Zhen Huan and Yun Sha ran side by side through the shattered forest, leaping over fallen trees and smoldering craters from the previous battle. Though their bodies ached from the clash, their minds were focused—sharp and unyielding.
The trees grew thicker, and the spiritual energy in the air began to shift—darker, colder.
Zhen Huan narrowed his eyes. "He's heading deeper into the secret realm. There must be a reason."
Suddenly, the familiar mechanical voice of the System echoed in his mind.
Ding!
New Mission Unlocked: Rescue and Revelation
Objective: Locate Meng Ruo and uncover the reason behind her abduction.
Reward: +50,000 XP, Skill Unlock: Nameless Slash – A blade technique born of silence and fury, capable of severing spiritual and physical defenses alike.
Warning: Northern Continent interference suspected. Proceed with caution.
Zhen Huan's brow furrowed. "The Northern Continent…? That's the Demonic Realm."
Yun Sha glanced at him. "What's wrong?"
He didn't explain the system. Instead, he replied with a hard edge in his voice, "The people who took Meng Ruo… they might be connected to the Demonic Realm."
Yun Sha's face turned serious. "That place… is a nest of monsters. If they're involved, this isn't just about Meng Ruo anymore."
Zhen Huan didn't respond. His fists clenched tightly. "If they're trying to take her… I'll burn that continent to the ground."
---
Scene Shift: A Hidden Cavern, Deep in the Secret Realm
Meng Ruo was bound by ethereal chains, her arms shackled to a black altar inscribed with ancient runes. The cold seeped into her bones, but her spirit remained unbroken.
Before her stood a cloaked figure—the fifth cultivator who had escaped earlier. Behind him, a faint portal shimmered, its energy unstable, but enough to reach beyond the boundaries of the secret realm.
"You should be honored," the man sneered. "The prince of the Demonic Realm's Northern Continent has chosen you. Once I deliver you through this gate, he will have what he desires."
Meng Ruo glared at him. "I would rather die than marry a demon."
The cultivator laughed cruelly. "That can be arranged after the wedding."
Suddenly—
A gust of wind roared through the cavern.
The cloaked man turned sharply.
At the entrance stood Zhen Huan, his blade drawn, his eyes burning like twin stars.
"You talk too much," Zhen Huan said coldly. "Let her go. Now."
Yun Sha appeared beside him, saber drawn, spiritual pressure building.
The fifth cultivator growled. "So you caught up."
He released Meng Ruo and stepped in front of her, drawing two long curved blades etched with demonic sigils.
"I'll kill you, and then I'll drag her through the portal."
Zhen Huan's voice was low and final. "No. You won't take a single step."
The battle ignited in an instant.
---
Clash of Blades and Flame
The fifth cultivator's speed was unnatural, his demonic aura enhancing every move. He attacked with blinding strikes, blades spinning like twin storms, aiming to overwhelm Zhen Huan in a barrage of cuts.
But Zhen Huan's eyes were calm. With precise movements, he blocked and parried each strike, the hum of his sword resonating like thunder in the quiet cave.
Yun Sha circled behind, launching icy waves to slow the enemy's movement.
The man snarled. "You're both persistent. But you're too late!"
He unleashed a Demonic Blast, a wave of corrupted energy. Zhen Huan activated Wind Defense, deflecting most of it, though the backlash still cracked the stone walls around them.
Zhen Huan leapt forward, slashing in a wide arc with Inferno Slash – Third Form, fire and sword energy merging.
The enemy crossed his blades in defense, but the impact forced him to his knees.
Zhen Huan landed before him, sword raised.
The cultivator spat blood, laughing. "It's no use. Even if you kill me, she's already marked by the Northern Prince. He will come for her… and you!"
Ding!
Mission Complete!
+50,000 XP Gained
Skill Unlocked: Nameless Slash – A technique forged from intent. The silence before death.
Current XP: 341200
Zhen Huan's gaze sharpened.
He whispered, "Nameless Slash."
Time seemed to stop.
With a single, silent movement, he drew his blade across the enemy's form. No sound. No flash. Just the feeling of something final.
The cultivator's eyes widened. "W-What—"
His body split in two. He died without finishing his sentence.
Zhen Huan exhaled and turned to Meng Ruo, cutting the chains that bound her. She slumped forward, exhausted, but her eyes filled with relief.
"You came," she whispered.
He caught her in his arms. "Of course I did."
Yun Sha stood beside them, silent. Her eyes flicked to the demonic portal, now flickering and beginning to collapse.
"So," she said. "The prince of the Northern Continent… What is he planning?"
Zhen Huan carried Meng Ruo to her feet. "We'll find out. But if he thinks he can steal people from my world—"
His voice hardened, colder than steel.
"Then I'll bring war to his."
---
Deep within a grand palace carved from black obsidian, the Prince of the Abyss, clad in dark crimson robes, stood before a massive mirror swirling with shadows.
The image of his fifth servant being cut down by Zhen Huan's Nameless Slash flickered across its surface.
The prince's lips curled into a cold smile.
"So… you've slain my pawns."
He stepped down from his obsidian throne, long cloak trailing behind him like living smoke. His demonic aura surged—distorting the air around him.
"No matter. I suppose I'll come claim her myself."
He turned to the shadows.
"Prepare the gate. We're going to Thunder City."
The mirror cracked as his chilling laughter echoed through the abyss.
"Let's see who dares stand in the way of a prince."
---
Scene Shift: Outside the Secret Realm, Thunder City
Qing Chen sat by her window, her gaze lost in the distance. Her sword rested beside her.
Suddenly, her eyes widened.
A pressure—demonic in nature—feels from her north direction, then vanished.
She stood abruptly. "What was that? That aura…"
She paused, then narrowed her eyes.
"What the... Demonic Cultivator aura?"