As the night settled over the Valley of Lotus, Marcus found himself in the secluded training grounds of the Righteous Sword Sect. The moonlight cast long shadows across the courtyard, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for contemplation and practice. In his hands, he held the scroll containing the Sword Slashing Technique, its ancient parchment crackling softly under his touch.
For ten days, Marcus had devoted himself to memorizing the intricate movements and profound wisdom contained within the scroll. Each stroke and stance was designed to harness the cultivator's inner strength, turning it into a formidable force capable of cutting through even the most resilient defenses.
On the eleventh day, he began to practice. Hours passed in silent focus. Marcus moved with a fluid grace, his body attuning itself to the rhythm of the technique. As he practiced, he could feel a powerful energy building within him, resonating with the teachings of the Righteous Sword Sect. This newfound strength was both exhilarating and humbling, a reminder of the responsibilities that came with his rapid progress.
Unbeknownst to Marcus, he was being watched. From the shadows, Master Chen observed his disciple with a discerning eye. The elder's gaze was filled with a mixture of pride and concern. Marcus's rapid advancement was indeed extraordinary, but it also placed a heavy burden on the young cultivator's shoulders.
As dawn approached, Marcus finally paused, sweat glistening on his brow. He felt a sense of accomplishment but knew that this was merely the beginning. Rolling up the scroll, he turned to find Master Chen standing at the edge of the training grounds, his presence both a surprise and a comfort.
"Congratulations, Yusup, on reaching foundation establishment realm for 11 days I your great master reached as little as 5 days" Master Chen said, with a faint smile playing on his lips. "As expected of you."
Yusup, who was now inhabited by Marcus, bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."
Just then, a junior disciple hurriedly approached, his face pale with urgency. "Master Chen, urgent news from the Valley of Rose County. The East Demonic Sect has been spotted near our borders. They appear to be preparing for an attack."
Master Chen's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the news. "Summon the elders. We must act swiftly."
Turning to Yusup, Master Chen said, "You stay here."
With that, Master Chen and the elders—Elder Jian, Elder Mei, and Elder Liu—moved out to meet the threat. Upon arriving at the battleground, they were shocked to find that the East Demonic Sect’s forces, led by Lei Shen, were composed not of a formidable army but of demonic beasts and lowly disciples. It was clear that the East Demonic Sect had sent only their weakest.
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The battle began with a clash of forces. Master Chen and the elders fought valiantly, their skills and strategies putting the East Demonic Sect’s forces on the defensive. However, the demonic beasts, including the fierce Crimson Vipers, the shadowy Night Howlers, and the relentless Ironclad Behemoths, proved to be a brutal challenge.
During the confrontation, Elder Jian, discontent with the outcome and the sect's strategy, attempted a rebellion. He challenged Master Chen’s authority and tried to seize control of the battlefield. His act of betrayal was met with immediate and severe retaliation. Elder Jian was swiftly overpowered and killed by his own sect members, his treachery extinguished.
As the battle raged on, Elder Mei confronted the fallen Elder Jian’s ghostly form, questioning his betrayal. "Why did you betray us, Elder Jian? What drove you to such madness?"
Elder Jian's spirit, appearing forlorn, responded, "I sought the return of the Creator/Destroyer Realm. I have been Primordial Unity for thousands of years, and I wanted to witness that realm once more, even if it meant my own death and betrayal. I longed to see the power and glory of the past, the realm that we have lost."
Elder Mei's eyes were filled with a mixture of sorrow and anger. "Your selfish desires cost many lives and betrayed everything we stand for."
The fighting continued, and eventually, two more elders and twenty-five outer disciples of the Righteous Sword Sect perished. The demonic beasts and lesser foes were eventually defeated, and the East Demonic Sect forces, including four elders—Xiao Zheng, Han Li, Lui Wu, and Zhao Feng, and also including all of the sect Disciples.
Master Chen, seeing the losses and the despair of his sect, was consumed by rage. His fury was directed at the demonic beasts and the enemies who had inflicted such suffering. He fought with renewed intensity, his anger fueling his strength as he drove the remaining foes away.
In the final confrontation, Master Chen faced Lei Shen. "You are honored to die by this sword, old friend," he said, drawing the Celestial Sword—a powerful blade gifted by an injured immortal, that he helped once in his younger days, capable of reaching the level of the Creator/Destroyer.
Lei Shen, coldly defiant, responded, "We will see about that."
As the two clashed, Master Chen asked, "Why resort to such evil tricks, Lei Shen?"
Lei Shen remained indifferent, his focus solely on the fight.
Master Chen's resolve did not waver. In a final, decisive strike, he used the Celestial Sword to vanquish Lei Shen, ending the threat of the East Demonic Sect leader.
After the battle, the surviving members of the Righteous Sword Sect gathered to collect the spiritual crystals from the Valley of Lotus county. The county judge, a dignified official, welcomed them. In recognition of their victory, he awarded the Righteous Sword Sect a substantial sum of 1,200 spiritual energy. This wealth was a significant gain for the sect, aiding in their recovery and future endeavors.
The judge expressed his gratitude, saying, "Your bravery has ensured the safety of our land. We are honored to reward you for your valor."
As Master Chen and his sect members collected the bounty, they were also reminded of the heavy cost of their victory. The fallen members were honored in a solemn funeral, laid to rest with the respect they deserved, alongside the sect's own funerals.
The Valley of Lotus was finally safe for now.