Chapter 43: The Blade of Betrayal

The dense mountain pass erupted into chaos as Jiang Ren struck with ruthless precision, his blade cutting through Yan Shun's warriors like a viper lashing out at its prey. The ambush had been expertly planned—this was no mere skirmish but a calculated strike, executed with the precision Shen Longwei's forces were known for.

Yan Shun fought viciously, his twin sabers a blur of silver light as he cut down the first wave of attackers. But the enemy's numbers were overwhelming. The Scarlet Iron Sect's warriors were not ordinary soldiers; they moved with deadly efficiency, surrounding Yan Shun's people and forcing them into a defensive position.

Li Feng ducked beneath a swinging blade, countering with a fiery strike from the Phoenix Sigil. The power seared through his veins, his vision swimming as the heat radiated outward. His newfound strength was immense—but it came at a terrible cost. Every pulse of energy sent a fresh wave of agony through his body.

Mei Lian fought beside him, her movements swift and precise, parrying blows while maneuvering around the battlefield. Zheng Wei stood his ground, his staff glowing faintly as he chanted protective sutras, creating barriers to block incoming strikes. But even with their combined might, the battle was slipping away from them.

And then the betrayal was revealed.

A sharp whistle cut through the battlefield, and suddenly, a group of Yan Shun's men turned against their own. Blades found their targets in the backs of unsuspecting warriors, and blood sprayed across the snow-covered rocks.

Yan Shun's eyes burned with fury as he whirled around, his sabers clashing against the traitors.

"You—" he snarled, locking eyes with a warrior wearing the insignia of the Azure Shadows. A man he had fought beside for years.

The betrayer smirked. "You should've seen this coming, Yan Shun."

With a flick of his wrist, he hurled a scroll toward Jiang Ren, who caught it effortlessly.

Li Feng's breath caught.

The Celestial Mirror's location.

Mei Lian gasped, moving to intercept, but Jiang Ren sidestepped her effortlessly. "Too late," he taunted, tucking the scroll into his robes. "Shen Longwei thanks you for your efforts."

Yan Shun surged forward in a desperate attempt to reclaim it, but the traitor blocked his path, striking out with an unrelenting barrage of attacks. Fury clouded Yan Shun's face as he fought his former ally, but the distraction had done its damage.

Jiang Ren gave a mock bow and disappeared into the mist, vanishing into the mountains with the stolen knowledge.

Li Feng's rage flared. Power surged within him, the Phoenix Sigil reacting to his emotions. Flames spiraled around his fists, licking at his skin. He wanted to chase after Jiang Ren, to burn everything in his path—but his body failed him. Pain lanced through his limbs, his vision darkening at the edges. He stumbled, barely keeping his balance.

Zheng Wei caught him before he could fall. "Enough," the monk warned. "You'll destroy yourself."

Yan Shun let out a breath, glaring at the corpses of his fallen men. "That traitor will pay," he growled, his voice tight with fury. "But for now, Shen Longwei is one step ahead of us."

A heavy silence settled over them, the weight of their failure pressing down like an avalanche.

Li Feng clenched his fists. He had made his choice to keep the Coiled Dragon Ring, to take control of his own fate. But had that choice just cost them everything?

The battle was over, but the war had only just begun.