The War Begins

Meng Qingshan sat in the dimly lit war room, flanked by Sua and Tian. The tension in the air was palpable. They had received word just hours ago that the Wutai Sect was approaching with the intention of annihilating them. Meng stared at the large map laid out before them, his fingers drumming lightly on the wooden table."We can't afford to be defensive. We must attack first," Sua said, her voice firm.Tian, ever the strategist, nodded in agreement. "If we let them march right up to our gates, it'll be harder to counter them. But striking while they're advancing could give us the upper hand."Meng's eyes narrowed. His mind was elsewhere—on Liu, the leader of the Wutai Sect. Liu had publicly declared that the demonic sect was responsible for the illness ravaging Prince Feng's body. Meng still couldn't fully grasp that the same person he once trusted was now determined to kill him. His heart twisted at the thought of facing Liu on the battlefield, especially when so much of him wanted nothing to do with the man."I'll lead the charge," Meng said quietly. "But I want you two to back me up from the east. We'll strike in waves."Sua frowned, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you sure you can face them head-on, Meng?"Meng hesitated. Could he? He had no doubt about his power. His bond with his demon, Zhuan Xinyi, made him one of the most dangerous beings in the realm. But the idea of facing Liu was another matter entirely. He hated him—no, that wasn't quite it. He resented him. But deep down, a part of Meng still felt something for Liu. It was that feeling, twisted and fractured, that unnerved him the most."I'll be fine," Meng replied, dismissing her concern. "It's Liu who should worry."As the battle preparations continued, Meng tried to push his conflicted emotions aside. Liu had promised to kill him, and despite everything, Meng still couldn't help but feel betrayed. He would have to fight him, but how could he ever make peace with the fact that Liu, who once stood by his side, was now so determined to end his life?Meanwhile, in the Wutai Sect's camp, Prince Cheng and Liu stood side by side, surveying the demonic sect from a distance. Liu's gaze was steely, his expression unreadable. Cheng, on the other hand, appeared more focused, a dark plan forming in his mind."I will kill him," Liu said coldly. "I don't care what he was before. Meng Qingshan has to die for what his sect has done."Cheng glanced at Liu from the corner of his eye. He felt a twinge of satisfaction hearing Liu's resolve. Little did Liu know, Cheng had his own plans. He had seen Meng's face during the raid, and now that he knew Meng was actually Chen Ming, his obsession had only grown. Liu's desire to kill Meng was nothing more than an obstacle in Cheng's mind."He's dangerous," Cheng agreed, hiding his true thoughts behind a mask of concern. "But you shouldn't be so eager. You know how powerful he's become. Rushing in could be your downfall."Liu snorted. "I've faced worse."But Cheng's thoughts were already elsewhere. If Liu killed Meng, Cheng knew what had to be done. No one, not even Liu, would stand in his way now. The idea of eliminating Liu during the chaos of battle took root in his mind. Liu would think Meng was his greatest threat—but in truth, it would be Cheng's knife in his back that would end him.Cheng's lips curled into a small, twisted smile. "Good luck, Liu. Just remember, if anything happens to you, I'll finish the job."Liu simply nodded, unaware of the storm brewing in Cheng's mind.Back at the demonic sect, Meng, Sua, and Tian stood on a cliff overlooking the valley where the battle would begin. The moonlight reflected off Meng's masked face, his heart racing with a strange combination of anticipation and dread. He would face Liu soon. No more running, no more hiding."Are you sure about this?" Tian asked, his voice quieter than usual.Meng didn't answer right away. He didn't know how he felt about any of this, but he knew he had to fight."I'll end this," Meng muttered, gripping Hei Xin tightly in his hand.