The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The Crimson Veil Ravine seemed to grow darker with each passing step. The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on the disciples who ventured deeper, each of them aware that the further they went, the closer they came to a point of no return.

Ye Tian walked at the front of his group, his expression calm and composed, yet his every move exuded authority. Behind him, Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao flanked their leader like shadows, their presence alone sending a clear message to any who dared cross their path. The once-mighty Feng Ziyan and his depleted followers trailed behind, their pride bruised but their alliance intact—for now.

Tensions Within

The alliance was fragile at best, and cracks were beginning to show. Feng Ziyan's followers murmured among themselves, their voices barely audible but filled with discontent. The toll of their earlier battle had left them weakened, and their resentment toward Ye Tian and his group was palpable.

"Why do we follow him?" one of Feng Ziyan's men muttered. "He let us bleed for his benefit. He's no better than the beasts in this ravine."

"Quiet," Feng Ziyan snapped, his voice low but sharp. "Do you want him to hear you? Ye Tian is not someone to underestimate. We'll play along for now. When the time is right, we'll act."

Zhou Lie's sharp ears caught snippets of their conversation, and he leaned toward Ye Tian, his voice barely above a whisper. "They're plotting something. Should we deal with them now?"

Ye Tian shook his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Let them stew in their frustration. Desperation makes people predictable. When they act, they'll do so on our terms."

An Ambush Ahead

The path narrowed as the group ventured deeper into the ravine. The dense foliage and twisted roots created a natural bottleneck, the perfect setting for an ambush.

Zhou Lie was the first to notice the subtle signs—a snapped branch, faint footprints in the dirt. He held up a hand, signaling the group to stop.

"Something's ahead," Zhou Lie murmured, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

Jiang Hao stepped forward, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "How many?"

"Hard to say," Zhou Lie replied. "But they're waiting for us. Whoever they are, they know this terrain better than we do."

Feng Ziyan stepped up, his expression grim. "This is bad. If we're caught in a pincer attack, we won't last long."

Ye Tian remained unfazed. "Then we won't give them the chance. Zhou Lie, Jiang Hao—you're up. Handle this."

Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao Take the Lead

The two disciples exchanged a glance before nodding. They moved with practiced efficiency, their movements swift and silent as they scouted ahead. Within moments, the sounds of steel meeting flesh and muffled cries echoed back to the group.

Zhou Lie emerged first, his blade slick with blood, a cold grin on his face. "Weaklings," he muttered. "They didn't even see us coming."

Jiang Hao followed, his expression more reserved but no less confident. "It's clear for now. But this was only a scouting party. There's a larger force waiting further ahead."

Ye Tian's smirk deepened. "Good. Let them come. The more enemies we draw out now, the fewer we'll face later."

A Fractured Alliance

The group pressed on, but the tension within their ranks was becoming unbearable. Feng Ziyan's followers grew increasingly agitated, their resentment bubbling to the surface.

Finally, one of them snapped. "Why do we keep following him?" the disciple spat, pointing a trembling finger at Ye Tian. "He's using us as pawns! We should take him out and claim the treasures of this trial for ourselves!"

Ye Tian stopped in his tracks, turning slowly to face the rebellious disciple. His gaze was cold, his expression devoid of emotion. "Is that so?"

Before the disciple could respond, Zhou Lie stepped forward, his blade drawn. "You've got some nerve, boy. Do you really think you stand a chance against us?"

The disciple faltered, but Feng Ziyan intervened, stepping between them. "Enough," he said, his tone firm. "We're all on edge, but turning on each other won't solve anything."

Ye Tian chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver through the group. "Wise words, Feng Ziyan. But remember this: loyalty is not a matter of convenience. If anyone here thinks they can challenge me, I welcome them to try."

The silence that followed was deafening. No one dared to move, let alone speak.

A Sudden Attack

The uneasy truce was shattered by the roar of a beast that emerged from the shadows. It was massive, its black fur matted with blood, and its glowing red eyes locked onto the group with murderous intent.

"It's a Bloodfang Warg!" Feng Ziyan shouted, drawing his weapon. "Everyone, to arms!"

The beast lunged, its claws tearing through the air with terrifying speed. The disciples scattered, each of them fighting to stay alive.

Ye Tian, however, stood his ground. His hands moved in a blur as he unleashed the Nine Hells technique, the air around him rippling with dark energy. The Warg howled in pain as the attack struck, its movements growing sluggish.

"Finish it," Ye Tian commanded, stepping back.

Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao didn't hesitate. They moved as one, their blades slicing through the beast with surgical precision. Within moments, the Bloodfang Warg lay dead, its massive body collapsing to the ground.

The Imposing Trio

As the group regrouped, the surviving disciples couldn't hide their awe. Ye Tian, Zhou Lie, and Jiang Hao stood together, their presence dominating the ravine.

"They're unstoppable," one disciple whispered, his voice trembling.

"Do you understand now?" Feng Ziyan said quietly to his followers. "This is why we follow them. Not because we want to, but because we have no choice."

Ye Tian glanced back at Feng Ziyan, his smirk returning. "Remember that, Feng Ziyan. Loyalty isn't about choice—it's about survival. Keep that in mind as we move forward."

With that, the group pressed on, leaving the dead beast and their fractured alliances behind. The deeper they went, the clearer it became that this trial wasn't just about strength or strategy—it was about who could outlast, outthink, and outmaneuver everyone else.

And Ye Tian intended to do just that.