Chapter-5 : World Clan’s Gambit

Chapter 5: The World Clan's Gambit

As the dust settled from Taiyo's Heaven Defying Arrow, a heavy silence blanketed the battlefield. The leaders of the Pillar Clans remained frozen, their faces pale and sweat dripping down their brows. The display of power had shaken them to their core. None dared to move, and the weight of Taiyo's warning hung thick in the air.

Taiyo stood unperturbed, his gaze sweeping over the trembling warriors. "This is your last chance," he said, his voice steady but cold. "Leave now, or I will not hesitate to eliminate every single one of you."

Kazuki's fists clenched tightly at his sides, his sharp mind racing. He was no fool—Taiyo's strength had far exceeded their expectations. But retreat would mean dishonor, and the consequences of showing weakness would ripple through the ranks of the Pillar Clans. They had come to destroy Taiyo's Eclipse Clan, yet here they stood, paralyzed by one man's might.

Before Kazuki could respond, a deep voice echoed from behind the gathering of Pillar Clan leaders. "Perhaps you should heed his warning."

Heads turned as a group of soldiers clad in black-and-red armor appeared on the battlefield. The insignia of the World Clan was unmistakable—their sudden presence sent ripples of confusion through the ranks. They moved with purpose, their leader stepping forward, his dark eyes scanning the scene before settling on Taiyo.

"Haruto…" Taiyo muttered under his breath, recognizing the man immediately. Haruto, a former comrade, and general of the World Clan, had once stood by Taiyo's side before their paths diverged.

Kazuki's eyes widened in recognition as well. The World Clan's involvement was unexpected, but it wasn't entirely surprising. Taiyo's betrayal of the World Clan years ago had left them hungry for vengeance, and now, in the chaos of the Pillar Clans' conflict, they had seized their opportunity.

Haruto met Taiyo's gaze with a hard, cold look. "It's been a long time, Taiyo."

Taiyo's expression didn't change. "Too long," he replied coolly.

The Pillar Clans, still reeling from the power Taiyo had just demonstrated, shifted nervously at the arrival of the World Clan. Their numbers were fewer, but the reputation of their martial prowess was well-known across the Murim world. The tension in the air grew heavier with every passing second.

Kazuki, sensing the tides of battle shifting, stepped forward to address Haruto. "What's the meaning of this, World Clan? Have you come to join forces with us against Taiyo, or are you here to challenge him as well?"

Haruto's lip curled into a smirk. "We've come for our own reasons. What happens to the Pillar Clans is of no concern to us. Our interest lies with Taiyo." His voice dripped with venom. The enmity between the World Clan and Taiyo was undeniable. They had been hunting him for years, and now, with the FOM distracted by internal strife, they had found the perfect moment to strike.

Taiyo's eyes narrowed. He had anticipated the Pillar Clans, but the World Clan's involvement complicated things. He could sense the weight of Haruto's intentions—this wasn't just a simple confrontation. This was about settling old scores.

Without warning, Haruto stepped forward, drawing a long, black blade that shimmered with qi. "You've always been one step ahead, Taiyo. But today, that ends. Today, you will answer for your betrayal."

Kazuki's instincts screamed at him to retreat, but his pride as the leader of the Iron Wolf Clan held him in place. "Wait," he interrupted, eyeing Haruto carefully. "If you're after Taiyo, then what happens to the rest of us?"

Haruto's gaze didn't waver. "You can leave or you can die. The choice is yours."

The Pillar Clans were divided. Some looked ready to turn and flee, others prepared to defend their honor. Kazuki could see the fear in their eyes. Taiyo had already proven that he could wipe them out with little effort, and now the World Clan had made its move.

Taiyo, still standing calmly at the center of the battlefield, watched Haruto carefully. He had no intention of letting the World Clan dictate his fate, but Haruto was not an opponent to take lightly. The two had trained together for years, and Haruto's power was second only to Taiyo's when they fought side by side.

"You've always held onto grudges, Haruto," Taiyo said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of his past. "But coming after me now, while I'm in the middle of handling the Pillar Clans, isn't your smartest move."

Haruto's eyes flashed with anger. "We'll see who made the smarter move soon enough."

With that, Haruto launched himself forward, his black blade gleaming as it cut through the air. Taiyo reacted instantly, drawing an arrow from his quiver and releasing it with blinding speed. The arrow clashed with Haruto's blade, sending sparks flying in all directions.

The battle had begun.

The Pillar Clans, caught in the crossfire, scrambled to stay out of the way as the two former allies clashed with the intensity of titans. Haruto's blade moved with deadly precision, each strike infused with the weight of his qi. Taiyo, on the other hand, danced around Haruto's attacks, his movements fluid and effortless as he unleashed arrow after arrow with pinpoint accuracy.

Kazuki, watching from the sidelines, felt the overwhelming power radiating from both men. It was clear that this was a battle far beyond the scope of the Pillar Clans. If they stayed, they would be crushed.

"Retreat," Kazuki ordered, his voice hoarse but firm. "This is no longer our fight."

The leaders of the Pillar Clans hesitated for a moment, but seeing the sheer destruction unfolding before them, they quickly followed Kazuki's lead, retreating from the battlefield. They had come to destroy the Eclipse Clan, but now, their survival was all that mattered.

As the Pillar Clans fled, Taiyo and Haruto's battle raged on, neither willing to back down. The ground beneath them shook with each clash, the air heavy with the weight of their qi. Taiyo could feel the intensity of Haruto's attacks, but he remained calm, calculating his next move. He had always been able to outthink Haruto, and today would be no different.

"You'll regret this, Haruto," Taiyo muttered as he notched another arrow.

The battlefield was no longer a place for clans to determine their fate. It had become a stage for legends to settle their grudges.

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