Chapter 43: New Allies
New Allies
The Ashen Phoenix's reputation continued to grow.
A gang known as the Dust Walkers approached them with an offer of alliance. They were a small group, barely a dozen members, but they had knowledge of the Desolation's deepest secrets—hidden oases, forgotten ruins, and ancient treasures.
"We've been watching you," their leader said, a grizzled old man named Rourke. "You're different from the others. You have honor."
Shen Chen inclined his head. "We do what we must to survive. But we don't harm those who don't threaten us."
Rourke nodded slowly. "Then we have an accord. We'll share our knowledge with you. In return, you'll protect us from the larger gangs."
Shen Chen smiled. "Deal."
---
The Crimson Lotus Sect made good on their threat.
A group of their enforcers attacked the Ashen Phoenix's camp, their auras blazing with spiritual energy. They were powerful, their techniques refined and deadly. The leader was at the Golden Core Realm (7th Level)—two levels above Shen Chen.
Shen Chen stood at the front of the camp, his blade in hand, his Void Core pulsing with power. Despite the gap in cultivation, he felt no fear. His Void Dragon Physique and Supreme Foundation gave him an edge that others could not match.
"You should have stayed away," he said, his voice cold.
"Stand down, and we'll spare your lives," the leader said, his voice dripping with contempt.
Shen Chen smiled, a predatory expression. "I don't think so."
The battle was brutal, the Crimson Lotus enforcers pushing the bandits to their limits. But the Ashen Phoenix fought with a ferocity that surprised even themselves.
Shen Chen faced the leader, his blade flashing in the darkness. The man was powerful, his cultivation base at the Golden Core Realm (7th Level), but Shen Chen was faster, his Void Core burning with power. He exploited the gaps in the man's defenses, his strikes precise and devastating.
The man stumbled, his eyes widening with shock. "Impossible. You're just a Golden Core cultivator. How—"
Shen Chen didn't give him time to finish. His blade found the man's throat, and the battle was over.
"Victory!" the bandits shouted, their voices filled with triumph.
Shen Chen stood among them, his body aching, his heart filled with pride.
We're becoming something. Something real.
---
The battle with the Crimson Lotus Sect spread across the Desolation.
Other forces took notice—some with interest, others with wariness. The Ashen Phoenix was no longer just a band of survivors. They were a power to be reckoned with.
"We're being noticed," Yue said, her voice filled with awe. "People are talking about us."
Shen Chen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's both good and bad. It means we're attracting attention—from potential allies and potential enemies."
"Should we slow down? Keep a lower profile?"
Shen Chen shook his head. "No. We keep moving. We keep growing. If we stop now, we'll lose the momentum we've built."
He looked around at his family, their faces filled with hope and determination. Both Yue and Mei stood beside him, their loyalty unwavering. He was aware of their feelings—the lingering glances, the subtle touches, the unspoken words. But he couldn't afford distractions. Not now. Not when the stranger was still out there, growing stronger.
I need to focus. I need to grow stronger. For them. For all of us.
"From now on, we're not just survivors," he said. "We're builders. We're creators. We're the Ashen Phoenix."
---