saving Elena 2

tne entrance to the training grounds loomed ahead, guarded by two knights radiating an

imposing aura. Despite this, Ash strode forward confidently.

As he approached, both knights knelt in respect, even though they were aligned with the patriarch's wife's faction. On the surface,

they had no choice but to acknowledge him as the family heir.

Ash gave a slight nod, signaling them to rise. One of the guards spoke in a respectful tone. "Young Master, what brings you here today? Is there a scheduled sparring session? We can summon whoever you wish."

The question seemed innocent, but Ash caught its underlying meaning-he should have someone permission for him to

enter.

He had already anticipated this. "I'm here to meet the Madam. I know she is inside, but she is unaware of my visit. One of you should inform her."

The guards exchanged hesitant glances. Their reaction confirmed his suspicions-they intended to delay him.

Ash's expression darkened. "I won't take no for an answer. Either one of you informs her, or I'll do it myself."

Realizing they had no way out, they exchanged a meaningful glance and the guard on the left turned, opening the door.

"I won't keep you waiting long, Young Master. Please be patient."

He slipped inside, closing the door behind him. Ash took a quick glance at the terrain's interior.

It looked exactly as he remembered. He wasn't concerned about his stepmother's reaction-he only needed to wait a few minutes before entering without needing anyone permission.

Just as expected, moments after the guard entered, a sudden explosion erupted inside.

The door trembled violently under the impact. The remaining guard stiffened, panic flashing across his face.

Ash wasted no time. As he stepped forward to push the door open, the knight blocked his path with his spear. His voice wavered.

"Wait! You can't enter!"

Ash's gaze sharpened. He shoved the spear aside. "This is not the time for formalities. My family is under attack. Do you think I'll stand here and do nothing? Move aside. This is an order, not a request."

A fiery aura erupted around him, searing the air. The guard started sweating and felt as if he was being burned alive

He recoiled, taking trembling steps backward. His spear clattered to the ground as terror gripped him.

Ash opened the door. Before stepping inside, he shot one last glance at the knight.

"Call for reinforcements."

Then, he entered.

The training ground was built like a coliseum, with multiple sections dedicated to different types of combats and trainings.

Seating areas surrounded it, capable of holding thousands.

But now, destruction marred the once-pristine arena. Parts of the structure lay in ruins.

At the center of the battlefield, a swirling black gateway pulsed ominously. Masked figures in dark robes poured out, their uniforms adorned with an emblem-a serpent coiled around a great tree, devouring it.

The insignia was unmistakable. The Church of Chaos. A fanatical cult devoted to the

destruction of humanity. This attack was retaliation for his family's recent annihilation of one of their branches.

Ash's gaze locked onto three figures being surrounded-a regal woman and two younger girls who bore a striking resemblance to

her.

His stepmother, Thena, and his sisters, Elena and Thea.

Their attackers weren't ordinary cultists. Among them stood three Nascent Soul captains and a peak Soul Formation leader-the one keeping Thena occupied, forcing

her into a prolonged battle so that her daughters could be targeted.

Ash clenched his fists. He had lived through this moment in his past life.

Back then, reinforcements had arrived just in time to drive the invaders away, but not fast enough to prevent his siter from losing her sight.

Because a Nascent Soul captain had sacrificed his cultivation to launch a devastating attack on Thea.

Elena had shielded her, but in doing so, she

had lost her eyes. Not this time. He turned to the shadows and gave a firm order.

"Ten, stay hidden and assist from the

darkness. Focus on protecting my sisters. If you reveal yourself, they might send reinforcements."

A soft, feminine voice responded with concern. "My duty is to protect you. If I don't stay by your side, i won't ve able to do it and you might get gurt or even die."

"This isn't a discussion. Follow my orders."

Ten hesitated but eventually obeyed, vanishing into the shadows.

Ash exhaled in relief. Almost immediately, the enemies began dropping, burned alive without warning. With each death, the pressure on his sisters lessened.

He wasn't strong enough to face high-level opponents directly, but he surely rich enough especially after the latest events, he came fully prepared.

Before coming here, he had secured a stealth talisman from Ten, allowing him to

move undetected.

Inside his spatial ring, he carried a dozen throwing knives-dark as the night, crafted for

assassination.

Each knife bore a formation that concealed its presence and made it return to its

wielder.

" Perfect. " He whispered mixeing with the darkness

Ash maneuvered through the chaos, targeting weaker enemies first. The attackers levels ranged from Body Refinement to Core Formation, while the three Nascent Soul captains held back

the family's elite guards.

The battle raged on. Ten's assistance slowly shifted the tide, but Ash knew the real danger had yet to come.

He kept his focus on the captains. As expected, just as reinforcements were about to arrive, one of them exploded with

power, his cultivation burning away as he unleashed his final attack.

" Here it comes "

Ash moved before anyone else, positioning himself near Thea. The captain roared, his aura surging wildly. Cutting down two

Nascent Soul guards in an instant, he charged straight for Thea.

Elena had defended her in the past. But this time, Ash was there, he knew he couldn't stop the captain but he wasn't planning on doing so. In front of him Ten materialized, blocking the captain's path.

During the fight Ash doubted that Ten was only following his orders on the surface but in reality she was keepong most of her focus on him and to further confirm his conclusion he tried to approach stronger opponents and every single one will suddenly die.

So he doubted that she will defend his sister with her life but if he was also included it will be a whole another story, he gumbled amd his gumble succeeded.

Thea's eyes widened in confusion as Ash suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Who is she?!"

"No time to explain. We need to retreat-NOW "

She nodded, and the two began moving back. After being stopped by Ten the rest of guards followed him and by unifying their efforts were able to stop him. But the captain desperate attacks had only begun.

Fueled by madness, he poured all his

remaining energy into a final attack. His sword cleaved through the air, its power rippling through the battlefield.

"DIE, SINNERS! " he bellowed.

The force was immense. Even the combined efforts of three Nascent Soul cultivators barely managed to stop it down.

But a portion of the attack still broke through-heading straight for Ash and Thea.

" Shit, why can't you just die " he cursed

Ash reacted instantly, stepping forward. Two daggers flashed in his hands as he braced for impact.

Thea attempted to step ahead, but he shoved her aside just in time. The attack struck.

Ash's body was flung like a ragdoll, smashing against a distant wall. Dust and debris filled the air.

A victorious smile lingered on his lips.

Through the haze, Thea ran to him, her face pale with worry. She knelt beside him, frantically checking his injuries.

When she saw they were all external despite their severity, she exhaled in relief.

Her voice softened. "You didn't have to protect me. I'm stronger than you, idiot."

Despite her words, a faint smile crept onto her lips.