LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 12: Whispers of Resistance
Chapter 11: Whispers of Resistance
The destruction of the Iron Wolf Sect sent shockwaves through the cultivation world. Neighboring sects and clans, once dismissive of the Crimson Shadow Sect's downfall, now spoke the name Abyssal Dominion in hushed tones. The stories of Zhao Rui's devastating power and his ability to annihilate an entire army with a single move spread like wildfire.
While many trembled in fear, others saw an opportunity. To them, Zhao Rui was a threat that needed to be eradicated before he grew too powerful to contain.
A Hidden Alliance
Far from the ruined Crimson Shadow Sect, in a secluded valley shrouded by mist, representatives of several sects gathered in secret. At the head of the meeting sat an elderly man with a long, snow-white beard, his aura calm yet commanding. He was Elder Wu Jian of the Radiant Dawn Sect, a powerful mid-tier sect that upheld the ideals of righteousness and order.
"Sect Master Zhao Rui is no ordinary cultivator," Wu Jian began, his voice grave. "He has harnessed a power that defies the natural order. The stories of the Heart and its connection to the Abyss were no myth. If we allow him to spread his influence, he will plunge our world into chaos."
A burly man clad in fiery red robes slammed his fist on the table. "Then why are we still talking? The Iron Wolf Sect underestimated him and paid the price. We should strike now before he consolidates more power!"
A delicate woman with emerald eyes and a serene expression, Sect Mistress Li Qing of the Jade Serpent Sect, shook her head. "Recklessness will only lead to further losses. Zhao Rui's power is not something we can face unprepared. We need a strategy."
Elder Wu Jian nodded. "Li Qing is right. We will need to pool our forces—combine our resources and knowledge. I propose an alliance against the Abyssal Dominion."
The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement, but a younger man, his expression wary, spoke up. "And what of Zhao Rui's forces? What if they join him not out of fear, but because of the promise of power? How do we fight someone who turns even his enemies into his followers?"
Wu Jian's eyes narrowed. "We attack not just his forces, but the very foundation of his power. The Abyss feeds on ambition and corruption. If we expose him for what he truly is, we might fracture his influence before it grows unstoppable."
A New Alliance Forms
By the end of the night, a pact was forged. The Radiant Dawn Sect, Jade Serpent Sect, Blazing Forge Clan, and several smaller factions agreed to join forces. Their first goal was to send spies into the Abyssal Dominion to gather intelligence on Zhao Rui's growing strength and uncover the secrets of his power.
"Zhao Rui will not expect an attack from the shadows," Wu Jian said, his tone resolute. "But we must move quickly. Every day we delay is another day he grows stronger."
In the Dominion's Shadows
Back at the Abyssal Dominion, Zhao Rui sat in his grand throne chamber, deep in meditation. His cultivation had progressed rapidly since absorbing Bai Jian's essence, and the Abyss within him was stirring, its whispers more frequent and insistent.
"They conspire against you," the Abyss said, its voice a low growl in his mind.
Zhao Rui opened his eyes, his crimson gaze narrowing. "Who?"
"The righteous fools. The so-called guardians of balance. They gather their strength, whispering your name with fear and hatred."
A faint smile played on Zhao Rui's lips. "Good. Let them come. I will turn their fear into despair and their hatred into fuel for my rise."
The Abyss chuckled, its
voice resonating in his mind. "Ambitious words, Zhao Rui. But even ambition must be tempered with caution. They will not attack blindly—they seek to unravel you from within. The cracks they create may prove more dangerous than any blade."
Zhao Rui stood, his crimson robes rippling with power. "Let them plot. No amount of scheming will save them from what's coming. But if they think they can infiltrate my domain, they will find only death waiting for them."
The First Spy
Late that night, a figure dressed in muted gray robes slipped into the outskirts of the Abyssal Dominion. The spy, a disciple from the Jade Serpent Sect, was skilled in concealment techniques. His name was Shen Yi, a rising talent known for his cunning and resourcefulness.
Shen Yi moved silently through the ruins of the sect, now being rebuilt under Zhao Rui's rule. The shadows clung to the walls like living things, making his task more difficult. He used a talisman to mask his presence, but even with his precautions, the oppressive aura of the Abyss weighed on him.
His mission was simple: gather intelligence on Zhao Rui's forces and uncover the source of his overwhelming power. But as he approached the central hall, where Zhao Rui's throne sat, a chill ran down his spine.
The shadows around him shifted unnaturally. Shen Yi froze, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. Before he could retreat, a voice echoed from the darkness.
"You're a bold one, sneaking into my domain."
Shen Yi's heart sank. He turned slowly, and there stood Zhao Rui, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
The Predator and the Prey
Shen Yi dropped to his knees, feigning submission. "M-Master Zhao Rui, I mean no harm. I've come seeking refuge. My sect cast me out, and I have nowhere else to go."
Zhao Rui's expression remained impassive, but the corners of his mouth curved into a faint smile. "Refuge? You walked into the Abyss thinking you could deceive me? Tell me, who sent you?"
Shen Yi's mind raced, but before he could answer, Zhao Rui raised a hand. The shadows around them came alive, coiling like serpents. One latched onto Shen Yi's arm, burning his flesh and forcing him to cry out in pain.
"You carry the Jade Serpent's mark," Zhao Rui said coldly. "Your lies won't save you."
The spy gritted his teeth, his mind frantically searching for a way out. "I'll tell you everything! The alliance… the Radiant Dawn Sect… they're planning to strike against you!"
Zhao Rui's smile widened, but his eyes remained cruel. "How thoughtful of you to share. But I have no need for traitors, even ones willing to betray their masters."
With a flick of his wrist, the shadows tightened around Shen Yi, consuming him in an instant. His scream echoed briefly before fading into silence.
Turning the Tables
Zhang Lei entered the hall moments later, bowing before Zhao Rui. "Master, the spy?"
"Dealt with," Zhao Rui said simply. "But his death was not meaningless. The Radiant Dawn Sect has revealed its hand, and now we strike first."
Zhang Lei's eyes gleamed. "What are your orders?"
Zhao Rui stood, his crimson aura flaring. "Summon the enforcers. Send word to the surviving Iron Wolf disciples. We march at dawn. The Radiant Dawn Sect will learn what it means to provoke the Abyss."
As the shadows in the hall writhed and pulsed, Zhao Rui's ambitions burned brighter than ever. He would not wait for his enemies to act. The Abyssal Dominion would crush them, one by one, until the world was his to command.