Scarlet Shadows: Rise Of The abyssal demon emperor

The stars flickered faintly as a cold wind swept through the Zhen family estate. Zhen Yang stood on the balcony of his chamber, the faint hum of power coursing through him as he surveyed the vast expanse of his family's holdings. The weight of recent revelations lingered in his mind, but he welcomed it. Every challenge, every manipulation, was sharpening him further.

Beneath him, the estate bustled with quiet tension. Servants moved quickly, avoiding the prying eyes of the guards. Tonight was different. He could feel it in the air. The balance of power within the Zhen family had begun to shift.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the northern courtyard, Zhen Feng tightened his grip on his blade. His men surrounded him, each dressed in dark robes, their faces hidden.

"This is our chance," Zhen Feng whispered, his voice barely audible. "We strike before the boy's influence spreads any further. Zhen Yang cannot be allowed to gain more support."

One of the men hesitated. "But young master Feng, he has already demonstrated power far beyond—"

"Enough!" Zhen Feng's voice cut through the night. "He's still just a child playing with forces he doesn't understand. We end this tonight."

Zhen Yang's senses pricked as the faint sound of footsteps reached him. He turned slightly, catching the reflection of movement in the glass of his window. A smile crept onto his lips.

"So, the shadows come to dance," he murmured.

With deliberate slowness, he stepped back into his room, the dim light casting elongated shadows across the walls. He sat down, feigning disinterest, as the door creaked open. The intruders moved with practiced silence, their blades gleaming in the faint light.

The leader, Zhen Feng, stepped forward, his eyes burning with hatred. "You've overstepped your place, Zhen Yang. This is where your journey ends."

Zhen Yang chuckled, the sound low and cold. "Overstepped? No, brother. I've only just begun."

Before Zhen Feng could react, Zhen Yang's figure blurred. A sharp crack echoed through the room as one of the assassins was hurled against the wall, his body crumpling lifelessly to the floor. The others hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes.

"You came prepared to kill a boy," Zhen Yang said, his voice dripping with contempt. "But what you face is something far beyond your understanding."

The room darkened as an oppressive aura filled the space. Crimson tendrils of energy coiled around Zhen Yang, their eerie light illuminating his cold, unyielding expression.

Zhen Feng snarled, rallying his men. "Attack! Overwhelm him!"

The assassins lunged, their blades slicing through the air. Zhen Yang moved like a phantom, his movements fluid and precise. With each step, he dismantled their formation, his strikes ruthless and efficient. Blood painted the walls as one by one, the assassins fell.

In the chaos, Zhen Feng found himself face to face with his younger brother. He swung his blade with all his strength, but Zhen Yang caught it with his bare hand. The blade shattered, fragments scattering across the floor.

"You were always too eager, brother," Zhen Yang said, his tone mocking. "Too desperate to prove yourself."

Zhen Feng staggered back, his eyes wide with terror. "You… you're a monster…"

Zhen Yang stepped closer, his crimson eyes glowing. "A monster? Perhaps. But a monster who will reshape this world."

With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a wave of crimson energy. Zhen Feng's screams echoed through the night as he was hurled out of the room, his body slamming into the courtyard below.

The commotion drew the attention of the estate. Guards and servants gathered in the courtyard, their faces pale as they took in the scene. Zhen Feng lay motionless, his body broken but alive. Zhen Yang stepped onto the balcony, his presence commanding.

"Let this be a lesson to all who would challenge me," Zhen Yang declared, his voice carrying over the stunned crowd. "I am no pawn to be used or discarded. I am the future of this family."

The crowd whispered among themselves, a mix of fear and awe in their eyes. Among them, Elder Zhen Xuan watched silently, his expression unreadable. But in his mind, plans were already forming. Zhen Yang's power was undeniable, but power alone was not enough to secure the patriarch's seat. It was a game of strategy, manipulation, and alliances.

"You've shown your strength, boy," Zhen Xuan thought. "Now let's see if you can survive the real battle."

As the crowd dispersed, Zhen Yang returned to his room, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips. Tonight had been a test, and he had passed. But he knew this was only the beginning. The shadows of the Zhen family were deep, and the true dance had just begun.