The Formation of Power
The disciples moved with urgency, forming a tight circle around the evil god, their bodies pulsating with concentrated prowess. Every movement was precise, every stance calculated. They had trained for this moment, yet the sight of the evil god before them stirred fear in even the bravest hearts.
"You weaklings… still haven't learned your lesson?" the evil god sneered, his voice low and venomous. "Very well."
A guttural cry erupted from his throat. In an instant, a wave of black energy radiated outward, a dark tide sweeping across the disciples. Each one fell to their knees, their energy wavering as the raw force pressed down upon them. The earth beneath trembled, dust rising in swirls around the fallen.
From above, the Saints descended with grace and authority, immediately forming their own formation. Yellowish circles shimmered above and beneath the evil god, intricate patterns etched with their combined prowess. They poured their power into the array, attempting to trap him, to contain his immense strength.
The evil god smiled, almost amused, and lifted a single finger. Dark arrows, condensed from pure malice, shot forth like lightning. The first struck LuQi directly. He collapsed to the ground, coughing blood, pain etched into his face.
The evil god unleashed multiple arrows at the remaining Saints, each aimed with deadly precision. But the attacks faltered in midair, blocked by an unseen force. Mi-An stood at the center, her aura blazing, intercepting the dark strikes with controlled power.
She stepped forward, determination in her gaze, and saw LuQi, bloodied yet resilient.
"Don't worry about me. Take the rest and escape," he rasped, steady despite the pain.
The evil god's laugh echoed across the battlefield. "A twist of fate indeed. I remember… during the time of the Ansha, even injured, you still had them ring the bell. But now, you know the truth. You cannot stop me. With the Ansha dead, all of you are nothing. You will die at my command."
Mi-An's eyes blazed with fury. "You demon… shut it and die!"
The evil god leaned closer, his voice cold and cruel. "Do you know who killed your father? Not Nem… I did. Your father was stronger than you can imagine, yet I struck him down in a single blow. And what are you?"
"You knave! Today… I will avenge my father!" Mi-An roared, surging forward.
The dark aura of the evil god flared, sending Mi-An hurtling across the battlefield. She struck the ground, blood staining her lips, yet her spirit remained unbroken.
"I have destroyed half of your cultivation with that strike," the evil god said, a wicked smile curling his lips. "Attack again, and you will lose it all. But perhaps… if you beg me, I might let you live."
Even in pain, Mi-An's determination ignited. Her hair blazed crimson, her eyes flared red, and her nails extended into sharp, clawed talons. Behind her, a majestic nine-tailed fox manifested, each tail coiling with fiery energy, its aura casting a reddish glow over the battlefield.
The evil god's eyes widened. "So… this is your true form."
One of the Saints gasped in recognition. "Mi-An… the ancient fox of Khorasan Mountain!"
Saint LuQi, still bleeding but observing intently, muttered, "The Ansha has left us gifts… perhaps hope remains."
Mi-An launched herself with blinding speed, striking the evil god from multiple directions. The air shimmered around her, the collision of powers shaking the ground. The evil god's hands glowed with greenish-black energy, spells forming as he met her attacks. The mortal world trembled. Earthquakes erupted in the surrounding lands, a testament to the scale of their battle.