards."
"Kael'Dris, tear through the outer guards."
"Sylvaine, spread your venom through their ranks."
"Veyne, ensure no one escapes."
The familiars vanished into the night, their forms dissolving into the shadows.
Xel'Varyn waited. Watched.
Then, as the first scream rang through the ruins, she struck.
Her blade, wreathed in void energy, carved through flesh and bone.
A guard raised his staff, chanting a defensive incantation—too slow.
Her third arm shot forward, seizing his throat, crushing his windpipe before he could complete the spell.
Her System flickered with rapid notifications.
---
[Enemy Eliminated: +300 Qi]
[Skill Progression: Executioner's Grace (Level 2 → Level 3)]
---
The air filled with chaos and blood, the cultists scrambling to counter the silent massacre unfolding around them.
The battle lasted mere minutes.
By the time it ended, the Cult of the Black Maw lay in ruins, their altar desecrated, their corpses feeding the soil.
Xel'Varyn wiped the blood from her blade.
---
[New Title Acquired: Warden of the Veil]
"Her lands do not tolerate invaders. Those who trespass find only oblivion."
Effects:
Increases territory claim strength
Enhanced detection of enemy movements within borders
Grants the ability: Mark of Dominion (Weakens enemy factions within her domain)
---
She closed her eyes, letting the power settle into her core.
Her territory was safe—for now.
But this was just the beginning.
She turned to her warriors, eyes burning with ambition.
"We return to Shadowveil. This was a mere skirmish. Our real war has yet to begin."
Her familiars followed, their glowing eyes watching the night.
The world would come to fear the name Xel'Varyn.
And she would ensure her legacy was carved into the bones of history.