The Sentinels Awaken

The Sentinels Awaken

Inside the Death Knights' Stronghold

Deep within the stronghold of the Death Knights, a hidden chamber stirred. The air was thick with the scent of metal and old blood, and the walls, carved with ancient inscriptions, pulsed with a faint, sinister glow. This was the proving ground of the Sentinels—warriors who had forsaken their pasts in pursuit of absolute strength.

They were neither guards nor mere soldiers. They were the threshold—the final test before one could even glimpse the true power of the Death Knights.

The heavy chamber doors groaned open, their weight a testament to the centuries they had stood. A lone figure stepped inside, his presence alone enough to command silence.

Zhuan Xirong, the Sentinel Commander.

His black and crimson armor clung to his powerful frame like a second skin, its engraved runes shimmering with restrained power. His gaze, sharp as tempered steel, swept across the assembled warriors—each bearing the mark of the Death Knights, each a blade honed for battle.

A message had arrived.

Ling Chen's decree.

Zhuan Xirong's voice, calm yet unyielding, cut through the chamber like a blade.

"The gates will soon be tested."

The Sentinels did not move. They did not breathe out of turn.

"Phoenix Cry, Emerald Sovereignty, and Obsidian Shadow have sent their finest. But among them walk those without banners—warriors who reject the chains of the great factions."

His steps echoed as he strode forward, each measured, each carrying the weight of an executioner approaching his duty.

"They believe they are strong."

Another step.

"They believe they are worthy."

He halted before the front row, his presence pressing down like an invisible blade against their throats.

"Do you accept this challenge?"

The chamber trembled under the force of their response.

"We do."

A rare flicker of amusement ghosted across Zhuan Xirong's lips. He turned to his second-in-command, a figure standing in the shadows.

Wei Jun, the Phantom Reaper.

Clad in jagged black armor, twin crescent blades resting against his back, he was more specter than man. His presence flickered between seen and unseen, a whisper of death waiting to strike.

Unlike the others, he had no need to voice his loyalty. His silence was answer enough.

Zhuan Xirong nodded. "Then we prepare. We will show them the meaning of fear."

---

Outside the Ash Gates

The Ash Gates loomed before them, their massive steel frames stained with the scars of past battles. The air here was heavy—not just with dust and embers, but with something unseen. A presence. The weight of those who had come before and fallen.

Shinryu's gaze lingered on the towering walls of the Death Knights' stronghold. The fortress seemed to breathe, as if it was watching them just as much as they were observing it.

Beyond him, the combined forces of Phoenix Cry, Emerald Sovereignty, and Obsidian Shadow stood in tense silence—each group comprised of their finest warriors. Yet even among them, there were those who stood apart. The ones without banners. The ones who refused to kneel.

Shinryu exhaled, glancing toward Raikai. "We did it. Our first mission together was a success."

Raikai, arms crossed, muttered, "I wonder… how will they even know that we brought all of them here alive?" His sharp gaze flickered toward the fortress, wary of unseen eyes lurking beyond the walls.

Xue Mor, walking slightly ahead, scoffed softly. "I wouldn't worry about such things—not right now, at least." But even she felt it—that presence, that silent challenge hanging in the air.

Their conversation was interrupted as Hou Jian and Hou Liang stepped forward, their expressions grim. Hou Jian's sharp gaze swept over the assembled warriors before he finally asked, "How much do you all know about the Death Knights? More specifically… their first trial?"

Silence followed.

Seeing the uncertainty on their faces, Hou Jian took it upon himself to explain.

"They are called the Sentinels," he began, his tone solemn. "A unit of warriors who have undergone Flesh and Bone Fortification. Most of them have reached the peak of this stage. Some remain stuck at this step—not due to lack of skill, but simply because they lack the talent to advance further."

The weight of his words settled over them like a cold shadow.

"Unlike us, they have no backgrounds. No noble clans. No sect legacies. They were taken in as orphans and trained for one purpose—war and slaughter. Their lives are not their own. Their only goal is to take their enemies with them or injure them enough that their comrades can finish the job."

His eyes darkened as he scanned the gathered geniuses.

"When you fight them, do not think of this as a tournament, nor a competition. If you do—" his voice sharpened, "—it will cost you."

Silence followed once more, heavier this time.

And beyond the Ash Gates, the Sentinels waited.

---

The Sentinels' Anticipation

Inside the fortress, in the dimly lit halls of the Death Knights, warriors prepared for war. The sound of sharpening steel filled the air, each motion practiced, each movement deliberate.

They had seen challengers before. And they had buried them.

Zhuan Xirong, the Sentinel Commander – A warrior of unwavering resolve. His strikes were absolute, his presence an immovable iron wall.

Wei Jun, the Phantom Reaper – A master of silent execution. If he moved, death had already arrived.

Gao Ren, the Obsidian Executioner – Wielding a colossal war axe, his strength alone could sunder mountains.

Xian Lihua, the Thousand Veil Mistress – Her chained blades danced like specters, weaving a deadly waltz none could escape.

Wu Feng, the Bone Shatterer – An Iron Body Cultivator whose fists could break through steel and flesh alike.

As they honed their techniques, the reality was clear.

This was not a test.

This was a reckoning.

And the Sentinels did not intend to lose.