"Haven't seen you in a long time... Xiao Yan."
The familiar deep, cold voice that chilled to the bone echoed from the shadows again, before a young man's figure leaped down from the top of a crumbling building as light as a falling leaf. He stood calmly, eyes closed for a moment, green hair catching the moonlight, before waving at Xiao Yan with seemingly casual gestures that radiated invisible malevolent energy.
Xiao Yan was shocked nearly senseless! His body went rigid for a moment! Kim... did she mean for me to find this guy? And... how does Kim even know him! What the hell is going on! Confusion and disbelief crashed over his mind violently!
"Why... do you look so surprised?" the young man asked. His eyes remained closed, but the thin smile at the corner of his mouth looked even more unsettling.
"Ling Tian..." Xiao Yan forced the name out with difficulty, his voice carrying surprise and old memories surfacing. "How... how did you get here!" He'd never expected to encounter this junior disciple here, under these circumstances.
"Huh? That matter... does senior brother still care about this junior disciple?" Ling Tian slowly opened his eyes. His pitch-black pupils gleamed coldly with clear disappointment.
"What business do you have here?" Xiao Yan asked with suspicious concern. Some premonition was telling him this wasn't a chance encounter.
"Elimination," Ling Tian answered briefly, his tone emotionless.
"Elimination? What do you mean..." Xiao Yan frowned. *This kid... he's changed so much...* "And what about... the other units besides Special Operations Unit Four?"
"Ah... right," Ling Tian replied with a sad-looking smile. "They've 'gone to sleep'... with the 'blessing' of our teachings... they can rest now."
Xiao Yan's heart lurched! He was beginning to understand the terrible situation before him. "So that means..."
"Exactly," Ling Tian nodded calmly, his eyes staring at Xiao Yan with determination. "Special Operations Unit Four... or more specifically, 'us'... former senior and junior disciples... who chose different paths... today is the day we 'end' everything... as 'atonement' for what you've done... isn't that right... Senior Brother Xiao Yan?" The words "us" and "atonement" that Ling Tian emphasized cut like blades into Xiao Yan's feelings. He felt both confused and saddened by this junior's attitude.
Suddenly! A massive and evil energy exploded from the direction of City A! The energy was so intense that Xiao Yan could feel the tremors reaching here!
"It's begun..." Ling Tian murmured softly. The smile on his face transformed into terrifying determination before he slowly drew a pitch-black long sword from his waist. The sharp blade reflected moonlight - it was the "Traitor's Execution Blade," a sword the sect bestowed upon those who served as judges.
"You... Ling Tian... why are you doing this!" Xiao Yan shouted in confusion. Anger began mixing with bewilderment. "Did my leaving the sect make you hate me this much!"
"You don't understand!" Ling Tian shouted back, his eyes full of pain and fanatical faith! "You abandoned the teachings! Abandoned the sacred mission! You betrayed everything the sect gave you! Today... I, as your junior disciple... will bring you back to the 'correct path'... even if that path leads to death!"
"What happened at the sect! Ling Tian! Answer me!" Xiao Yan demanded. He'd never known his decision would affect Ling Tian's mind so severely! And he had no idea what had happened to the sect after he left!
"You have no right to know about sect matters anymore!!!" Ling Tian didn't answer! His body shot toward Xiao Yan like a crazed serpent! The Traitor's Execution Blade in his hand carved through the air as a dark shadow! The blade aimed straight for Xiao Yan's throat with ruthless speed! Beginning the dance of death instantly!
But with reflexes and fighter's instincts honed countless times! Xiao Yan twisted away from the blade by a hair! While releasing a short sword hidden beneath his cloak! He spun to counter-attack! The short sword's tip thrust toward Ling Tian's ribs!
CLANG!!!
Ling Tian twisted to dodge while using his Traitor's Execution Blade to deflect just in time! Sparks scattered! The tremendous impact forced both to stagger back a step!
Xiao Yan didn't wait! He released his beloved twin spears from his storage dimension! The spear tips swept in circles! Before striking at vital points on Ling Tian's body continuously! Every attack was full of power and precision! But still carried some hesitation... he really didn't want to hurt this junior disciple!
Ling Tian had to dodge and weave frantically! He spun to avoid the spear thrust coming from below! Before jumping and flipping in mid-air! The Traitor's Execution Blade in his hand slashed down from above! Aiming to split Xiao Yan's body in two! Full of murderous intent!
Xiao Yan looked up! He crouched low! Dodging the blade that swept past his head by mere inches! Before using leg strength to propel himself forward! The spear in his hand thrust back toward Ling Tian's stomach as he still floated in mid-air!
Ling Tian's eyes widened! He deflected Xiao Yan's spear just barely! Before using the force from that clash to push himself back and regain footing!
"Hmph... Senior Brother is still as strong as ever... pity you chose the wrong path," Ling Tian smiled coldly. Even under heavy pressure, his faith in the sect's teachings still shone clearly in his eyes.
Suddenly! One of Ling Tian's arms vanished completely! Leaving only a torn sleeve fluttering in the wind!
Xiao Yan's eyes widened in surprise! He didn't understand what had happened! "What was that! Where did his arm go!"
But before he could think of an answer! His danger instincts screamed in his head! He sensed some energy rushing at him from the side!
It was Ling Tian's arm! The arm that had disappeared moments before! It flew through the air to ambush Xiao Yan's ribs!
Xiao Yan twisted away just barely! Ling Tian's sharp fingernails grazed his cheek slightly! Leaving only a shallow scratch and drops of bright red blood!
And in that moment! The floating arm shot back to reconnect with Ling Tian's body! As if it had never separated at all!
Ling Tian didn't let Xiao Yan recover! His body rushed in close again! The Traitor's Execution Blade in his hand whirled like a storm! Slashing at Xiao Yan's body continuously! Every movement filled with precision and well-trained destructive power!
Spear and sword clashed ferociously! The sound of metal striking metal echoed throughout the area! Neither had the advantage! The battle was evenly matched! Xiao Yan tried to avoid the violent attacks, but Ling Tian attacked as if he didn't fear death!
Xiao Yan raised two fingers - index and middle - before touching them to his forehead!
Soon! Dozens of weapons suddenly appeared around him! Swords short and long, spears, shields, axes, hammers, and many other weapons Xiao Yan had collected! Every weapon floated in mid-air! Ready to strike down enemies at any moment!
"If you still insist on 'eliminating' me... then come on, Ling Tian! I'll show you what the path I chose is like!" Xiao Yan declared boldly! His eyes were full of complex emotions - sadness, confusion, and the necessity of self-defense!
Ling Tian smiled coldly... his eyes full of determination and loyalty to the teachings... "For the sect... and to cleanse your sins... I gladly sacrifice everything!" The real battle... was just beginning!!!