Chapter 7

Wi Dar, with his tactics and courage, led the Wi Clan warriors in the midst of a tense battlefield. He gripped his sword tightly, fighting against the sudden onslaught from the Fu Clan. In the fierce battle, many of his comrades fell, and deep sorrow filled his heart as he watched Wi Village crumble into ruins. On the other side, Wi Dung, who had been evacuating the children and elders, now returned with burning eyes, ready to face the enemy. His resolute figure stepped onto the battlefield, but his heart was struck with pain when he saw Wi Dar bleeding from Fu Yao’s sword strike. Gasping for breath, he cried out, "Elder!" At that moment, an unexpected event stole everyone's breath away. A silhouette suddenly crashed down before Wi Dung's eyes. With a sharp gaze, he examined the figure and immediately recognized someone from his distant past. "Isn’t that Zhi Hao, the human child I once saved?" he whispered in disbelief. The aura emanating from Zhi Hao was no longer weak but carried a power that shook the very air. A smile spread across Wi Dar’s wounded face. "So, he made it." Pride swelled in his chest as he witnessed the one once dismissed as insignificant now standing as an unexpected savior in this brutal battle. --- Fu Yao felt his spine tremble as the young man before him stood unwavering, even under the pressure of his formidable energy. His shock quickly turned to curiosity as he tried to gauge his opponent’s strength—only to be met with a vast void of darkness, as if all light was being devoured. With speed and agility, he twirled his spear, slicing through the air with sharp waves. With a thundering voice, he roared, "First-Tier Spear Technique—Dragon’s Fall!" Zhi Hao smirked upon hearing the name of the technique. "A name that stirs the spirit," he murmured, his tone laced with sarcasm. With a graceful leap, he dodged the attack, soaring two meters above the ground, preparing his counterstrike. "First-Tier Sword Technique—Fatal Flash!" His voice thundered with the wind as his sword spun, creating a vortex of razor-sharp air. Clang! Clang! Clang! The sword that emerged from Zhi Hao’s master’s storage ring clashed fiercely with Fu Yao’s spear, demonstrating power beyond the ordinary. Each strike resonated through the air, the force between them intensifying. Fu Yao swiftly pulled back his spear, ready for another attack. But just as he did, Zhi Hao stepped forward with calm confidence. With a surge of fearless determination, he declared, "Second-Tier—Wrath of the Gods!" His courage erupted in a devastating strike, like a bolt of lightning splitting the sky. Slash! A sound of pure destruction filled the air. Fu Yao’s spear was cleaved in two—his body suffering the same fate. The witnessing members of the Fu Clan, usually steadfast and resolute, fell into chaos, their morale crumbling. Fu Yao was not just their leader in this assault; he was their pillar of strength. Without him, they were like a headless body. "Go home," Zhi Hao commanded, his voice echoing through the battlefield’s silence. His words struck deep, forcing the remaining Fu Clan warriors to suppress their burning hatred as they reluctantly retreated. As the enemy withdrew, Wi Dung approached Zhi Hao. "Thank you. Your presence was our salvation today," he said with deep gratitude. "It was nothing, Uncle Wi Dung. And I must also acknowledge Elder Wi Dar’s help," Zhi Hao replied with respect, his warm tone dispelling the lingering chill of death. "This battle may not be over. The Fu Clan still has warriors as strong as Fu Yao," Wi Dung warned, his words serious as the wind whispered through the quiet village. "What are they after in Wi Village, Uncle Dung?" Zhi Hao asked. "Let’s speak at Elder Wi Dar’s residence while he recovers from his injuries." Wi Dar—known as the bravest and most steadfast elder—had been tested in the cruelest way. The treacherous attack from Fu Yao, meant to harm the defenseless children, had cost him his hand. Though his combat ability was greatly diminished, his spirit remained unbroken as he continued to protect his people, paying no heed to his searing pain. "Sit down, Hao," Wi Dung said understandingly. "Let me explain. Leave us for a moment!" Wi Dar commanded, his voice still carrying authority despite his weakened body. "Yes, Elder," Wi Dung responded respectfully before stepping out. "They have discovered something of great value hidden here. The object you just secured, Hao—that was their true goal. They sought to take it, hoping to unlock the Ancient Tomb of the Destroyer God." The sun shifted across the sky as Wi Dar revealed the sinister intent looming over them. "But how could they know? Wasn’t it sealed in a secret chamber only you were aware of?" Zhi Hao asked, confusion evident in his voice as he tried to piece together the puzzle of this looming danger. "There is a traitor who now serves the Fu Clan. He was once my disciple. I am ashamed to admit this!" Wi Dar confessed, his voice filled with regret.