Deep within the Void Realm, flashes of energy illuminated the ancient stone walls. Julian and the three seniors of the Phoenix Sect stood back-to-back, surrounded by a dozen shambling figures. The Fallen cultivators moved with unnatural jerky motions, their desiccated skin stretched tight over their bones, eyes glowing with an eerie blue light.
"Keep your guard up!" Liam shouted as he deflected a claw-like hand with his energy shield.
One of the Fallen lunged at Julian, who barely managed to dodge. Zhao Lin stepped in front of him, blasting the creature back with a pulse of golden energy.
"What are these things?" Julian asked, his voice trembling slightly despite his efforts to appear calm.
Zhao Lin didn't take his eyes off the approaching Fallen. "Former cultivators who died in this realm. Their bodies didn't decay because of the rich spiritual energy here."
"Instead, they became these killer Wraiths," Liam added grimly. "The realm preserves their physical form while corrupting their spirits."
Three Fallen cultivators rushed forward at once. Soren, Liam, and Zhao Lin fired synchronized energy blasts, knocking the creatures backward.
"We need to destroy them completely," Liam ordered, his voice authoritative. "Focus your energy!"
The three seniors nodded in unison. They raised their hands, channeling their spiritual power to create a dome of concentrated energy around their group. The barrier expanded outward, pushing the Fallen back as they clawed helplessly at the golden light.
When the dome had pushed the creatures several yards away, Liam dropped his hands. "Now!"
Three beams of energy shot forth, striking the nearest Fallen. The creatures howled as their bodies began to disintegrate.
Zhao Lin turned to Julian, concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay? Did any of them touch you?"
Julian shook his head, his expression shifting to one of self-reproach. "This is all my fault. If I wasn't so weak, you wouldn't need to protect me. We wouldn't be in this dangerous situation."
"Don't say that," Zhao Lin said firmly. "It's not your fault at all. We're here because we want to be. We'll find the Soul Convergence Pill, and it will cleanse your body and soul. Your cultivation will improve rapidly after that."
Julian's eyes glistened with tears. "Thank you, Senior Zhao. Your kindness is overwhelming."
"No need to be so formal," Soren interjected with a casual wave of his hand. "We're all family in the Phoenix Sect."
Before Julian could respond, a blinding flash of light streaked past them—a bolt of lightning so fast it left afterimages in their vision. The energy signature was unmistakable—a cultivator moving at incredible speed deeper into the realm.
"What was that?" Liam asked, his body tensing once more.
Zhao Lin's eyes widened. "Someone else is in the realm—heading toward the inner chambers!"
"Where the Soul Convergence Pill is kept," Soren added, his voice tight with alarm.
"We need to move now," Zhao Lin urged. "Whoever that was is going straight for the pill!"
Liam's expression hardened. "We can't let them take it. Julian needs that pill!" He studied the remaining Fallen cultivators, noticing how they recoiled from direct energy strikes to their heads. "Aim for their foreheads—that's their weak spot!"
The three seniors launched coordinated attacks, each blast of energy striking the Fallen cultivators precisely in the center of their foreheads. The creatures collapsed instantly, their animated energy dissipating into the air.
"It worked!" Soren exclaimed.
"No time to celebrate," Liam said, already moving. "We need to catch up to whoever that was. The Soul Convergence Pill belongs to Julian!"
They raced deeper into the realm, following the trail of energy left by the lightning bolt. The passages narrowed and twisted, opening occasionally into vast chambers filled with ancient artifacts and dangers. Liam led the way, his senses alert for both the unknown cultivator and further Fallen threats.
Finally, they reached a massive circular chamber. Crystal formations jutted from the walls and ceiling, refracting light in rainbow patterns across the floor. At the center, on a raised dais, floated a small golden pill, pulsing with pure energy.
And standing before it, hand outstretched to claim the prize, was a solitary figure.
"Stop!" Liam called out, his voice echoing in the chamber.
The figure paused but didn't turn completely. Only a slight tilt of the head acknowledged their presence, eyes shifting to observe them peripherally.
Zhao Lin stepped forward. "That Soul Convergence Pill belongs to us. Step away from it right now."
The figure remained motionless for a moment longer, then slowly began to turn.
"The Soul Convergence Pill belongs to no one until it is claimed," a familiar voice responded, causing all four of them to freeze in shock.
As the figure fully turned to face them, their jaws dropped in unison.
"Zane?" Julian was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper.
There stood Zane Frost, his posture confident, his eyes clear and sharp—nothing like the defeated disciple they had seen leave the sect. Lightning energy crackled faintly around his form, illuminating his features with an otherworldly glow.
"Impossible," Zhao Lin muttered. "You were the lightning bolt that passed us?"
Liam stared in stunned silence, noting the changes in him. Gone was the hesitation, the deference that had once characterized his interactions with them. In its place was something entirely new—confidence bordering on arrogance, and an unmistakable aura of power.
"How did you get here before us?" Soren demanded. "And how are you still alive? The Fallen should have torn you apart!"
A small, cold smile played on Zane's lips but he didn't answer. His hand remained extended toward the Soul Convergence Pill, just inches away from claiming it.
"Step away from the pill, Zane," Liam finally found his voice. "It's meant for Julian."
"Is it?" Zane asked, his tone light yet somehow threatening. "I don't see his name on it."
Julian pushed his way to the front, his eyes narrowing. "You dare defy the Phoenix Sect again? Haven't you learned your lesson?"
Zane's smile widened slightly. "Oh, I've learned many lessons. Just not the ones you intended to teach."
The tension in the chamber was palpable as they faced off, the glowing Soul Convergence Pill floating between them like a miniature sun.
Zhao Lin stepped forward, his face contorted with anger. "The pill is ours, Zane Frost. Hand it over, and we might forget we saw you here."
Zane finally turned fully to face them, his movement casual, almost lazy—as if they posed no threat whatsoever. The action was so dismissive that all four of them tensed, preparing for conflict.
"Zane..." Liam began, but the words died in his throat as he fully registered the change in his demeanor, the power that radiated from his form.
The four members of the Phoenix Sect stood frozen in shock, confronted with the transformed disciple they had cast out. The very same disciple who now stood between them and the treasure they had come to claim.
As recognition dawned on their faces, Zane's expression changed too—from casual indifference to something much more dangerous.
"Yes," he said quietly. "It's me."