The knock on the door sounded again and this time the person spoke
"Master, Elder Liang requests an audience with you"
Another knock came
"Master?"
He exhaled slowly, then turned away. "I'm coming."
Then without saying another word, he headed towards the door, i stood there still trying to catch my breath
He kissed me back And yet, he was acting like nothing happened between us.
I clenched my fists, but before I could say anything, he stopped at the door and spoke without turning around.
"Follow me."
My eyes widened slightly, but I quickly ran after him and followed him.
The sect's main hall was filled with warriors. The elders stood at the front, their expressions were grim like . Disciples lined the sides, whispering to one another.
As Yan Zhaoxuan and I entered, everywhere became silent that I could hear people's breath.
He walked straight to the center of the hall ,his hands behind him and his presence alone commanding respect.
Elder Liang stepped forward. " Scouts have returned with urgent news."
"Speak." Yan Zhaoxuan's voice was calm, but the air around him felt firm.
Elder Liang bowed slightly. "The Black Lotus Sect has been gathering their forces. Wu Tian is leading them himself."
Murmurs filled the hall.
The Black Lotus Sect was ruthless, they destroyed many sects without mercy. And Wu Tian? … he was a legend among monsters.
Yan Zhaoxuan's expression didn't change. "What do they want this time?"
"The Celestial Jade," Elder Liang answered. "They plan to take it by force."
I felt my heart tighten. The Celestial Jade was a powerful relic. If Wu Tian got his hands on it, his strength would become unstoppable.
The room fell silent as everyone waited for Yan Zhaoxuan's response.
Then after keeping quiet for a while, he replied
"We march at dawn."
There was no hesitation and certainly there was No fear in him, Only absolute certainty.
Elder Qin spoke. "sect leader, what are your orders?"
Yan Zhaoxuan turned slightly and his gaze landed on me.
"You will have to come with me."
I blinked in surprise. He wants me to go?
"Me?" I asked, just to be sure he was actually talking to me.
"I have seen your swordsmanship, you've improved " he said simply. "You will fight by my side."
I felt something like a strange feeling which tightened in my chest.
He wasn't pushing me away this time. He was choosing to trust me.
I responded with a small nod. "Understood."
Yan Zhaoxuan turned back to the elders. "Prepare the warriors. We ride before sunrise."
The meeting was over.
The sun had not yet risen when we departed.
Thousands of trained warriors walked across the mountains, the wind around me felt cold. Yan Zhaoxuan rode at the front, his posture straight, his white robes was billowing behind him.
We reached the valley by midday. The enemy was already there, waiting.
A sea of black-armored warriors stretched across the field. Their banners danced in the wind.
And at the center was Wu Tian.
Even from a distance, his presence was suffocating.
He stood at the front, dressed in flowing black robes, his silver mask gleaming under the sun.
Yan Zhaoxuan rode forward alone, stopping a few feet away from the enemy. His voice was calm but deadly.
"Leave."
Wu Tian chuckled. "You've always been arrogant, Yan Zhaoxuan. But this time, you will kneel."
He raised his hand and a sudden ball of dark Qi appeared across the battlefield. The air trembled under its force.
Yan Zhaoxuan did not move.
Instead, he slowly unsheathed his sword. The blade glitterd, and a burning red aura surrounded it.
His voice was quiet, but every warrior could hear it.
"Kill them all."
The battle began.
Screams filled the air.
Swords clashed, Qi exploded, and bodies fell.
I moved through the battlefield, cutting down enemy after enemy. But there were too many.
I saw Yan Zhaoxuan cut through five men at once. His movements were precise, each strike perfect.
But then A blast of energy exploded from Wu Tian's position.
Dark Qi spread across the battlefield. Warriors were thrown into the air, their screams echoing
I barely had time to react before the force hit me like a hammer.
I flew back, falling into the ground. Pain filled my whole body.
When I looked up, I saw Wu Tian walking toward me.
"Pathetic," he said, his voice like poison.
I gritted my teeth and tried to get up But he kicked me down again.
"You are nothing," he said, lifting his sword. "And now, you will die."
I couldn't move fast enough.
The blade came down But then..
A shadow moved past me. It was Yan Zhaoxuan.
His sword met Wu Tian's in a deadly clash. The effect shook the battlefield.
Wu Tian chuckled, but there was something different in his tone this time. "so you're Protecting her?"
Yan Zhaoxuan didn't answer. But his sword burned brighter, his full power unleashed.
For the first time, Wu Tian's eyes narrowed slightly. He was worried.
Yan Zhaoxuan attacked first.
The two strongest warriors clashed, each strike sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
I forced myself up, Holding my sword tightly.
The battle wasn't over yet.
I wasn't done yet.