Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 11 : A Fateful Reunion

The rain fell in torrents, drenching the open courtyard of the Demon Hunting Bureau. Thunder cracked above, illuminating the dark, stormy vibe with flashes of jagged light. The stone path leading to the main chamber was slick with water, each puddle reflecting the storm's fury.

Zhu Yan stood at one end of the path, his black robes untouched by the rain as though the scarlet aura surrounding him repelled the water. The faint smirk on his face seemed almost mocking. But now and then, his expression shifted, a fleeting sadness crossing his features before the smirk returned, masking whatever lay beneath.

At the other end of the path, Yichen advanced. His soaked robes clinging to his frame. The Cloud Light Sword in his hand burned a deep midnight blue, its glow casting an eerie, cold light against the storm. The once-bright eyes that used to brim with life and kindness were now hollow, a deep blue abyss that mirrored the storm above. He radiated a cold, relentless fury, his drenched robes clinging to his frame as his aura flared.

The storm raged around them, but Yichen didn't speak a word. His movements said everything. His blade an extension of his fury and despair. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his figure blurring in the rain.

The Cloud Light Sword descended with blinding speed, the midnight blue aura slicing through the downpour. Zhu Yan didn't flinch. He raised his umbrella, blocking the strike with practiced ease. Sparks of blue and scarlet burst from the collision, their auras clashing violently and sending ripples of energy through the courtyard.

Zhu Yan smirked, his voice calm despite the ferocity of the attack. "Zhuo Daren. You've mastered the Cloud Light Sword, I see" he said, his words almost swallowed by the sound of the storm.

Yichen didn't respond. He twisted his wrist and struck again, faster and harder, his relentless assault unyielding. Each swing was sharper than the last, the blue aura trailing behind the blade like lightning streaking through the night.

Zhu Yan's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second as he deflected another strike with his umbrella. The force of the blow sent a sharp crack through the air, splitting a nearby puddle in two. Zhu Yan parried each strike effortlessly, his movements smooth and calculated, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something else, a distant sorrow that even the storm couldn't wash away.

They moved faster than the eye could follow, their forms blurring in the rain. Blue and scarlet light clashed like fire and ice, illuminating the courtyard with bursts of energy. Each strike from Yichen was a declaration, his silence filled with unspoken emotions--hatred, despair, betrayal.

Zhu Yan countered with the grace of a great demon who had seen centuries of battles between supernatural beings. His umbrella spun, deflecting Yichen's blade with a metallic hiss before he sent a streak of scarlet energy arcing toward him. Yichen dodged, his speed uncanny, and retaliated with a sweeping strike that sent a wave of midnight blue aura crashing toward Zhu Yan.

The great demon blocked the attack, but the force sent ripples through the ground beneath him, scattering rainwater. Zhu Yan's smirk returned, but his pitch-black eyes flickered with melancholy.

"You've changed, Zhuo Daren" he murmured, blocking another furious blow. "From a boy who was utterly talentless to be able to wield the Cloud Light Sword of the Bingyi Clan"

The only response was the whistling of Yichen's blade through the rain as he struck again, faster, harder. He was relentless, each swing more powerful than the last, but Zhu Yan's strength was overwhelming.

With a swift movement, Zhu Yan spun his umbrella, catching the Cloud Light Sword and locking it in place for a moment. His scarlet aura surged, crackling like fire as he pushed Yichen back. "But you're still not strong enough" he said softly, his voice tinged with regret.