The Arrival of the Iron Eagle Clan

A week had passed since Wei Feng's trial, but the atmosphere in the clan had not returned to normal. Rumours circulated in hushed voices, carried on anxious whispers about an imminent threat. It was said that an outsider, someone with a soulbound weapon of unparalleled strength, was arriving to challenge the clan.

Wei sat with Lan Mei near the garden, both watching the clan members prepare, sharpening their weapons and strengthening defences. He felt a stirring sense of foreboding; no one would bring a soulbound weapon to their territory unless they intended to use it.

Lan Mei broke the silence, her face troubled. "I've heard the Iron Eagle Clan is coming. Their leader, Ji Kai, is a powerful soulbound wielder."

Wei's brow furrowed. "The Iron Eagle Clan? But they haven't interacted with us in decades. Why would they be coming here now?"

She looked down, hesitant. "Because of you."

Wei froze, his mind racing. "Me? Why?"

"Your reputation is growing," she explained, her voice low. "Your trial was witnessed by more people than you realize, and stories travel fast. But there's more to it. Ji Kai believes that whoever possesses the strongest soulbound weapon has the right to lead the other clans."

Wei's gaze hardened. "So he thinks he can challenge our clan — challenge me?"

Lan Mei placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "He won't be an easy opponent. Ji Kai's sword has souls from hundreds of warriors, their strength and experience magnified by his dark arts. But remember what Elder Ma taught you — power means nothing if you can't control it."

Wei clenched his fists, feeling the familiar presence of the souls bound to his sword. Though he had come far, the Corrupted Soul's influence still lingered. He knew Ji Kai would exploit any weakness he could find.

Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed across the courtyard. Clan members turned, their faces tense, as Elder Ma appeared, her expression steely.

"The Iron Eagle Clan has arrived," she announced, her voice carrying authority and calm. "Prepare to meet them."

---

Wei and the other clan members gathered in the main courtyard as Ji Kai entered with his entourage. He was a tall, imposing man, with sharp eyes and a cruel smirk on his lips. His sword, longer and darker than any Wei had seen, pulsed with an ominous red glow. Shadows seemed to cling to him, swirling like the ghosts of fallen warriors bound to his blade.

Ji Kai surveyed the gathering crowd, his gaze settling on Elder Ma with a mocking smile. "It's been a long time, Elder. I trust the Cloud Valley Clan is as strong as it claims to be?"

Elder Ma stepped forward, unphased by his arrogance. "Strength is measured by discipline and respect, not numbers or intimidation, Ji Kai. State your purpose here."

He chuckled, feigning amusement. "Purpose? I am here to remind your clan of its place. You shelter a talented young soulbound duelist," — he gestured toward Wei — "and I've come to test his strength for myself. Surely you won't deny an old friend such a simple request?"

Wei took a step forward, his hand gripping his sword tightly. "I'm here, Ji Kai. If you want a challenge, then let's settle this here and now."

Ji Kai's smirk widened. "Such spirit! But I must warn you, boy, I've devoured the souls of warriors far stronger than you."

Wei met his gaze, undaunted. "Strength alone doesn't make you invincible. I'm ready to prove that today."

Ji Kai tilted his head, amusement turning to interest. "Very well. Then let us begin."

---

The crowd retreated to the edges of the courtyard, forming a wide circle around Wei and Ji Kai. The air buzzed with tension as the two men faced each other, their swords drawn, the clash of light and dark energies swirling between them.

Wei focused on his breathing, drawing on the guidance of the souls within his blade. The Corrupted Soul stirred, eager for a fight, but he forced it down, relying on the strength of his allies instead.

Ji Kai attacked first, his movements fast and brutal. His sword sliced through the air, leaving trails of red energy in its wake. Wei parried, feeling the immense power behind each strike. Ji Kai's technique was ruthless, designed to overpower rather than finesse. Each swing felt like an attack on Wei's very soul, the dark energy within Ji Kai's blade clawing at him, trying to force him back.

"You can't keep up, boy!" Ji Kai sneered, pushing Wei back. "Your so-called strength is nothing more than a flicker against my flame!"

But Wei wasn't giving up. With each strike, he adapted, countering Ji Kai's brute force with precision and strategy. He could feel the souls guiding him, helping him anticipate Ji Kai's moves. 

The duel intensified, and Ji Kai's smirk faded, replaced by a look of frustration. "You're tougher than I thought," he admitted, his tone now laced with anger. "But let's see how long you last against this!"

He raised his sword, channelling the energy of the souls within. The air grew thick with the weight of centuries-old rage and pain, the trapped spirits of his blade twisting and screaming in agony. He swung his sword downward, releasing a wave of dark energy that surged toward Wei like a tidal wave.

Wei braced himself, holding his sword in front of him. He could feel the Corrupted Soul whispering, tempting him to draw on its strength and meet Ji Kai's darkness with his own darkness. But he pushed the temptation aside, focusing instead on his trusted souls.

He drew upon them fully, unleashing a wave of pure, focused energy that met Ji Kai's attack head-on. The two forces collided, sending a shockwave through the courtyard that knocked some onlookers back.

For a moment, it seemed as though they were evenly matched. Slowly, Wei's energy began to push back, his strength bolstered by the unity of the souls bound to his blade. He took a step forward, then another, each step forcing Ji Kai's energy to retreat.

Ji Kai's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible!"

But Wei only took one final step, his blade cutting through Ji Kai's energy and landing a blow that forced him to the ground. Ji Kai's grip on his sword faltered, and for the first time, he looked vulnerable.

"You… you dare defy me?" Ji Kai hissed, clutching his wounded arm.

Wei lowered his sword, looking at Ji Kai with calm resolve. "Your strength comes from domination, from enslaving the souls of those you've defeated. But true strength lies in respect and unity. That's why you lost."

Elder Ma stepped forward, her gaze stern. "The Iron Eagle Clan is not welcome here, Ji Kai. Take your men and go, or suffer the consequences."

Ji Kai glared at her, then at Wei, his pride shattered. With a snarl, he gathered his men and retreated, leaving the courtyard in tense silence.

As they disappeared, the crowd broke into murmurs, whispers of awe and admiration directed at Wei. But he only glanced down at his sword, feeling the lingering influence of the Corrupted Soul, still waiting, still watching.

Lan Mei approached him, her face filled with pride. "You did it, Wei. You defeated him."

He gave a small nod, his gaze distant. "Yes, but the fight isn't over. As long as the Corrupted Soul remains, the darkness will always be there, waiting for a chance to surface."

Lan Mei placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You'll face it, Wei. And we'll be here to help you."

Wei looked around, seeing the support and pride in the faces of his clan members. His journey was far from over, but he knew he had allies who would stand by him. For now, that was enough.