The Eternal Dao Sect: Legacy of Chaos

The dark storm clouds gathering over the horizon were more than a presage of bad weather but a precursor to the ordeals that lay in wait for the Eternal Dao Sect and their new-found allies. While scouts plunged deep into dangerous territories to reveal the secrets of the Mellians and their creators, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy on the minds of the leaders of the sect.

At the center of the Eternal Dao Sect stronghold, Jayson stood before a large, highly detailed map laid over the war table. On this map, symbols were placed to represent the enemy outposts and areas of high Mellian activity-a semblance of their salvation and their danger.

This is where the Mellians were most concentrated," Diane said, tapping a cluster of red symbols near the western mountains. She had just returned from the scouting mission and wore an expression of exhaustion mixed with urgency.

Victor stood beside her, his face as calm as ever. "We met heavy resistance there, but the problem isn't exactly the Mellians themselves. It's what they guard."

Jayson frowned. "What are they guarding?

Diane exchanged a look with Victor before she replied, "We think it's some sort of portal-a direct link to wherever the Mellians came from. If we can gain control of it, we may have a chance to discern their movements and, hopefully, cut off their reinforcements."

The room fell silent as the weight of her words sank in.

---

Uncertainty Among Allies

The council of clan leaders had been called to discuss this new discovery. Reactions were mixed as Jayson presented Diane and Victor's findings.

Elder Faron of the Ironpeak Clan crossed his arms. "A portal? Do you realize what you're suggesting? If we go after this, we'll be walking straight into the enemy's den.

Elder Arthus of the Silvermoon Clan nodded solemnly. "It's a gamble, but one that might be worth taking. If the Mellians are drawing reinforcements through this portal, we can't afford to ignore it."

Joyner, standing at the edge of the room, chimed in. "Whether it's risky or not, it's better than waiting for the Mellians to overwhelm us. We've already seen what happens when we're caught off guard.

The faces of the clans' representatives were full of apprehension and determination, whispering to each other.

Jayson raised a hand, and the room fell silent. "I understand the risks. But if we don't act now, we may lose the chance to turn the tide in this war. The Eternal Dao Sect will take the lead, but we need your support. This fight is bigger than any one of us.

A moment of tense silence later, Elder Arthus' voice was heard again. "Very well. The Silvermoon Clan will stand with you."

One by one, the other clan leaders nodded in agreement.

---

Mission Preparation

As the allied forces began their preparation for the assault on the portal, the atmosphere in the stronghold changed. Unsaid but understood by every warrior and strategist alike, this mission would either mark a turning point in their fight against the Mellians or spell their doom.

Mike and Cindy were at the training grounds, sparring furiously. The movements of Cindy were smooth and sure, her twin daggers a blur of silver light. Mike matched her moves with the spear with ease.

"You are holding back," Cindy said, narrowing her eyes.

Mike smirked. "I am trying not to embarrass you."

Cindy lunged, her daggers flashing perilously near his neck. "Embarrass this," she said with a grin.

The two continued to mock-fight, the ease of their friendship palpable despite the seriousness of it all.

Diane was sitting nearby, her aura fluttering with power as she worked on stabilizing her cultivation. Victor walked up to her, holding a small pouch with herbs in it.

"These should help with your energy," he said, handing it to her.

Diane nodded in gratitude. "Are you ready for this, Victor? We have gone through so much, but this… this somehow feels different."

Victor's face was unreadable. "I'm always ready. But you're right-this isn't like anything we've dealt with before. That's why we need to be stronger than ever."

---

A Glimpse of the Enemy

Far from the Eternal Dao Sect's preparations, the Dark Apostles watched the movements of the humans through a series of orbs shimmering in the air. Their figures were draped in darkness, their voices filled with malevolent undertones.

They have found the portal, said one Apostle, its voice full of mockery. Foolish creatures. They think they can stop us.

Another Apostle, much larger and more imposing, replied, "Let them come. This will be a perfect opportunity to test the next phase of our creations.

The third Apostle, whose glowing eyes radiated an unsettling calm, spoke with finality. "Do not underestimate them. They've already proven themselves capable of destroying our Mellians. If they reach the portal, they could disrupt our plans."

The first Apostle sneered. "Then we'll make sure they never reach it. Prepare the enhanced Mellians. Let's see how they handle true despair."

---

March to the Unknown

The day of the assault had arrived. Jayson and his men led the line of the combined forces, their faces grimly set and determination in their eyes. In all, this journey to the site of the portal would take some days, each pace deeper into hostile territory.

The more they marched, the more Jayson couldn't get rid of the feeling that they were being watched-the air was weighted, as though the shadows had a life all their own.

Be on your guard," he said to his friends. "This isn't going to be a clean fight."

Diane nodded, her eyes scouring the treeline for any sign of movement. "Whatever happens, we stay together. Nobody gets left behind."

Mike grinned, his spear slung over his shoulder. "You're not getting rid of me that easily.

The farther along they journeyed, the more barren the landscape became. The trees grew twisted and gnarled, their branches grasping toward the sky like skeletal hands. The ground beneath their feet was scorched and barren, a testament to the hateful presence of the Mellians.

In the distance, Jayson saw that the portal emanated an otherworldly glow. A shiver ran down his spine.

"This is it," he said in a very low tone, "The beginning of the end."

---

The Enemy Awaits

On the other hand, the allies would find their target ready for them, as countless lines of Mellians, each with staring eyes that emitted lights, tending to human advance. Large, swift, and stronger were the latest creations of their own, the advanced Mellians, standing abreast of one another in preparation.

In the center of the hostile army stood something the human races had never seen before. The figure stood in black armor, incomprehensibly crafted and pulsing with life, coarsing evil energy.

It raised its hand, and as if the sea were boiling loud, so did the roar from the Mellians sound.

"Let them come," the figure said, its voice cold and unfeeling. "We will show them the true meaning of despair."

---