The Coiled Dragon’s Legacy

The stillness shattered as Jiang Ren moved first. His blade gleamed under the moonlight, slicing toward Mei Lian with deadly precision. She barely dodged, rolling into the shadows before countering with a swift strike of her own. Steel met steel in a furious clash, sparks flying as they exchanged rapid blows.

Li Feng felt the ring's power surging through his veins, his heart pounding in his chest. The jade burned against his skin, whispering secrets he couldn't yet understand. He tightened his grip, stepping forward just as one of the Scarlet Iron Sect soldiers lunged at him.

Zheng Wei intercepted the attacker with a crushing blow of his staff, sending the man sprawling. "Focus, Li Feng!" he barked. "This battle isn't won by hesitation!"

Li Feng nodded, swallowing the fear clawing at his throat. Another soldier rushed him, blade swinging in a wild arc. He ducked, twisting his body to the side before slamming his fist into the man's gut. The ring pulsed in response, and the impact sent the soldier flying back as if struck by an unseen force.

Mei Lian and Jiang Ren continued their deadly dance, their movements a blur of speed and skill. Mei Lian feinted left, then struck low, her dagger barely missing Jiang Ren's ribs. He countered with a sweeping kick, catching her off balance. She hit the ground hard, rolling to avoid the downward slash of his sword.

"Still as reckless as ever," Jiang Ren mused, flicking blood off his blade. "You always fight as if you have nothing to lose."

Mei Lian wiped blood from the corner of her mouth. "That's because I don't."

Jiang Ren's eyes darkened. "Then let's end this."

Before he could strike again, Li Feng moved. The ring's energy roared inside him, his instincts taking over. He thrust his palm forward, and a shockwave of force erupted between them. Jiang Ren staggered back, his stance faltering for the first time.

Mei Lian didn't waste the opportunity. She surged forward, driving her knee into his chest before slamming the hilt of her dagger against his temple. He collapsed onto one knee, breathing hard, his sword slipping from his grasp.

The battlefield fell silent. The remaining Scarlet Iron Sect soldiers hesitated, their confidence wavering as their leader knelt before them.

Zheng Wei stepped beside Li Feng, gripping his staff. "Now's our chance. We have to go."

Li Feng hesitated, staring at Jiang Ren. "We can't leave him."

Mei Lian grabbed his arm, her voice urgent. "We don't have a choice! Shen Longwei is already moving toward the next artifact. If we waste time here, we lose everything."

Jiang Ren lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Run while you can," he said quietly. "But this isn't over."

Li Feng clenched his fists, then turned and ran, following Mei Lian and Zheng Wei as they disappeared into the forest. The wind howled through the trees, carrying the weight of unfinished battles and the promise of war to come.

And in the darkness, unseen forces stirred, waiting for their moment to strike.