Chapter 65: out numbered

Xavier's sharp golden gaze locked onto the five figures blocking his path. The leader, a woman exuding authority and confidence, stepped forward. Her aura was suffocating, radiating the power of a Mystic 5th rank warrior. She stood tall, her piercing crimson eyes trained intently on Xavier, her presence commanding respect and dread in equal measure.

Behind her, the other four Mystic warriors stood ready, their auras pulsating with menace. Each of them was skilled and disciplined, their stances betraying years of battle experience. Xavier, however, showed no fear. His golden Dragon Eye flickered faintly as he assessed their strength and positions, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"So," Xavier said, his tone calm but laced with authority, "the Crimson Cult sends five mystic warriors to greet me? I'm flattered, but it seems you've overestimated your chances—or perhaps underestimated me."

The leader narrowed her eyes, her crimson aura flaring slightly as her lips curved into a dark smile. "Xavier York, leader of the Soul Clan," she said, her voice smooth but cold. "We've heard of your exploits, but your arrogance will be your downfall. The Voidlands aren't kind to intruders, especially those who meddle in our affairs."

Xavier's gaze remained steady, his demeanor unshaken. "You've been causing chaos for too long," he said, his voice dropping into a more serious tone. "The Crimson Cult's stronghold ahead? It's as good as gone. If you value your lives, you'll step aside now."

The woman laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that echoed through the forest. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But you're alone against five Mystic-ranked warriors. Do you truly think you can survive this encounter, let alone destroy our stronghold?"

Xavier's smirk widened as his aura began to rise, the air around him growing heavy. Flames of crimson and ice-blue energy swirled around his body, a stark contrast to the dark aura emanating from the cultists. His golden Dragon Eye glowed brighter, scanning their every move.

"Alone?" Xavier said, his voice steady but filled with power. "You misunderstand. I am never alone."

With that, Xavier unleashed a pulse of energy, shaking the ground beneath them. The trees around him swayed violently, and the temperature dropped sharply as frost formed on the ground. The five warriors tensed, their leader momentarily faltering as she realized the immense power they were up against.

"This is your final warning," Xavier said, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge. "Leave, or face the consequences."

The woman, who introduced herself as Selina Dreadthorn, a commander of the Crimson Cult, narrowed her crimson eyes at Xavier. She barked a command to her warriors, her tone sharp and unyielding.

"Deal with him! I'll inform Master Kael Voryn of this threat," she ordered. Without another word, Selina turned and retreated into the dense woods, heading toward the stronghold where Kael Voryn, the Crimson Cult's fearsome leader and a Mystic 8th-ranked warrior, resided.

The four mystic warriors charged Xavier without hesitation, their weapons gleaming with murderous intent as they closed the distance.

Xavier stood motionless, his golden Dragon Eye glowing ominously as he studied their movements. His recent experience in the tournament had honed his understanding of Mystic-ranked warriors' techniques and senses, allowing him to anticipate their strikes before they even made them.

As the first warrior lunged with a halberd, Xavier sidestepped with an ethereal draconic step, vanishing briefly before appearing behind him. In one fluid motion, Xavier's sword sliced cleanly through the warrior's arm, severing it as the man screamed in agony. Without pausing, Xavier thrust his blade through the warrior's chest, ending his life instantly.

The remaining three hesitated for a split second, unnerved by the display of speed and precision. But their hesitation was their undoing.

"You should've run while you had the chance," Xavier said coldly, his voice like ice as flames began to swirl around him.

Two of the warriors attacked simultaneously, one aiming high and the other low. Xavier spun in place, his sword glowing with fiery energy. The force of his rotation unleashed a fiery arc that severed one warrior's leg and burned through the other's weapon, leaving him defenseless.

With brutal efficiency, Xavier closed the distance, finishing the second warrior with a diagonal slash that split his chest open. The third, now crippled and desperate, attempted to retreat, but Xavier extended his hand, conjuring a spear of ice. He hurled it with deadly precision, piercing the man's back and freezing his body solid before shattering into pieces.

The last warrior, trembling but resolute, charged with a battle cry, hoping to overwhelm Xavier with sheer desperation. But Xavier's experience and raw power rendered the attempt futile. With a flick of his wrist, Xavier's blade severed the man's head in one clean stroke.

As the battlefield fell silent, Xavier stood amidst the carnage, his body radiating an aura of dominance. Blood stained the ground, and the scent of death lingered in the air.

"Pathetic," he muttered, wiping his blade clean. "Selina, Kael… you're next."

Without delay, Xavier activated his Dragon Eye, tracking Selina's trail through the forest as he advanced toward the Crimson Cult stronghold with lethal intent.

Xavier raced through the dense forest, his sharp eyes locked onto Selina's fading aura as it weaved through the trees. His heart pounded, not with fear but with the anticipation of battle. He knew Selina was retreating to warn her leader, Kael, but she wouldn't make it easy.

As he neared the stronghold, a sudden oppressive energy stopped him in his tracks. From the shadows, a dozen figures emerged, their auras radiating menace. Six were Mystic Rank 6 warriors, their power causing the air to hum with tension. Five were Mystic Rank 5 warriors, their stances sharp and calculated. Selina stood among them, her cruel smile showing she had anticipated his arrival.

But it was the man at the back who commanded Xavier's attention. Kael, a Mystic Rank 8 warrior, exuded a power that seemed to distort the space around him. His piercing eyes were fixed on Xavier, and his lips curled into a confident smirk.

"Well, well," Kael said, his deep voice carrying across the clearing. "The Soul Clan's young prodigy graces us with his presence. Tell me, boy, do you truly think you can face all of us alone?"

Xavier's gaze swept across the group, calculating his chances. His body tensed, the weight of the challenge ahead sinking in. But instead of fear, a grin spread across his face, his dragon bloodline awakening with a fiery intensity.

"You should've sent more men," Xavier said, his voice calm but laced with defiance.

Kael raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Xavier's confidence. "Kill him," he ordered, his voice devoid of emotion.

The warriors surged forward as one, their killing intent crashing over Xavier like a wave. Summoning his strength, Xavier leapt into action, his blade flashing as he met the first wave head-on.

The battle was chaos. Xavier's movements were a blur, his dragon bloodline granting him speed and power that outmatched the Mystic Rank 5 warriors. His fire and ice clashed against their weapons, each strike sending shockwaves through the forest.

Within moments, six of the Mystic Rank 5 warriors lay defeated, their bodies crumpled to the ground. Xavier's breathing grew heavier as the Mystic Rank 6 warriors surrounded him, their attacks coordinated and relentless.

Selina hung back, observing the fight with a mixture of fear and admiration. She couldn't deny Xavier's strength, but she also knew Kael was watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Despite his injuries, Xavier pushed forward, his determination unyielding. He dispatched two more Mystic Rank 6 warriors, their defenses crumbling under his relentless assault. But the remaining four were more experienced, their combined efforts forcing him to fight defensively.

Kael's voice cut through the chaos. "Enough playing around. Finish him."

The Mystic Rank 6 warriors increased their pressure, their strikes coming faster and harder. Xavier gritted his teeth, his body screaming in protest as he deflected blow after blow. He knew he was nearing his limit, but he refused to give up.

Summoning every ounce of his remaining strength, Xavier activated his Soul of Enlightenment, Second Form, a golden aura erupting around him. The sheer power of the technique caused the Mystic Rank 6 warriors to falter, their expressions shifting from confidence to fear.

Xavier's blade burned with both fire and ice as he surged forward, his movements a blur. In a matter of seconds, the remaining warriors fell, their bodies hitting the ground with a resounding thud.

Now, only Selina and Kael remained. Xavier turned to face them, his breathing labored and his body trembling. His eyes locked onto Kael, a fire of determination burning within them.

"Your turn," Xavier said, his voice unwavering despite the blood dripping from his wounds.

Kael stepped forward, his aura flaring as he drew his massive sword. "Impressive, boy," he said, his tone almost respectful. "But you've already lost. Let me show you the difference between us."