The battlefield trembled as an overwhelming pressure descended upon the land, forcing even the most hardened warriors to their knees. Zhao Tian, the patriarch of the Zhao Clan, stood at the center of it all, his eyes burning with unrestrained fury. It had been over thirty years since he had last released his full power, and now, the world would bear witness to the might of a true master.
The dark-robed enemy leader, who had confidently led the attack, felt his smirk waver as his body instinctively recoiled from the terrifying aura. It wasn't just the strength—it was the sheer dominance that made him feel insignificant.
"So, the great Zhao Tian has finally decided to show his true power," the enemy sneered, attempting to mask his fear.
Zhao Tian's gaze was icy, his killing intent so sharp it cut through the very air. "You dare lay a hand on my family and expect to leave alive?" His voice was calm, but each word sent shivers down the spines of the assassins who surrounded him.
Without warning, Zhao Tian vanished. The enemy leader barely had time to register the movement before a palm strike landed squarely against his chest with the force of a mountain collapsing. The impact sent him hurtling through the air like a broken doll, crashing through the courtyard wall and creating a shockwave that cracked the earth beneath them.
The Zhao warriors, witnessing their patriarch's strength, erupted in cheers, their morale surging as they cut down their remaining foes with newfound vigor.
Zhao Wei, blood dripping from his lips, smirked as he wiped his mouth. "I won't let Father take all the glory." He propelled himself into battle, cutting through two assassins in a single slash, his blade dancing like a dragon through the air.
Meanwhile, the enemy leader coughed violently, blood splattering the ground as he struggled to stand. His chest was caved in, his ribs shattered from the force of the strike. "Impossible… No one in the Flames Kingdom should possess such strength!"
Zhao Tian slowly approached, his presence alone sending waves of suffocating pressure across the battlefield. "For thirty years, I have restrained myself. But tonight, you insects have dared to threaten my bloodline. For that, none of you will leave here alive."
Realizing he had no chance in a direct fight, the enemy leader gritted his teeth and pulled out a dark talisman inscribed with forbidden symbols. A malevolent aura burst forth as he crushed it, and immediately, black mist coiled around him, forming the shape of a monstrous apparition with glowing crimson eyes.
The beast roared, its claws stretching toward Zhao Tian. The sky above darkened, crackling with an ominous energy as the very fabric of space trembled from the summoning.
But Zhao Tian did not flinch. Instead, he exhaled softly, golden energy rippling from his body like a tidal wave.
Then, with a single step forward, he raised his palm and unleashed an attack.
A blinding explosion of pure destruction radiated from his hand, colliding with the monstrous apparition and annihilating it upon impact. The energy wave continued forward, striking the enemy leader with such force that he was sent plummeting into the earth, forming a massive crater upon impact.
The assassins who had remained to fight stood frozen in horror. The realization dawned upon them—their leader was utterly powerless before Zhao Tian's might.
Panic set in. Without hesitation, the remaining assassins turned to flee, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. They no longer sought victory, only survival.
Zhao Tian sheathed his sword, his aura slowly retracting. "Let them run," he said, his voice carrying absolute authority. "They will carry the tale of their humiliation back to their masters."
Zhao Wei scowled. "That coward ran before we could finish him."
Zhao Tian shook his head. "He has learned fear tonight. That is enough for now."
As the battlefield fell silent, Zhao Tian's daughter stepped forward, still clutching her son tightly. She had watched everything, her heart racing at the display of power her father had just shown.
"You see now why I came here," she whispered.
Zhao Tian looked at the sleeping child in her arms, then at the battlefield strewn with bodies. His expression softened for a brief moment before he nodded. "Then it is settled. He stays here, under my protection."
The battle had ended, but war was inevitable. And the Zhao Clan would be ready.