The Coiled Dragon’s Legacy

The cavern erupted into chaos.

Jiang Ren moved like a shadow, his blade slicing through the dim light, striking toward Li Feng. The young warrior barely managed to twist away, feeling the heat of the steel graze past his cheek. Mei Lian leapt forward, her daggers flashing as she engaged two assassins at once, her movements precise and ruthless.

Zheng Wei, despite his injury, planted his staff into the stone floor, unleashing a powerful shockwave. The force sent two assassins stumbling back, but Jiang Ren merely smirked, adjusting his grip on his sword.

"Impressive," Jiang Ren mused, his voice smooth, taunting. "But you're still outnumbered."

Li Feng's heart pounded. They couldn't win this fight outright—not here, not like this. His mind raced for a solution, eyes flickering toward the golden scroll still resting atop the altar.

"We need to separate them," Mei Lian shouted, flipping over an assassin and landing gracefully behind him. She plunged her dagger into his side before kicking him away.

Zheng Wei, panting from the effort, nodded. "A distraction."

Li Feng exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the Coiled Dragon Ring. He had barely recovered from using its power earlier, but he had no choice. Closing his eyes, he called upon the ancient energy within the ring. A low hum filled the air, followed by a burst of blue energy that sent a shockwave rippling through the chamber.

Jiang Ren's eyes widened slightly as the force knocked his assassins off balance. But he was quick, faster than Li Feng expected. With inhuman speed, Jiang Ren lunged toward the altar, aiming directly for the golden scroll.

Li Feng's heart lurched. If Jiang Ren got to it first—

Mei Lian was quicker. She dove forward, snatching the scroll from the pedestal just before Jiang Ren's blade could reach it. Spinning on her heel, she tucked it into her sash and bolted toward the far end of the chamber.

Jiang Ren cursed, his calm façade cracking. "After her!"

The assassins split into two groups—one chasing after Mei Lian, while the others remained behind to deal with Li Feng and Zheng Wei. Exactly what Mei Lian had wanted.

Zheng Wei braced himself, eyes flickering toward Li Feng. "Go after Mei Lian. I'll hold them back."

"No!" Li Feng protested, but Zheng Wei had already swung his staff, blocking the path of two advancing assassins. The monk's expression was resolute—this was his choice.

Li Feng had no time to argue. Gritting his teeth, he turned and sprinted toward Mei Lian, dodging blades and leaping over fallen debris. Jiang Ren was right behind them, relentless in his pursuit.

The cavern's walls trembled as another tremor shook the sanctuary. Dust rained from above, and deep cracks formed along the stone path.

Just as Mei Lian reached the exit, the ground beneath them gave way.

Li Feng's world lurched as he and Mei Lian plummeted into darkness.