The aftermath of the attack on the Celestial Dragon Sect's supply convoy spread like wildfire. Whispers traveled through the Higher Realm, fueling speculation and paranoia. No one knew the true culprit, but the signs pointed toward internal betrayal.
Shao Xian stood atop a jagged cliff overlooking the blood-stained path below. The once-majestic transport beasts now lay lifeless, their armored handlers reduced to corpses. The scent of death lingered in the air, mixing with the crisp mountain breeze.
Luo Qing approached him, her face impassive. "Scouts from the Celestial Dragon Sect will arrive soon."
Bai Ren wiped the blood from his blade, his grin never fading. "Let them. They'll only find ashes."
Shao Xian glanced toward Xuan Yue, who stood in the shadows, watching with an unreadable expression. "How long until the rumors spread?"
"They already have," she said. "The Celestial Dragon Sect is in chaos. They suspect their own members, but they are still uncertain who the true enemy is."
Shao Xian's golden eyes gleamed. "Then it's time for the second strike."
The Next Target
A war was not won by brute force alone. Shao Xian knew that well. The Celestial Dragon Sect controlled countless resources, but they had one weakness: their reliance on key strongholds spread across the realm.
His next move was to strike at one of these pillars.
Hidden within the heart of the Thunderfall Mountains was a fortress known as the Azure Vault. It was a crucial armory, supplying elite warriors of the Celestial Dragon Sect with weapons, armor, and rare cultivation resources. If it fell, their forces would suffer a crippling blow.
Shao Xian turned to his gathered allies. "The Azure Vault will fall within the next three days."
Xuan Yue arched an eyebrow. "You move quickly."
"There is no need for delay," he said calmly. "They are vulnerable now. If we hesitate, they will recover."
Bai Ren cracked his knuckles. "So, we burn it down?"
Shao Xian's lips curled slightly. "No. We take everything of value first. Then we reduce it to dust."
Luo Qing nodded. "And the guards?"
Shao Xian's gaze turned cold. "No survivors."
The Infiltration
Night blanketed the Thunderfall Mountains as Shao Xian and his group approached the Azure Vault. The fortress stood atop a sheer cliff, its walls reinforced with layers of spirit-infused stone. Guard towers loomed overhead, their watchmen scanning the darkness.
This was no simple outpost. It was a fortress designed to withstand sieges.
Yet, it would fall.
Shao Xian motioned to Xuan Yue's assassins, who melted into the shadows. Moments later, the torches atop the nearest tower flickered and went dark. A muffled cry echoed before silence returned.
Bai Ren smirked. "Efficient."
Shao Xian led the group forward, their movements swift and silent. The entrance to the vault was guarded by elite cultivators, each radiating powerful auras. These were not ordinary warriors; they were among the Celestial Dragon Sect's finest.
But they were not prepared for him.
With a flick of his wrist, Shao Xian unleashed a ripple of black energy that coiled through the air like living tendrils. The guards barely had time to react before the darkness swallowed them whole.
Their screams never came.
Luo Qing stepped over the lifeless bodies, her expression unchanged. "What now?"
Shao Xian pressed a hand against the vault's main doors, his golden eyes flashing. Ancient runes shimmered beneath his touch before shattering like fragile glass.
The way was open.
Plundering the Vault
Inside, towering shelves lined the walls, filled with weapons forged from rare materials, spirit pills that radiated immense energy, and ancient scrolls containing forbidden techniques.
Xuan Yue's assassins moved swiftly, collecting everything of value.
Bai Ren ran a hand along a crimson-hued spear. "They were hoarding all this? No wonder they think themselves invincible."
Luo Qing pocketed a small jade box. "They won't be for long."
Shao Xian reached for a particular scroll, its surface covered in runes that pulsed with an ominous light. The moment his fingers touched it, a surge of ancient energy flooded through him.
A memory long forgotten stirred within his mind.
He knew this technique.
A remnant of his past life.
Shao Xian's grip tightened. He would reclaim everything.
Destruction
Once the vault had been stripped of all valuables, it was time for the final step.
Shao Xian turned to Xuan Yue. "Do it."
She nodded, stepping back as her assassins placed small, glowing stones throughout the chamber.
Spiritfire bombs.
Bai Ren grinned. "This will be beautiful."
Luo Qing cast a last glance at the ruined vault. "They won't recover from this easily."
Shao Xian walked to the entrance, his golden gaze sweeping across the fortress. He raised a hand—and then clenched his fist.
A moment later, the night sky was engulfed in an explosion of violet flames.
The Azure Vault was no more.
The War Begins
As the flames raged behind them, Shao Xian and his allies disappeared into the shadows.
By dawn, the Celestial Dragon Sect would awaken to the news of their fortress's destruction. And they would know—someone was hunting them.
Shao Xian's path of vengeance had only just begun.
And the Higher Realm would never be the same again.