The heat scorched his skin instantly, and the sizzling sounded sharp and unpleasant, like meat being burned. But Wu Chaochang didn't even flinch. Instead, his expression grew more delighted with the pain.
"With this…" he said softly, his voice lowering, "I will finally be able to take my revenge."
His fingers tightened around the rock.
"Hahaha!"
His laughter echoed through the forest, filled with satisfaction.
"Congratulations, leader!"
"Once the leader breaks through, we'll be unstoppable!"
"We'll crush the White Moon Sect and dominate the entire Southern Longyan!"
Voices rose one after another. The red-robed group erupted into excitement, their earlier caution replaced by fervour.
Wu Chaochang stood at the centre, basking in their praise. His smile remained arrogant, but beneath it, a flicker of something darker passed through his eyes.
It was ambition. Greed. And something far more ruthless.
He enjoyed this moment.
This feeling of control.
