The Coiled Dragon’s Legacy

The mountain pass stretched before them, jagged cliffs looming on either side as mist curled along the path. Li Feng, Mei Lian, and Zheng Wei pressed forward, their bodies battered from the Whispering Forest's trials. The cold wind bit at their skin, but it was the heavy silence behind them that sent unease creeping into their bones.

Zheng Wei's grip tightened on his staff. "They are near," he murmured. "I can feel them."

Mei Lian unsheathed her daggers. "We need a plan. Jiang Ren won't let us slip away so easily."

Before they could strategize, a sharp whistle cut through the air. Arrows rained down, forcing them to dive for cover. The unmistakable figures of the Crimson Vipers emerged from the fog, their red-clad forms blending into the shifting darkness. Jiang Ren led them, his sword gleaming like liquid fire under the moonlight.

"You run, but you never escape," Jiang Ren called, his voice cold and amused. "Give up, and I promise your suffering will be brief."

Li Feng's pulse pounded. They couldn't outrun them—not in this terrain. His fingers brushed against the Coiled Dragon Ring, heat radiating from it in pulsing waves. He had used its power before, but the cost had been high. Was it worth the risk?

Mei Lian yanked him to his feet. "We fight or we die here!"

Jiang Ren lunged, his sword a blur of steel. Li Feng barely deflected the blow, the force sending him staggering backward. Zheng Wei met two assassins head-on, his staff moving in precise arcs, cracking against ribs and shattering weapons. Mei Lian danced through the battle, her daggers slicing through flesh as she dodged their counterattacks.

But Jiang Ren was too fast. He broke through their defense, kicking Li Feng hard in the chest. He hit the ground with a gasp, pain shooting through his ribs.

Jiang Ren raised his sword. "This ends now."

Desperation clawed at Li Feng's throat. He clenched his fist around the ring and let its power surge through him. A blinding pulse of blue energy erupted from his hand, colliding with Jiang Ren's blade and sending him skidding back.

But the cost was immediate. Li Feng's vision blurred, his limbs shaking as energy drained from his body. He barely remained on his feet.

Mei Lian seized the moment. She grabbed Li Feng's arm and hauled him up. "We need to move!"

Zheng Wei, wounded but still standing, slammed his staff into the ground, creating a shockwave that momentarily disoriented the remaining assassins. It bought them just enough time to flee toward the cliffs.

The terrain grew treacherous, rocks crumbling under their hurried steps. Zheng Wei stumbled, his injury slowing him down. Mei Lian grabbed his arm, supporting him as they ran. Behind them, Jiang Ren recovered, his expression dark with fury.

"You can run all you like," he called after them. "But the mountain will claim you before I do."

As they rounded a bend, the ground suddenly collapsed beneath their feet.

Li Feng's world spun as he tumbled into darkness.