The oppressive silence that followed the summoning of **Eldric Stormblade** was almost tangible. The air crackled with energy, and even the bravado of Marcus and Darius seemed to evaporate in the face of the newly arrived powerhouse.
Kai's eyes were steely as he surveyed the scene. The once-feared leaders of the enemy force now stood with their confidence shattered, their faces pale and trembling. The atmosphere was thick with tension, every breath seeming to hang in the balance.
Elara and Kael stood aside, their expressions a mix of satisfaction and readiness. They knew the arrival of Eldric Stormblade, a cultivator of the Soul Transformation Realm, had tipped the scales irrevocably in their favor.
Kai approached Marcus and Darius, his voice cold and commanding. "You wanted to challenge us. Now you will answer for your audacity."
Marcus, trying to salvage some shred of dignity, attempted to muster a defiant stance. "You may have summoned this... this monster, but our masters—"
Before he could finish, Eldric's gaze fell upon him with a chilling intensity. The sword in Eldric's hand hummed softly, its energy resonating with the threat of untold power. The sheer presence of Eldric was enough to silence Marcus's bravado. He fell silent, his face a mask of fear and realization.
Kai's gaze was unwavering as he focused on Darius, who was visibly shaken. The gravity of the situation was clear; the time for empty threats had passed.
"Speak," Kai demanded. "Tell me everything you know about your masters, their forces, and their plans."
Darius swallowed hard, the fear in his eyes betraying his composure. Under the relentless scrutiny of Kai and the formidable presence of Eldric, he began to divulge the details.
"Our masters," Darius began, his voice quivering, "are both peak Nascent Soul cultivators, some of the most powerful figures in the region. They have vast resources and numerous allies. They planned to use our failure as a catalyst to consolidate their power and expand their influence."
Marcus, his bravado fading, added, "They have been amassing forces for months, preparing for a campaign that would crush any opposition. Their strategy involves not just military might but also political maneuvering to ensure they control the region completely."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "And what about their current plans? What can you tell me about their immediate goals?"
Darius hesitated, casting a nervous glance at Marcus. "They intended to send additional forces to avenge our defeat. They want to eliminate the Supreme Mount Sect as a threat before moving on to their next targets. They see you as an obstacle to their grand ambitions."
Kai's expression hardened. "So, they're not just after revenge; they're aiming to wipe us out completely."
"Yes," Marcus interjected, his voice trembling. "They will not rest until you are destroyed."
Elara stepped forward, her eyes burning with resolve. "And if we're to deal with such powerful foes, we need to know every detail. Where are these masters now? What are their next moves?"
Darius looked between Kai and Elara, realizing he had little choice. "They are based in the capital, coordinating their forces. They are preparing for a full-scale offensive. You must be ready for anything."
Kai's gaze shifted to Eldric, who had been silent, absorbing the information. "Eldric, we'll need your full strength if we are to face this threat. Your expertise will be crucial in the battles ahead."
Eldric's eyes gleamed with resolve as he bowed slightly. "I am at your service, Master. We will ensure that the Supreme Mount Sect remains standing."
Kai turned back to the captives. "You've provided us with valuable information. Your fate is now in our hands. If you've lied or withheld anything, you will face the consequences."
Marcus and Darius exchanged fearful glances but remained silent, realizing that any further resistance would be futile.
As Kai and his team began to strategize, the Supreme Mount Sect braced itself for the challenges that lay ahead. The recent battle had shown their strength, but the war was far from over. The information gleaned from the interrogation would be crucial as they prepared for the inevitable confrontations to come.
The dust from the battle settled, but a new chapter had begun for the Supreme Mount Sect. It was a chapter written in resolve and readiness, a testament to their ability to face the growing shadows of their world.