The members of the Dark Organization watched helplessly as their leader was defeated by Liang Tian, and the Evil Artifact fell back into Liang Tian's hands. Fear gripped them as they realized the tide had turned; staying any longer would only lead to death. One by one, they turned and fled towards the cave's exit. In an instant, the once fiercely contested Core Area was left with only the heavy breaths of Liang Tian and his companions, mingling with the scent of blood.
Liang Tian observed the fleeing figures of the Dark Organization but chose not to pursue them. He understood that everyone was exhausted after such a brutal battle, many of them gravely injured, and chasing after the enemy could easily lead them into a trap. He turned around, his gaze sweeping over those present, filled with concern.
Xiao Zhan was covered in blood, deep wounds on his arms and shoulders oozing steadily, yet he still gripped his long knife tightly, his eyes resolute. The experts from the Hidden Sect were mostly pale, their spiritual energy depleted, some swaying on their feet. The Jianghu Heroes were similarly battered but held on with sheer willpower.
Ignoring his own injuries, Liang Tian hurried to Chen Xue's side. He knelt down and gently took her hand, anxiously asking, "Chen Xue, how are you? Do you feel alright?" Chen Xue slightly opened her eyes, revealing a faint smile despite her weakness. She whispered, "Liang Tian, I'm fine; just a bit tired..." Liang Tian examined her wounds closely and noticed that the healing elixir he had given her was taking effect; her injuries were slowly mending. He felt a slight sense of relief.
Xiao Zhan stepped forward and patted Liang Tian on the shoulder. "Brother, we owe this victory to you. If it weren't for your final burst of strength, we might not have won." Liang Tian stood up and looked at Xiao Zhan and the others with gratitude. "Everyone has worked hard. This victory is a result of our collective effort; without all of you, I couldn't have done it."
They exchanged glances; though exhausted, their eyes sparkled with satisfaction. They knew how hard-won it was to repel the Dark Organization and reclaim the Evil Artifact. Yet deep down, they understood that the Dark Organization would not easily give up; they would surely return.
Liang Tian surveyed their surroundings and said, "We shouldn't linger here; the Dark Organization could reappear at any moment. Besides, everyone is injured and needs a safe place to recuperate." The group nodded in agreement.
An expert from the Hidden Sect spoke up, "I know of a secluded valley nearby that is rarely visited; we can head there for now." Liang Tian replied, "Good, then please lead the way."
Thus, supporting each other, they followed the Hidden Sect expert as they slowly left the Core Area of the temple. Along the way, silence enveloped them as each contemplated their next steps. Liang Tian's mind raced; he knew that the Dark Organization's strength was formidable. Although they had temporarily driven them back this time, greater challenges awaited them in the future. How to properly handle the Evil Artifact also weighed heavily on his mind.
After a difficult journey, they finally arrived at the valley. Surrounded by dense woods, it featured a spacious clearing with a clear stream flowing gently through it. The group took a moment to regroup in the clearing before finding places to rest. Liang Tian assigned several uninjured Jianghu Heroes to keep watch around them in case of a sudden attack from the Dark Organization.
Once everyone was settled, Liang Tian sat beside Chen Xue and gazed at her sleeping face. He silently vowed to protect her and everyone around him, ensuring that the Dark Organization's schemes would not succeed. In this seemingly tranquil valley, they had temporarily found a moment of respite; yet the road ahead remained fraught with uncertainty and challenges. How would they confront the next wave of attacks from the Dark Organization?
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