Attack (2)

Elder Long Wei's sharp eyes suddenly narrowed as he scanned the surroundings. His spiritual sense picked up on something unusual—a faint, almost imperceptible ripple in the air. He raised his hand, signaling Seo-Jun and the group to stop.

"Wait," Elder Long Wei said, his voice low but urgent. "Something's not right."

Seo-Jun froze, his senses on high alert. "What is it, Elder?"

Elder Long Wei's expression darkened as he extended his spiritual energy outward, probing the area. After a moment, he clenched his fists. "The enemy has set up a concealment array around the outer courtyard. It's masking all disturbances—no one outside this area can sense what's happening here. That's why the inner sect hasn't noticed the attack."

Feng Yan's eyes widened. "That's why no reinforcements have come. They don't even know we're under attack."

Elder Long Wei nodded grimly. "Exactly. This is a well-planned infiltration. Seo-Jun, I need you and your group to head to the inner courtyard immediately. Find the Law Enforcement Hall Leader and inform him of the situation. His name is Elder Wu Tian. He's at the Nascent Soul stage and will know how to handle this."

Seo-Jun nodded, his resolve firm. "Understood, Elder. We'll go at once."

Elder Long Wei placed a hand on Seo-Jun's shoulder, his gaze intense. "Be careful. The enemy may have infiltrated the inner courtyard as well. Trust no one until you reach Elder Wu Tian."

With that, the group hurried toward the inner courtyard. As they crossed the boundary, the difference in spiritual energy was immediately apparent. The Qi in the inner courtyard was denser, purer, and far more potent. It felt like stepping into a different world, but the urgency of their mission kept them from lingering.

They approached a group of disciples practicing in a nearby courtyard. Seo-Jun stepped forward, his tone respectful but urgent. "Excuse me, could you tell us the way to the Law Enforcement Hall?"

One of the disciples, a young man with a calm demeanor, pointed down a wide path lined with towering trees. "Follow this path until you reach the Hall of Justice. The Law Enforcement Hall is just beyond it. You can't miss it."

Seo-Jun bowed slightly. "Thank you."

The group quickened their pace, their footsteps echoing in the quiet courtyard. The grandeur of the inner sect was evident in every detail—the intricate carvings on the buildings, the lush gardens, and the faint hum of spiritual energy in the air. But Seo-Jun and his friends had no time to admire the scenery.

When they arrived at the Law Enforcement Hall, they were met by two stern-looking guards at the entrance. Seo-Jun stepped forward, his voice steady but urgent. "We need to speak with Elder Wu Tian immediately. There's an urgent situation in the outer courtyard. Elder Long Wei sent us to inform him."

The guards exchanged a glance, their expressions hardening. One of them nodded. "Wait here."

Before they could say more, the doors to the hall swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out. His presence was overwhelming, his aura radiating power and authority. Seo-Jun's system immediately identified him:

[System Alert: Cultivator Info]

Name: Elder Wu Tian (Law Enforcement Hall Leader)

Cultivation Realm: Nascent Soul Stage 4

Skills:

Master of Law Enforcement Techniques

Expert in Array Breaking

Combat Specialist.

Elder Wu Tian's sharp eyes scanned the group, his voice deep and commanding. "What is the meaning of this? Why have you come here in such haste?"

Seo-Jun stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Elder Wu Tian, we bring urgent news. The outer courtyard has been infiltrated by spies from the Crimson Shadow Sect. They've set up a concealment array to mask their activities. Elder Long Wei sent us to inform you."

Elder Wu Tian's expression darkened, his brows furrowing. "A concealment array? That explains why I sensed nothing unusual." He paused, his gaze sharpening. "You're certain of this?"

Seo-Jun nodded. "Yes, Elder. We were attacked by their operatives in Azure Wind City, and Elder Hu Bao was targeted in his own abode. The enemy is moving quickly."

Elder Wu Tian's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of anger crossed his face. "If the Crimson Shadow Sect has dared to infiltrate our sect, they will regret it." He turned to the guards. "Mobilize the Law Enforcement Hall. We move to the outer courtyard at once."

The guards saluted and rushed off to carry out his orders. Elder Wu Tian turned back to Seo-Jun and his group. "You've done well to bring this to my attention. Stay here in the inner courtyard for now. It's safer."

Seo-Jun hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Elder, with all due respect, we want to help. We've faced the enemy before, and we know their tactics."

Elder Wu Tian studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But stay close to me. The enemy is not to be underestimated."

With that, Elder Wu Tian led the way, his presence radiating confidence and power. As they moved toward the outer courtyard, Seo-Jun couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and determination. The battle was far from over, but with Elder Wu Tian on their side, they stood a fighting chance.

As they approached the boundary between the inner and outer courtyards, Elder Wu Tian raised his hand, his spiritual energy surging. With a single, powerful gesture, he shattered the concealment array, the ripple of energy dissipating like a shattered mirror. The sounds of battle immediately became audible—clashing swords, explosions of Qi, and the cries of disciples.

Elder Wu Tian's expression hardened. "Let's move."

As the concealment array shattered, the Crimson Shadow Sect operatives immediately realized their cover was blown. Panic spread through their ranks, and they began to retreat, their dark figures scattering like shadows in the wind. But Elder Wu Tian was not about to let them escape.

He soared into the sky, his robes billowing like the wings of a divine eagle. His voice thundered across the battlefield, resonating with authority and righteousness. "Evil will not escape justice! Face the judgment of the Blazing Sword Sect!"

With a swift motion, he raised his hand, and the air around him crackled with energy. "Heaven's Wrath: Blade of Purification!" A massive sword of pure spiritual energy materialized above him, glowing with a blinding light. With a single swing, the blade descended, cutting through the retreating enemies like a scythe through wheat. The ground shook as the attack landed, leaving a deep fissure in its wake. Dozens of Crimson Shadow Sect operatives were obliterated in an instant, their screams echoing briefly before being silenced.

Just as Elder Wu Tian was about to finish off the remaining enemies, a sudden surge of killing intent filled the air. A sword, wreathed in crimson flames, shot toward him with terrifying speed. Elder Wu Tian barely managed to twist his body, the blade grazing his shoulder and drawing a thin line of blood. He landed gracefully, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the figure who had launched the attack.

The man stepped forward, his presence as oppressive as a storm. He wore the robes of the Crimson Shadow Sect, but his aura was far more menacing than any of the operatives they had faced so far. His face was sharp, his eyes cold and calculating, and a cruel smirk played on his lips.

[System Alert: Cultivator Info]

Name: Elder Xue Feng (Crimson Shadow Sect Elder)

Cultivation Realm: Nascent Soul Stage 4

Skills: Master of Crimson Flame Sword Arts

Expert in Assassination Techniques.

Elder Wu Tian's expression hardened as he wiped the blood from his shoulder. "Xue Feng. I should have known you'd be behind this."

Xue Feng chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. "Wu Tian, always the righteous hero. But even heroes fall. The Blazing Sword Sect's time is over. The Crimson Shadow Sect will rise, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

Elder Wu Tian's grip tightened on his sword, his voice calm but filled with resolve. "Your arrogance will be your downfall, Xue Feng. The Blazing Sword Sect has stood for centuries, and we will not fall to the likes of you."

Xue Feng's smirk widened. "We'll see about that."

The two Nascent Soul experts clashed, their movements a blur of speed and power. The air around them crackled with energy as their swords met, each strike sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Elder Wu Tian's sword gleamed with a pure, radiant light, while Xue Feng's blade burned with crimson flames, leaving trails of fire in its wake.

Elder Wu Tian launched a flurry of attacks, his sword moving with precision and grace. "Blazing Sky Cleave!" His blade arced through the air, a wave of spiritual energy surging toward Xue Feng. The Crimson Shadow elder countered with a swift motion, his crimson flames forming a barrier that absorbed the attack.

Xue Feng retaliated with a vicious strike, his sword leaving a trail of fire as it aimed for Elder Wu Tian's chest. "Crimson Inferno Slash!" The attack was swift and deadly, but Elder Wu Tian sidestepped at the last moment, the flames grazing his robes.

The battle intensified, each exchange of blows shaking the ground and sending debris flying. Elder Wu Tian's movements were calculated and precise, his years of experience evident in every strike. Xue Feng, on the other hand, fought with a ferocious intensity, his crimson flames burning hotter with each attack.

Despite his skill, Elder Wu Tian began to show signs of strain. Xue Feng's relentless assault was taking its toll, and several wounds marred Elder Wu Tian's body. Blood dripped from a cut on his arm, and his robes were singed from the crimson flames. But he refused to back down.

With a roar, Elder Wu Tian channeled all his remaining energy into his sword. The blade glowed brighter than ever, its light piercing through the darkness. "Heaven's Judgment: Final Verdict!" He swung his sword in a wide arc, a massive wave of spiritual energy surging toward Xue Feng.

As the massive wave of spiritual energy from Elder Wu Tian's "Heaven's Judgment: Final Verdict" surged toward Xue Feng, the Crimson Shadow Sect elder's eyes widened in shock. He raised his sword, summoning a barrier of crimson flames to block the attack. But the sheer force of Elder Wu Tian's strike was overwhelming. The barrier shattered like glass, and the wave of energy slammed into Xue Feng with devastating force.

Xue Feng was sent flying, his body crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. The ground cracked beneath him, and a cloud of dust and debris filled the air. When the dust settled, Xue Feng lay motionless, his body battered and broken. Blood pooled around him, and his once-menacing aura had completely dissipated.

Elder Wu Tian landed heavily, his breathing labored and his body covered in wounds. He approached Xue Feng cautiously, his sword still glowing faintly with residual energy. As he stood over the fallen elder, Xue Feng's eyes flickered open, his gaze filled with pain and hatred.

"You… think you've won?" Xue Feng coughed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "The Crimson Shadow Sect… will never stop. They will destroy… everything you hold dear."

Elder Wu Tian's expression was grim but resolute. "Your sect's reign of terror ends here, Xue Feng. You will not live to see your plans come to fruition."

With a final, decisive motion, Elder Wu Tian raised his sword and brought it down, ending Xue Feng's life. The Crimson Shadow Sect elder's body went still, his lifeless eyes staring into the void. The battlefield fell silent, the weight of the moment settling over everyone present.

Elder Wu Tian sheathed his sword and turned to Seo-Jun and the others, his body trembling from exhaustion but his spirit unbroken. "The threat has been neutralized, but this is far from over. The Crimson Shadow Sect will not take this lightly. We must prepare for their retaliation."

At that moment, Seo-Jun felt something stir within him. The sight of Elder Wu Tian's unparalleled swordsmanship, the way he channeled his energy with such precision and power, ignited a spark of enlightenment in his mind. The system prompt appeared:

[System Alert: Enlightenment Achieved!]

Sword Intent Comprehension has increased!

New Skill Unlocked: Blazing Sky Cleave (Basic Proficiency).

Seo-Jun's eyes widened as he felt the newfound understanding settle within him. He could almost see the flow of energy, the way the sword moved through the air, and the way it connected with the world around it. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a deeper layer of the sword's essence.

Elder Wu Tian noticed the change in Seo-Jun's aura and gave a faint, approving nod. "You've taken your first step toward true mastery. Remember this moment, Seo-Jun. The sword is not just a weapon—it is an extension of your will."

Seo-Jun bowed deeply, his heart filled with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Elder Wu Tian. I will not forget."