Night Raid

The night was deep, and the moonlight cast a cold silver glow over the mountains of Yunxiao Sect. All was silent, save for the occasional chirping of insects that broke the stillness. Inside the straw hut, Wang Quan sat cross-legged, his spiritual energy circulating smoothly as the Five Elements Art flowed through him. The power of the five elements cycled endlessly within his meridians, steadily strengthening his cultivation and spiritual awareness.

At this moment, Wang Quan's mind was fully immersed in the practice of the Five Elements Art, his spiritual energy seeming to merge with the natural forces around him. He could feel that the Five Elements Art not only refined his spiritual energy but also subtly transformed his physical body. The synergy of the five elements made him less dependent on a single source of spiritual energy, allowing him to absorb and convert the natural energy of his surroundings.

"This Five Elements Art is truly profound," Wang Quan marveled. If he could reach higher levels of mastery, the endless cycle of the five elements would allow his spiritual energy to flow continuously, as if he possessed inexhaustible power.

However, just as he was entering a deep state of cultivation, he sensed a slight disturbance in the flow of energy around him.

"Someone's here?"

Wang Quan's brow furrowed slightly. Although he was deep in meditation, the awakening of the Defiant Bloodline had heightened his sensitivity to even the faintest fluctuations in spiritual energy. This presence was well-hidden, blending seamlessly with the night wind, but Wang Quan's connection to the environment allowed him to detect it.

He slowly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. He quickly realized that this wasn't a coincidence—someone was deliberately sneaking in.

"So, Yan Qing couldn't wait any longer..."

Wang Quan smirked to himself, knowing that these people wouldn't let things rest after Yan Qing's earlier defeat. He had anticipated this confrontation.

Rather than alerting his attackers, Wang Quan suppressed his own spiritual energy and remained seated, preparing himself by quietly circulating his energy throughout his body, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Outside the hut, the night grew darker, and several shadowy figures silently crept closer.

"This is where Wang Quan lives," Yan Qing whispered, his eyes gleaming with malice and greed. Behind him were several trusted disciples of Li Cang, including Huang Hu, a tall, muscular man with a sharp, wolf-like gaze. Huang Hu was the strongest among them, already at the fifth stage of Qi Refining.

"Whatever treasure that brat's hiding, we need to get it tonight," Huang Hu said coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Yan Qing nodded, speaking in a low voice, "Once we secure the treasure, we can use it to make amends before Li Cang returns. He'll reward us handsomely."

The other disciples exchanged greedy looks. Though Yan Qing had lost to Wang Quan earlier, they all believed Wang Quan's rapid rise in power must have come from some rare treasure. If they could seize it, their own cultivation would soar, propelling them to new heights within Yunxiao Sect.

"Let's move. No more delays," Huang Hu commanded, stepping forward toward the hut, his spiritual energy crackling in readiness for a swift assault.

Inside the hut, Wang Quan remained still, eyes closed as he listened to their approach. His body was already fully primed with spiritual energy, the power of his Defiant Bloodline ready to surge at any moment.

"They're finally here."

Wang Quan slowly rose to his feet, silently channeling energy into his hands. Then, without warning, he pushed open the door to the hut.

Outside, Yan Qing and the others were caught off guard by Wang Quan's sudden appearance. Yan Qing exchanged a glance with Huang Hu, their eyes filled with malice. Huang Hu sneered, his voice cold and mocking, "Wang Quan, I see you're not as simple as we thought. You sensed us coming so quickly."

Wang Quan's gaze swept over them, his expression icy. "What, not satisfied with your defeat earlier? You've come to throw your lives away?"

Yan Qing's face twisted with anger as he spat, "Wang Quan, don't act so high and mighty! You only got stronger because of some lucky treasure. Do you really think you can stand against all of us? Hand it over, or we'll make sure you die a miserable death!"

Huang Hu echoed with a cruel laugh, "You've had your moment, but don't think for a second that a bit of power lets you dominate the outer sect. Be smart, hand over the treasure, and we might just let you live."

Wang Quan glanced at them, his eyes cold but calculating. He had been right—they were after the power of his Defiant Bloodline and the Five Elements Art. Their greed was all too predictable.

"Looks like there's no avoiding a fight tonight." Wang Quan thought to himself. He spoke no more, instead raising his hand as his iron sword flashed out of its sheath, the blade gleaming with cold light as it pointed directly at his enemies.

"You want my treasure? Let's see if you're strong enough to take it."

With a roar, Huang Hu charged forward, his massive frame moving like a tiger as he struck at Wang Quan, his spiritual energy surging with brute force. At the same time, Yan Qing and the others attacked in unison, their spiritual energy converging on Wang Quan from all sides.

Wang Quan's expression remained unshaken. With a light flick of his iron sword, his spiritual energy poured into the blade, causing the sword to glow with power as the Five Elements Art infused it. The energy of the five elements surged in perfect harmony, amplifying the sword's strength.

"Five Elements Art: Endless Cycle!"

Wang Quan's voice rang out as his sword, now cloaked in the power of the five elements, slashed through the air, meeting Huang Hu's attack head-on.

Boom!

The two forces collided in midair, sending shockwaves rippling through the night. Huang Hu staggered back, his arm numb from the impact. The spiritual energy he had unleashed was effortlessly dissolved by the power of the Five Elements Art, leaving him stunned.

"What kind of power is this?!"

Wang Quan gave them no chance to recover. His sword danced through the air, aimed directly at Yan Qing, the energy of the five elements swirling around it. The Five Elements Art made Wang Quan's attacks relentless, his spiritual energy replenishing itself with every cycle, allowing him to maintain a steady and unyielding offensive.

Yan Qing and the others were starting to panic as they realized Wang Quan's strength far exceeded their expectations. The power flowing through him wasn't just from some simple artifact—it was something far more profound and dangerous.

Their eyes met in desperation, but there was no turning back.

The night was far from over, and this ambush was destined to reach a violent conclusion.