The Guardian's Wrath
The cavern seemed alive with energy as the guardian's dark aura grew more oppressive. His piercing gaze swept over Lin Xuan, Yu Mei, and Li Fengxian, radiating disdain. "Three against one? No matter. You will all fall like the others who dared to stand before me."
Lin Xuan stepped forward, his glowing sword pointed at the guardian. "You've underestimated us. This isn't just about numbers; it's about resolve."
The guardian chuckled, his voice echoing ominously. "Bold words for someone who doesn't understand the power he faces."
With a flick of his wrist, the guardian unleashed a wave of black energy. The sheer force of it sent cracks spidering through the ground as the trio leaped in different directions to evade the attack.
---
"We need to work together," Lin Xuan called out, dodging a second surge of energy that scorched the air. "He's too strong to take on alone!"
Yu Mei nodded, her daggers glinting as she darted through the shadows, looking for an opening. Li Fengxian positioned himself to the guardian's right, his fiery blade igniting as he prepared an attack.
The guardian laughed, spreading his arms wide. "Come, then. Show me what your resolve is worth!"
The trio moved in unison. Lin Xuan charged head-on, his sword cutting through the thick black mist that surrounded the guardian. Li Fengxian followed, swinging his flaming sword in a wide arc to cover Lin Xuan's flank. Yu Mei, ever the strategist, aimed for the guardian's blind spots, her daggers aimed with deadly precision.
Their attacks converged, but the guardian deflected them with ease. His movements were fluid, almost effortless, as he parried each strike with a blade of pure darkness.
---
Lin Xuan gritted his teeth. "He's reading our movements. We need to disrupt his rhythm!"
Yu Mei narrowed her eyes. "Leave that to me. Just keep the pressure on him."
She vanished into the shadows, her movements so silent that even the guardian seemed momentarily unsure of her position. Lin Xuan and Li Fengxian pressed the attack, their strikes relentless despite the guardian's overwhelming power.
The guardian sneered. "Is this all you've got? You're barely worth my time."
At that moment, Yu Mei struck from above, her daggers aimed at the guardian's exposed back. The blades found their mark, sinking deep into his flesh. The guardian roared in pain, a sound that reverberated through the cavern like thunder.
But instead of retreating, he lashed out with a burst of dark energy that sent Yu Mei hurtling across the chamber. She hit the ground hard, gasping for breath.
"Yu Mei!" Li Fengxian shouted, his voice tinged with panic.
Lin Xuan's aura flared as he stepped between the guardian and his fallen comrade. "You'll pay for that."
---
The guardian smirked, his wound already beginning to heal. "Such anger. But it won't save you."
Lin Xuan took a deep breath, centering himself. He could feel the strain on his body, the toll of his earlier battles weighing heavily on him. But he couldn't falter now.
He raised his sword, its light growing brighter with each passing second. "Li Fengxian, cover me. I'm going to end this."
Li Fengxian nodded, stepping forward to engage the guardian. His fiery blade clashed with the guardian's dark weapon, sparks flying as their energies collided. "You'd better hurry, Lin Xuan!"
Lin Xuan closed his eyes, focusing all his energy into his blade. The air around him shimmered as a powerful aura began to form, its intensity shaking the very foundation of the cavern.
---
The guardian's eyes narrowed as he sensed the shift in Lin Xuan's energy. "What are you—?"
Before he could finish, Lin Xuan opened his eyes, their golden hue glowing with an otherworldly light. "Heavenly Ascension Blade!"
With a single swing, Lin Xuan unleashed a massive arc of energy that cut through the cavern like a divine force. The light was blinding, its power overwhelming as it surged toward the guardian.
The guardian raised his weapon in a desperate attempt to block the attack, but it was futile. The energy engulfed him, tearing through his defenses and sending him crashing into the far wall.
---
When the light finally faded, the cavern was silent. The guardian lay crumpled on the ground, his dark aura flickering weakly. Lin Xuan staggered, his sword slipping from his grasp as he fell to one knee.
Li Fengxian rushed to Yu Mei's side, helping her to her feet. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
Yu Mei nodded, wincing as she stood. "I'll live. But what about him?" She gestured toward the fallen guardian.
The trio approached cautiously, their weapons at the ready. The guardian's eyes fluttered open, his expression one of disbelief.
"Impossible," he muttered. "How could you…?"
Lin Xuan stood tall despite his exhaustion. "Your arrogance was your downfall. You underestimated us, and you paid the price."
The guardian coughed, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Perhaps… but you've only delayed the inevitable. The seal… it's connected to something far greater than you can imagine. You'll see soon enough."
With those final words, his body dissolved into shadow, leaving behind only silence.
---
The trio exchanged uneasy glances.
"What did he mean?" Yu Mei asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Lin Xuan shook his head. "I don't know. But whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Li Fengxian placed a hand on his shoulder. "We should secure the seal and regroup. We've come too far to stop now."
Nodding in agreement, the trio turned their attention to the seal, its luminous blue energy still pulsating faintly. Whatever lay ahead, they knew this was only the beginning.