The air was heavy, suffocating. Amidst the ruins of an ancient temple, five hooded figures stood around a pillar of blazing red fire radiating an unnatural heat. This fire wasn't just a source of light—it was a symbol of an ancient power on the verge of resurrection.
The five leaders of Dark Blood wore solemn expressions, their eyes locked in a tense silence.
Ci Jheon, a gaunt man with long silver hair, broke the silence with a deep, cold voice:
> "As you all know… to resurrect Lord Seo Whan, we need two vital items: the Ancient Elixir, currently held by the Sect Alliance… and the Blood Bone Powder of the first Heavenly Demon Sect leader, stored by the Demon Fire Sect."
He looked each of his comrades in the eye.
> "So… what shall our next step be?"
One of them, a stocky man with narrow eyes, spoke up:
> "What if we stir a little chaos to shake the Sect Alliance?"
Ci Jheon nodded slightly, replying in a sharp tone:
> "A smart move. But do not underestimate Cheon Ji. He is no ordinary warrior—he's known as the strongest of this generation."
Another leader chimed in:
> "What if we start with Duyin City? It's a trading hub. If we shake it, the Alliance will surely respond."
Ci Jheon turned to him.
> "An excellent idea. Duyin is the heart of Murim. Let's see how they react."
One stepped forward.
> "Let me lead the operation. We must remain cautious—no recklessness."
Silence fell again, broken only by the roar of the fire. Then Ci Jheon spoke coldly:
> "Very well. Carry out the plan. Make sure they take the bait."
The five leaders vanished into the shadows of the flames, leaving their ritual site behind.
The next day, Duyin City descended into horror.
Flames raged endlessly. Black smoke towered into the sky, wrapping the city in a cursed shroud. Buildings crumbled. Streets were littered with corpses and the cries of the helpless.
In the midst of the destruction stood Xuan Di, the Dark Blood leader appointed to lead the operation. His eyes were sharp as blades, long hair whipping in the heat-filled wind.
> "Let them witness the power that is rising… This is just the beginning," he muttered coldly.
A subordinate rushed over, clearly anxious.
> "Report! It seems the Alliance is beginning to dispatch reinforcements!"
Xuan Di grinned.
> "Good. That's what we've been waiting for."
He raised his hand high, signaling the retreat.
> "Pull back the forces. Let them see these scars… and know who started this game."
The shadow troops vanished one by one, leaving behind only ruins and embers where Duyin City once stood.
Far from the chaos, atop Tianyin Mountain Pavilion, Cheon Ji, the Grand Warrior of the Sect Alliance, stood gazing at the crimson-stained sky in the distance.
> "That sky… is this your doing, Yan Zhian? Or… someone else's?" he murmured, suspicion clouding his face.
He quickly summoned three great figures:
Mo Tian, Master of Tianyin Pavilion. Quiet, not outstanding in martial arts, but known as a genius strategist.
Lu Zhou, Leader of the Wind Thunder Sect. A mithril-class warrior, master of wind and lightning techniques.
So Lin He, Master of the Flower Mountain Sect. Beautiful, agile, and renowned for her deadly sword illusions.
The three entered the main hall. The air was thick with tension.
Cheon Ji looked at them one by one.
> "Forgive the urgency. But Duyin City… has fallen. The enemy this time is formidable. This is no random strike."
So Lin He spoke softly.
> "Will Master be sending us?"
> "Yes," Cheon Ji answered firmly. "The three of you will go. But be careful—I don't know who the true enemy is. Do not act recklessly. This could be the beginning of a new war."
Mo Tian nodded.
> "We will depart at once. I'll bring investigation teams and protective forces."
Lu Zhou slammed his palm.
> "If they're still there, I'll make them regret it."
Cheon Ji simply stared at the sky. From afar, the red light from Duyin still blazed. His heart was uneasy.
When they arrived at the gates of Duyin, only ruins remained. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air.
Mo Tian quickly gathered them at an emergency hall built from debris.
> "We must not attack blindly. We don't know who they are, but this clearly wasn't just robbery. This… was planned."
So Lin He bit her lip.
> "Illusions and dark magic linger here. This was the work of a trained group."
Lu Zhou gripped the hilt of his sword.
> "Whoever they are… they will pay. Blood for blood."
Mo Tian stared at the destroyed city.
> "No… We must think. This is just the beginning. The true battle… has yet to come."
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