Tianfeng approached Zhuge, his footsteps echoing in the eerie silence of the battlefield.
Zhuge's presence was commanding, his expression unreadable as he observed the aftermath of Tianfeng's rampage.
The carnage left behind was an evidence to his unparalleled ferocity, and yet his gaze was unwavering, his steps steady.
Zhuge glanced at Tianfeng, his eyes taking in the blood-stained halberd in Tianfeng's hand.
“Master,” Tianfeng greeted, his voice steady, betraying none of the exertion he had just endured.
Zhuge nodded, his eyes sharp and assessing. “You’ve shown the remarkable growth you got through our training. Your capacity for true destruction has been illustrated excellently.”
Tianfeng bowed slightly, a rare gesture of respect. “Thank you, Master. I aim to prove my worth further.”
Zhuge's lips curved into a faint, approving smile. “That's good. Keep that up.”
With a silent nod, Tianfeng fell into step behind Zhuge, the path ahead stretching towards the distant silhouette of Chang-An.
The quietness of Cheonghae Province seemed an ironic backdrop to their blood-soaked journey.
As they continued, Tianfeng found himself embroiled in more battles. Each encounter was a test, a crucible of blood and steel that honed his skills further.
The Evil Society members fell before his halberd like chaff before the wind, their deaths swift and merciless.
The Righteous Alliance, however, faced a different fate.
Tianfeng struck them down with a calculated ferocity that left them battered but alive, a message of both his might and his intent.
One such encounter saw Tianfeng facing a squad of particularly tenacious Evil Society warriors.
They charged with a desperate fury, their eyes wild with a mix of fear and defiance.
Tianfeng met them head-on, his halberd a blur of lethal precision. Blood sprayed, and bodies crumpled under his relentless assault.
His attacks grew more potent with each strike, his confidence swelling as his enemies died.
A lone Righteous Alliance warrior, seeing the devastation wrought upon the Evil Society, attempted to join the slaughter, thinking Tianfeng is an ally of his.
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But Tianfeng obviously wouldn't tolerate his audacity so his halberd struck him down, the flat of the blade knocking the wind from his lungs and leaving him sprawled, gasping for breath but alive.
Zhuge watched these battles with a critical eye, noting Tianfeng’s increasing prowess and control.
“Your strength continues to grow, Tianfeng," Zhuge imparted.
"You’re now making slow but steady progress in becoming a formidable force,” Zhuge praised him.
Tianfeng wiped the blood from his halberd, his eyes alight with a fierce determination. “I will continue to improve, Master. Until I am unrivaled.”
Zhuge's gaze was piercing, his eyes filled with dark satisfaction. "Your ferocity is commendable, Tianfeng. Always remember that your path is paved with the blood of your enemies."
"Mercy is a tool for the weak. Our path is one of absolute power, and you will show none without hesitation as you carve our destiny," Zhuge's smile was thin, enigmatic.
"What you did with the Righteous Alliance was necessary for our plans, but never forget your true nature.
"When the time comes, they will all meet the same fate as the Evil Society," Zhuge's sinister smile widened even more.
The journey to Chang-An was relentless. Each day brought new skirmishes, new opportunities for Tianfeng to test and expand his limits.
The pattern was always the same: the Evil Society members met their end under his halberd, while the Righteous Alliance were left half-beaten, their spirits broken but their lives spared.
———
Zhuge’s eyes were shut as he sat in a lotus position, like a silent storm gathering strength. The energy around him fluctuated subtly, hinting at the vast power he held in reserve.
Tianfeng sat nearby with his halberd resting on his lap, gazing at the campfire they made to light the dark place up.
The secluded cave they had chosen as their temporary refuge for the night was shrouded in shadows as the flames flickered across their faces.
“Master, why do we specifically need to spare the Righteous Alliance?"
"Can't we just kill them all and have me train with you?” Tianfeng asked, his voice thoughtful as he watched the flames sway in the wind.
Zhuge's response was measured, “That’s because the Righteous Alliance is merely your stepping stone."
"Once you complete your training, you will bring them to their knees, betraying them with the ruthlessness that defines us.”
Zhuge continued, his tone steady, “The Righteous Alliance offers unique opportunities for your growth. Their diverse combat techniques, advanced training facilities, and strategic knowledge will sharpen your skills."
"Additionally, by infiltrating their ranks, you’ll gain invaluable experience by trying to maintain a clean image which will also improve your adaptability and test your mental fortitude and resilience," Zhuge concluded.
"Although I could easily take on all three factions, it is you who needs focused growth without unnecessary hindrances."
"Use them to your advantage, and when the time comes, show no mercy,” he finalized with an unquestionable voice.
Tianfeng stood up and made a fist salute towards Zhuge, his understanding dawning and his fanaticism for his master rising to a new level.
“Disciple understands. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity, master.
“Yeah, sure. Just don't waste it.” Zhuge said as he opened his eyes, meeting Tianfeng's.
Right after their conversation ended, Zhuge's eyes quickly flashed with interest as he glanced at the entrance of the cave they're staying in.
"It seems like the notorious deeds you sowed have finally reaped an infamous reputation," Zhuge teased Tianfeng before standing up.
Tianfeng in turn raised his eyebrows with inquisitiveness about Zhuge's mysterious statement.
"Master, what do you mean by that?" filled with wonder, he subsequently asked, his hand gripping the halberd becoming a bit tighter out of cautiousness.
"You'll find out soon. Just stay here for now, raise your senses, and be alert. I'll be back in a second," Zhuge replied with a faint smile on his lips, no one knows what he's thinking.
Immediately after that, he ripped apart the space and entered the rift.
In the deep forest a distance away from the secluded cave, a middle-aged man of imposing stature and an indifferent gaze was leisurely making his way.
The man wore the unmistakable attire of the Evil Society, its dark hues blending with the darkness of the forest.
His face was defined by an icy, calculating expression, his lips curled into a subtle smirk that hinted at both curiosity and malice.
His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the surroundings with confidence, as if he expected no challenge.
His demeanor suggested he held a certain disdainful curiosity toward the events unfolding, particularly regarding the figure he believed awaited him in the secluded cave.
As he walked through the dark forest, he saw meters away from him a shimmering tear in the fabric of reality—a rift crackling with faint purple energy being emitted from its edges.
The rift appeared like a twisted window into another realm, making the man suddenly stop.
A young tall man with an ethereal presence emerged from within the rift, his flowing robes shimmering with celestial light.
His handsome features were filled with youth, reminiscent of a banished immortal from the heavens, with piercing eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages.
It's Zhuge Minghui who got out of the rift.