Chapter 32: Shadows of the Lost Empire

The battlefield lay in ruins. Charred bodies of Iron Lotus Sect disciples and cultists littered the ground, the air thick with the stench of blood and smoke. Jiang Cheng stood amidst the wreckage, gripping the half-burned scroll Elder Wu had dropped. The words "Ruins of the Lost Empire" pulsed in his mind like a whisper of fate.

The surviving disciples of the Iron Lotus Sect knelt before their fallen elders, grief evident in their eyes. Their sect was destroyed, their legacy nearly wiped out. A young disciple, barely in his teens, stumbled toward Jiang Cheng and bowed deeply.

"Senior Jiang… what do we do now?"

Jiang Cheng looked at him, then at the remnants of the sect. He had no obligation to these people—but he wasn't heartless. He sighed. "Your sect's foundation is gone. You have two choices: wander alone, or seek refuge in another sect."

One of the senior disciples, a woman with a wounded arm, gritted her teeth. "We cannot simply let this end here! The cult must pay!"

Jiang Cheng glanced at the scroll in his hand. He had no doubt that the cult's plans ran deeper than simple destruction.

"The real battle is far from over," he said. "If you wish for revenge, don't waste your lives foolishly. Get stronger. Live to fight another day."

The disciples looked at each other, then slowly nodded. Some would seek shelter in allied sects. Others would go into hiding, training for the future. But for now, Jiang Cheng had his own path to follow.

He turned to Li Xueyan, who had fought alongside him. "I need to find out what this scroll means."

She studied the burned edges and the ancient symbols. "Ruins of the Lost Empire… I've heard rumors. A civilization wiped from history, its legacy buried beneath the sands of time. If the cult is after it, they must believe something valuable remains."

Jiang Cheng's eyes gleamed. A lost civilization… a hidden power… If there was a sword or martial art left behind by such a powerful empire, it could be worth the journey.

"We should leave immediately," he said.

Li Xueyan nodded. "I'll come with you."

Jiang Cheng didn't refuse. He had fought beside her before—her skills were undeniable, and her knowledge of ancient history could prove useful.

As they prepared to depart, a figure approached them—a man wearing the robes of a wandering merchant. He had a calm, calculating gaze, and though he carried no weapon, Jiang Cheng sensed he was far from weak.

"Young master Jiang," the merchant said, bowing slightly. "I am Tian Zhonghai."

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. Tian… One of the Five Great Families?

"I have heard of your battle," Tian Zhonghai continued. "You are a man of great potential. I have come to offer my assistance."

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms. "And why would a member of the Tian Family want to help me?"

Tian Zhonghai smiled slightly. "Because I, too, have reasons to oppose the cult. And because I believe our interests align. The Ruins of the Lost Empire hold secrets that should not fall into the wrong hands."

Jiang Cheng studied the man's expression. He wasn't the type to trust easily, but he had already planned to make connections on his journey.

After a long pause, he said, "Very well. Let's see where this alliance takes us."

With that, the three of them set off toward the unknown, the shadows of an ancient empire waiting to reveal their secrets.