Chapter 43: The Vanguard Clash
The northern border was a rugged, windswept expanse, a battlefield against Ironfang forces, Hellbound Beasts, and their allies. Lin Xuan, at 5th Layer Qi Transformation, led the charge with Battle Soul Unity. "Stay close—we fight as one!" he shouted. The technique struck down a 6th Layer cultivator.
Liu Yue, at 2nd Layer Qi Transformation, used her Icy Skin to freeze a Hellbound Beast. Liu Yang, at 8th Layer Body Refining, shattered a beast's claw with his blood-forged glaive. The Dawnriver Sect and Veilmoon Sect held the line. Elder Gao Feng, at 3rd Layer Qi Transformation, rallied the troops. Ji Yunjing, at 3rd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, led the Azure River Guards, his leadership solidifying. Bai Ningxue, at 5th Layer Qi Transformation, purified the air with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art.
Lin Xuan planted Crimson Vein Suppression traps to slow the enemy advance. The clash stretched into the afternoon, their unity a testament to their resilience.