As the Demon of Heaven closed in on Jian Yi, Li Wei, trapped within his own mind, felt a surge of desperation. He knew that Jian Yi couldn't withstand another attack. He had to do something, anything, to stop the Shadow Sage.
Focusing all his will, Li Wei desperately tried to regain control, to force his way to the surface. He visualized the teachings of the Hua Mountain Sect, the principles of balance and harmony, the unwavering dedication to righteousness. He imagined the plum blossoms, their resilience, their beauty, their unwavering strength.
A spark ignited within him, a flicker of his own will fighting against the Shadow Sage's dominance. The pain in his head intensified, a battle raging for control of his very being.
For a fleeting moment, Li Wei managed to break through the Shadow Sage's control. He could feel his own fingers tightening on the hilt of Plum Blossom. He could see Jian Yi, battered and bruised, bracing for the final blow.
With a desperate scream, Li Wei redirected the momentum of Plum Blossom. Instead of driving it into Jian Yi's heart, he slashed it downwards, into the ground.
The force of the impact shattered the rock beneath them, creating a cloud of dust and debris. Jian Yi, confused and battered, stumbled backward.
The Shadow Sage cursed in Li Wei's mind. "Fool! You dare defy me?!"
The momentary breach in control was enough. Li Wei felt the Shadow Sage tightening his grip on his mind, but the diversion had bought him time.
He saw an opportunity, a way to buy even more time. Focusing all his remaining strength, Li Wei screamed, "Run! Get help! Warn the others!"
He forced his body to release its grip on Plum Blossom, letting the sword fall to the ground. Then, taking a deep breath, he threw himself backward, off the precipice.
The Shadow Sage roared in fury. "No! You cannot escape me! I will not be denied!"
Li Wei plummeted down the cliff face, the wind screaming in his ears. It was a desperate gamble, a suicide attempt to deny the Shadow Sage his vessel. He hoped it would be enough, that his sect could defeat the demon before he could find another host.
As he fell, Li Wei whispered a final prayer, a plea for forgiveness for the chaos he had unleashed.