Chapter 25: Hidden Dangers
The battlefield was silent. The Wang Clan's forces had fled, leaving behind the wounded and the dead. The scent of blood lingered in the air, mixing with the burning remains of fallen enemies.
Ye Chen stood on the temple walls, watching the retreating army disappear into the distance. His expression was calm, but his eyes were cold.
"They will return," Mei Ling said, stepping beside him.
Ye Chen nodded. "Of course. And when they do, we'll be stronger."
Lin Xia wiped the blood off her sword. "We won today, but the war isn't over. The ancient clans won't sit still after this."
Zhao Ming sighed. "The Wang Clan's defeat will make the other clans cautious. They might try a different approach next time."
General Wu walked forward, his armor stained with blood. "We should fortify the temple. More attacks will come."
Ye Chen glanced at the battlefield one last time before turning away. "We'll prepare. But first, we need to deal with the wounded and strengthen our forces."
Inside the temple, the disciples tended to their injuries. The healers worked tirelessly, using medicines and basic spiritual techniques to treat the wounded.
Ye Chen walked through the halls, observing his people. Some were bandaged, others unconscious, but none had lost their will to fight.
He stopped beside an injured disciple. The young man struggled to sit up when he saw Ye Chen. "Master Ye... I—"
Ye Chen raised a hand. "Rest. You fought well."
The disciple's eyes shone with pride. "We will fight again when needed."
Ye Chen nodded and moved on.
In the main training ground, he gathered his core members. Mei Ling, Lin Xia, Zhao Ming, and General Wu stood before him, waiting for orders.
"The battle with the Wang Clan showed us our strengths and weaknesses," Ye Chen began. "We need to train harder, grow stronger, and be ready for anything."
Lin Xia smirked. "I like the sound of that."
Mei Ling crossed her arms. "What's the plan?"
Ye Chen turned to General Wu. "Fortify the temple. Strengthen the walls, set up traps, and make sure we have escape routes."
General Wu nodded. "Consider it done."
Ye Chen looked at Zhao Ming. "Your knowledge of the ancient clans is valuable. I need you to gather information. Find out which clan will move next."
Zhao Ming smirked. "Already on it."
He then turned to Mei Ling and Lin Xia. "We're going to train. Hard."
Mei Ling grinned. "Finally, some action."
While the temple was busy rebuilding, far away, a shadowy figure sat in a dimly lit hall. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the walls were lined with ancient scrolls.
A deep voice echoed through the room. "Ye Chen... He's stronger than we thought."
A man knelt before the figure. His face was hidden beneath a dark hood, his breath slow and steady. "The Wang Clan failed. He crushed them."
The figure chuckled. "Of course, they failed. They underestimated him."
The kneeling man hesitated. "What do we do now?"
The figure leaned forward, his fingers tapping the wooden armrest of his chair. "We wait. Let him grow arrogant. Let him think he is untouchable."
He smiled coldly. "And then, we strike."
Back at the temple, Ye Chen stood in the center of the training field, his eyes closed. His spiritual energy flowed through his body, moving smoothly and powerfully.
Mei Ling and Lin Xia stood across from him, swords drawn.
"You ready for this?" Lin Xia asked, stretching her arms.
Ye Chen smirked. "Come."
Without warning, Mei Ling dashed forward, her blade flashing in the sunlight. Lin Xia followed, moving like a shadow.
Ye Chen didn't move.
At the last second, he sidestepped, dodging both attacks. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a shockwave of energy that forced Mei Ling and Lin Xia to retreat.
"Too slow."
Lin Xia grinned. "You won't dodge forever."
Read 𝓁atest chapters at fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm Only.
She flicked her fingers, releasing a barrage of ice shards. Mei Ling leaped into the air, coming down with a powerful slash.
Ye Chen finally moved.
He ducked under Mei Ling's sword, deflecting Lin Xia's ice shards with a wave of his hand. Then, in a blur, he appeared behind them.
A gust of wind followed his movement.
Lin Xia barely had time to react before Ye Chen's palm stopped just an inch from her neck. Mei Ling felt a similar force hovering near her back.
"Dead," Ye Chen said simply.
Mei Ling sighed. "Damn it. He's still too fast."
Lin Xia groaned. "One day, we'll beat you."
Ye Chen smiled. "Then train harder."
Zhao Ming, watching from the side, shook his head. "Scary."
Mei Ling rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Zhao."
Ye Chen glanced at the sky. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the temple. The day was ending, but the real battle had only just begun.
He could feel it.
Something was coming.
And this time, it wouldn't be as simple as the Wang Clan's revenge.
That night, as the temple rested, a figure appeared at the gates. The guards immediately raised their weapons.
"Who goes there?"
The figure stepped forward. A woman dressed in black robes, her face partially hidden by a veil. Her aura was strong—too strong for an ordinary cultivator.
She lifted a hand. "I seek Ye Chen."
The guards hesitated. One of them hurried inside. Moments later, Ye Chen stood at the gate, facing the woman.
"Who are you?" he asked.
The woman removed her veil, revealing a stunning face. Her eyes were deep and unreadable.
"You may not remember me," she said softly. "But I remember you."
Ye Chen frowned. "What do you mean?"
The woman took a step closer. "You and I have unfinished business.