Chapter 20: The Dance of Swords and Shadows
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The dark figures emerged from the mist, their crimson eyes gleaming with malice. Their bodies were wreathed in a sinister aura, flickering like ghostly shadows beneath the eerie blue glow of the Azure Rift Valley. The air thickened with an oppressive force, sending a chill down Lan Yue's spine.
Han Ye stood firm, his expression unreadable as he placed a protective hand on Lan Yue's shoulder. "Stay close. If things get too dangerous, fall back."
Lan Yue clenched her fists. "I won't be a
burden."
A low growl echoed as one of the creatures lunged forward, its claws glinting with corrosive energy. Han Ye reacted instantly—his blade, Silver Moon, flashed through the air like a streak of divine light.
Swish!
A clean arc severed the creature's arm before it could even touch the ground. The beast let out an unholy shriek, its severed limb dissolving into black mist before it vanished.
But there was no time to pause. More of them rushed forward, a horde of twisted beings with nightmarish forms—some humanoid, others monstrous amalgamations of beasts and shadows.
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Unleashing the Soaring Blade Sword Style
Han Ye inhaled deeply, and his aura surged like a raging storm. His sword shone brighter, resonating with his inner energy.
"Heavenly Soaring Slash!"
A single stroke descended from the heavens like a divine judgment. A crescent wave of sword qi tore through the battlefield, cutting down multiple enemies in an instant. Their bodies were obliterated before they could react, leaving only remnants of dark mist behind.
Lan Yue watched in awe. She had heard of his swordsmanship, but witnessing it firsthand was another matter entirely.
But the battle wasn't over.
One of the creatures, larger than the others, emerged from the mist, towering over Han Ye. Unlike the others, it wielded a massive black spear, its presence far more sinister.
A hoarse voice rasped from its throat. "You… strong… but not enough."
Han Ye narrowed his eyes. "Then try me."
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Clash of Titans
The shadow beast roared, its spear stabbing forward like a streak of dark lightning. Han Ye sidestepped at the last moment, his footwork flawless. His blade flickered, parrying the attack with precise movements. Sparks erupted as their weapons clashed, shaking the very air around them.
With a flick of his wrist, Han Ye executed the Void Step Blade Dance, vanishing from sight and reappearing behind the enemy in an instant.
Slash!
A deep wound appeared on the creature's side, but it didn't falter. Instead, it twisted unnaturally, its spear swinging toward Han Ye's blind spot.
Before it could land, Lan Yue's voice rang out.
"Abyssal Water Bind!"
Streams of glowing blue water surged from her hands, wrapping around the creature and slowing its movements. Han Ye seized the opening.
With both hands on Silver Moon, his energy surged to its peak. His sword radiated a blinding light as he unleashed his ultimate move—
"Moonlit Sword Domain!"
A sphere of radiant sword qi expanded outward, slicing through everything in its range with unparalleled sharpness. The shadow beast howled as its body was shredded into countless fragments, disappearing into the void.
Silence fell over the battlefield.
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Victory and Revelation
Han Ye exhaled, his sword humming in response to the energy dissipating around him. Lan Yue steadied herself, admiration flickering in her gaze.
"That… was incredible," she whispered.
He turned to her, a small smile playing at his lips. "You helped too."
Before they could celebrate, a deep rumbling echoed from beneath them. The ground trembled, and an ominous presence loomed in the distance. A shadowy vortex formed in the sky, as if something far worse was awakening.
Han Ye's grip tightened on Silver Moon. This battle was just the beginning.
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End of Chapter 20