Chapter 24: The Ambush at Blood Valley
🔹 The Dawn of War
The cold morning wind swept across the valley as the Seventh Division's warriors made their final preparations.
We had one chance to end Wu Jian's army before the real war began.
The plan was set:
âś” Fake a retreat to lure Wu Jian's army into Blood Valley.
âś” Collapse the cliffs to trap them.
âś” Crush their forces before they even have a chance to counterattack.
But deep down, I knew—
Nothing ever goes as planned in war.
🔹 The Enemy Approaches
From my position atop the cliffs, I peered down at the enemy through a spyglass.
Wu Jian's army marched forward, their black banners billowing in the wind.
At the front, Wu Jian himself rode calmly on his warhorse, his face unreadable.
Beside him, General Han, his most trusted commander, grinned.
"They're retreating already," Han sneered.
Wu Jian's smirk widened. "No. They're baiting us."
Han frowned. "Then why follow?"
Wu Jian exhaled. "Because they think they can kill me."
He knew it was a trap.
And he was walking into it anyway.
🔹 Springing the Trap
As soon as Wu Jian's forces reached the center of the valley, I raised my hand.
A moment later—
BOOM!
Explosives detonated along the cliffs, sending massive boulders crashing down onto the enemy.
The screams of crushed warriors filled the air as their formation was shattered.
Xiao Rin fired a signal flare.
Archers unleashed a storm of arrows, raining down death from the cliffs.
We had them.
Or so I thought.
🔹 Wu Jian Unleashes His Power
Amidst the chaos, Wu Jian remained still.
Then—he raised his sword high.
A pulse of black Qi erupted from his blade, sending a shockwave across the battlefield!
The fallen boulders shattered, and his army reformed instantly.
I clenched my fists.
He's stronger than before.
He turned his gaze toward the cliffs—toward me.
His smirk deepened.
"Kill them all."
🔹 The Battlefield Erupts
Lan Yue leaped from the cliffs, her spear a blur of silver.
She landed in the heart of the battlefield, cutting through three enemy warriors in an instant.
I followed, Shadow Stepping into the chaos.
Steel clashed.
I ducked, avoiding a sword swing, then drove my Hidden Blade into an enemy's throat.
Xiao Rin moved like a shadow, her daggers slicing through the ranks effortlessly.
We were holding our ground.
But then—
Everything changed.
🔹 Mei Xue's Ultimate Betrayal
Across the battlefield, a figure stood atop a ridge.
Mei Xue.
Her robes billowed as dark Qi spiraled into the sky.
My blood ran cold.
I recognized that energy immediately.
The Hidden Master's power.
"No…" I muttered.
She wasn't enhancing herself.
She was enhancing Wu Jian's entire army.
A pulse of black energy spread outward.
And then—Wu Jian's soldiers began to change.
Their veins darkened. Their eyes glowed crimson.
Their bodies twisted unnaturally as if they were no longer human.
Blood Core Warriors.
She had just turned his entire army into monsters.
🔹 A Desperate Fight
The transformed warriors charged.
Faster. Stronger. Unstoppable.
I dodged a strike that was twice as fast as before—barely.
Lan Yue parried a blow, but her spear cracked under the force.
Xiao Rin's dagger pierced an enemy's heart—but he kept moving.
"This isn't normal!" Lan Yue shouted.
I exhaled. "We have to take out Mei Xue."
Xiao Rin nodded. "Then let's go."
🔹 The Assault on Mei Xue
We broke through enemy lines, cutting down warriors left and right as we rushed toward the ridge.
Mei Xue stood unshaken, her hands glowing with dark energy.
She smiled.
"You're too late, Ye Qing."
She raised her hand—
A massive shockwave of Qi slammed into us, sending us flying backward.
I hit the ground hard, my ears ringing.
Xiao Rin rolled to her feet, daggers at the ready.
Lan Yue wiped blood from her lip. "She's strong."
I pushed myself up, gripping my blade tighter.
"We finish this. Now."
🔹 The Final Confrontation
We charged.
Lan Yue struck first, her spear glowing with Qi as she aimed for Mei Xue's chest.
Mei Xue blocked effortlessly, twisting the spear mid-air before slamming Lan Yue into the ground.
Xiao Rin appeared behind her, daggers flashing—
But Mei Xue vanished.
A moment later—she was behind Xiao Rin.
Before she could react, Mei Xue plunged her hand into Xiao Rin's back.
Xiao Rin gasped in pain.
I moved instantly—slashing at Mei Xue—forcing her to retreat.
Xiao Rin collapsed.
Blood pooled beneath her.
I froze.
For the first time in a long time—I felt fear.
🔹 The Turning Point
I caught Xiao Rin, her breathing ragged.
"Stay with me," I growled.
She smirked weakly. "I'm not dead yet."
Mei Xue chuckled. "Not yet."
I clenched my fists.
I wasn't fast enough.
I wasn't strong enough.
But I wasn't going to let this end here.
I looked at Lan Yue. "We finish this together."
She nodded. "No mercy."
🔹 The Final Strike
Mei Xue smirked. "Let's see if you can handle this."
She raised both hands.
Dark Qi erupted outward, distorting the air itself.
Lan Yue and I moved as one.
I vanished, reappearing behind her, blade flashing.
Lan Yue attacked from the front, her Qi exploding like a hurricane.
For the first time—Mei Xue's smirk vanished.
Our blades struck true.
BOOM!
A shockwave tore through the battlefield.
And Mei Xue fell.
🔹 The Aftermath
The moment Mei Xue hit the ground, her control over the army shattered.
Wu Jian's soldiers staggered, their Blood Core enhancements fading.
Qiu Hong's voice echoed over the battlefield.
đź“ś "NOW! Wipe them out!"
The Seventh Division rallied.
And Wu Jian's army—began to collapse.
I turned back to Xiao Rin, who was barely conscious.
"You're going to be fine," I said.
She smirked weakly. "You're a terrible liar."
I let out a breath. "We're not done yet."
I turned to the battlefield.
The war was far from over.
🔹 End of Chapter 24