The battlefield roared with explosive intensity as 470 disciples of the Sanatan Flame Sect stood tall against the 400 invaders from the Lin and Gu families.
Tension electrified the air. The skies were thick with clouds of Qi, and the ground trembled beneath the sheer power gathered.
High above the battlefield, Shaurya and Lin Shu floated with divine grace, overlooking the scene.
Across from them, Gu Yang and Lin Ru stood atop their ship, glaring with uncontained fury. The moment their eyes locked, an unspoken challenge passed between them.
Then it began.
BOOM!
The two armies collided in a thunderous explosion, dust engulfing the field.
Shockwaves tore across the mountainside, sending tremors through the very foundation of the sect.
As the dust slowly settled, Gu Yang and Lin Ru narrowed their eyes.
"Don't worry," Lin Ru growled. "Soon, you'll be destroyed like your pathetic sect mem—"
He halted mid-sentence, his eyes widening with horror.
The dust cleared, revealing the Sanatan Flame Sect disciples standing tall, radiating power and confidence.
Their enemies lay scattered and injured.
Not a single Sanatan disciple had fallen.
"Wh-What!?" Lin Ru gasped.
Gu Yang's face turned grim.
"You must kill them all," he said coldly, "or I will kill you myself."
Another wave of enemies surged forward.
Wang Tian stepped out from the ranks, withdrawing his sword with deliberate calm. A cocky grin curved his lips.
"You fools have no idea who you're facing," he said. "Now die."
With lightning speed, he vanished.
Time seemed to slow.
He reappeared amidst the enemy, his blade spinning in a 360-degree arc.
"Wind Sword Cutter!"
Blood splattered into the air.
Forty enemies fell in a single stroke.
The Sanatan disciples cheered in awe while the enemy forces screamed in horror.
High above, Shaurya chuckled.
"Looks like your family's reputation was exaggerated."
Enraged, a Great Elder from the Lin family rushed toward Wang Tian. Their blades clashed violently, but Wang Tian was pushed back.
"You will pay for your insolence, you weak brat!" the elder spat.
Wang Tian's expression darkened.
His smile faded.
He opened his eyes—now glowing a menacing purple.
"You dare call me weak?" Wang Tian hissed.
"Let me show you the meaning of terror."
A purple aura exploded from his body.
In a blink, he appeared before the elder and slammed his fist into the man's face, sending him crashing through several boulders.
Then, with ruthless grace, Wang Tian pierced the elder's chest with his bare hand, ripping out his heart.
"Rest in hell," he whispered, crushing the heart in his palm.
The battlefield froze in disbelief.
Xiao Rui gawked.
"I'm never messing with him again."
Lee Bie nodded quickly.
"No more pranks."
Xu Qian blushed slightly.
"He's… too handsome."
Luo Chen stepped forward.
"I won't let you steal all the spotlight!"
He summoned his Lotus Sword.
"Blooming Lotus Sword: Lotus Arrow Petals!"
A massive lotus bloomed behind him, launching countless petals like arrows that pierced through the enemy ranks.
Then came Xiao Rui, Lee Bie, Zong Bu, Xiao Lian, Su Quan, and Xu Qian.
Every disciple unleashed their might.
The enemy ranks crumbled.
Gu Yang and Lin Ru watched in dread.
Shaurya smiled faintly.
"What happened? Is your life flashing before your eyes? Seeing your karma catch up to you has made you terrified."
Both men trembled.
Shaurya's aura surged—Core Formation Level 7.
Gu Yang and Lin Ru prepared themselves—Level 6 and Level 8, respectively.
Lin Shu drew her sword, standing behind Shaurya. Her own aura burned brightly at Foundation Builder Level 7.
"You think you can take us both?" Lin Ru sneered.
Gu Yang added, "Even if you wiped out our army, you can't match our strength."
Shaurya frowned.
He knew they were right.
He turned to Lin Shu.
"You're no match for them. Help the others. I will handle this. I will get your revenge."
Lin Shu stared at him, shocked.
Then her eyes burned with determination.
"Even if you are the sect leader, I refuse to follow this order," she said firmly. "This is my fight. I will take my revenge."
Shaurya saw the fire in her eyes and sighed.
He extended his hand.
"Then we do it together."
Lin Shu smiled and placed her hand in his.
System: Congratulations. The meeting of destiny souls has been completed.
A brilliant golden light erupted from their joined hands.
The sky transformed, covered in golden clouds.
At the center, a cosmic scene unfolded.
A divine figure appeared—Lord Narayan, in his Chaturbhuj form (four arms).
Time stopped.
Except for Shaurya.
He fell to his knees, folding his hands, tears in his eyes.
"Narayan… my Lord. You gave me a second chance. And now you appear before me."
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
Narayan smiled and raised his right hand.
"Live your life with Dharma."
"Believe in Karma."
"Tathastu."
A golden beam descended from his hand, striking Shaurya and Lin Shu.
A magnificent lotus bloomed around them, glowing golden-pink.
Narayan vanished.
Time resumed.
The battlefield stared in awe.
Wang Tian asked, "When did that lotus appear?"
Elder Liya, arriving with other elders, said,
"Even we couldn't see it."
Luo Chen pointed excitedly.
"Look! The lotus is opening!"
As the petals unfurled, two golden figures emerged.
Shaurya and Lin Shu—transformed.
Their power had skyrocketed.
Lin Shu: Core Formation Level 6.
Shaurya: Core Formation Level 12.
They looked at each other in stunned silence.
"What happened to me?" Lin Shu gasped. "How am I so strong?"
Shaurya smiled softly.
"Maybe it's the power of trust and love."
Lin Shu blushed.
Down below, Elder Wu nodded.
"They're getting along well."
Shaurya's expression turned serious.
"We have unfinished business."
He faced Lin Ru and Gu Yang.
Both men shook with fear.
Lin Shu stepped forward, her eyes cold.
"Now your reign ends, Lin Ru. I will kill you."
Lin Ru snapped angrily.
"You dare call me by name? I am your father!"
Lin Shu snarled.
"A father who murdered my mother is no father to me. I am ashamed of our blood."
Lin Ru roared.
"You're just like your mother!"
"I'll kill you the same way!"
A dark aura exploded from Lin Shu.
She charged forward.
Lin Ru raised his sword.
Gu Yang tried to interfere—
—but Shaurya landed a punch squarely in his face, crushing him into the earth.
"Stay out of it," Shaurya said coldly.
"This is between them."
Gu Yang groaned, blood streaming down his face.
Lin Shu and Lin Ru clashed swords.
The collision released a massive burst of energy, hurling both of them backward.
Lin Shu screamed,
"I will make you pay!"
Lin Ru roared,
"We'll see!"
They dashed toward each other again, swords drawn and blazing with vengeance.
Their blades were about to collide—
To be continued…