"You should return to the cave and continue your cultivation. It would be ideal if you could reach the late stage of spirit severing before we venture into the devil realm," Liang advised. His tone was calm, but the expectation behind his words left no room for refusal.
"But," Yang Wu hesitated, his voice low, "I have only just attained the middle stage. While I don't doubt my own potential, reaching the late stage in such a short time... It seem impossible." His uncertainty was evident, though he tried to steady himself.
Liang turned slowly, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The pressure in his eyes weighed heavily on Yang Wu, pressing down on his resolve. "If you cannot accomplish even this," he paused, his voice cold, "then you are of no use to me."
The words struck Yang Wu like a blow, leaving him momentarily shaken. His expression tightened as resentment rose within him, clashing against his pride.
After all this, how could Liang question his worth, and how could he demand the impossible? Yet beneath the anger, a spark of determination took hold, refusing to be extinguished. "Do you think I have any desire to accompany you?" he shot back, bitterness clear in his tone. "It's not like I have a choice, do I?"
Liang's lips curved into a faint, cold smile, showing no trace of sympathy. "No, you do not have a choice. But that does not mean you cannot prove yourself. If you truly believe in your potential, then you will find a way to reach the late stage of spirit severing. It is not impossible, just difficult."
Yang Wu clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. He refused to be looked down upon any longer, and the challenge only fueled his determination. "I will show you," he said, his voice steady despite the intensity within him. "I will surpass your expectations and reach the late stage. And when we venture into the devil realm, I will not only be of use to you but surpass you as well."
Liang's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied him, the faint amusement fading. He could see the determination taking root, growing stronger with each passing moment. "Very well," he replied calmly. " Remember, Yang Wu, the path to greatness is not an easy one. But if you have the will, the strength, and the perseverance, you can achieve anything."
Yang Wu turned without another word and walked back toward the cave. His mind was clear, his determination set, and he no longer hesitated.
He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he would face it head-on. No matter the cost, he would not allow Liang's judgment to define him.
As Yang Wu disappeared from sight, a faint grin appeared on Liang's face. "That ought to fortify his dao heart," he murmured, a trace of satisfaction in his voice.
After a brief pause, he added, "Few can remain untouched after witnessing such formidable beings." His tone carried quiet certainty.
"Now I am ready to try out my new techniques," Liang said to himself. "And while I'm at it, I might as well settle some scores." His intention was clear and unwavering.
Not long after, Liang appeared in the heart of Phoenix Wing City, one of the major cities near the Heavenly Vein. The city was lively and unaware of what was about to unfold, its normalcy standing in stark contrast to what was coming.
His presence blended seamlessly into the night, his form concealed within the darkness. To any observer, it was as if he did not exist at all.
Without a sound, he entered the Azure Flame Sect, slipping past its defenses with ease. His movements were precise and controlled, leaving no trace behind as he advanced.
Using the Shadow Symphony, he bypassed every layer of protection without alerting anyone. His caution was deliberate, as he had no intention of allowing even a single person to escape.
As he moved deeper into the sect, Liang activated his Mirage Symphony. Illusions spread around him, distorting perception and deceiving even the most perceptive cultivators.
One by one, they fell. Each strike was swift and silent, leaving no time for resistance or alarm.
The combined strength of the Azure Flame Sect meant nothing before him. With every life extinguished, Liang remained calm, his actions steady and efficient.
At the same time, his Echo Symphony disrupted the entire sect. The distorted sounds threw the remaining cultivators into confusion, breaking their coordination and leaving them vulnerable.
Fear spread quickly, eroding what little resistance remained. Those who encountered him met their end instantly, without even realizing what had happened.
Liang moved through the sect like a shadow, unseen and untouchable. No one could detect him, and no one could stop him.
Silence gradually overtook the Azure Flame Sect as its members were eliminated one after another. What once stood as a powerful faction was reduced to nothing.
When the final cultivator fell, Liang stepped out from the shadows, his form becoming solid once more. His eyes showed neither excitement nor regret, only cold acknowledgment.
This was merely the beginning. They were only the first among those who had taken part in the destruction of the Free Heart Pavilion.
Without lingering, he turned away from the ruins and stepped back into the darkness. His figure vanished completely, leaving no trace of his presence behind.
It was as if he had never been there, yet the destruction he left behind told a different story.
Like a storm sweeping across the land, he moved from one city to another. Wherever he went, destruction followed.
Sect after sect, faction after faction, all met the same fate. None were spared.
The once-powerful forces were reduced to ruins, their former glory erased in an instant. Their fall sent shockwaves through the cultivation world, shaking even the strongest cultivators.
Whispers began to spread across the cities of the Heavenly Vein. At first faint, they quickly grew louder, carried from one place to another.
Fear took root in every corner, twisting the hearts of those who heard the rumors. What were once peaceful places of cultivation became filled with tension, suspicion, and unease.