Chapter 11: Liang Xi Awakens

Wenliang Mountain—this was where White Wolf and Earth Dragon first met. Though it was years ago, exactly how many had passed, White Wolf no longer remembered. They had arrived here almost simultaneously. The scenery remained unchanged, yet the hearts of men had shifted. “This place is just as it was before, but we have changed. It was here that I endured the biting wind for three days and nights, finally becoming a member of the Dark Moon Guild. At that moment, my heart soared with unparalleled joy.”

“But I told myself, all the humiliation I suffer today, someday, I will repay a hundredfold. To achieve that, I have endured for a very long time.”

Earth Dragon’s aura had completely transformed. Earlier, in his fight with Liang Xi, he had not unleashed his true strength. Though Liang Xi was formidable, he was no match for this man. Now, an astonishing flame enveloped Earth Dragon, a fire fierce enough to consume all.

“Surprised? After all these years, you’re the first to witness me like this.”

“Ancient Fire God? To think your true identity is such. Ha! I once said I would cultivate you to be the guild’s strongest warrior, but now I see that’s unnecessary!”

“Wrath of the Skyfire!”

The temperature soared sharply; moisture in the air began to evaporate. White Wolf could barely withstand the heat, feeling as if his very blood would boil away.

The parched earth was soon shrouded by a shadow. White Wolf had expected a coolness, but instead the temperature rose further. He looked up, his face pale with dread. A massive red fist silhouette filled the sky, bearing not just overwhelming force but a terror that pierced the soul.

Earth Dragon was known for his mastery of fist techniques, but White Wolf had no idea Earth Dragon had honed them to such a terrifying level. How many secrets had this man hidden?

The giant fist descended rapidly, slicing through the air with a sharp roar. White Wolf’s heart grew restless. Damn it—he had fought countless battles, yet why did his heart now tremble so? Was he truly powerless against Earth Dragon?

“President White Wolf, I know you’re formidable, but before my Wrath of the Skyfire, no technique can stand! You must understand, I am not truly skilled in fist techniques—the guild’s expert is you. I sought to become like you after witnessing your skill. But now, you’ve truly disappointed me. I thought becoming like you would bring joy, but now, I feel nothing!”

“Die!”

Earth Dragon’s face twisted into a savage madness, determined to win this battle at all costs. But was that truly the case?

“You think you can defeat me? All your skills were taught by me. You’ve only mastered the surface. How dare you challenge me? You’re courting death!”

“Heaven’s Shield!”

White Wolf, with vast battle experience, condensed an impenetrable shield of energy. This man had indeed revealed his strongest technique.

“Haha! That’s more like it! This is the battle I’ve been waiting for. But President White Wolf, you are truly old. Today, I’ll show you what true power is!”

Boom!

The colossal fist slammed against the Heaven’s Shield. Though the punch was devastating, the shield wavered only slightly. “I didn’t expect your defense to be this strong. Good. If not for that, this would be dull indeed. But now you must realize—you’re no match for me! Don’t believe me? Check your shield for cracks! I don’t even know the true strength of my own fist technique. Today, you’ll be my test subject!”

Boom!

The Heaven’s Shield shattered. White Wolf had anticipated this; his expression remained calm. “Hmph. So this is your limit, huh? Your technique can only achieve this much. Look above your head—do you see what’s happening? You think I have no counters? Today, I’ll make you witness true power!”

“Skyward Fist!”

A colossal black fist, as vast as a mountain, rose. This was the move Earth Dragon had yearned to master for years. Yet, it was also White Wolf’s ultimate trump card, reserved for the final moment. Now, forced to use it, he reluctantly admitted Earth Dragon was indeed a formidable foe.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The two fist techniques collided with earth-shattering force. The world trembled and cracked; no one had imagined it would come to this. Both men’s faces twisted in grim determination. Earth Dragon had expected victory—White Wolf was supposedly depleted. Yet, how could this man still wield such strength? What drove him to endure?

“You wouldn’t understand why I persist. Fine, I’ll tell you—belief is everything!”

“As long as I hold an unyielding faith, no battle is impossible. But you’ve long forgotten this. Today, the loser will be you!”

“The loser? Ha! What nonsense! Master, this is likely my last time calling you that. You should know by now, I have surpassed you. Though I hate to admit it, it’s true!”

“Flaming Heaven Palm!”

A golden giant palm appeared before White Wolf’s eyes. His complexion darkened; this move required intense preparation and could not be interrupted without grave harm. White Wolf’s aura shifted, burning like an eternal flame.

“My lord, do you know what you’re doing? You’re burning your life force. When it’s gone, do you know what will become of you? Honestly, I don’t want us to reach this point. Perhaps now, you cannot understand how I feel.”

“You could never defeat me before. You never focused on cultivation. But I’m different—I’ve devoted all my time to training because I know only through strength can I survive!”

Boom!

Wrath of the Skyfire struck White Wolf again, grievously wounding him. He was spent, yet refused to yield. Why? Why cling to life when victory in battle seemed more precious than life itself?

“I said, as long as faith endures, I can win any fight. You don’t understand this, but now I’ll show you. I’m burning my very soul, existing in a state of suspended death. I don’t know how long I can last!”

“Perhaps I will die from this spiritual collapse, but it’s unimportant. I have one thought—if I can defeat you, I will pay any price!”

“I have arranged a formidable formation here. From the moment you set foot on Wenliang Mountain, your life has been in my hands. I withheld this knowledge to see how far you’d come. It proves you remain the same insufferable man. Earth Dragon, you surely remember—if you betray the guild, you know your fate.”

“Hmph. What are you saying? Endure burning flames? I ceased being a guild man long ago. Don’t forget, I’m the president now. Technically, you have no right to face me, yet here I stand. Why? You can’t answer, can you?”

“You’ve talked long enough, just buying time for that boy Liang Xi? You really think he can win? He’s ruined—if he retains even thirty percent of his power, it’s a miracle. Wenliang Mountain is three days from the guild. How do you imagine surviving that?”

White Wolf’s strength was nearly gone. Maintaining his form was already remarkable. A spray of blood burst forth—he was finished.

Yet, inexplicably, he refused to surrender.

“You think I’ll quit? This is my domain. As long as I hold on, you have no means against me. Try if you dare!”

“Brothers, you’ve seen enough. Will you act or not? If you don’t, I may truly die here. If that happens, it’s troublesome. Haven’t you long craved freedom? Help me defeat this foe, and I promise you freedom!”

Whooshing sounds filled the air as elite warriors appeared, surrounding Earth Dragon. Yet he showed no sign of panic.

“Hmph. I thought you had some skill, but now I see you only divide your power among your soldiers. They are but your shadows!”

“I heard you possessed multiple abilities, but I’ve never seen them. If you show me now, I’ll be grateful.”

“Good. Then I’ll grant your wish.”

The heavens and earth trembled once more, warping with fierce power. Seven violet lightning bolts coalesced into a thunder dragon, coiling in midair. Its breath was deadly—none dared approach.

“Wrath of the Thunder Dragon!”

The seven bolts struck Earth Dragon with overwhelming force. His expression finally changed. Madness—this man was truly insane. White Wolf should be spent, yet why did he endure so long?

“My lord, we now understand Earth Dragon. We will win. Our strength has been fully displayed. Earth Dragon hasn’t realized yet—his so-called prowess is merely a shadow ability. Each clone absorbs damage, explaining his invulnerability.”

“However, such clones are difficult to maintain. Earth Dragon lost three in the fight with Liang Xi, two to White Wolf. Now, this is his last.”

“If he loses this one, what then? You’re too confident in your shadow power, unaware that White Wolf knows every move. Now, are you afraid? I can still spare you if you leave the guild and surrender all it has taught you. Considering the past, White Wolf might let you go. After all, it wasn’t easy for you to reach this point. I don’t want it to end like this.”

“Give up? Do you want me to concede to White Wolf? Dream on. I ask you—fight or flee? If you flee, leave now. If you fight, fight well. I’ll show you that, despite my poor situation, I can still prevail!”

Liang Xi never imagined escaping this secret realm would demand such time and effort. Yet, even so, victory eluded him—a truly unimaginable plight.

But time was running out. If he failed now, what options remained? He must escape this time!

He discovered the realm absorbed his power—something he never anticipated.

“Liang Xi, you must realize now nothing you do matters. Your fate is death. If you surrender your power to me, I can wield it well. But you refuse to change your mind, and I have no choice.”

“Though it pains me, this battle cannot be lost. If I do, I lose everything!”

Despite the distance, Earth Dragon’s voice echoed fiercely in Liang Xi’s mind, disrupting his focus.

“I know you want to gather your strength, but it’s impossible—I won’t allow it. You must die today!”

“Not only you, but everyone here must perish. Even you cannot endure this. Liang Xi, it’s simple. I don’t want this either, but if you wish to save those dear to you, just admit your fault and vow never to oppose me again. Then I’ll spare you.”

“Liang Xi, this is your last chance. Miss it, and I don’t know your fate.”

Liang Xi felt his power drained—it had been a long time since such a thing happened. But now, he must face it.

“Don’t think about it. Whatever I do now is no longer your concern.”

“I trust the elders. They promised to buy us half an incense stick’s time. That’s enough—I have no worries.”

“But you sound off. Injured? You were so arrogant before. By the way, you probably don’t know this, but it was I who revealed your abilities. Without me, no one would know your true strength.”

“Elder, keep going. Just hold on a little longer. I’ll handle the rest. It may be unfair to you, but this is the best plan.”

“Liang Xi, focus on your task. Don’t worry about anything else. If I wish, I can resolve all battles.”

“Earth Dragon, you’ve underestimated me. I told you, I’m your opponent. As long as I stand, no one harms you. Your downfall is my fault. Fine—I accept responsibility!”

“Soul Sword!”

In an instant, all the souls around condensed into White Wolf’s hand, forming a razor-sharp divine blade. This was his final move. The sword swelled like a mountain, radiating overwhelming pressure. White Wolf had once been a formidable master, but those days were gone. Now, with little power left, even this intense aura overwhelmed him.

“White Wolf, will you not strike? Look—if this continues, it won’t end well. But if you insist, I’ll pretend I said nothing. Still, you know what to do, don’t you?”

“You’ve held back, waiting for help. Though I don’t know who, your hope lies with some unknown ally. But this is my ground—no matter who comes, the outcome is the same.”

White Wolf’s heart skipped a beat. How did Earth Dragon know this? He had concealed it well. Was it some subtle clue in his emotions? Still, he no longer wished to speak of it.

“What nonsense! Even if true, I can end this now!”

“Earth Dragon, you’re dreaming. Victory is possible only because we stand with you. With us, your power is useless. Try if you dare!”

Before they could finish, screams pierced the air.

“I hate interruptions. You know nothing. Your existence is meaningless. I have tolerated you, but now I see it’s futile. So be it—all of you, die! Though harsh, this is enough to deal with you.”

“Even I didn’t expect to go this far to defeat you. But you created this illusion, thinking I’d be ignorant? I was patient, but I know all you’ve done!”

“I wanted to give you a chance, but you sought death. Fine, I’ll grant it. What are you looking at? Resentment? So what? I’ve destroyed your meridians!”

“Can you still fight? No. This illusion may seem powerful, but you think I’m helpless? Think again.”

“White Wolf, act now! Don’t put all your hopes in others. You know better than anyone what will happen if you do.”

White Wolf’s consciousness faded. After countless battles, his long-suppressed internal injuries erupted. No matter how many years passed, he had only come this far. He was useless. This should never have been.

“Such a pity. You were so strong before. Look at you now—pale, broken. Elder Fisherman has never seen you like this. If he did, how sorrowful he would be. Elder Fisherman, I know you’ve arrived. You should understand—I must face you next. Though it feels wrong, I know I cannot show my strength without confronting you.”

“I intended to strike last. You’re clever, but if you were less so, all would be simpler. But I know that’s impossible. White Wolf, you’re no match for Earth Dragon. Leave the rest to me. You blame Earth Dragon’s fall on yourself, but no—it’s my neglect that led to this. I’m the one at fault. You’ve endured so much for me. If I don’t act now, am I still human? Rest assured, I’m here to end this!”

No one truly knew Elder Fisherman’s power. A century had passed since his last move. Though he remained inactive, rumors of his strength only grew. His weapon was an ordinary fishing rod.

“Elder Fisherman, you’re old now. Continuing to fight is a heavy burden. Besides, don’t forget—I am now president. With this position, no technique can affect me!”

“Though wrong, Elder Fisherman, when you passed the presidency to me, you sealed this fate.”

“You’re confident in your power? Fine. Since you’ve spoken so boldly, I must show you my true strength—even if reluctant. Who do you think I am? I was a renowned hero when you were a child. Now, I merely grasp the surface. Think you can defeat me? Prove it—strike me once and see if your fist technique works!”

“Fool! Wrath of the Skyfire!”

The giant fist appeared again, filled with immense force. But before it touched Elder Fisherman, it shattered!

“What? That’s all your strength? That won’t do. You should know better. If you want to fight, use your strongest move. This very technique—I taught you. Forgotten so soon?”

“I never forgot. I remember your kindness all these years. But how many times must you say it? You and I—we can never return to the past. What have you been doing all this time?”

“I know you’ve hidden your power. Why, I don’t know. But you must realize, if we fought now, the outcome would be grim.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it. If I can stall you, that’s enough. I entrust victory to Liang Xi. You never trusted him, but I do. The power of belief is immense—something you can’t understand. But it’s time to end this.”

“Good. Then let’s finish it. Do you really have a powerful move left?”

“Seems not. No matter how many years pass, you never change. Fine, witness my technique. You’ve wanted to see it for years. It’s ready—you just haven’t noticed.”

“Haven’t you felt the environment shift?”

Elder Fisherman rarely spoke so gravely. His words revealed his fury.

“Old man, do you think I’d believe you? After all these years, I know your nature. You love deceit!”

“Too bad I was fooled before, but not now. I’ve surpassed you. Yes, surpassing you makes all my suffering worthwhile. You can’t imagine the pain I endured.”

“But it’s fine. Even if you can’t imagine, I’ll tell you now. Old man, how do you want to die? If you want to, I’ll oblige.”

“Haha, boy, you shame yourself. No one has ever spoken to me like this. You’re the first—and the last. Since you’re so bold, I’ll tell you what to do.”

“You’ve been poisoned. My power flows within you. Yet you never noticed. A pity—I never wanted it to come to this.”

“Liang Xi, boy, how long can you hold on? I’m close to collapse. Can you wait for me?”

Alas, Liang Xi was in a deep trance—not true sleep, but a complete mental blank, forgetting all surroundings. Only by this could he harmonize with the cruel formation, his only escape. Dangerous, yes, but for his mission, he would do anything.

He slowly opened his eyes, a fierce power coursing through him. “Elder, rest assured. I now know what to do. Everything will be over soon. Elder, this was my fight, yet you suffered so much. I’m sorry—I’m here now!”