CHAPTER 51: CHAPTER 51: RISE FROM DEATH

The scene opened within an endless void. A boundless emptiness stretched in every direction, without a single spark of light or sound. Floating aimlessly in this darkness was a lone figure.

Suddenly, a golden window appeared before him—radiant against the pitch-black nothingness.

"Host! Are you okay?" the System’s voice echoed.

The figure was Shaurya—his soul. Slowly, he opened his eyes, narrowing them as if trying to pierce through the void.

"I am dead. Is this looks okay to you?" he asked coldly.

The System’s calm voice replied, "Well... technically, you are dead."

Shaurya frowned, his hands slipping casually into his pockets. "Dead is dead. What’s the meaning of technical and practical?"

"You’re not completely dead," the System explained. "Your soul is not from this world. That’s why it hasn’t gone to the underworld."

Shaurya raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Then where will my soul go?"

"Your soul will go to the underworld after death," the System replied patiently. "But you still have a chance. Like I said, your soul is not from this world, but after your arrival, it got registered here. Even so, the process takes time. Look downward and you will understand."

Confused, Shaurya followed the instruction. When his gaze shifted downward, his eyes widened in shock. Beneath him, a massive portal had opened within the void—dark, ominous, and radiating a chilling aura.

"What is this? Underworld?" Shaurya asked, his voice tight with unease.

"Yes, Host," the System answered. "That is the underworld. Your soul is currently between life and death. This void is created by me. If you fall into the underworld, then you will be truly dead."

A smile curved Shaurya’s lips. "And what if I don’t fall?"

"Then," the System replied, "you will return alive."

Shaurya tilted his head, smiling faintly. "So how can I get alive again?"

"Look above," the System instructed.

Shaurya lifted his eyes. Above him, a radiant white portal opened—glowing with pure light that seemed to pierce through the darkness.

He smirked. "Then I only have to pass through that portal."

"Watch out!" the System suddenly warned.

Shaurya blinked in confusion, but before he could react, countless burning skeletal chains erupted around him. The chains were engulfed in crimson flames, their rattling echoing through the void. Shocked, Shaurya’s eyes widened as the chains lunged forward and coiled tightly around him, binding his soul.

"What is this now, System?" he demanded.

The System’s voice carried a hint of solemnity. "Do you really think you can return to life that easily? Life demands a price. The underworld won’t let you go that easily. You must break free from these death chains if you wish to return alive."

The fiery chains pulled him downward toward the underworld portal. Shaurya struggled, releasing his aura in defiance, but the chains only tightened, squeezing around his soul.

"Oh, come on! I thought it was going to be easy. Am I going to die?" Shaurya muttered bitterly.

"Now the choice is in your hand," the System answered calmly.

Shaurya growled, his voice trembling with desperation. "It’s not looking like the choice is in my hand!" He strained, trying to break free, but the chains only grew stronger, their fiery weight dragging him lower.

His breath trembled as fear crawled into his voice. "No... No. No... I can’t die like this. Not again. I already died once. I haven’t even enjoyed this life yet. Lord Vishnu gave me a second chance. I can’t let it go like this!"

Clenching his teeth, he struggled harder, pulling against the chains.

The System, observing quietly, finally spoke. "Host... you should look at this."

Still straining, Shaurya snapped, "What now?"

A shimmering projection screen appeared before him. His eyes widened in disbelief as the battlefield of the real world unfolded before him.

He saw his disciples—broken and bleeding. Some lay scattered across the ground, struggling to rise but too injured to stand. Elder Wan leaned against a mountain peak, his body covered in blood, breathing heavily. Elder Wu knelt on the ground, wounded and exhausted. Jian Fan lay bleeding heavily, his broken axe beside him.

Shaurya’s face twisted with horror. His hands trembled.

The screen shifted again. Elder Liya was on one knee, bleeding and struggling to stand. Wang Tian and Luo Chen were barely holding on, Wang Tian supporting the weakened Luo Chen as both bled heavily. Around them, other disciples lay collapsed. All had been defeated.

Shaurya’s chest tightened. "Lin... Where is Lin Shu?"

His answer came. The screen displayed Lin Shu, engaged in a desperate duel with the Queen. Their swords clashed violently, sparks scattering. Lin Shu’s body dripped blood, her face pale, but her eyes remained firm.

The Queen smiled cruelly. "Oh, what a fool. Trying to take revenge for her sect master—or perhaps more than just a sect master? Tch. Useless emotional fools."

Lin Shu gritted her teeth and swung, but the Queen dodged effortlessly, countering with a swift horizontal slash across Lin Shu’s abdomen. Blood sprayed across the ground.

Shaurya’s hands went numb as he watched, his heart sinking.

The Queen’s palm struck Lin Shu’s abdomen, hurling her to the ground. She coughed blood, trembling as she clutched her sword for support. Even with tears glistening in her eyes, she whispered, "I will not back down. Till my last breath, I fight for Shaurya. He always fought for us. This time... I fight for him."

Her knees buckled, and she fell again, tears dripping to the ground.

Shaurya’s entire being shook. "My sect members... they are all fighting for me. Lin Shu... how can I let you hurt? No... Stop!"

The System said quietly, "Host, no one has died yet. But I cannot guarantee how much longer they can endure. Only you can save them now."

Gritting his teeth, Shaurya resisted the pull of the chains. He saw Lin Shu trembling, still trying to rise, her tear falling for him. His fists clenched, his body trembling with rage.

"I can’t die. Not for my sect, not for Lin Shu. I promised her I wouldn’t leave her, no matter what happens. She’s crying because of me. I won’t let that happen."

His head lowered. Aura surged violently from his soul, shaking the chains.

"They dare to hurt her... Now I am mad. Really, really mad. They have to pay for hurting my Lin Shu!"

He roared, his aura erupting like a volcano. The void itself trembled.

The System whispered to itself, "I knew it... you can do it, Host. Nothing can beat the power of emotions."

The death chains shook violently, cracks forming across their fiery length. Shaurya’s eyes blazed with golden light.

"Jai Shree Hari!"

Golden energy exploded from his soul, shattering the chains into fragments. Behind him, a towering golden figure of Lord Narayan appeared, divine and radiant. Even the System fell silent in awe.

"Host... you are really something. Jai Shree Narayan."

Golden energy surged, flooding the void in blinding brilliance.

Scene shift to, The battlefield.

Shaurya’s body lay motionless on the ice bed created by Xiao Lian. His chest had been still... until suddenly, his heart thudded once. Then again. His heartbeat returned.

Around his body, drops of his blood began to vibrate, glowing faintly. His fingers twitched as a golden spark flickered upon them. A ripple spread through his blood, and his entire body became surrounded by golden lightning.

High above, Ye Xuan floated in the sky, watching. He sighed.

The Queen, laughing coldly like a witch, taunted, while the members of the Sanatan Flame Sect lay broken. Yet, their eyes still burned with willpower. They still tried to rise, even as blood dripped from their wounds.

Ye Xuan’s gaze softened slightly. "You all are broken and defeated, yet still trying for your sect master. Your warrior’s will... I respect it. But this ends here."

Dark aura surged from his body.

The disciples and elders, though trembling, did not cower. They forced themselves upright, determination etched in their battered faces.

Lin Shu lifted her sword. "If you dare, then fight me!"

Elder Liya staggered to her side. "Don’t forget me. It’s not over yet."

Together, the sect members forced themselves to stand.

Ye Xuan’s brows rose, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your master truly made you all great warriors. But just accept death."

Dark energy gathered in his hand, crackling ominously.

Lin Shu saw this, her teeth grinding. In her heart, she whispered, I am sorry, Shaurya.

Scene shift to Shaurya. His lifeless body is lying. Suddenly—

His eyes snapped open—golden light blazing within them.

BOOM.

Golden energy erupted from his body, bursting upward like a volcano. A massive golden pillar shot into the sky, shaking the earth. The battlefield was bathed in golden radiance, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

Ye Xuan’s expression froze in shock.

The Queen turned sharply, confusion flashing across her face. "What is this?"

"Did they have some hidden weapon?" Ye Xuan muttered, eyes narrowing.

The Sanatan Flame Sect members turned, stunned. Lin Shu’s eyes widened in realization.

"Shaurya?"

The golden pillar originated from where his body lay. Shock rippled through them.

Wang Tian lifted a trembling finger toward the sky. "Look above!"

All eyes turned upward.

Even Ye Xuan and the Queen froze, staring.

High above, a figure floated amidst the golden brilliance.

Then the golden pillar erupted with a deafening shockwave, shaking the ground and splitting the sky apart. Its overwhelming force rippled across the battlefield, reaching every corner. Dust and wind surged violently, and all eyes turned upward in awe and disbelief.

From within the blazing golden light, a figure slowly became visible.

Shaurya.

He floated at the center of the pillar, head lowered, his body still unmoving. The battlefield grew silent. Then, with slow precision, Shaurya raised his head toward the heavens. His eyes remained closed as he inhaled deeply, the motion calm and steady. Lowering his head once more, he exhaled softly.

The golden pillar around him shattered into countless particles of light, scattering like fireflies through the void of battle.

[System said: Welcome back to life, Host. And congratulations for your breakthrough—Nascent Soul Level 1.]

Shaurya raised his head toward Ye Xuan. Slowly, his eyes opened. His pupils blazed golden, burning as though the very sun lived within them.

The scattered golden particles seeped into his body, covering his bloodied wounds. A warm golden glow radiated across his skin, knitting torn flesh and healing every injury. The blood stains remained, but his body stood whole once more.

Gasps erupted across the battlefield.

Ye Xuan trembled, his expression tightening in shock.

Expressionless, Shaurya’s cold voice cut through the silence. "You miss me...?" He tilted his head faintly. "I bet you did."

Ye Xuan’s eyes narrowed. "How are you still alive?"

But Shaurya didn’t answer. Instead, he cast his gaze downward. His disciples and elders stood frozen in disbelief, their faces streaked with blood and exhaustion. Then his eyes locked with Lin Shu’s.

For a fleeting moment, Shaurya’s lips curved, and he winked.

Lin Shu’s heart skipped a beat. A smile broke across her tear-streaked face.

The other sect members, watching this silent exchange, erupted in joy. Tears of relief spilled freely. Wang Tian and Luo Chen collapsed to their knees, overwhelmed by emotion.

"I knew it!" Wang Tian wept openly. "Master, you can’t leave us like this."

Lin Shu wiped her tears, her smile warm and trembling. Shaurya’s cold mask cracked for only a second—a soft, genuine smile flickered across his face as he looked at her. But as his gaze returned to Ye Xuan, his face hardened again into ice.

Ye Xuan steadied himself, though his heart pounded with unease. His voice carried both anger and disbelief. "I killed you with my own hands. I was sure you were dead. Then how? How did you come back alive again? And different... you’ve become more—"

He froze, eyes widening.

Shaurya tilted his head. "Stronger?"

He inhaled once more, closed his eyes, and exhaled with calm precision. When his eyes opened again, they glowed brighter than before.

"Coming back from the deathbed. Growing stronger. Turning the tables." His cold voice echoed across the battlefield. "It’s... it’s kind of a habit of a person chosen by destiny."

Ye Xuan whispered in shock. "Destiny...?"

"And my friend," Shaurya’s tone sharpened, "you remind me who I truly am." He spread his arms wide, his aura erupting around him. His voice boomed like thunder:

"From the highest heavens to the deepest abyss, I alone bear the crown of glory."

His disciples gazed upward in awe, their battered bodies trembling under the force of his presence.

The Queen’s face turned pale, fear flickering in her eyes as she trembled.

Ye Xuan roared, releasing his dark aura. "What destined person? I killed you once, and I will do it again!"

In a flash, he rushed toward Shaurya, throwing a fierce punch.

Shaurya didn’t flinch. He simply tilted his body, dodging effortlessly. Ye Xuan spun, unleashing a side kick, but again Shaurya slipped away with no effort. Strike after strike rained down—punches, kicks, furious blows—but Shaurya avoided them all, his face expressionless, his golden eyes unblinking.

Frustrated, Ye Xuan leapt back, forming dark energy in his palm. "Destruction Beam!"

He hurled the attack forward.

Shaurya lifted his hand lazily. The beam struck with his hand. With very ease he deflected the beam—and shattered backward, exploding violently upon the ground.

Ye Xuan’s face twisted in fury. He drew his sword from his storage ring and charged. His blade swung again and again, slicing the air with killing intent. But Shaurya’s body moved like a ghost, dodging every slash with chilling calm.

Below, the sect members watched in stunned silence.

"Master looks different," Xiao Rui whispered.

"Yeah," Lee Bie muttered. "Usually he smiles... mocks his opponents. But now—"

"He’s not mocking. Not even joking." Wang Tian clenched his fists. "Master is serious."

"Of course," Luo Chen said gravely. "He came back from the verge of death."

Elder Wu narrowed his eyes. "I can’t sense any killing intent from Sect Leader."

Elder Liya’s voice was sharp. "That’s not simple. Rage beyond intent—that’s what this is. He doesn’t want to kill him. He will kill him."

Lin Shu smiled softly, her heart speaking. I don’t care if you’ve changed or become cold. I’m just happy you’re alive.

Back in the sky, Ye Xuan panted heavily, sweat running down his forehead. Shaurya remained silent, unmoved, not even a flicker of expression on his face.

Ye Xuan sneered, masking his unease. "What happened to your big sharp mouth? Not saying anything? Oh, trying to scare me? No use!"

In a blur, Shaurya closed the distance, appearing right before him. Ye Xuan’s eyes widened as he leaned back, swinging his sword desperately.

Shaurya simply raised his right fist.

BOOM—

A shockwave exploded as his fist struck Ye Xuan’s jaw, hurling him across the air. Ye Xuan spun, caught himself, and regained balance. His mind reeled. "How... how are you doing this?!"

Roaring, Ye Xuan raised his sword and unleashed a storm of dark slashes. They rained down like blades of death.

Shaurya dodged each one with ease.

Ye Xuan laughed. "You’re confident, aren’t you?" He raised his sword, and suddenly all the dark slashes converged, surrounding Shaurya like a prison.

"Your confidence will be your end," Ye Xuan snarled, swinging his blade downward.

The storm of slashes fell toward Shaurya.

He exhaled softly. A Golden Barrier—active around him.

The attacks crashed against the shimmering golden shield, shattering instantly.

Shock flashed in Ye Xuan’s eyes.

Shaurya lifted his hand, taking a flick stance. Golden spiritual energy condensed at his fingertip.

Ye Xuan roared, swinging his sword again—

Shaurya flicked.

The golden energy shot forward like a spear, striking Ye Xuan’s blade. The impact cracked the sword, then blasted Ye Xuan backward in a thunderous explosion.

Though staggered, Ye Xuan steadied himself, sword trembling in his grip. He set it aside and growled, "Enough!"

Dark aura burst from him violently.

"Illusionary Clones!"

His body split into countless shadows, hundreds of Ye Xuans appearing across the battlefield. Their laughter echoed sinisterly as they charged Shaurya.

Unmoved, Shaurya simply sighed.

The clones swarmed, their fists and blades striking at him, but each one that touched him dissolved instantly into mist.

The real Ye Xuan hid among them.

Watching from below, the disciples struggled to follow.

Suddenly, the true Ye Xuan appeared from behind, his fist charged with dark energy, striking toward Shaurya’s head.

But Shaurya tilted his head calmly. The attack missed.

Without turning, Shaurya’s back fist slammed into Ye Xuan’s face.

CRACK—

Ye Xuan was blown backward, flipping midair before regaining balance. The clones vanished instantly.

Shaurya turned, his golden eyes locking onto Ye Xuan with a deathly stare.

Ye Xuan’s voice shook. "How... how did you know?"

Before he could react further, a blade pierced Shaurya’s heart.

The Queen. A sneak attack.

But Shaurya’s form flickered like air—and vanished.

The Queen gasped. "What—?!"

In the next instant, Shaurya appeared behind her.

Ye Xuan’s eyes widened in horror. "Nooooo!"

Too late. Shaurya’s hand pierced clean through the Queen’s stomach. Blood spilled from her lips, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Ah..." She coughed, her body trembling.

Shaurya pulled his hand back and struck her face with a brutal punch, sending her flying.

"Queen!" Ye Xuan screamed, catching her midair. He staggered back under the pressure, cradling her weak body.

She coughed blood again, her lips curling into a faint smile. "My King... I’m sorry... I lost."

"Don’t say that!" Ye Xuan’s voice cracked with desperation. "Nothing will happen to you!"

Her eyes dimmed. "After all... in the end, it’s my fault. I started this war. Because of me... your kingdom falls."

Shaurya closed his eyes, nodding silently.

Ye Xuan pressed his trembling hand to her cheek. "No... don’t leave me..."

With her final breath, the Queen whispered, "My King... don’t let them win. My demonic heart... my power is yours. You know what to do..."

Ye Xuan’s eyes widened. "Don’t tell me—!"

Her faint smile lingered. "Better than dying meaninglessly. This way... I can help you... my King..."

Her hand fell lifelessly. Her eyes closed forever.

"NOOOOO!" Ye Xuan screamed in anguish. His aura exploded violently as he held her corpse tightly. Purple energy engulfed her body, merging into him.

Shaurya watched quietly, hands in his pockets, raising a brow.

Ye Xuan’s roar split the battlefield. His body transformed. His hair turned white, his skin grey, his eyes black with crimson pupils.

His aura erupted like a raging volcano.

"Nascent Soul... Level 2," Elder Wu whispered in shock.

"He broke through... by absorbing her powers," Elder Liya said grimly. "He’s now one level above Sect Leader."

Lin Shu’s heart tightened, worry flickering, but her gaze didn’t waver. I believe you, Shaurya. You will win.

She turned to the sect. "Everyone—head to the Dark Pearl!"

The disciples and elders gathered themselves, retreating swiftly.

Ye Xuan’s crimson gaze locked onto Shaurya. "Enough. I don’t care if you’ve grown strong or crawled back from death. This time, I will crush you so you never return again!"

He shot forward, his fist aiming at Shaurya.

Shaurya dodged.

Ye Xuan spun, striking again, but Shaurya met his blow with a sharp fist of his own, smashing into Ye Xuan’s jaw. The impact hurled him to the ground, cracking the earth.

Descending slowly, Shaurya stood with his hands in his pockets, expression cold as ever.

Ye Xuan staggered up, blood dripping from his mouth. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he smiled.

With a roar, he dashed again, fists swinging with immense speed. Shaurya blocked, crossing his forearms. The force pushed him back, his feet skidding across the ground.

Ye Xuan hovered in the air above, his dark aura blazing.

Shaurya raised his eyes, staring calmly.

Then, after a long time—

He smiled. His eyes are still cold.

Their gazes locked. The storm between them grew heavier.

To Be Continued...