Gale Wing, the Bat King, had retreated, leaving behind a heavy, shamed silence among the disciples of the Emei Sect.
Though they were loath to admit it, they could no longer deny the truth: since the death of Mother Clarisse Hale, the might of the Emei Sect was a shadow of its former self.
They had marched out, believing the internal strife of the Ming Cult would make them easy prey, a simple campaign to restore their prestige and standing before the entire Jianghu by claiming glory in its destruction.
But today, they had first been utterly dominated by Liam Ardent, then toyed with by the legendary Gale Wing as if they were nothing. Their sect leader had nearly been captured right before their eyes. Their confidence was shattered, their earlier bravado gone, leaving them looking like a flock of defeated, bedraggled birds.
The most bitter pill to swallow was that their savior had been Liam Ardent.
The very man who had killed their Master was now the one who had saved them. They had no idea how to face him.
Saxa Quinn's expression shifted unpredictably. Her hostility toward Liam had been absolute, but now, saved by his hand, that hatred had fractured. Her feelings were a turbulent mess, caught between resentment and a grudging, terrifying admiration.
Serena, her face a mask of serene composure, stepped forward and pressed her palms together in a formal salute. "We offer thanks for your assistance today. The Emei Sect will not trouble you further for now. However, the debt of our Master's death remains unsettled. If our paths cross again, we will, according to the rules of the Jianghu, seek a resolution."
Liam felt a thread of genuine respect. Elder Serena has true fortitude. It's a mystery how the leadership fell to Saxa instead of her. Her calm and capable handling of crises was far beyond anything Saxa Quinn could ever hope to achieve.
"My actions were not meant to incur a debt," Liam replied with a faint, dismissive smile. "If you seek vengeance, you may try your luck whenever you wish."
Hearing Serena's words, Saxa seemed to remember her duty to maintain the sect's dignity. She sheathed her sword with a sharp click. "The Emei Sect distinguishes right from wrong. Today, we were saved by this man. Therefore, we will not trouble him now. The old accounts will be settled another day." Her tone was cold, a thin veneer over her confusion.
The disciples remained silent, the atmosphere thick with suppressed emotion. Finally, a young, junior disciple spoke up, her voice timid. "The Bat King... he rarely shows himself in the Jianghu, yet his skill is so terrifying! What other great figures might the Ming Cult have? Sect Leader, please, tell us what we might face. Let us prepare our hearts."
Saxa shot a complicated glance at Liam, then looked toward Serena, her brow furrowed. "Elder Sister Serena, you are responsible for gathering intelligence. Inform everyone of these demons."
All eyes turned to Serena. She nodded gravely. "The Ming Cult is secretive. Much of what we know comes from Sir Taichon of Kunlun. His sect shares the Kunlun mountains with the Cult and has learned much."
"The Cult worships fire, considering it sacred. Since the death of their 33rd leader, they have been without a true leader. Below the leader are the Left and Right Bright Envoys, the Four Great Guardians, the Five Free Sages, and the five banner commanders of the Elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. After the previous leader's death, these demons all coveted the leadership, turning on each other. The Cult fell into decline. Had they not been divided, they would have been a far more formidable foe."
"The symbol of authority for successive Cult leaders has been the 'Flame Command Tokens.' But they were lost generations ago. Subsequent leaders ruled without them, their authority always tenuous. The last leader died suddenly, naming no heir. The major figures of the Cult refused to submit to one another; they have been locked in internal strife ever since for the empty throne."
"You have all witnessed the skill of Gale Wing, who ranks last among the Four Guardians. The Golden Haired Lion King is a bloodthirsty fiend, though his whereabouts are unknown. The White Browed Eagle King failed in his bid for power and founded his own, separate Sky Eagle Cult. It is unknown if he will answer the call to defend Bright Peak. As for the Amethyst Robed Dragon King... they are the most mysterious. None know their true name. It is said they fled overseas after their own failed bid for power."
"The demonic reputation of the Left Bright Envoy, Victor Drake, is known to all. He currently acts as the regent leader. The Right Bright Envoy, however... their origins are a complete mystery. Not even Shaolin or Wudang have discerned them. To be ranked alongside Victor Drake, they cannot be weak."
"If Gale Wing is here, the other three Guardians could come. The Right Bright Envoy might appear. The Five Free Sages and the Banner Commanders are certain to be present. This battle... will be a bitter and arduous one."
A profound gloom settled over the disciples. If one Guardian had nearly destroyed them, what hope did they have against the others?
Saxa Quinn suddenly drew her sword and cleanly severed a young sapling nearby. "Demonic heretics deserve death by all!" she declared, her voice cold and sharp. "Our Master taught us that we train in the martial arts to slay evil and uphold righteousness! The six major sects—Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Kunlun, Kongtong, and Huashan—are united in this purge. They cannot withstand us! In this war, we and the Ming Cult cannot coexist!"
"Fight to the death!" the Emei disciples roared, their blood heating again, drawing their weapons in a show of fervent response.
Liam observed silently. Perhaps Saxa isn't entirely useless. A year as leader has given her some skill, at least in rousing morale.
"If the Emei Sect is so eager to march to their deaths, I will not stop you," Liam called out, his voice cutting through their fervor. "Heh. The entire Jianghu converges on Bright Peak. To miss such a spectacle would be a pity. I shall take my leave!"
With a loud laugh, he moved with impossible grace, becoming little more than a blur of motion as he departed, leaving the sect to their doomed enthusiasm.
System Update [Quest Updated: The Siege of Bright Peak]
[Objective: Reach the Ming Cult's stronghold and assess the conflict.]
[Note: Multiple high-level combatants detected. High risk / High reward scenario.]
The real battle was yet to come.
Glossary – Chapter 43
The Four Guardians of the Ming Cult: A group of four supremely powerful experts serving the Ming Cult. Also known by the collective name based on their titles: Amethyst Robed Dragon King, White Browed Eagle King, Golden Haired Lion King, and Gale Wing, the Bat King.
Flame Command Tokens: The sacred symbols of authority for the leader of the Ming Cult. Their loss generations ago has contributed to the Cult's internal instability and power struggles.
Victor Drake: The Left Bright Envoy of the Ming Cult, a figure of immense power and cunning who currently acts as the regent leader in the absence of a true leader.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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