Chapter 35: The Second Great Clash Finale
A wave of steel, flame, and elemental light surged forward as the sect disciples unleashed their coordinated attacks. Lines of formation-based magic and Ki-enhanced weapons whistled through the air, bombarding the battlefield. Screams, roars, and explosions filled the atmosphere as long-range cultivators and formation masters pressed their advantage.
In the distance, the Gold Tier 1 Demonic Beasts snarled with fury, caught between the rain of attacks and the continued pressure of the Gold Tier 1 cultivators engaging them directly. Rogue warriors, mercenaries, and wandering cultivators added their own flair—launching unique techniques and mystic arts into the fray. The combined assault turned the battlefield into a boiling storm of chaos and fire.
Amid the cacophony, a darker drama began to unfold.
Several rogue cultivators, masked and cloaked, crept toward the outskirts of the battlefield. Their eyes were fixed on the crumpled form of Elton, unconscious and bleeding. Just as one of them inched forward, a pressure heavier than death itself weighed down upon them.
Zoro appeared silently, his twin katanas glinting faintly with dark Ki. He said nothing at first, only watching them like a predator.
"Just checking if he's alive," one rogue muttered.
Zoro's voice was low, calm, and final. "Take one more step… and you'll lose more than your curiosity."
The air grew thick with killing intent as his Dark Ki Essence began to leak outward, a shadowy fog that whispered of carnage and retribution. The rogues' knees buckled slightly. Sweat poured down their foreheads. Without another word, they turned and fled, vanishing back into the chaos.
Zoro gave Elton a brief glance. Then his eyes swept the area like a hawk. Not a single threat would get past him.
Moments later, a tall, battered figure emerged beside him—Prince Hunter. His body was wrapped in bloodstained bandages, his eyes sharp but weary.
"Quite the man you've chosen to protect," Hunter said casually.
Zoro didn't respond, only narrowing his gaze.
Hunter tilted his head. "You carry a dark fate… especially with what that cursed Church has done to you. Yet here you are, still standing."
Zoro's eyes flicked to Hunter for a heartbeat, then returned to the field.
"Not interested in pity," he said flatly.
Hunter chuckled. "I figured as much. I only want mutual cooperation. When this battle ends, perhaps we can talk."
Zoro gave a noncommittal grunt.
"I'll carry him," Hunter added.
Zoro nodded once. "Don't trip."
Hunter smiled thinly, lifting Elton's body with care as the two disappeared into the background to regroup and guard him.
Back on the frontlines, the battle was nearing a tipping point.
Two more Gold Tier 1 Demonic Beasts were slain in brutal clashes. One of the Gold Tier 1 Cultivators fell in the process, their body smashed by a beast's final thrash. Another cultivator was grievously wounded.
An explosive combination of coordinated Ki arts and magic ripped through a third Gold Tier 1 Beast, leaving it barely clinging to life.
The tide seemed to shift slightly. But the pressure hadn't let up.
Current Battlefield Status:
5 Gold Tier 1 Beasts remained (1 severely injured) 1 Gold Tier 2 Beast (heavily wounded) 9 Gold Tier 1 Cultivators (3 heavily injured) 4 Gold Tier 2 Cultivators (variously wounded)
Suddenly, a radiant arc sliced across the battlefield.
The Elder of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect let loose the 6th Bright Brilliant Blade Stance—a piercing Wind Art fueled by honed intent and deep cultivation. His blade shimmered like the sun and screamed through the sky.
It slammed directly into the chest of the Gold Tier 2 Demonic Beast, blasting a massive gash through its hardened hide. Blood sprayed like a geyser, painting the battlefield red.
Cries of triumph erupted as the other Gold Tier 2 Cultivators seized the moment, pressing the attack with reinvigorated zeal. The sight rallied all surrounding warriors, renewing their strength.
Formations intensified. Roars of defiance rang out.
And then… it happened.
Three massive roars exploded across the field. The ground trembled. The wind ceased. For a breath, all noise died.
A suffocating fear swept through the ranks.
The sky seemed to dim.
Something ancient and wrathful was coming.
Three monstrous roars shattered the tense calm of the battlefield, causing the sky to tremble and hearts to freeze. Moments later, three hulking figures stepped forward, their monstrous forms erupting with explosive Ki and arcane magic. The blasts sent waves of shock through the air, knocking back entire squads of cultivators and rogue warriors alike. Explosions of power erupted, and dust clouds billowed across the devastated terrain.
One of the beasts stepped forth, laughter as broken and guttural as a dying storm. "Stay here," he hissed, voice rumbling like boulders grinding together, "and prepare for your deaths." He cast a scornful glare at the heavily injured Gold Tier 2 demonic beast still on the battlefield. "What a disappointment you turned out to be."
Then his aura erupted, thick and suffocating. It was undeniable—this was a Gold Tier 3 Demonic Beast.
The other two beasts following him revealed themselves as weaker, but still terrifying Gold Tier 2 Demonic Beasts. The tide had fully turned. Panic spread like wildfire. Cultivators and rogues fled in every direction, morale crumbling.
But just as despair took hold, a quiet sigh echoed.
Four brilliant flashes of light descended. Four Gold Tier 3 Elders from each of the major sects appeared like gods of judgment. Their power blasted the battlefield, sending all Gold Tier 1 and lower beasts sprawling back. Shockwaves of relief spread across the ranks.
Even the Gold Tier 3 Demonic Beast paused mid-laugh as it glared at the newcomers. Just as it was about to arrogantly go on the offensive, it suddenly froze.
Two overwhelming auras pressed down from the distance. The first was unmistakably the infamous rogue cultivator Jolton. The second was darker, more ancient, and demonic—looming far from the core of the Stone Forest. A pressure beyond Gold Tier 5.
Jolton's voice boomed, calm yet absolute. "All Gold Tier Demonic Beasts, return to your cursed forest depths. This battle is over. As for the rest of you, it's time to leave the Stone Forest now."
Grudgingly, snarling and roaring, the beasts retreated. The surviving cultivators exhaled with deep relief and began their retreat. The rogue cultivators scattered—some slipping deeper into the forest, others fleeing to safety.
Back at the recovering camp, sect medics and elders treated the wounded. The Iron Fang Sect had suffered the worst casualties. The Night's Light Devouring Church members, already few, found their losses heavier than expected. Several of them turned subtle, murderous glances toward the tent where Zoro stood guard.
Three days later…
The main sects prepared their full retreat. Christy had awoken the day prior, her thoughts burdened with worry for Elton. Cedric and Zoro too were a bit anxious. The Elders gave her two more hours before she would have to leave with the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect.
Elton, unconscious still, lay peacefully within a guarded tent.
When no one was watching, strange magic symbols began glowing faintly across Christy's face. The gem on her forehead pulsed, and she reached out to Elton, placing her hand on his cheek.
Time slowed.
Colors inverted. Reality cracked. A dimensional warp enveloped them.
Elton's spirit body began to distort and rise—then was suddenly forced back by a shadowy figure that emerged from within.
The being took shape: an arrogant, cruel, but undeniably powerful version of Elton. His presence dripped confidence, his smirk mocking, his eyes sharp with ancient weight. He looked like Elton, but darker, more ruthless—something born from war, not peace.
"You're bold, child," he said, voice layered and resonant. "Few can step into this place at your current level."
Christy's fear clashed with her resolve. "Who are you, and what are you doing inside Elton?"
"You're not yet qualified to know," he said smoothly. "But I am him. Or rather… one part of him. Born with him. Chosen with him. Created as a result of that war during that little accident when he was eight."
She trembled, but held firm. "You lie. I will save Elton, no matter what. As his friend, as someone who loves him!"
He laughed coldly. "Then take this gift."
A flash erupted. A blade of starlight-filled sword Ki embedded itself in her brow. She gasped, unable to dodge.
"It won't harm you. But it will help, someday. Until we meet again."
The dimension cracked.
Time returned.
Only two seconds had passed. Christy gasped, breath shallow, face pale. Zoro and Shia looked on in concern. She assured them she was fine.
As she composed herself, she noticed something hidden under her clothes: a pendant that hadn't been there before. It pulsed faintly with magic and bore a seal that only a Gold Tier magic sense could open. More importantly, she could feel Elton's presence through it, much to her relief.
Two hours later, the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect departed. Two hours after that, the Bright Blade Subsect survivors left atop a massive flying sword bird.
Just as they took off, Elton stirred. His eyes fluttered open, weakly meeting the relieved expressions of Cedric and Zoro.
The forest faded behind them as the winds of change carried them away.