The grand hall, supported by golden rune-carved pillars, was eerily silent, except for the heavy breathing of an injured figure. A teen in a white robe, with green hair and blue eyes, his clothes soaked in blood, stood hunched over a sword. His body was battered, barely clinging to life, and scattered around him were the bodies of his fallen enemies.
Despite the agony wracking his body, he was alert, dragging his wounded form towards one of the golden-carved pillars. But just as his foot took a step, pain shot through him—an arrow had pierced his right foot. He collapsed to the ground with a grunt, fighting to keep his consciousness.
"Kaal… if I make it out alive, I swear on my soul I'll make you regret ever being born."
His voice, raw with fury, echoed in the silence, but before he could go any further, he heard footsteps—many footsteps—approaching swiftly.
A smug voice broke the silence, full of amusement.
"You killed fourteen Rank-3 warriors while poisoned by Rakshya Flower… despite only having the strength of a Rank-2 warrior. I'm impressed..."
The words were followed by the arrival of three masked figures in grey robes. Behind them walked a black-robed teen, his long jet-black hair flowing, with dark, commanding eyes and a handsome, cruel face. His entire presence exuded an aura of authority and dominance.
Raven's eyes flared with rage as he looked at the black-robed teen.
"Kaal, if I hadn't been backstabbed and poisoned by betrayal… would you still dare speak to me like this?"
Kaal's expression remained unchanged as he gazed down at the dying figure of Raven, his voice calm, cold.
"You, neglected by your clan, suddenly rise to challenge me—the son of the clan head? Tell me, what's your secret?"
Raven's lips curled into a painful grin as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He spat it out and laughed bitterly.
"HA! So, that's your aim? Dream on! I'd rather die than tell you anything."
Kaal's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"You don't need to tell me, pitiful dog. I'll learn the secret from your dead body. Oh… and don't worry, I'll take care of your sister on your behalf..."
Raven's entire being ignited with rage. "Kaal, y-you motherfucker!" he howled, launching himself toward Kaal with his sword. But before he could land a blow, two grey-robed men intercepted, blocking his strike. The third figure, a grey-clad assassin, raised his sword and struck downward.
Raven barely managed to dodge the blow, but as he did, Kaal's speed—like that of a Rank-3 warrior—was blinding. In an instant, he appeared in front of Raven, and with a swift motion, Kaal slashed his sword upward.
The impact left a gaping wound from Raven's stomach to his shoulder. Blood gushed from the wound, but Raven, despite the agony, refused to fall.
Taking advantage of the opening, the two grey-robed assassins pierced Raven's body with their blades, stabbing him through the stomach and shoulder. Raven coughed blood, but with a snarl, he swung his sword in desperation, an azure aura shimmering around it.
The sword cut through the air like a knife through butter, and the two grey-robed men's heads were severed cleanly from their bodies.
"A sword aura… that only a Foundation Realm cultivator can wield…" Kaal murmured, a hint of surprise in his voice. But his admiration was short-lived. Raven's dying power forced him to take the situation seriously.
The remaining grey-robed assassin froze, watching in horror as his comrades were slain. Sensing his fear, Kaal spoke coldly.
"A Rank-2 warrior using Foundation Realm sword aura must be drained of Qi. He's a corpse walking, with no strength left to fight…"
The grey-robed assassin nodded, his resolve hardening. With Kaal's suggestion, he stepped forward, sword raised.
Raven, his body drained of strength, knew he was beyond help. But hatred still burned in his eyes, and his spirit refused to bow. With what little strength he had left, he blocked the next attack, keeping the grey-robed man at bay.
The assassin relentlessly swung his sword, but Kaal stood aside, watching passively.
Raven's blood, already tainted by the poison, began to freeze in his veins. His vision blurred, but he didn't give up. For a brief moment, he faltered—just a brief pause—and that was enough. The grey-robed man took his chance.
He drove his sword into Raven's chest, and Raven, struggling to lift his arm, pulled the blade from his heart, the last of his strength fading.
Raven's eyes never lost their burning intensity, even as he collapsed. He turned his gaze toward Kaal.
"You..." Raven whispered, barely able to form the words. With a final burst of defiance, his hand reached toward Kaal, but he could not fight anymore.
As the grey-robed man fell dead behind him, Kaal approached, his smile growing wider. He caught Raven's outstretched hand effortlessly.
"Oh, my lovely Raven… Want a hug? How could I not fulfill your wish?" Kaal mocked, lifting Raven by the neck.
Raven's dying gaze locked onto Kaal's eyes, burning with hatred and vengeance. His body was weak, but his spirit refused to break.
But Kaal's smile faltered as he looked at the fire in Raven's eyes. Disgust filled him.
"Pathetic," Kaal muttered. With a swift motion, he cut Raven's throat.
Raven's body went limp, his gaze still seething with fury, even in death. His last thought was a promise—Kaal would pay.
Kaal exhaled a relieved breath, the twisted smirk returning to his lips.
"Finally... this dog is dead."