The sky turned dark when the wave of energy went through the air. Every disciple within Azure Cloud’s front line paused when a red streak descended from the clouds, crushing the defensive formation beneath its pressure.Captain Fei’s voice came through the communication crystal, filled with alarm. “Commander! Massive spiritual signature incoming. It’s beyond the Elder-tier readings. Formation shields are failing!”Kai looked up from the strategy screen. “System, identify the intruder.”[Analyzing... Identity confirmed: Supreme Elder of Crimson Serpent Sect – Yao Han. Power level: Overlord Tier, Peak Ascendant Realm. Estimated threat level: 97%.]Lan clenched his fist. “Yao Han? That’s their top elder! He hasn’t appeared in battle for fifty years!”Kai’s voice remained calm. “All non-Ascendant units, fall back immediately. Commanders Fei and Lan, take charge of the retreat.”Lan’s eyes widened. “You’re not planning to face him alone, are you?”“I’ll handle him,” Kai said. “If he breaks

The enemy forces from the Iron Barbed Sect stood at the high ground. Every attempt by Azure Cloud to climb was pushed back. Losing it meant losing the chance to advance for days.A captain ran toward Kai. “Master Kai, our forces are taking heavy losses. Their general is on the ridge. No one can get close.”Kai nodded and looked at the center of the ridge. A large man wrapped in thick defensive qi stood with crossed arms, barely moving. Normal attacks bounced off his body as if they had no effect.The System spoke calmly. “The enemy general is a high-tier commander. Defensive qi density is extremely high. Scans show no weakness detectable with standard techniques.”Kai breathed slowly. “I can see that.”Another captain rushed over. “Master Kai, what do we do? Our blades cannot pierce him.”“I will deal with him,” Kai said.The captain flinched. “You just recovered from the System issue. You should not push yourself.”Kai gave him a steady look. “There is no other option.”The System c

The western valley was filled with heavy footsteps as Azure Cloud troops moved into position. Captains hurried between squads. Kai stood at the front line. He held the latest battlefield reports.Captain Ren approached. “Kai, scouts returned. The last enemy coalition has formed their final line ahead.”“Location confirmed?” Kai asked.“In the deepest point of the western valley. They brought everyone.”The System displayed a flashing red alert.[Warning: Crimson Serpent Supreme Elder detected. Power Level Exceeds Previous Parameters.]Kai looked ahead. “So he decided to come out himself.”Captain Yao stepped closer. “Do we have a plan?”Kai answered, “Hold formation. Wait for my call.”More soldiers gathered behind them as tension thickened. Kai raised his voice. “Everyone, prepare for the final battle. There are no retreats from here.”Captain Ren nodded. “The troops are ready.”Kai walked a few steps forward, and the System displayed an overhead projection of the enemy coalition. Th

Envoys arrived early in the morning. Their carriages were lined up along the rebuilt valley road, each bearing the colors of distant sects. Kai stood near the central hall with Captain Ren and Captain Yao. “Have all envoys arrived?” Kai asked. Captain Ren nodded. “Yes. Ten sects, all requesting audience. They’ve been asking for the last two hours.” Kai glanced at the approaching envoys. “Bring them here. One group at a time. I will meet each personally.” Captain Yao muttered, “This will take all day.” Kai’s expression was neutral. “Good. Let them see that Azure Cloud is organized and disciplined.” The first group dismounted. The tallest envoy stepped forward and bowed. “Kai of Azure Cloud, I am envoy Zhen of Iron Barbed Sect. We come to formally recognize your strength and the order you have restored.” Kai inclined his head. “Your recognition is noted. What is your message?” Zhen replied, “The Council of Grand Sects invites you to attend. Your conduct in the Seven Sects War and

Kai was in the centre of the hall. The air was tense, and the System interface hovered in front of him, pulsing with energy.[Final Trial: Ascendant Ascension Initiated.]Kai spoke calmly. “Explain the parameters to me, system.”[Trial Type: Psychological and Combat Integration. Objective: Overcome personal failures and externalized threats. Reward: Full Domain Core Merge.]Kai nodded. “Understood. Begin the trial.”Immediately, the projections appeared. They were copies of people he had failed to save, fallen comrades, and enemies he could not defeat. Each moved as if they were real.Kai focused. “System, first scenario: Eastern Ridge Collapse.”[Scenario Active. Enemy force replication: Maximum Fidelity.]Elder Mo’s projection stepped forward. His eyes were accusing.“You executed me,” it said. “You acted in the name of the sect, but did you think you could carry the burden of choice without failing?”Kai tightened his fists. “I acted to protect the sect. I accepted the consequences