Bonds of Darkness: Swordmen's Redemption

Chapter Twenty: Grave Mistake

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Chapter Image Source: Pixiv Artist "SKB" / Pixiv Art Code "67657783"

Be sure to read chapter 19 first before chapter 20 because today is a double upload day. 

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The once pristine corridors of Xianzhou Yuque had been transformed into a nightmarish battleground. Marshal Jinhua, resplendent in her ebony armor adorned with ominous motifs, led her troops in a relentless battle against the Denizens of Abundance. The clash of steel against steel, the cries of combatants, and the sickening stench of blood filled the air.

Jinhua's blade, a masterful work of craftsmanship, danced with lethal grace as she parried and countered the attacks of her foes. Her troops, the valiant Cloud Knights of Xianzhou, fought with unwavering determination, their azure banners a symbol of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.

"Push them back!" Jinhua's voice rang out, her commands clear and unwavering. "We cannot allow these intruders to desecrate our home."

Her troops, fueled by her resolute leadership, redoubled their efforts. Each swing of their swords, each thrust of their spears, was executed with precision and purpose. The Denizens of Abundance, clad in their eerie ebony armor, were formidable adversaries, but they were met with unwavering resolve.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Jinhua's thoughts turned to the uncertain future that lay ahead. The invasion of Xianzhou Yuque had come as a shock, and the Denizens of Abundance were unlike any foe they had faced before. Their motives remained shrouded in mystery, and their relentless assault was an ominous portent of the trials to come.

A fellow knight, his armor bearing the scars of battle, fought alongside Jinhua. He cast a wary glance at their foes and spoke in hushed tones. "Marshal, what drives these invaders? Why would they seek to lay waste to our homeland?"

Jinhua's eyes narrowed with determination as she parried a foe's strike. "That is a question that haunts my thoughts as well," she replied. "But in times of uncertainty, we must stand united and resolute. We defend Xianzhou, not only for ourselves but for the generations that will follow."

The knight nodded in agreement, his resolve unshaken. "For Xianzhou," he affirmed, echoing the sentiment that coursed through the ranks of the Cloud Knights.

With renewed determination, Jinhua led her troops in a fierce counterattack. The clash of arms continued to echo through the corridors of Xianzhou Yuque, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who stood as guardians of their homeland.

As the battle raged on, Jinhua couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of their adversaries and the purpose behind this invasion. Little did she know that, elsewhere within the flagship, the High Cloud Quintet faced a formidable adversary of their own.

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The sight that met the High Cloud Quintet as they faced the unleashed horror of the dragon was enough to send shivers down their spines. Each member of the quintet, including those with heightened spiritual sensitivity like Dan Feng and Baiheng, was gripped by fear.

The dragon's immense and grotesque form dominated the corridor, its scales shimmering with an eerie, malevolent light. It exuded an aura of death and despair that seemed to seep into their very souls. For Dan Feng, whose lineage was tied to dragons, the sight was especially unnerving, as he sensed a sinister resonance with the creature.

Baiheng, with her innate connection to spirits and the supernatural, could feel the presence of malevolent forces at play. Her fox instincts warned her of the danger they faced. Despite their training and courage, they couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer terror of the moment.