A sharp wind howled through the Black Mist Valley, carrying an eerie silence in its wake. The figure in black robes stood unmoving, his presence alone making the air feel heavier.
Lin Xuan’s gaze remained locked onto the Abyssal Shadow Sect disciple, his mind calculating the possibilities.
This wasn’t an ordinary encounter.
The Abyssal Shadow Sect—a notorious organization rumored to dabble in forbidden techniques and soul manipulation—was the last thing he expected to find here.
Zhao Feng clicked his tongue. "Great. Just what we needed. A bunch of lunatics messing with the ruins."
Xiao Ling’s grip on her sword tightened. "Abyssal Shadow Sect... Why are you here?"
The robed figure chuckled, his voice carrying an unsettling calm. "Why does it matter? You won’t be leaving here alive anyway."
The moment he finished speaking, a terrifying surge of dark qi erupted from his body. The air twisted, and black tendrils of energy coiled around him like living entities.
Boom!
Without warning, he vanished—his movement so swift it left only a blur.
Lin Xuan’s eyes narrowed. Fast!
Clang!
A shockwave erupted as Xiao Ling barely managed to intercept his attack. Her blade trembled under the force of the clash, the sheer pressure forcing her a step back.
"So, you’re not weak," the robed man mused, his tone amused.
Before anyone could react, he flicked his wrist. Shadows surged, twisting unnaturally as three spectral daggers materialized mid-air and shot toward Lin Xuan’s heart.
Lin Xuan didn’t hesitate. Golden runes flared to life around him as he sidestepped, his hand forming a palm seal. The air rippled, and with a flick of his fingers, a golden shockwave blasted the daggers apart.
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The Abyssal Shadow disciple’s expression darkened. "The power of an inheritance, huh? No wonder you’re confident."
Zhao Feng grinned. "Yeah, and he’s not the only one you need to worry about!"
Lightning crackled around Zhao Feng’s body as he lunged forward. His blade ignited with blue arcs of electricity, slicing through the air toward their enemy.
Boom!
The clash sent sparks flying, illuminating the fog. The robed man sneered, effortlessly parrying Zhao Feng’s attack before countering with a shadow-infused palm strike.
Bang!
Zhao Feng was blasted backward, skidding across the ground but quickly regaining his footing. He wiped blood from his lips. "Tch. This guy’s tough."
Lin Xuan exhaled, his eyes sharp.
This wasn’t a battle they could drag on.
They needed to finish it—fast.
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LIN XUAN’S COUNTERATTACK
Lin Xuan didn’t waste a second.
He stepped forward, his golden qi surging like a tidal wave. The moment his foot touched the ground, an ancient rune formation spread beneath him, glowing with a blinding light.
The Abyssal Shadow disciple’s eyes widened. "What—"
Boom!
A pulse of energy exploded outward, momentarily disrupting the dark mist around them. The ground cracked beneath Lin Xuan’s presence as his inheritance power activated fully for the first time.
His palm struck forward, carrying the might of the golden inheritance. The very air vibrated under the sheer pressure of his attack.
The robed man’s instincts screamed danger. He hastily conjured a defensive shadow barrier, but it was too late.
Crack!
Lin Xuan’s palm tore through the barrier like paper.
Boom!
The impact sent the Abyssal Shadow disciple flying, crashing into a nearby rock with a sickening thud.
Dust settled.
The man groaned, barely able to push himself up. His robe was torn, and his aura flickered unsteadily.
He coughed up blood, his crimson eyes glaring at Lin Xuan. "You… You’ve barely touched the surface of that power. But next time—"
His body faded into the shadows, vanishing before they could land another blow.
Lin Xuan remained still, watching the last traces of darkness disappear. His fist clenched.
"He ran."
Xiao Ling let out a deep breath, lowering her sword. "Cowards always do."
Zhao Feng stretched, cracking his knuckles. "That guy was strong. If we weren’t careful, we could’ve—"
Before he could finish, the massive stone gate behind them trembled.
Rumble!
The ancient inscriptions on the gate lit up one by one, as if responding to Lin Xuan’s power.
Then, with a low groan, the gate slowly began to open.
Lin Xuan turned to face the entrance of the Cloud Abyss Ruins, his heart pounding.
They had won the battle, but the real challenge was just beginning.