The sky above the monoliths darkened as storm clouds swirled, casting an eerie glow over the battlefield. Shao Xian stood tall, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering lightning in the distance. His newly forged warriors—the Stormbreakers—had proven themselves, but there was no time for rest.
"Zhao Feng," Shao Xian called, his voice cutting through the wind.
Zhao Feng, despite his exhaustion, immediately straightened. "Yes, my lord?"
"The training is complete. Now, we move toward the first step of our conquest."
The words sent a ripple through the gathered warriors. The time for mere preparation was over. Now, blood would be spilled.
Shao Xian raised his hand, and a swirling portal of energy formed before him. Unlike conventional teleportation gates, this one pulsed with ancient Dao inscriptions—his own creation.
"We march to the Crimson Moon Sect first," he announced. "They have long forgotten their place in the world. It is time to remind them."
The Stormbreakers bowed in unison. "We follow you, Sovereign!"
With that, Shao Xian stepped into the portal, his warriors following without hesitation.
The Crimson Moon Sect's fortress loomed before them, its black stone walls towering into the storm-laden sky. Within its halls, the sect's elders sat in council, oblivious to the doom approaching their doorstep.
Elder Mo Qing stroked his beard, his expression one of concern. "There are rumors of a rising force—a cultivator of immense power gathering warriors in the shadows. We must be cautious."
Sect Master Han Yue scoffed. "Rumors. Nothing more." He waved a dismissive hand. "No one dares challenge the Crimson Moon Sect."
Before anyone could respond, the very ground beneath them trembled. A deafening boom echoed as the fortress gates were blasted open.
A single figure stepped through the dust and rubble, his golden eyes burning like twin suns. Behind him, a sea of warriors stood, their killing intent palpable.
Shao Xian had arrived.
Han Yue shot to his feet. "Who dares—"
His words died in his throat as Shao Xian raised a hand. Without warning, an invisible force seized Han Yue by the throat, lifting him into the air.
"You speak of power, yet you cannot even defend your own home," Shao Xian said coldly.
The other elders scrambled to attack, but before they could even move, Zhao Feng and the Stormbreakers struck. The fortress was instantly thrown into chaos as battle erupted.
Han Yue struggled, his face turning pale. "W-wait… who are you?"
Shao Xian's lips curled into a smirk. "I am your new master."
With a flick of his wrist, he crushed Han Yue's throat and tossed his lifeless body aside. The Crimson Moon Sect belonged to him now.