The sky blazed red, clouds swirling as if bearing the wrath of the gods. Amidst the rocky ground and crumbling ruins of an old temple, two figures stood. The last autumn leaves danced in the wind, and through its gusts, silence was broken by a heavy voice.
"You truly stand before me with your sword drawn, Xuan Di?"
Yan Zhian's voice was calm, yet tinged with sorrow.
"I didn't choose this path, Master," Xuan Di replied, his gaze unwavering, eyes burning with anger and pain. "You're the one who pushed me this far."
Yan Zhian let out a long breath. "I raised you like my own son. Taught you the way of the sword, trained you day and night… and this is how you repay me?"
"You raised me, yes… but you also chained me."
Xuan Di lifted his sword. "Today, I break those chains."
"With my blood?"
"If that's what it takes."
And like lightning striking the earth, they clashed.
---
Swords collided. Auras burst and cracked the earth beneath them. Xuan Di launched his attacks fast—sharp strikes aiming for vital points. Yan Zhian defended, but his footing faltered.
Xuan Di pressed on, his body darting like a shadow, each swing carrying killing intent. Yan Zhian was pushed back, his robes torn, shoulder wounded.
"You've grown stronger than I imagined…" Yan Zhian said, breathless. "But your strength is born of anger. And that will destroy you."
Xuan Di slashed again, silent.
Suddenly, Yan Zhian shifted, his aura flaring briefly. He dodged and countered. Now it was Xuan Di who was forced back.
---
Three powerful blows from Yan Zhian shattered Xuan Di's defense. A kick struck his side, sending him flying and crashing into a large stone.
"You think the world will forgive you just because you feel you're right?" Yan Zhian shouted. "You have no idea how many disciples would've killed for your place—and you betrayed it."
Blood trickled from Xuan Di's lips. He chuckled.
"Betrayed? No, Master. I simply refused to live in your shadow any longer."
He rose, his face bloodied but his eyes burning bright.
"I learned all that you taught me. But I'm no longer your shadow. I am my own."
He attacked again, fiercer than ever.
---
This time, Xuan Di moved like a dark wind. His blade grazed Yan Zhian's arm. Then, another strike—piercing the master's right shoulder.
Yan Zhian staggered. His breath grew labored. Blood dripped from his wound.
"I never wanted you to become like this…" he murmured. "This isn't what I dreamed of when I took you from the streets."
"And I never wanted to kill you,"
Xuan Di stood before him, his sword aimed at Yan Zhian's throat.
"But you're the one who brought us here."
---
Suddenly, Yan Zhian's aura changed.
His body trembled, but an ancient power surged from within. The ground rumbled. A cold white mist enveloped the area, biting into the bone.
"You've grown overconfident, Xuan Di."
Yan Zhian's voice had changed—deep and composed. "Did you think I taught you everything I had? No. A true master saves one final technique… to ensure the student never surpasses the teacher."
His left hand formed an ancient mudra. A vortex of energy appeared behind him—the ultimate technique: Heavenly Severance Blade.
"You've forced my hand… and I will end this as your master—and as your foster father."
Xuan Di gritted his teeth.
"Then let's finish this, Master!"
---
To Be Continued…