Chapter 20: The Hei Clan's Ambush
The courtyard's serene beauty was shattered by the intrusion of dark figures. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue stood back-to-back, their Celestial Unity Crests pulsing. The intruders were led by Hei Shan, a wiry man with a 4th Layer Qi Transformation aura, sent by Elder Hei Long. "Hand over the Scriptures, or this courtyard becomes your grave," Hei Shan growled.
Lin Xuan, at the 9th Layer, couldn't match Hei Shan's power head-on. "Junior Sister, prepare yourself. I'll weaken them with a formation." He traced a Five Elements Suppression Array in the air. The formation glowed, sapping the disciples' qi and weakening their curses. Hei Shan's aura dimmed, dropping his effective power. A disciple lunged, but Liu Yue's shield rose. Her qi blade wounded the attacker.
Lin Xuan pressed the advantage. Starlit Void Fist—blended with mixed martial arts force—struck the wounded disciple's chest, breaking ribs. Another disciple charged, and Lin Xuan twisted with Celestial Glide. Tooth Dagger and Energy Devour finished him. The third disciple's curse-infused wave dissipated against the formation.
Hei Shan roared, his spear dancing with fury. The formation weakened the attack, and Lin Xuan met it with Celestial Wrath Elbow. The strike landed on Hei Shan's shoulder, drawing blood. Lin Xuan circled behind with Abyssal Lotus Step, striking Hei Shan's back with Starlit Void Fist. Energy Devour drained the elder's qi. Lin Xuan finished with a Void Pulse Kick, snapping the elder's knee.
The remaining disciples fled. Liu Yue rushed to Lin Xuan. "Senior Brother, you did it!" Mei Ling appeared. "Well fought. Hei Long won't take this lightly."
That night, Lin Xuan refined the Spirit Essence Crystal. The Celestial Unity Crest guided his hands, pushing him toward Qi Transformation. He practiced Starlit Void Fist. Liu Yue sat nearby. "Senior Brother, we'll face them together," she said. "Together, Junior Sister," he echoed, his resolve unyielding.