The five commanders arrived in an open cave one by one, each making an entrance that matched their signature style and title. The cave was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the scent of decay and an unsettling presence that was something far more sinister.
First to arrive was Iron Fang, his steps heavy and deliberate as the sound of metal clinked with each stride. His armor gleamed in the faint light that reflected his cold and unyielding strength that defined him. He stood tall and imposing, his eyes scanning the cave with a sharp, calculating gaze.
Next came Stone Ox, his massive frame filling the entrance as he stepped inside. His movements were slow and powerful, each step shaking the ground slightly. His stone-like skin glistened with a faint sheen of sweat, that was a testament to his immense strength and endurance.
Thunder Palm followed, his entrance marked by a crackling energy that filled the air. His hands glowed with a faint blue light as the power of thunder coursed through his veins. His steps were light and swift, and his eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity.
Lin Xueya, also known as Viper Fang, slithered into the cave with a graceful and deadly elegance. Her movements were fluid and silent, her eyes sharp and piercing. She moved with the precision of a viper, and her every action seemed calculated and lethal.
Last to arrive was Crimson Shadow, his entrance shrouded in a cloak of darkness. He moved with a silent, ghostly grace, his form barely visible in the dim light. His eyes glowed with a fierce, crimson light, thatwas a stark contrast to the shadows that enveloped him.
As the commanders gathered, the scene before them was gruesome and gut-wrenching.
In the center of the cave sat a frail-looking old man, his body hunched and withered. He was perched atop a pile of corpses—the remains of the hostages who had failed the test. Their bodies were dried out, their skin shriveled and desiccated, as though every ounce of life force had been sucked out of them. The few remaining hostages, still alive but barely, lay at the old man's feet, their bodies twitching as he drained the last of their life force.
The old man was hunched over, his bony fingers clutching the last few remaining alive hostages. His eyes were sunken, his skin papery and thin, stretched taut over his skeletal frame. He looked so weak that he could die at any moment, yet there was an aura of power and malevolence that radiated from him.
The commanders greeted the old man with reverence, and bowed down to him in deference.
"Greetings, Master," Iron Fang said, his voice deep and resonant.
"We are at your service," Stone Ox added, his voice a low rumble.
Thunder Palm and Lin Xueya followed suit, their voices filled with respect and reverence. However, Crimson Shadow stood apart, his eyes locked onto the old man with a mix of defiance and curiosity. He did not bow, and stood still with no hint of fear and hesitation.
The other commanders exchanged surprised glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disapproval. Lin Xueya, however, commended Crimson Shadow in her mind, admiring his boldness, while the other three commanders were furious but held their tongues.
The old man's eyes flickered with a faint glow as he looked up at the commanders. His voice was weak and raspy, yet it carried an authority that demanded attention. "Report," he commanded. "What is the status of the hostages and the results of the test?"
Iron Fang stepped forward and said in a steady and clear voice. "Master, out of my 100 hostages, 40 were adults and 60 were children. Only 22 children remain; the rest have perished."."
Next, Stone Ox reported, his deep voice resonating through the cave. "I had 120 hostages. Removing the 40 adults, 80 children remained. Of those, only 38 are still alive."
Thunder Palm reported next as his voice crackled with energy as he spoke. "Out of my 60 children hostages, only 10 remain."
The old man's gaze shifted to Lin Xueya, a faint smile playing on his lips. "And you, my dear Viper Fang? I am curious about your report."
Lin Xueya met his gaze steadily, and with a calm and composed voice, she said, "Out of my 60 children hostages, all 60 remain alive. No adult or child has died in my squad."
The old man's smile widened, a glint of amusement yet disappointment in his eyes. "Impressive, as always."
Finally, it was Crimson Shadow's turn. He stepped forward, his voice laced with arrogance. "Out of my 40 children hostages, 7 remain."
The old man nodded, his eyes scanning the commanders with a keen and calculating gaze. "And have you found a suitable host for me yet?"
Stone Ox responded, his voice a deep rumble, "Master, you can choose anyone from the remaining hostages as a host."
The old man's expression darkened, and with a swift, angry gesture, he swiped his hand down. Stone Ox, who was like an unbreakable mountain, collapsed to the ground as an invisible force crushed him. The cave echoed with the sound of his massive body hitting the floor, and the other commanders tensed with their eyes wide with shock and fear.
"I asked for a suitable host, not just any weak and lowly blood host!" the old man shouted, his voice filled with fury. "Do you think I am so desperate that I would settle for just anyone?"
Stone Ox struggled to speak, his voice strained and pained. "Master, I... I apologize. I did not mean to offend you."
Iron Fang stepped forward, and said in a steady and clear voice. "Master, I have a kid in my squad who I believe is the most suitable for becoming your host."
The old man's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and piercing. "And what makes this kid so special? What sets him apart from the other hostages who also passed the test?"
Iron Fang declared with a proud look on his face. "He broke the iron slab that was used as a test device."
The old man's eyebrows raised in surprise, but he was not impressed. "Breaking an iron slab is a mere display of strength. I need someone who can bring me back to my glory. Someone with true potential and noble or royal blood."
The old man's gaze shifted to Thunder Palm and the others. "Do any of you have someone talented and suitable with noble or royal blood in your squads?"
Lin Xueya remained silent, her eyes downcast. While Crimson Shadow didn't bother to respond, his stance unyielding and defiant. Thunder Palm glanced at Crimson Shadow from the corner of his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips as though he was planning something vile.
Thunder Palm bowed down and said, "Master, there is a kid in Crimson Shadow's squad who also seems to be talented and hiding unique skills."
Of course, he was referring to Liam.
The old man's eyes gleamed with interest, as his gaze shifted to Crimson Shadow. "Is this true, Crimson Shadow? Do you have such a hostage in your squad?"