Deep beneath the quiet solitude of Obsidian Peak, nestled in the mountain's very heart, Elder Kong's cultivation chamber was an oasis of serenity, a sacred retreat untouched by the tumult of the world above. The chamber's walls, carved meticulously from black stone, shimmered faintly under the dim luminescence of crystals, each carefully placed to align harmoniously with the celestial arrangements. These crystals pulsed gently, like veins of divine Qi coursing softly through the mountain, their rhythmic glow mirroring Elder Kong's steady breathing as he meditated.
At the chamber's heart, an elegant water feature lay perfectly still, the mirrored surface tranquil as a sheet of polished jade. Pure, crystal-clear water whispered softly, echoing the silent wisdom of ancient sages, a representation of the profound calmness Elder Kong had painstakingly cultivated over decades. Here, amidst echoes of the sacred element, Elder Kong reached into deeper layers of understanding, each breath syncing seamlessly with the gentle ripples spreading across the water's surface.
Today, however, his calm meditation was disturbed by a sudden ripple—not from within the tranquil pool, but from a subtle disturbance beyond the chamber's doors. Though imperceptible to the average cultivator, to Elder Kong's highly refined senses, this disturbance was unmistakably intentional.
Without opening his eyes, Elder Kong exhaled softly. A faint smile curved his lips beneath his silver-white beard. He sensed the approaching storm before it touched the chamber's sanctity.
"Since you have already come this far, why linger outside?" Elder Kong's voice resonated gently, carrying neither surprise nor fear, only serene patience. "Please, enter."
The heavy stone doors slowly swung open with a deep, resonant groan. Elder Kong's eyes flicked open, serene yet sharp as polished obsidian. The gentle glow of his Qi radiated subtly around him, an aura shimmering faintly with controlled power. He watched calmly as a shadowy silhouette entered the chamber, each deliberate footstep echoing with ominous purpose.
The intruder stepped forward, passing beneath the faint glow of crystals, revealing himself clearly. It was a young man, unmistakably Han Long, whose reputation had spread swiftly across the cultivation realms. His features were angular, his expression chillingly calm yet underscored by a predatory alertness. Deep within his eyes glowed a fierce, bestial hunger, barely concealed beneath a veneer of cultivated composure.
Han Long's voice was smooth yet edged with a subtle, threatening intensity. "Your welcome is unexpectedly cordial."
Elder Kong offered a faint, patient smile, unbothered by Han Long's sinister aura. "You came in silence, but your intentions shout louder than any voice. I know why you are here."
Almost imperceptibly, his thumb brushed against the cool surface of the Water Ring encircling his finger—a quiet, instinctive gesture, as if reaffirming the burden he bore and the resolve he would not surrender.
Han Long stepped closer, eyes narrowing slightly, glancing briefly at the elder's hand. There, on Elder Kong's left hand, rested the Water Ring—simple, ancient, yet radiating a profound, elemental Qi. It hummed softly, reacting subtly to Han Long's dark presence, as if warning its guardian.
"You're perceptive indeed," Han said quietly, voice dropping ominously. "You know exactly what I desire. Hand over the Water Ring and I will just leave."
Elder Kong shook his head slowly, eyes never leaving Han's face. "I have indeed tales of you, Han Long. You do not truly grasp the magnitude of your actions. I will not let you take this ring."
Han's lips twisted faintly into a scornful smile. "Old man, spare me your warnings. Give me the ring, or I'll take it from your lifeless fingers."
Despite the aggression clearly radiating from Han's posture, Elder Kong's expression remained placid, almost sorrowful. "I will not yield to threats. However, if you leave now, this trespass can remain unspoken. Take this offer as my final kindness."
Han's smile faded instantly. His voice hardened dangerously. "Kindness? Mercy wins no battles!"
Without waiting for a reply, Han's Qi surged violently, erupting from his core with primal savagery. Bestial Qi, aggressive and raw, engulfed the chamber, coiling menacingly around his form, shaping itself into Qi Manifestations of savage beasts. Ferocious roars echoed faintly as intangible icons of ancient predators—fanged, clawed and monstrous—manifested around him, their eyes blazing with unnatural hunger.
Elder Kong rose fluidly from his seated posture, movements effortless yet precise. His robes billowed gently, untouched by fear, radiating calm authority. He regarded Han with quiet disappointment. "I see your heart clearly now. So be it—if you seek violence, then you shall taste the consequence."
Han lunged without further warning, his form becoming a blur, claws of Qi slicing fiercely through the air. Elder Kong's response was instantaneous. His hand lifted smoothly, fingers gracefully drawing upon the serene pool behind him. The water answered swiftly, rising fluidly from its basin, a shimmering curtain instantly materializing before him.
Han's claws met the water shield with brutal force. Yet, remarkably, rather than tearing through the liquid barrier, Han's bestial Qi hissed and dispersed abruptly upon contact, dissolving instantly. The water trembled faintly, barely disturbed.
Han recoiled sharply, surprise flashing briefly across his features. "What trickery is this?"
Elder Kong regarded him calmly, unhurried. "Water yields yet cannot be broken; it is gentle, yet stronger than iron. Your Qi may be fierce, but it cannot rend what refuses conflict."
Fury ignited fiercely in Han's eyes. "Let us see how long your calmness holds!"
Han attacked again with increased ferocity, unleashing wave after wave of devastating strikes. Each blow carried the essence of feral beasts—tiger claws slashing, serpent fangs biting, wolf jaws snapping viciously. Yet Elder Kong moved calmly, gracefully guiding the water barrier fluidly to intercept each attack.
Each time, the moment Han's vicious Qi met the serene water, it dissolved utterly, broken into harmless mist. Elder Kong's control was perfect, unshakable, his movements gentle yet unwavering, reflecting precisely the calm, profound strength of the water itself.
Enraged by repeated failure, Han's attacks grew increasingly reckless, his previously calculated precision deteriorating rapidly beneath raw aggression. Elder Kong noticed immediately the shift—rage had replaced Han's earlier cunning. His strikes lost subtlety, leaving openings obvious to Elder Kong's discerning eye.
"See clearly," Elder Kong spoke calmly amidst their clash, voice unstrained, almost gentle. "Your path leads only to self-destruction. Ambition, unchecked by clarity, becomes madness. Turn back, young man. It is not yet too late."
Han snarled furiously, eyes blazing with savage defiance.
His attacks intensified, the entire chamber trembling beneath the relentless assault. Yet Elder Kong remained unfazed. With deliberate calm, he began subtly altering his stance. His movements gradually shifted from defensive serenity to an offensive stance, gently guiding the water toward Han in an intricate pattern.
Sensing the shift, Han launched a desperate, final strike, pouring all his remaining bestial Qi into one devastating blow. Elder Kong met the attack directly, the water surging forward powerfully, crashing into Han's attack like a tidal wave.
Han's bestial Qi shattered instantly upon impact, overwhelmed utterly by the unstoppable current. He staggered backward violently, Qi severely depleted, shock etched clearly into his face.
Elder Kong stepped forward, eyes serene yet commanding, the water now coiled protectively around him. "Leave. This is your final warning."
Han stared fiercely, defiance warring with exhaustion, pride battling reason. His breath was ragged, yet his eyes blazed defiantly.