Li Yun’s dream was vivid, almost painfully real. Once again, he relived the moments before his death—the sudden flash of headlights, the screech of tires, the overwhelming feeling of helplessness as his body was thrown through the air. The dull ache in his chest mirrored the final moments of his old life. He jolted awake, his chest heaving as beads of sweat rolled down his face. The crack of dawn filtered through the narrow dormitory windows, casting pale light on the room.

Li Yun sat up, his breath uneven as he wiped the sweat from his brow. His sheets were damp and clung to him uncomfortably, but he shook off the remnants of his dream and focused on the present. Across the room, the faint sound of soft chanting caught his attention. A Shaolin monk, bald-headed and calm, sat by the side of his bed in a meditative pose, murmuring a quiet prayer.

Li Yun’s eyes lingered on the monk for a moment but decided to let him be. He quietly rose from his bed, careful not to disturb the others still sleeping. Making his way to the washroom, he splashed cold water on his face, the icy chill jolting him fully awake. After drying off, he slipped out of his nightwear and changed back into his pristine white-and-gold robes. Once dressed, he reached under his bed and discreetly pulled out his swords from his inventory, ensuring it appeared as though they had been stored beneath the bed all along. With a calm stride, he slung them over his back and stepped toward the door.

As he opened the door, the morning air greeted him, crisp and refreshing. The dormitory grounds were quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds. Li Yun wandered, his thoughts heavy with anticipation. Eventually, he found himself at a small training ground tucked behind the dormitory building. Wooden dummies stood in neat rows, their surfaces scarred from countless training sessions.

Li Yun drew his swords for the first time since arriving at the Heavenly Cloud Sect. The weight felt familiar yet exhilarating, as though they were extensions of his own body. Activating his martial arts, two faint red lines appeared—one snaking across the ground, the other hovering in mid-air. Both led directly to the necks of the training dummies. Li Yun adjusted the trajectory, experimenting with less-lethal targets, before slashing through the air in precise, controlled arcs.

The dummies creaked under the force of his strikes, the sound echoing in the stillness of the training ground. For two hours, Li Yun honed his skills, testing the capabilities of his swords and refining his movements. By the time the warm glow of the morning sun began spilling over the walls, painting the training ground in golden hues, Li Yun’s muscles ached, but his confidence had grown.

Realizing the day’s events would soon begin, Li Yun sheathed his swords and returned to the dormitory. As he pushed open the door, every head turned toward him. The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Li Yun paused, smirking as he broke the ice. “I won’t kill you for talking,” he joked, his tone light but with a sharp edge that left the room uncertain whether he was serious.

The examinees relaxed slightly, though some still regarded him warily. Li Yun’s eyes swept the room before settling on the washroom. Just as he moved toward it, a short, stout boy stepped in front of him, his expression defiant.

“Wait your turn,” the boy said firmly, folding his arms across his chest.

Li Yun raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. Most would have stepped aside by now. “Move,” Li Yun said, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight.

The boy didn’t budge. “No.”

Li Yun chuckled, amused by the boy’s boldness. “Alright, tough guy.” Without warning, Li Yun grabbed the boy’s shoulder and pushed him aside with enough force to make his point. The boy stumbled slightly, laughing it off despite the obvious pain as he rubbed his shoulder.

“Name’s Fang Zhen,” the stout boy said, grinning defiantly. “Don’t think you’ll scare me as easily as the others.”

Li Yun raised an eyebrow at the introduction but smirked slightly. “We’ll see,” he replied, brushing past Fang Zhen and entering the washroom.

“Whatever,” Fang Zhen muttered under his breath, the grin still lingering on his face as he turned back toward the dormitory.

Li Yun entered the washroom and washed up quickly, the cold water invigorating him further. By the time he emerged, the dormitory had come alive with chatter. He noticed that only two people dared to approach him: Tang Jiu and the stout boy, Fang Zhen. The two exchanged glances before Fang Zhen spoke up, his voice filled with blunt confidence.

“Look, I don’t like relying on others, but it’s clear you’re not someone to underestimate,” Fang Zhen said, folding his arms across his broad chest. “How about we form a truce? At least for now. You watch our backs, and we’ll watch yours.”

Tang Jiu scoffed but nodded begrudgingly. “Don’t misunderstand me, Li Yun. I still don’t like you, but Fang Zhen’s right. We can’t survive this exam by fighting amongst ourselves. A temporary alliance is practical.”

Li Yun raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable as he studied the two. “I’ll consider it. But if either of you gets in my way or drags me down, the deal’s off.” His tone was sharp, leaving no room for debate.

Fang Zhen grinned. “Fair enough. Just don’t slow us down either, pretty boy.”

Tang Jiu glared at Fang Zhen, clearly annoyed by the nickname, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he crossed his arms and added, “If we’re going to work together, we’ll need to play to our strengths. I’m quick and precise. Fang Zhen here is a tank—hard to knock down and harder to miss.”

Li Yun smirked slightly, the faintest trace of amusement flickering across his face. “And I’ll do what needs to be done. Let’s keep it simple: don’t hold me back, and I’ll make sure we get through this.”

With that unspoken agreement, the trio solidified their tenuous partnership. Tang Jiu’s dislike for Li Yun lingered, but the necessity of survival trumped personal feelings. Fang Zhen, on the other hand, seemed to find amusement in Li Yun’s calm yet intimidating demeanour, adding a strange dynamic to the group. As they exchanged a few more tactical ideas, it became clear that, despite their differences, they were willing to stand together—at least for now.

The rest of the dormitory finished dressing, and soon, two large, burly guards in blue uniforms entered. Their presence commanded attention as they stood at the center of the room.

“Present your examinee plaques,” one of them barked. One by one, the examinees stepped forward, handing over their plaques for inspection. When the guards reached Li Yun, they paused, their gazes lingering on the dried bloodstain from the previous night. The taller guard frowned, looking Li Yun in the eye. “What happened here?”

Li Yun shrugged, his expression unconcerned. “Weeding out the weak,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension. The guard’s frown deepened, but after a moment, he nodded approvingly.

“Very Jianghu-like,” the guard muttered before moving on.

Once the plaques were verified, the guards ordered everyone to form two lines. Leading the group out of the dormitory, they guided the examinees toward the mountain’s upper levels. The path wound upward, flanked by vibrant trees and blooming flowers. Li Yun couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the surroundings. As he did, the system chimed in his mind:

Host, this is the state of your current abilities:

* Strength (STR): 18

* Agility (AGI): 21

* Luck (LCK): 15

* Qi (QI): 30

* Starlight Shards: 10

* Abilities: Crescent Blade, Fallen Leaf Sword Arts

* Title: Heaven’s Child (+5 Qi, +3 STR, +4 LCK, +3 AGI)

Reminder: Your current quest is to gain the sect leader’s acknowledgment.

Li Yun’s resolve hardened. He had to ensure his performance in the exam was flawless.

At the top of the path, a massive coliseum came into view, its grandeur rivaling the sect’s gates. The towering structure buzzed with energy, the air filled with the excited murmurs of disciples and spectators. The examinees were led to a large, open platform in the coliseum’s center. Surrounding the platform were rows of seats packed with onlookers, their eyes fixed on the participants below. In the highest booth sat the sect leader, flanked by his elders, their expressions calm but observant.

Li Yun’s gaze locked onto the sect leader. His intent was clear, and the leader noticed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Looks like we have some confident examinees this year,” he remarked, his voice carrying effortlessly across the coliseum. The elders chuckled, their curiosity piqued.

“Who is that?” one of the elders asked.

A nearby disciple bowed and replied, “That is Li Yun, an examinee from the lower territories.”

The sect leader nodded thoughtfully. “Interesting. Let’s see how this ‘Li Yun’ performs.”

A man in a tall white hat stepped forward onto the platform. The two guards immediately bowed to him. He turned to address the examinees, his voice booming with authority. “Welcome, those who have chosen the rank-two exam! As you are aware, this is the test to become a rank-two outer disciple of our great Heavenly Cloud Sect!”

The crowd’s murmurs grew louder as the man continued. “This year’s exam will consist of three parts. The first is a game of capture the flag. You will be placed into an illusion formation created by our very own Tae Jeagal. In preselected teams, you must retrieve the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to your base.”

He raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. “There are three rules: 1. No killing. 2. No betrayal of your team. 3. You have one hour to complete the task. Failure to capture the flag within the time limit will result in disqualification for all participants.”

Li Yun tuned out the rest of the speech, focusing instead on the challenge ahead. Around him, other examinees exchanged nervous glances or whispered hurriedly to their teammates. The tension was thick, and while many looked uncertain, a few carried themselves with calm determination. Among them, Tang Jiu and Fang Zhen stood nearby, their expressions set with resolve.

Tang Jiu leaned slightly toward Li Yun, his voice low. “You better not be planning to run off and play lone wolf again. Capture the flag is a team effort, no matter how strong you think you are.”

Fang Zhen chuckled, patting Tang Jiu’s shoulder. “Let him do what he wants. As long as he’s on our side, I don’t care how he goes about it.” He glanced at Li Yun with a wry grin. “Though, it’d be nice if you didn’t hog all the glory.”

Li Yun smirked but didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he scanned the examinees around him, noting the stronger individuals who might pose a challenge. Finally, he spoke, his tone even but firm. “Glory doesn’t matter. Winning does. Stick to the plan and don’t get in my way.”

Tang Jiu crossed his arms, clearly irritated, but before he could retort, the examiner’s voice boomed again, calling for the teams to organize. The three fell silent, their tension momentarily set aside as they focused on the upcoming task.

The head examiner continued, "Participants, your teams have been randomly assigned prior to today. Step forward when your name is called."

One by one, the examinees were called forward, their names ringing through the coliseum as they hurried to assemble into their groups. Li Yun, Tang Jiu, and Fang Zhen waited patiently, their anticipation growing. Finally, the examiner called out, “Li Yun, Tang Jiu, Fang Zhen...” along with several other names that blurred in Li Yun’s ears as he stepped forward.

The trio sized up their new teammates as they gathered. There were six others in total, a mix of men and women, each carrying themselves differently. Some seemed confident, their eyes sharp and calculating, while others fidgeted nervously.

One of the women, a tall girl with raven-black hair tied in a sleek braid, introduced herself first. “I’m Bai Meixian. From the Bai family, specializing in wind techniques. I suggest we start strategizing now rather than waste time later.” Her tone was clipped and professional, though her gaze lingered on Li Yun longer than the others.

Another boy, lean with a wiry build, smirked arrogantly. “Xu Shuang. Don’t expect me to play nice. I’ll do my part, but only because I have to.”

Fang Zhen scoffed. “Great, we’ve got a team player.”

A soft-spoken girl with striking silver eyes stepped forward next. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Lin Ya. I’m an alchemist’s apprentice. I… don’t fight much, but I can support.”

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Tang Jiu’s impatience flared. “Alright, enough introductions. What’s the plan?”

Li Yun studied his teammates carefully before speaking, his gaze sharp and calculating. “The goal is simple: get their flag, bring it back. Anything else is secondary.” His mind raced as he assessed the group—Bai Meixian’s discipline and precision would be an asset on offense, while Xu Shuang’s arrogance might serve as a double-edged sword if not handled carefully. Fang Zhen’s durability and Lin Ya’s support capabilities made them natural defenders. Tang Jiu, quick and capable, could adapt to any role, but his pride was a liability Li Yun would have to keep in check. Despite their varied strengths, he knew their personalities could clash.

“Xu Shuang, Bai Meixian, and Tang Jiu, you’ll come with me to attack,” Li Yun continued, his voice firm. “Fang Zhen, Lin Ya, and the rest of you will defend the flag. Play to your strengths and don’t overcomplicate things. Keep the flag safe at all costs. If it’s taken, we lose.” Xu Shuang, Bai Meixian, and Tang Jiu, you’ll come with me to attack. Fang Zhen, Lin Ya, and the rest of you, stay and defend. Keep the flag safe no matter what. If we lose ours, it’s over.”

Xu Shuang rolled his eyes but didn’t object. Bai Meixian nodded curtly, clearly approving of the straightforward plan. Fang Zhen grinned, his confidence unshaken. “Fine by me. Just don’t let us down, pretty boy.”

With the teams organized, the examiner raised his hand, signalling Tae Jeagal to activate the formation. Instantly, the world around them shimmered and dissolved, replaced by a dense jungle. The air was thick with humidity, the ground uneven and covered in twisted roots and foliage. Birdcalls echoed in the distance, adding an eerie liveliness to the artificial environment.

Li Yun adjusted his swords on his back, his senses sharpening as he surveyed the area. The dense jungle stretched endlessly around them, with trees so tightly packed that their canopies blocked most of the sunlight, casting an eerie, green-tinted glow over the terrain. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and moss, and faint rustling noises hinted at unseen creatures lurking nearby.

“Stay focused. Stick to your roles, and we’ll win this,” Li Yun said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. His eyes scanned the uneven terrain, noting how the thick underbrush and tangled roots could be used for both ambushes and cover. In his mind, he began mapping potential routes to the enemy’s flag, analyzing which paths would provide the best blend of speed and concealment.

“They’ll likely guard the flag heavily,” he muttered to himself, though loud enough for his team to hear. “If we’re smart, we can exploit any gaps in their defenses. Fang Zhen, keep your eyes open for traps; Xu Shuang, stay ahead and scout but don’t engage unless necessary. Bai Meixian, be ready to use your wind techniques to disrupt their positioning.”

His tone carried an air of authority, and though some of his teammates exchanged doubtful glances, they followed his instructions. Tang Jiu, for all his grumbling, fell into step with practiced ease, ready to adapt to Li Yun’s commands. Fang Zhen smirked, clearly impressed by Li Yun’s confidence. “Alright, leader, don’t get us all killed,” he joked, though his tone carried a hint of genuine respect. As Li Yun shifted his attention to the terrain, Fang Zhen scanned the surroundings, his broad frame exuding readiness. “If anyone’s coming at us, they’ll have to get through me first,” he added with a grin.

Li Yun’s thoughts raced ahead. “The key will be unpredictability,” he thought, his grip tightening on the hilts of his swords. “If they expect us to play this like a straight fight, they’ll be in for a rude awakening.” His voice carried authority, and though some on his team seemed skeptical, they followed his lead.

As the group split into their assigned roles, Li Yun led his attack team deeper into the jungle, his eyes sharp with determination. Each step was deliberate, his mind already analyzing the best routes and possible ambush points. The dense foliage and uneven terrain demanded focus, but Li Yun's confidence only grew. "Keep up," he ordered curtly, glancing back to ensure his team followed closely.

As they moved further into the jungle, the humid air clung to their skin, and the occasional rustle of leaves kept everyone on edge. Li Yun paused suddenly, holding up a hand to halt the group. He crouched low, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the undergrowth. "We’re not alone," he said in a low voice, his grip tightening on his swords.

Xu Shuang smirked, clearly eager for action. "Finally. Let’s take them out before they even see us coming."

"Don’t get cocky," Li Yun snapped, his tone cutting. "Arrogance gets you killed. Stick to the plan. Bai Meixian, take point and scout ahead with your wind techniques. If you sense anything unusual, signal immediately."

Bai Meixian nodded, her expression serious as she moved ahead with careful precision. The faint shimmer of her qi rippled through the air as she extended her senses, guiding the group safely through the dense jungle. Tang Jiu followed close behind Li Yun, his jaw tight with a mix of frustration and grudging respect for Li Yun’s commanding presence. The rest of the group trailed behind cautiously, their movements quiet but deliberate, clearly aware of the stakes.

As they advanced, Li Yun’s mind raced with possibilities. "If I were them," he thought, "I’d set up scouts along the perimeter to delay us while the main force fortified their position. That means their flag is likely deeper in, surrounded by traps and a strong defensive line." His lips curved into a faint smirk. "Good. Let them think they’re prepared."

The group moved with increasing caution, the oppressive silence of the jungle broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant bird calls. Li Yun’s sharp eyes caught the faint glint of something metallic ahead, and he raised his hand to stop the group again. Bai Meixian returned to his side, her brow furrowed.

"There’s a tripwire about ten paces ahead," she whispered. "It’s cleverly hidden, but the wind gave it away."

Li Yun nodded, his smirk widening slightly. "Good work. Let’s use it against them. Tang Jiu, you’re the fastest. Set off the trap and retreat immediately. Fang Zhen and I will cover you."

Tang Jiu opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it, nodding reluctantly. "Fine. Just don’t let me get skewered."

As Tang Jiu moved to trigger the trap, Li Yun’s focus sharpened, already recalculating his approach for what might follow. Each step Tang Jiu took seemed to echo in Li Yun’s mind, and he tightened his grip on his swords.

“This is just a taste of what they’ll throw at us,” Li Yun thought, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the dense underbrush for further traps or hidden scouts. "If we use this trap to lure them, they’ll either hesitate or reveal their position. Either way, it works to our advantage."

When Tang Jiu reached the tripwire, his movements were careful but swift. As he deliberately set it off, a sharp whirring noise filled the air, followed by a cascade of arrows shooting through the brush. Tang Jiu backflipped nimbly out of harm’s way, landing beside Li Yun with a smirk. “Happy now?”

Li Yun didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he motioned for Bai Meixian to check ahead with her wind techniques again. "No visible scouts," she whispered, her voice carrying a faint edge of unease. "But they’ll know we’re here now."

"Good," Li Yun said, his smirk returning. "Let them come. We’ll turn their strength into their weakness." His voice carried a calculated arrogance, as though he’d already envisioned the outcome.

Li Yun’s smirk deepened as he turned to the rest of his group. “Stay sharp. We’ve drawn their attention, but now we dictate how this plays out.” He sheathed one of his swords, using his free hand to motion for silence as he crouched low, scanning the area.

The others followed his lead, though Xu Shuang’s impatience was palpable. “So what’s next, fearless leader?” he muttered, just loud enough for Li Yun to hear.

Li Yun’s crimson gaze flicked to Xu Shuang, his tone icy. “The next step is making sure you don’t blunder into the obvious ambush they’re planning. Follow my lead, and we’ll have their flag in no time.”

Bai Meixian tapped Li Yun on the shoulder, her voice low but urgent. “The wind’s shifting. There’s movement about fifty meters ahead—close, but not directly on us.”

Li Yun nodded, processing the information swiftly. “Perfect. They’ve taken the bait. If we keep our distance and circle around, we’ll avoid their ambush entirely. Tang Jiu, you’re with me. Bai Meixian, stay with Xu Shuang and guard this approach. If anyone tries to backtrack to reinforce their flag, stop them. We’ll take the long way around.”

Tang Jiu gave a curt nod, ready to follow without question, while Xu Shuang scowled but held his tongue. Bai Meixian offered a brief look of acknowledgment before turning to monitor the area, her wind techniques rippling faintly around her.

Li Yun led Tang Jiu deeper into the dense jungle, taking care to avoid snapping twigs or disturbing the underbrush. His focus was razor-sharp, his mind already piecing together the next steps. The terrain grew trickier, with roots snaking across the ground and moss-covered rocks making each step precarious.

Tang Jiu finally broke the silence, his voice a whisper. “You’re confident this will work?”

Li Yun didn’t slow down, his tone calm but firm. “Confidence is irrelevant. It’s strategy. If we outthink them, we don’t need to outfight them.”

Tang Jiu glanced at him, skepticism flickering in his eyes. “And if they outthink us?”

“They won’t,” Li Yun said simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

As they moved closer to the enemy’s presumed location, Li Yun raised a hand, signalling for Tang Jiu to stop. The faint sound of voices drifted through the trees, followed by the rustle of movement. Li Yun crouched low, motioning for Tang Jiu to do the same. Peering through the foliage, they spotted a small group of enemy scouts—three boys, each armed with weapons, their eyes scanning the jungle warily.

Li Yun’s mind raced, calculating the odds. “Three scouts. Likely more waiting further back. If we take them down silently, we can slip past before they realize they’ve lost their front line.”

Tang Jiu hesitated. “You sure about this? If one of them gets away…”

“They won’t,” Li Yun interrupted, his voice cold. He unsheathed his second sword, his stance shifting as he prepared to strike. “Stay here and cover me. If anyone escapes, cut them off.”

Without waiting for a response, Li Yun moved. His body was a blur as he darted through the shadows, his movements swift and precise. The first scout didn’t even have time to react before Li Yun’s blade struck, slamming the hilt into the boy’s temple with brutal force. The scout crumpled silently to the ground, unconscious.

The second scout turned, his eyes widening in alarm, but Li Yun was faster. A sharp kick to the knee sent the boy sprawling, and a follow-up strike to the back of the head ensured he wouldn’t get back up anytime soon. The third scout panicked, raising his weapon to shout, but Li Yun closed the distance in an instant, his sword slicing cleanly through the air. The flat of the blade struck the scout’s throat, cutting off his cry and leaving him gasping for air as he collapsed.

Tang Jiu emerged from the shadows, his eyes wide. “You… you took them all out that fast?”

Li Yun sheathed his swords, his expression impassive. “No wasted movement. Let’s go before reinforcements arrive.”

Tang Jiu followed, though he couldn’t help but glance back at the fallen scouts. For the first time, he felt a genuine sense of awe—and unease—toward Li Yun. The boy wasn’t just confident. He was lethal.

As they pressed on, Li Yun’s thoughts remained focused. The flag was close, and he intended to take it. By the time the enemy realized what had happened, it would already be too late.

Li Yun and Tang Jiu pressed forward, their surroundings growing quieter with each passing step. The dense jungle canopy filtered the sunlight into patches of dim light that danced on the forest floor, but neither of them was distracted by the beauty of the illusion formation. Every sound, every shift of the wind, could signal danger.

Tang Jiu finally broke the silence. “You know, I hate to admit it, but that was impressive back there. Taking down three scouts without so much as a scratch? You don’t fight like someone who just started cultivating.”

Li Yun glanced at him, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly. “Survival doesn’t wait for cultivation. You either learn fast or you die.”

Tang Jiu frowned at the weight of those words but didn’t press further. He had a feeling Li Yun’s past wasn’t something easily pried open, and he wasn’t eager to test his temper again. Instead, he turned his attention back to their surroundings, scanning for any sign of the enemy.

It wasn’t long before they stumbled upon a clearing that gave them a view of their destination. Just beyond the thick brush, a makeshift fortress had been constructed from felled logs and vines. It wasn’t elegant, but it was sturdy and defensible. The flag they were after stood proudly in the center, a vibrant blue that fluttered lightly in the artificial breeze.

Li Yun crouched low, motioning for Tang Jiu to do the same. “There’s our target,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Looks like they’ve set up a stronghold around it.”

Tang Jiu narrowed his eyes, observing the movements of the enemy team. About a dozen figures patrolled the perimeter, with several more stationed near the flag. Most carried basic weapons, but a few had an air of confidence that suggested some skill.

“This won’t be easy,” Tang Jiu muttered. “Even if we take out the outer guards, they’ll swarm us before we can get close to the flag.”

Li Yun smirked, his expression unreadable. “That’s only if they see us coming.”

Tang Jiu gave him a skeptical look. “And how exactly do you plan to avoid that? Walk in and ask politely for their flag?”

Ignoring the sarcasm, Li Yun unsheathed one of his swords, the faint red aura of his martial art activating as he traced a path with his eyes. “I’ll draw their attention. You find an opening and get to the flag. Once you grab it, don’t stop running.”

Tang Jiu blinked in disbelief. “You’re seriously planning to take on all of them by yourself?”

“Not all of them,” Li Yun replied calmly. “Just enough to make them forget about you.”

Tang Jiu hesitated, the weight of the plan sinking in. It was reckless—borderline suicidal—but there was something about the way Li Yun carried himself, the unwavering confidence in his voice, that made it hard to argue. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. But if you die, don’t expect me to carry your body back.”

Li Yun chuckled softly. “If I die, at least I’ll take a few of them with me.”

Without another word, Li Yun stepped forward, his movements fluid and silent as he closed the distance to the clearing. Tang Jiu stayed behind, hiding in the underbrush and waiting for his moment.

The first enemy guard barely had time to react as Li Yun appeared out of the shadows, his blade flashing in the sunlight. The flat of the sword struck the guard’s weapon hand with brutal precision, disarming him instantly. A quick follow-up strike to the side of the head sent the guard sprawling to the ground.

“Who’s next?” Li Yun called out, his voice cold and cutting as he stepped into the clearing. The remaining guards turned toward him, their expressions a mix of shock and fury.

“You’ve got some nerve, coming here alone,” one of them growled, stepping forward with a spear in hand. “You think you can take us all on?”

Li Yun smirked, his crimson eyes glinting dangerously. “I don’t think. I know.”

The guards rushed him, weapons raised, but Li Yun was already moving. His swords danced through the air, parrying strikes and countering with ruthless efficiency. Each movement was calculated, each strike aimed to incapacitate rather than kill, but the force behind his attacks left no doubt about his intent.

The chaos of the fight drew the attention of the inner defenders, pulling them away from their positions near the flag. Tang Jiu took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he saw his opportunity. Staying low, he darted through the underbrush, weaving around the distracted guards as he made his way toward the flag.

Meanwhile, Li Yun continued his onslaught, his every move a blend of precision and power. He sidestepped a wide swing from a halberd, slamming the hilt of his sword into the wielder’s stomach before sweeping his legs out from under him. Another guard lunged at him with a dagger, but Li Yun twisted away, delivering a sharp kick to the attacker’s knee that sent him collapsing with a pained cry.

“Is this the best you’ve got?” Li Yun taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. “No wonder you’re on defense. You’d be useless on the front lines.”

His words had the desired effect, goading the remaining guards into attacking recklessly. It was exactly what Li Yun wanted. Their lack of coordination made it easier for him to control the flow of the fight, keeping them off balance and unable to regroup.

Tang Jiu reached the flag, his hands shaking slightly as he grabbed the pole and yanked it free from its base. The sound of wood splintering drew the attention of the few remaining defenders, but it was too late. Tang Jiu was already running, the flag clutched tightly in his hands.

“Fall back!” Li Yun shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. Tang Jiu didn’t need to be told twice. He sprinted toward the jungle, the shouts of the enemy fading behind him as he disappeared into the trees.

Li Yun gave one last glance at the remaining guards, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Thanks for the warm-up,” he said before turning and vanishing into the shadows.

By the time the enemy realized what had happened, it was too late. Tang Jiu was long gone, and Li Yun was nowhere to be found. The jungle swallowed them both, leaving only confusion and frustration in their wake.