The aftermath of the strike on the Jin Auction House was filled with the acrid scent of Qi and scorched talismans. Dust settled on shattered walls and broken crates, but the energy of battle still lingered, a reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. Alaric's eyes swept across the scene as the squad moved methodically, resetting talismans and ensuring no traps remained active. Their previous victory had been decisive, yet the heart of the stronghold still pulsed with danger.
Alex had already eliminated the three elders they had reconnoitered. The corridors bore the marks of his lethal efficiency—ice barriers shattered into jagged shards, spatial distortions twisting the air, and scorched remnants of defensive Qi scattered across the floors. His presence radiated an aura of precise control, the quiet but terrifying strength of a Peak Origin Realm cultivator evident in every measured step.
Alaric's comm signal echoed faintly. Yue Rong and Liang Chen immediately organized the squad, forming tactical formations to maximize the efficiency of the talismans and traps they had deployed. The brothers' aura flared outward, suppressing the enemies' ability to coordinate and allowing their team to act with precision.
"Move forward," Alaric ordered. "The squad secures the lower-ranked Desolate Lords and below. Talisman support is key. Alex and I will handle the Sacred Lords."
The team nodded, their eyes focused. Alaric's strategic assessment was clear—they would overwhelm the lower-ranked opponents while the brothers neutralized the elite. As they advanced, the squad encountered waves of Desolate Lord cultivators and subordinates. Over 500 opponents, ranging from early-stage Desolate Lords to the lower realms, attempted to mount a defense.
Talisman fields flared, spatial traps triggered, and elemental runes detonated in carefully coordinated bursts. The squad's attacks, combined with Alaric's precise deployment of Earth and Flame magic, created deadly choke points. Individuals who underestimated the talismans were shredded by hidden blades of energy or trapped within spatial distortions. Despite the overwhelming numbers, the squad worked as one, cutting down enemies systematically.
Meanwhile, Alex and Alaric moved to the front lines of the Sacred Lords. Each Sacred Lord radiated immense Qi, but neither brother hesitated. Alex's spatial magic allowed him to manipulate battlefield distance, controlling the flow of attacks while his ice magic immobilized opponents and chilled their Qi channels. Alaric's Flame-Earth combination erupted with force, creating explosive shockwaves and collapsing defensive stances.
Every strike counted. Alaric drew on Lightning Steps and Phantom Strike, seamlessly combining Qi and mana attacks to exploit openings. Flames surged, shards of rock exploded, and the Sacred Lords were forced into retreating patterns, unable to mount coordinated defenses. Alex simultaneously leveraged spatial rifts and ice chains, isolating groups and striking with precise, lethal efficiency.
As the squad cut down 500 Desolate Lords and lower-ranked cultivators, the brothers descended on the 100 Sacred Lords like a storm. Neither hesitation nor mercy was shown; every movement, every swing of Alaric's sword or blast of Alex's magic, disassembled the enemy ranks with terrifying efficiency. Sacred Lords fell to elemental barrages, spatial manipulations, and perfectly timed Qi strikes. The overwhelming might of the two brothers left no room for recovery or counterattack.
Minutes of relentless assault passed. Bodies littered the halls, and Qi dissipated into the air in spiraling tendrils. The Sacred Lords' collective resistance finally broke, and the corridor fell silent except for the hum of lingering talismans and residual elemental energy.
Alaric sheathed his sword, his eyes scanning the battlefield. No squad member had fallen; minor injuries were quickly treated by the team's medics and residual healing talismans. The once-intimidating force of the Jin Auction House had been reduced to scattered corpses and broken defenses.
Alex exhaled slowly, his eyes reflecting the battlefield. "Five hundred Desolate Lords and below, gone. Hundred Sacred Lords neutralized. The auction house is ours."
Alaric nodded, his expression unreadable but satisfied. "It's done. Secure the area, check for traps, and gather intelligence. This is just the beginning. The Jin Clan's main power is still in the city."
Yue Rong and Liang Chen moved among the squad, distributing healing talismans and ensuring the wounded were stable. Alaric and Alex, standing side by side, allowed themselves a brief moment to assess their overwhelming success. They knew the Jin Clan's heart was still out there, but the first layer of the fortress had been shattered.
This time, there was no hesitation, no doubt—only preparation for the challenges that lay ahead. The brothers and their squad were ready, and nothing would stand in their way.