THE SHADOW'S RETALIATION
Chapter 26: The Shadow's Retaliation
The attacks came like a storm. Just as predicted, the Shadow Fang Sect launched simultaneous strikes on several Azure Sky Sect outposts, each one designed to test the defenses and exploit any vulnerabilities. The sect's disciples, despite their rigorous training, were stretched thin across the vast mountain range.
Zhang Wei stood atop the southern outpost's main wall, his spear resting across his back. The air was tense, the faint glow of lanterns illuminating the faces of disciples who braced themselves for what they all knew was coming.
"They're here," one of the lookouts called, pointing toward the dense forest.
Moments later, Shadow Fang Sect operatives emerged from the shadows, their dark robes blending with the night. Their movements were swift and coordinated, their dark Qi radiating menace as they advanced toward the outpost.
"Positions!" Zhang Wei shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
The disciples moved quickly, forming defensive formations along the walls and within the courtyard. Archers nocked their arrows, while those wielding spears and swords took up positions behind the gates.
The system chimed: Host must prioritize command and coordination to maximize defensive efficiency.
Zhang Wei surveyed the battlefield, his enhanced perception picking up on the subtle shifts in the enemy's Qi. "Archers, aim for the vanguard!" he commanded. "Keep them from reaching the walls!"
Arrows flew through the air, their tips glowing faintly with Qi. Several Shadow Fang operatives fell, but the rest pressed on, their determination unshaken.
The first wave reached the gates, their strikes sending shockwaves through the reinforced wood. Zhang Wei leapt down from the wall, landing gracefully in the courtyard.
"Hold the line!" he shouted, rallying the disciples stationed near the gates.
The gates gave way moments later, and the courtyard erupted into chaos. Zhang Wei moved like a shadow, his spear striking with precision as he cut through the enemy's ranks. His Shadow Step Technique allowed him to dodge attacks and counter with deadly efficiency.
One of the Shadow Fang operatives, a tall figure wielding a pair of curved blades, confronted Zhang Wei directly. Their strikes were fast and unrelenting, but Zhang Wei met each one with a calm precision that belied the intensity of the battle.
"You fight well," the operative said, their voice cold. "But it won't be enough."
Zhang Wei's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."
With a burst of speed, Zhang Wei deflected the operative's blades and struck with a powerful thrust of his spear. The blow pierced their defenses, and the operative staggered before collapsing to the ground.
Around him, the disciples fought valiantly, their training and Zhang Wei's leadership turning the tide. The Shadow Fang Sect's forces began to falter, their momentum broken.
---
By dawn, the battle was over. The courtyard was littered with the remains of broken weapons and the faint traces of dissipating Qi. Zhang Wei stood amidst the aftermath, his body weary but his resolve unbroken.
Liang Feng arrived shortly after, his armor dented and his face grim. "We've managed to repel the attacks on all fronts, but the cost was high. Several disciples were injured, and two outposts sustained significant damage."
Zhang Wei nodded, his expression hardening. "The Shadow Fang Sect is trying to wear us down. If we don't strike back soon, they'll keep coming until we break."
"The elders are already planning a counteroffensive," Liang Feng said. "You'll be briefed as soon as the details are finalized."
The system chimed: Quest complete. Rewarding enhanced group battle techniques and Sect Contribution Points.
As Zhang Wei returned to the main sect grounds, the weight of the conflict pressed heavily on his shoulders. He had defended his comrades and his home, but the war was far from over. The Shadow Fang Sect had shown their hand, and it was clear they wouldn't stop until they were destroyed—or victorious.