The next morning, Ravenwatch Border lay heavy beneath a thick shroud of gloom. A vast gray curtain of clouds pressed down, suffocating the air. Cold wind mixed with the damp scent of earth and rotting wood, howling through the tattered banners with sharp, mournful tears.
Yao Yi trudged along the muddy, puddled stone path, splashing water with every step. The sneers of the young guardsman from yesterday still echoed in his mind, the cold smile slicing at his pride like a blade. "That broken mirror is just legend, don't be foolish." His fingers gripped the ancient mirror at his waist, feeling faint warmth pulsing as if some hidden power inside responded to his heartbeat.
At the training grounds, guards murmured low about recent border disturbances. The frequent incursions of Riftspawn, the flickering of runic arrays, even rumors of the transferred Inner Sect disciple—all thickened the tension in this crumbling outpost.
"I heard last night the eastern watchtower was struck hard by Riftspawn," a middle-aged soldier frowned.
"Yeah, Commander Huo Jin's already ordered a defensive reinforcement," another answered grimly.
Commander Huo Jin stood nearby, eyes sharp as a hawk's, scanning the trainees. His scarred face bore the weight of countless battles, his gaze cold and unyielding.
"Yao Yi," his voice rang out suddenly, laden with undeniable authority, "are you ready to face the true storm?"
Yao Yi's heart leapt. Meeting Huo Jin's deep, unwavering gaze, he nodded firmly.
"The storm at the border isn't just thunder in the sky," Huo Jin said slowly, "It's a trial of life and death."
Just then, a pale youth staggered in, trembling voice breathless. "Commander Huo! The eastern watchtower's been attacked again. The Riftspawn are closing in."
Huo Jin's brow furrowed. Turning to Yao Yi, he said, "Come. Prepare at once."
Together, they hurried to the eastern watchtower. Storm clouds churned violently, distant roars pierced the air. Shadows flitted through flashes of lightning, wild as furious beasts.
"Riftspawn," Huo Jin whispered. "They grow more ferocious."
Yao Yi felt a restless surge inside his chest; the ancient mirror throbbed violently at his waist, as if calling to him.
"This time, I can't run anymore," he vowed silently.
Night deepened, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and gunpowder. Yao Yi ascended the watchtower with Huo Jin, standing beside flickering torches, overlooking the rolling darkness ahead.
Huo Jin's voice was low but heavy, "The Riftspawn's numbers far exceed our expectations. With current defenses, holding them back will be difficult."
Yao Yi's gaze pierced the heavy fog and rain, catching glimpses of twisted, grotesque shapes darting through the forest—snarling fangs and glowing eyes like ghosts in the night.
"These enemies are stronger than any we've faced before," Huo Jin added, "You must learn to rely on yourself. Don't depend solely on the mirror's power."
Yao Yi nodded, heartbeat quickening. The power he awakened in the trial was still raw and unmastered. This sudden battle was both challenge and crucible.
"I will prove myself," he whispered.
Suddenly, a guttural roar shattered the night as the Riftspawn vanguard broke through defenses, charging the fortress with savage fury.
The guards rallied swiftly, flames and runes weaving in deadly harmony. Yao Yi gripped the ancient mirror tightly, spirit surging. His innate energy merged with the mirror's power, filling him with strength.
Stepping forward, he faced the first Riftspawn, calmly reading its movements for weakness. The mirror flared brilliantly, becoming a razor blade slicing through the enemy.
A brutal battle erupted—firelight, roars, clashing steel composing a grim symphony. Amid chaos, Yao Yi grew stronger, mind sharpening. He knew only strength could protect the conviction burning within him.
Claws struck up dust and stones; Yao Yi darted agilely, gathering energy to strike back. His eyes flashed battle intent, but inside, doubts gnawed. The newly awakened power still struggled within; he feared losing control, feared the power would consume him.
"Hold steady!" Huo Jin's voice boomed like thunder, "Remember, this power isn't a gift from nowhere. It belongs to you."
Yao Yi took a deep breath, gathering energy in his core. A warm current flowed through him. He focused on the mirror; ripples formed on its surface, conjuring a protective shield that repelled the Riftspawn's claws.
Yet the enemies seemed unfazed, snarling louder, growing more savage and numerous.
"We won't hold for long!" the guards' voices grew frantic.
Gritting his teeth, Yao Yi felt sharp pain on his shoulder—clawed wounds—but he pressed on.
He recalled his father's words from the letter: "Trust its voice. Do not seek answers in old scrolls. Watch the birds. They know more than you think."
His eyes snapped shut; in his mind's eye, the black crow appeared—the one whose beak dripped molten-gold saliva, eerie and sinister.
Suddenly, a whisper brushed his ears like wind through dry leaves: "Sacrifice… transcendence…"
His heart jolted. Eyes snapping open, his spirit exploded, mirror shining fiercely, forming a radiant shield that blocked several Riftspawn attacks.
For a moment, battle froze.
"That's the power of the Ten Sun bloodline?" an elder soldier whispered in awe.
Huo Jin's eyes glimmered with mixed emotions. "He's a rare anomaly from the Inner Sect. How far he goes depends only on himself."
The battle raged on, but Yao Yi now felt the pulse of his power. His path had only just begun.