章 28: Dead Xianzhou
### The Visit from Friends
As **Xiao Ling** lay in the cot, resting from her injuries, the flap of the tent rustled open, and she was greeted by familiar faces. **Chen** and **Jiang Tao**, her childhood friends from **Sky Temple**, stepped inside, their expressions a mix of concern and excitement.
**Chen:** "Xiao Ling! We heard you were injured. How are you holding up?"
**Jiang Tao:** "Yeah, we were worried sick! We just became lieutenants, and we thought we'd come see you."
Xiao Ling blinked in surprise, a flicker of joy sparking in her chest despite the weight of her injuries.
**Xiao Ling:** "Lieutenants? That's amazing! I'm proud of you both!"
**Chen** and **Jiang Tao** exchanged grins, their faces lighting up with pride.
**Chen:** "It's been a tough journey, but we've worked hard for it. And we wouldn't have made it without your support."
### The Somber News
The atmosphere in the tent shifted as they settled around her. The familiar banter gave way to a more serious tone, and Xiao Ling could sense something was weighing heavily on their minds.
**Jiang Tao:** "We need to talk about something serious. It's about your family… and your brother."
**Xiao Ling's** heart sank. She hadn't heard from her family since the battle, and a sense of dread filled her.
**Xiao Ling:** "What happened?"
### The Dark Revelation
**Chen** looked at **Jiang Tao**, who took a deep breath before continuing.
**Jiang Tao:** "Your father has been hunting down your brother since the massacre of the **Murim** world. It's… it's terrible, Xiao Ling. They say your brother slaughtered everyone. Billions of lives lost in an instant."
**Xiao Ling** felt her breath catch in her throat, the weight of the revelation hitting her like a physical blow.
**Xiao Ling:** "Why? Why would he do that?"
**Chen:** "We don't understand it either. Your father is furious and heartbroken. He believes your brother has lost his way, that something has taken over him."
### The Mystery Deepens
Xiao Ling clenched her fists, her mind racing.
**Xiao Ling:** "But why would he target the **Murim** world? He was supposed to protect it, just like us. This doesn't make any sense!"
**Jiang Tao:** "That's the mystery. No one knows what drove him to such madness. It's like he's become a different person altogether."
**Chen:** "We wanted to see how you were doing, but this news… we didn't know how to tell you. We figured you had the right to know."
### The Weight of Loyalty
Xiao Ling felt a torrent of emotions swirling within her. Anger, confusion, sadness—each one clashed violently in her heart.
**Xiao Ling:** "My brother is a monster. I don't even recognize him anymore. And my father… I can't believe this is happening."
**Jiang Tao:** "You don't have to face this alone, Xiao Ling. We're here for you. Whatever you decide to do, we'll support you."
**Chen:** "If you want to find your brother and confront him, we'll help you. You're not alone in this."
### Finding Strength
**Xiao Ling** looked at her friends, their loyalty and friendship grounding her amidst the storm of chaos that threatened to consume her.
**Xiao Ling:** "Thank you, both of you. I need time to process all of this, but I won't let fear or anger dictate my actions. I'll find a way to understand what's happening. If I have to confront my brother, I will do it with purpose."
### A Shared Resolve
Chen and Jiang Tao nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with determination.
**Jiang Tao:** "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're one of us, and we fight for our own."
**Chen:** "And we'll find out the truth, no matter how painful it might be. Your family may be fractured, but we'll support you."
Xiao Ling took a deep breath, the warmth of their support wrapping around her like a shield. She may have lost a part of her family, but she still had her friends—her chosen family.
### The Path Ahead
As they sat together in the tent, sharing stories and laughter amidst the backdrop of sorrow, Xiao Ling felt a sense of resolve building within her.
*No matter what happened with her brother, she would seek the truth. And with her friends by her side, she would confront the darkness, not just for herself, but for all those who had suffered.*
### The Departure
As the atmosphere in the tent shifted once again, the seriousness of the moment settled in. **Chen** and **Jiang Tao** exchanged glances, the weight of their duty evident in their expressions.
**Chen:** "We just received our orders. We're heading back to the front lines with General Mei Lan."
**Xiao Ling's** heart sank. The front lines were perilous, a place where lives could be lost in an instant.
**Xiao Ling:** "You two just got promoted! You shouldn't be heading back there so soon!"
**Jiang Tao:** "It's our duty. We can't let fear dictate our actions. The knights are counting on us."
**Chen:** "And we'll be back as soon as we can. We promise. Just hold on until then, okay?"
### The Promise
Xiao Ling felt a mixture of pride and worry. She knew how important this mission was, but the thought of losing her friends again sent a chill down her spine.
**Xiao Ling:** "You both have to promise me you'll be careful. I can't handle losing anyone else."
**Jiang Tao:** "We will. We're not just any knights; we're Cloud Knights. We've trained for this. Plus, we have each other's backs."
**Chen:** "And we'll return for you. You have my word."
### A Warm Farewell
As they prepared to leave, Xiao Ling felt the urge to say something more, to remind them how much they meant to her.
**Xiao Ling:** "Just… don't forget about me while you're out there. You're my family too."
**Chen** smiled warmly, pulling her into a brief embrace.
**Chen:** "Never. You're always in our hearts. We'll return with good news."
**Jiang Tao:** "And maybe a few funny stories to lighten the mood."
### The Hard Goodbye
With that, they stepped back, ready to leave. Xiao Ling felt a pang of sorrow as she watched them go.
**Xiao Ling:** "Stay safe! And come back soon!"
They turned, offering her reassuring smiles before disappearing from the tent, their figures quickly swallowed by the chaos of the outpost preparing for battle.
### Alone in the Tent
Alone in the tent once again, **Xiao Ling** felt a mix of emotions—fear, determination, and an unyielding sense of hope. She knew the front lines would be dangerous, but she also knew her friends were strong.
### A New Resolve
Sitting up in her cot, Xiao Ling clutched her sword tightly, the familiar weight grounding her.
*I won't wait idly for them to return. I'll prepare. I'll train harder, learn more, and be ready for whatever comes next. For them, and for my family.*
With a newfound sense of purpose, Xiao Ling resolved to push herself, honing her skills and preparing for the inevitable confrontation with her brother. She would be ready, not just for the battles ahead, but for the truth that awaited her.
As night fell and the sounds of the outpost settled, she began to train, driven by her desire to protect those she loved and confront the darkness that loomed ahead.
### The Grim News
A heavy silence fell over the outpost as the sun broke through the horizon, illuminating the makeshift camp in a harsh light. **Xiao Ling** was in the middle of her training when a group of cloud knights rushed into the tent, their expressions grim and haunted.
**Knight:** "Xiao Ling! We have urgent news!"
Xiao Ling paused, the sword in her hand suddenly feeling unbearably heavy. She sensed the urgency in their voices, her heart beginning to race as she wiped the sweat from her brow.
### The Message
**Knight:** "It's about your friends… Chen and Jiang Tao. They… they didn't make it back from the front lines."
The world around her seemed to freeze. The sword slipped from her grip, clattering to the ground as she processed the words.
**Xiao Ling:** "What? No… it can't be… They promised they would come back!"
**Knight:** "I'm sorry. They were ambushed during an operation. We believe it was a coordinated attack. The general's whereabouts are currently unknown as well."
### The Impact
Xiao Ling felt as though the ground had been ripped from beneath her. Memories of laughter, training, and the warmth of friendship flooded her mind, but they quickly turned cold and bitter.
**Xiao Ling:** "They were strong! They knew what they were doing! They couldn't have just… died!"
**Knight:** "I know it's hard to accept, but we lost too many good knights. The front lines are chaotic. We need to focus on regrouping and strategizing."
### The Overwhelming Grief
Xiao Ling sank to her knees, tears brimming in her eyes. The weight of loss pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
**Xiao Ling:** "No… This can't be how it ends for them. I was supposed to see them again!"
She felt anger rising, mixing with the sorrow, a boiling rage directed at the enemy and at the cruel fate that had taken her friends from her.
### A New Purpose
**Knight:** "Xiao Ling, we need you to stay strong. The knights rely on you. Your training has prepared you for leadership."
**Xiao Ling** wiped her tears away with a fierce determination. The pain was unbearable, but she knew she couldn't let it consume her.
**Xiao Ling:** "No more running away. I will find out what happened to them. I will find the general and get answers."
### The Decision
**Knight:** "What do you plan to do?"
**Xiao Ling:** "I'm going to gather a team. We'll scout the front lines and search for the general. We'll find out what happened to Chen and Jiang Tao, and we'll make those responsible pay for what they did."
The knight nodded, recognizing the fire in her eyes.
### Rallying the Knights
**Knight:** "I'll help you gather others. We'll need all the support we can get."
As the knight left to rally the remaining cloud knights, Xiao Ling took a deep breath, steeling herself for the mission ahead.
### A Legacy of Strength
She looked down at her sword, now a symbol of her resolve.
*For Chen and Jiang Tao. For the fallen knights. I will not let their deaths be in vain.*
With a fierce determination igniting her spirit, Xiao Ling began to prepare, knowing that she would fight not just for her fallen friends but for the future of the Cloud Knights and the Xianzhou world itself.
As the sun began to set, casting a fiery glow across the outpost, Xiao Ling felt a surge of strength. This battle was far from over, and she would do whatever it took to see it through.
### The Cold Truth
As **Xiao Ling** and her team approached the location of the ambush, a chilling silence enveloped the area. The air was unnaturally cold, and an ominous feeling crept over them. The battlefield, once a vibrant arena of life and combat, now lay desolate, with knights frozen in unnatural poses, their faces etched with terror and pain.
**Xiao Ling:** "This… this isn't right. Why is it so cold?"
**Knight:** "Stay alert. This feels like a trap."
### The Horrific Discovery
As they navigated the eerie silence, they spotted the familiar forms of **Chen** and **Jiang Tao**, their bodies frozen and lifeless. The sight sent a spear of ice through her heart, but before she could process the loss, her gaze was drawn to **General Mei Lan** standing atop a pile of rubble.
### Confrontation with the General
The general's once fierce eyes were now cold and lifeless, devoid of warmth or recognition.
**Xiao Ling:** "General Mei Lan! We're here to help you!"
But as she stepped forward, she felt a sense of foreboding wash over her. The general turned slowly, the haunting silence around her growing heavier.
### The Moment of Realization
The knights around Xiao Ling hesitated, confusion clouding their faces. One knight bravely called out, but the general didn't respond, her movements robotic, her stare blank.
**Knight:** "General? Are you—"
Before he could finish, **General Mei Lan** lunged forward with terrifying speed, her icy blade cutting through the air like a whisper. The knight didn't stand a chance as she struck him down, his scream echoing in the chilling air before silence reclaimed the battlefield.
### The Massacre Begins
**Xiao Ling** was frozen in horror as the realization hit her like a tidal wave.
**Xiao Ling:** "No… No, General! Fight it!"
But it was too late. The general, now an embodiment of death, began her relentless assault. The remaining knights scrambled to defend themselves, but they were met with overwhelming force.
**General Mei Lan:** *Silent growl, instincts driving her movements.*
**Xiao Ling:** "Get back! Stay together!"
### Chaos Unleashed
The air was filled with the sounds of battle as **General Mei Lan** moved with a deadly grace, cutting down knights left and right. The brutality of the scene was overwhelming as her blade glistened with the blood of her comrades.
**Knight:** "We can't let her take us down! Fight back!"
The knights fought valiantly, but the general was a force of nature, her attacks swift and merciless. Xiao Ling joined the fray, her sword flashing as she attempted to reach the general, desperate to reach the woman who had once been her mentor.
### A Personal Struggle
**Xiao Ling:** "General! You have to remember us!"
But the general only lunged again, her blade aimed straight for Xiao Ling's heart. She barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side and regaining her footing.
**Xiao Ling:** "No! I won't let you hurt anyone else!"
### The Intensity of Battle
The battlefield became a cacophony of metal clashing and anguished cries. Each knight fought for their lives, but **General Mei Lan** seemed to grow stronger, her instincts taking over as she became more relentless with each passing moment.
Xiao Ling could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of fear and fury driving her forward.
**Xiao Ling:** "You taught me to be strong! I won't back down!"
With a fierce determination, she charged at the general, narrowly dodging a strike that sent a fellow knight to the ground, lifeless.
### The Climax of Destruction
The two women clashed in a brutal exchange of blows, Xiao Ling pouring everything she had into her strikes. But with each passing moment, it became clear that the general was far more powerful than she had anticipated.
**General Mei Lan:** *Cold glare, swinging her sword with lethal precision.*
Xiao Ling felt the impact of every strike, each collision rattling her bones. She was exhausted, but the thought of her friends, the fallen knights, and everything they had fought for pushed her onward.
### A Desperate Gamble
**Xiao Ling:** "General! Fight it! Remember who you are!"
But her words fell on deaf ears as **General Mei Lan** lunged again, their swords clashing violently.
In a desperate moment, Xiao Ling feigned to the left, then swung her sword, hoping to catch the general off guard.
**Xiao Ling:** "I won't give up on you!"
The blow connected, knocking the general off balance for just a moment. It was a small victory, but it was enough for Xiao Ling to push forward.
### A Moment of Hope
**Xiao Ling:** "We can still save you!"
In that moment, for just a fleeting instant, there was a flicker of recognition in **General Mei Lan's** eyes.
### The Harsh Reality
But it was quickly swallowed by the darkness within her. With a roar of rage, she retaliated, her movements fueled by the primal instincts of the Mara virus. The ground shook as the two continued to clash, surrounded by chaos.
**Xiao Ling** felt the world collapsing around her, the loss of her friends, the futility of their situation, and the reality that she might be facing her mentor in a fight to the death.
### The Final Struggle
As the battle raged on, Xiao Ling knew she had to make a choice—continue to fight, to survive, or find a way to save the woman who had once been a beacon of strength in her life.
But the fight continued, each second ticking away as **General Mei Lan** unleashed her fury on her former students, each strike a reminder of the brutal reality of their situation.
In the final moments, **Xiao Ling** stood frozen, her heart heavy with the weight of the decision she was about to make. Her sword trembled in her hands as her master's words echoed in her mind:
**General Mei Lan:** "If I am ever taken by the virus, you must not hesitate to take me down and kill me."
Tears stung the corners of her eyes as she looked at the woman who had trained her, fought alongside her, and molded her into the warrior she had become. But now, the mentor she had once known was gone, consumed by the virus, her body driven by a monstrous instinct.
**Xiao Ling:** "Yes... Master..." Her voice was barely a whisper, as if speaking it aloud would make the reality harder to bear.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and summoned every ounce of strength she had left. Her body ached, her mind screamed in protest, but her heart knew what had to be done.
**Xiao Ling:** "To repay my debt, I shall offer you destruction."
With a fierce cry, she unleashed her strongest attack. The air around her crackled with Qi energy, her sword glowing with a fiery intensity as she lunged forward with precision and power, her final strike aimed at ending the nightmare.
In that split second, just before her blade struck, **General Mei Lan** paused. Her cold, dead eyes softened, and for the briefest of moments, the woman Xiao Ling once knew resurfaced. The general's lips curled into a sincere smile, filled with peace and pride.
**General Mei Lan**: *"Good... job."*
The moment passed, and Xiao Ling's blade struck true, the force of her attack cleaving through her former master. The silence that followed was deafening.
As the dust settled, the general's body crumbled to the ground, lifeless. Xiao Ling stood motionless, her sword still raised, her heart shattered.
She collapsed to her knees, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. She had done what was necessary, what was right, but the pain of her loss was overwhelming.
**Xiao Ling** whispered through her tears, **"As clouds that cover the heavens... will the knights protect the Xianzhou."**
But she knew, deep down, the world she was fighting for was gone. There was no victory in this battle—only the hollow echo of duty fulfilled.
As **Xiao Ling** knelt over the frozen body of **General Mei Lan**, the biting cold began to seep into her bones, but it wasn't from the winter air—it was something deeper, something ancient. The ground beneath her feet began to freeze, the ice spreading in unnatural, jagged patterns. Before her, a sword of pure ice formed from the earth, its presence cold and foreboding.
The sword shimmered in the faint light, and a chilling voice echoed inside her mind.
**Frost**: "I am Frost. I offer you a deal."
Xiao Ling's body felt heavy, her spirit weary from all she had lost. She raised her head to look at the sword. The cold didn't seem to bother her anymore, but she felt its weight in her heart.
**Xiao Ling**: "What is it you want?" Her voice was quiet, drained of warmth.
**Frost**: "I want two things. First, I will erase all of your emotions, free you from the pain, the doubt, the fear. And second, I will grant you the power to freeze the land, to cover the world in ice if you choose."
Xiao Ling's heart raced, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Power—true, unrelenting power—was being offered to her on a silver platter. She could become something far greater than any cloud knight. But she hesitated.
**Xiao Ling**: "What price must I pay?"
**Frost**: "You need pay nothing...except to continue doing what you already excel at." Its voice began to deepen, turning darker, more insidious.
**Xiao Ling**: "And what would that be?" She knew the answer, but she asked anyway.
The sword's voice twisted into something sinister, the cold wrapping around her heart like a vice.
**Frost**: "...Fight."
Xiao Ling paused, feeling the weight of her choices. She had been fighting for as long as she could remember. Her battles had cost her everything—her family, her friends, her master. But the thought of abandoning her emotions, of no longer feeling the grief, the pain—it was tempting.
She stood slowly, her body cold but her resolve firm. She reached for the sword, gripping its frozen hilt tightly.
**Xiao Ling**: "I agree to your deal. But know this—I will not be your puppet. I am still a knight, and I still fight with my own will."
As her hand closed around the hilt of Frost, a surge of power shot through her body. Her mind went numb, her emotions drained from her as promised. The pain, the sorrow, the guilt—it all disappeared. In its place, there was only cold determination.
As she raised the sword, her voice echoed with a newfound authority.
**Xiao Ling**: "As clouds that cover the heavens… will the knights protect the Xianzhou."
With a single motion, she swung the sword, and the world around her responded. The land froze instantly, stretching for hundreds of miles in all directions. Mountains, rivers, forests—all locked in an unbreakable prison of ice. The power was immense, overwhelming, and Xiao Ling felt nothing but the cold.
The oath was no longer just words—it was a promise, etched into the frozen earth. She would fight. And she would destroy.
The power of Frost coursed through her, but Xiao Ling remained in control, refusing to let it define her.
**Xiao Ling**: "I am still myself. I will fight, but I will do it on my terms."
She turned, leaving the frozen battlefield behind her, the world now colder and more dangerous than ever before.
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