The towering walls of the Rose Hunters Sect stretched into the sky, ominous spires piercing the heavens. Black mist swirled around the fortress, amplifying its sinister appearance. Despite the palpable tension surrounding them, Kieroin felt invigorated, channels of spirit energy flowing through his veins.
"Here we are," Shxu Ke murmured, her eyes locked on the entrance. "This fortress is a battleground in motion. They will be waiting for you, and they'll be swift to retaliate."
Kieroin nodded. The threats from his past had prepared him for this moment. "Let them wait; we'll show them what patience begets."
With a surge of energy, he propelled himself toward the fortified gates, shattering the heavy wood with an effortless kick. The gates crashed down, reverberating through the courtyard as roars of surprise erupted from the guards, who swiftly ran to defend their stronghold.
"Who dares intrude upon our sacred domain?" A booming voice echoed, setting deep tremors through the ground. Emerge from the shadows, adorned in dark robes decorated with chaotic designs typical of the Rose Hunters Sect, was the Sect Leader, Tian Zhen. His presence alone sent chills through the air, a potent reminder of the strength he commanded.
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"It is I, Kieroin of the Black Dragon Sect!" Kieroin bellowed in return, feasting on the shock and dread reflected on the faces of the guards. "I have returned from hell itself to claim what is mine. Know that your time is at an end!"
A tidal wave of spirit energy cascaded out of him, firing toward the guards before they could react. The energy engulfed them as they stood frozen, their cries silenced as the spirit blades tore through them.
"You think your spirit strength is enough?" Tian Zhen's eyes glimmered like coal in a fire as he summoned dark energy, swirling it around him. "You dare challenge the Rose Hunters Sect? You're a fool!"
With that, he dashed forward, exuding a chaotic energy that coiled towards Kieroin like a snake. The hatred poured out of him, and Kieroin braced for impact—it was now or never.
"Bring it!" Kieroin roared, clashing his spirit energy with Tian Zhen's dark force. The confrontation sent shockwaves.