Liam Ardent's speed was breathtaking. In moments, he had reached the source of the conflict, his form melding into the shadows of a lush, broad-leafed tree. He did not reveal himself, choosing instead to observe.
The scene below was another three-against-one confrontation, though of a far higher caliber than the last. Three men, dressed in servant's attire yet wielding single blades with vicious, practiced efficiency, pressed their attack. Their skill was markedly superior to the Flame Banner disciples who had围攻 (pressured) Lucas Rowan.
Their target was a young scholar, though his robes did little to hide the lethal precision of his swordsmanship. He was being forced onto the defensive, his footwork faltering under the relentless assault. Yet, his longsword wove a tight, defensive pattern that Liam instantly recognized from the Wudang library hidden in his mind: the Two Aspects Sword Art.
System Scan
[Detected: Tristan Hale – Peak Second-Rate Expert]
[Title: Third-Generation Disciple of Wudang. Son of Ethan Longbridge, Head of the Wudang Seven Heroes.]
Liam's suspicion was confirmed. Tristan Hale. The arrogant son of Wudang's leader.
His attackers' identities surfaced in his mind just as swiftly. They were retainers to Robert Stormbane, the White Browed Eagle King: Benedict, Griffin, and Sterling Stormbane. All three were at the Peak Second-Rate Expert level. Formerly notorious bandits from the unorthodox paths, they had been subdued by Robert Stormbane's power and now served him, their strength nothing to scoff at.
Liam's sharp eyes also noted six other men watching from the sidelines, clad in yellow robes embroidered with red flames. The System provided their details.
System Scan
[Detected: Clayton Earthward – Peak Second-Rate Expert]
[Title: Commander of the Ming Cult's Earth Banner.]
[Detected: Earth Banner Disciple (x5) – Second-Rate Expert]
The Earth Banner and Robert Stormbane's faction vied for influence within the fractured Ming Cult, their rivalry well-known. They watched the fight with detached interest, making no move to intervene.
Then, figures emerged from the tree line in the distance. Liam's gaze sharpened. The main Wudang contingent had arrived, led by Ethan Longbridge himself.
Seeing their approach, Clayton Earthward called out, a taunting edge to his voice. "Brothers Stormbane! The Wudang main force is here. You'd best tuck your tails and run. I'll cover your retreat!"
Benedict Stormbane shot back angrily, "Your Earth Banner moves slower than mud! You go first, Clayton!"
"Demonic Cult heretics!" Ethan Longbridge's voice boomed, stern and imposing as he led his disciples forward. "Bickering even with death upon you. Your end is near!"
Perhaps overconfident in Wudang's fearsome reputation, believing the Stormbane retainers would not dare kill his son, Ethan and his group advanced with deliberate, unhurried steps, their demeanor calm and assured.
Liam's eyes narrowed. A year has passed, and Ethan Longbridge has broken through to the Peak First-Rate Expert level. His gaze swept over the others. Julian Yule was also a Peak First-Rate Expert, his natural talent making him arguably more formidable than Ethan even at the same realm. Stephen Rowan was at the First-Rate Expert peak, and Morris Glen was in the late stages of that realm.
And beside them, Liam saw another familiar face: Lucas Rowan.
The man's complexion was pale, a stark contrast to the vigorous warrior he once was. Since Liam's intervention—diverting the cold poison into a crippling, emasculating fate—Lucas's entire bearing had shifted, now radiating a brittle weakness. The ordeal had stripped away more than just his health; it had hollowed out the renowned Wudang hero, leaving behind a man whose features were now frequently twisted by a vicious and gloomy spite.
Liam coldly assessed his cultivation. Peak Second-Rate Expert. He's managed to claw back some strength, but his progress is stunted.
...
Alongside them were twenty-odd third-generation Wudang disciples, all Second-Rate Experts, their collective aura imposing and grand.
Liam's decision was already made. He would eliminate Tristan Hale. Ethan Longbridge's arrival changed nothing. He simply waited for the perfect moment.
It came when Sterling Stormbane's blade swept upward in a vicious arc toward Tristan's ribs. Tristan began to leap back to avoid it.
Liam's finger pointed. The Sunpierce Divine Finger technique sent a needle of concentrated, piercing qi across the clearing.
It struck Tristan Hale precisely in the leg.
A sharp pain shot through the young disciple's limb. His controlled leap turned into an uncontrolled stumble. His momentum carried him forward, his head lurching directly into the path of Sterling Stormbane's rising blade.
Thwack!
Blood sprayed. Tristan Hale's head was severed clean from his shoulders, flying through the air before thudding to the ground. The handsome face was frozen in an expression of utter disbelief.
A stunned silence seized the clearing. No one had expected Tristan Hale to die so easily, so almost accidentally, by Sterling Stormbane's hand. Even the three retainers and the Earth Banner men looked genuinely surprised.
Ethan Longbridge's entire body shuddered. All color drained from his face, replaced a heartbeat later by a visage of pure, unadulterated rage.
"YOU DARE KILL MY SON?!" he roared, his voice a thunderclap of grief and fury. "YOU WILL ALL BURY HIM!!"
His figure shot forward with blinding speed, aimed directly at the three Stormbane retainers. As one, the Wudang disciples drew their swords, their forms shifting into an encircling formation, closing in on the three retainers and the six Earth Banner men. The air grew thick with the promise of slaughter.
Watching Ethan Longbridge's world shatter with such violent grief, a cold, faint smile touched Liam Ardent's lips from his hidden perch.
Let that be a lesson against overconfidence, he thought, the sentiment icy and devoid of remorse. He melted back into the forest, leaving the chaos he had engineered to unfold.
Glossary – Chapter 46
Robert Stormbane: Known as the "White Browed Eagle King," one of the Four Great Guardians of the Ming Cult. He leads his own faction, the Sky Eagle Cult, and is the patriarch of the Stormbane family.
Benedict, Griffin, & Sterling Stormbane: The three formidable retainers of Robert Stormbane. Formerly notorious bandits from the unorthodox paths, they were subdued by his power and now serve him loyally. All are Peak Second-Rate Experts.
Clayton Earthward: The Commander of the Ming Cult's Earth Banner, one of the five elemental banners. His faction is known for its defensive and tunneling techniques and is often at odds with Robert Stormbane's group.
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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