Chapter 40: Clash with Elder Jin

The air inside the stronghold grew heavy, charged with the oppressive qi radiating from Elder Jin. His cruel smile deepened as he extended his hand, summoning a black halberd from thin air. The weapon gleamed ominously, its edges coated with a faint, poisonous mist.

"You're bold to walk into my domain," Elder Jin said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "But boldness without strength is just stupidity."

Tang Xiu stood tall, his expression unreadable. "Boldness comes from confidence. Strength? That's something you'll see for yourself."

Elder Jin's laughter was sharp and mocking. "You? A mere child who hasn't even reached the Foundation Realm? You must be joking."

Tang Xiu didn't reply. Instead, he raised his hand, and a faint golden light swirled around his fingers. The sight made Elder Jin's smile falter for a brief moment.

"Interesting," Elder Jin said, his tone shifting to one of curiosity. "You're not as simple as you look. But no matter how talented you are, you're still out of your depth."

"Enough talk," Tang Xiu said coldly. "Let's see if your strength matches your arrogance."

Elder Jin moved first, lunging forward with his halberd. The weapon cut through the air with terrifying speed, leaving a trail of black energy in its wake.

Tang Xiu sidestepped gracefully, his movements fluid and precise. The halberd missed him by a hair's breadth, slamming into the ground and cracking the stone floor.

"Not bad," Tang Xiu said, his tone calm. "But you'll need more than brute force to win."

Elder Jin snarled, his qi surging as he swung the halberd again. This time, the weapon's black energy expanded, forming a wave of destructive force that rushed toward Tang Xiu.

Tang Xiu raised his hand, and a barrier of golden light appeared in front of him. The black energy slammed into the barrier, but it didn't even leave a scratch.

"What?!" Elder Jin's eyes widened in disbelief. "How are you—"

Before he could finish, Tang Xiu moved. In a flash, he was behind Elder Jin, his palm glowing with golden light.

"Too slow," Tang Xiu said, striking Elder Jin in the back.

The force of the blow sent Elder Jin crashing into a nearby pillar. Dust and debris filled the air as the pillar collapsed, but Elder Jin quickly rose to his feet, his expression twisted with rage.

"You little brat!" he roared. "You dare humiliate me?!"

While Tang Xiu held Elder Jin's attention, the rest of the group dealt with the remaining guards.

Xu Liang moved like a shadow, his daggers flashing as he struck down enemy after enemy. Lei Xian, on the other hand, charged headfirst into the fray, his fists glowing with qi as he overpowered his opponents.

"Boss better save some of the fun for us," Lei Xian grumbled, throwing a guard into a wall.

"Focus," Old Hu snapped, deflecting an attack with his sword. "This isn't the time for jokes."

"Relax, Old Man," Xu Liang said with a grin. "We've got this under control."

Despite their banter, the group worked together seamlessly, their teamwork honed through countless battles.

Back in the main chamber, Elder Jin's attacks grew more frantic as he realized he couldn't overpower Tang Xiu.

"How… how are you this strong?!" he demanded, his breathing labored.

Tang Xiu didn't answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and a golden rune appeared in the air. The rune pulsed with a powerful energy that made the entire chamber tremble.

Elder Jin's eyes filled with fear. "That's… impossible! How do you know ancient rune techniques?!"

Tang Xiu stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding. "I've given you enough chances. Now, it's time for you to pay the price for your crimes."

The golden rune shot toward Elder Jin, its energy overwhelming. Elder Jin raised his halberd in a desperate attempt to block the attack, but it was useless. The rune shattered his weapon and struck him directly in the chest.

Elder Jin screamed in agony as the golden energy engulfed him. When the light faded, he collapsed to the ground, his body trembling.

Tang Xiu walked over to him, his expression calm but merciless. "Who gave you the order to target me?"

Elder Jin coughed weakly, blood staining his lips. "You'll… never… win. The Shadow Sect… is everywhere."

Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. "You're still wasting my time."

He placed his hand on Elder Jin's forehead, activating the soul-seizing technique once more. Elder Jin's body convulsed as Tang Xiu delved into his memories, extracting every piece of useful information.

When Tang Xiu was done, Elder Jin was barely conscious, his life force flickering like a dying flame.

"You're finished," Tang Xiu said coldly. "Your sect won't save you."

With a final surge of energy, Tang Xiu struck Elder Jin's chest, ending his life.

As the dust settled, the group regrouped in the main chamber.

"Is it over?" Xu Liang asked, wiping blood from his daggers.

Tang Xiu nodded. "For now. But this was just one battle. The Shadow Sect won't take this lightly."

Old Hu frowned. "What did you find out from him?"

Tang Xiu's expression was grim. "The Shadow Sect is planning something big. Their influence runs deeper than we thought."

Lei Xian cracked his knuckles. "Let them come. We'll crush them all."

Tang Xiu shook his head. "This isn't just about strength. We need to be smarter, faster, and always one step ahead."

The group exchanged determined glances, their resolve unshaken despite the challenges ahead.

Tang Xiu looked toward the horizon, his gaze filled with a mix of determination and anticipation.

"The path to the top is never easy," he murmured. "But I'll climb it again, no matter what stands in my way."