Scarlet Shadows: Rise Of The abyssal demon emperor

The Zhen family's central courtyard was alive with tension, the air thick with the silent expectations of its members. Servants scurried in hushed movements, casting nervous glances at the gathering of elders seated at the head pavilion. Each of them bore the mark of authority, their expressions stern as they awaited the arrival of Zhen Yang, summoned by decree.

Standing among them, Zhen Yue and Zhen Liang exchanged wary looks. The recent commotion surrounding Zhen Yang had unsettled them both. Whispers of his transformation had reached every corner of the estate, but no one truly understood the depth of what had occurred.

"Do you think the rumors are true?" Zhen Liang asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"If they are, we're all in danger," Zhen Yue replied grimly. "But we can't act hastily. The elders will handle him."

But deep down, both knew the elders might not be enough.

Zhen Yang approached the courtyard slowly, his steps deliberate and unhurried. He could feel the eyes of the estate on him, their fear palpable in the way they shrank from his presence. His crimson eyes glowed faintly, a silent reminder of the power he now wielded. In his hand, he carried the obsidian-black scroll he'd retrieved from the hidden chamber, the whispers of its dark promises still fresh in his mind.

As he entered the courtyard, the murmurs ceased. All attention turned to him, the weight of their collective gaze unrelenting. The elders straightened in their seats, their expressions a mixture of anger and apprehension.

"Zhen Yang," Elder Zhen Xuan's voice boomed, breaking the silence. "You stand accused of violating the sacred grounds and invoking forbidden powers. Explain yourself."

Zhen Yang stopped in the center of the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the tension build. Then, he smiled—a cold, calculated expression that sent shivers through those who saw it.

"Explain myself?" he repeated, his tone mocking. "Should I explain why I've transcended the limitations of this pitiful family? Or why you cower before power you cannot comprehend?"

The elders bristled, their authority challenged. Zhen Xuan slammed his hand on the table before him, the sound echoing through the courtyard.

"Arrogant child! You think a taste of power makes you invincible?" he snarled. "We are the Zhen family, guardians of tradition and order. Your recklessness threatens everything we stand for. Surrender the scroll and submit to judgment, or face the consequences."

Zhen Yang's smile widened. "Consequences? Is that a threat, Elder? Or a plea?"

Before Zhen Xuan could respond, Zhen Yang unfurled the scroll. Dark energy erupted from its surface, swirling around him like a living storm. Gasps erupted from the crowd as the oppressive aura filled the courtyard, its malice undeniable.

"You speak of tradition and order," Zhen Yang said, his voice cold and resonant. "But those are the chains that keep this family weak. Power is the only truth, and I—I am the embodiment of that truth."

The elders leaped into action, their cultivation flaring as they prepared to subdue him. Zhen Xuan led the charge, his spiritual blade shimmering as he launched himself at Zhen Yang.

But Zhen Yang was ready. With a flick of his wrist, the dark energy coalesced into a barrier, deflecting the attack effortlessly. He countered with a wave of crimson flames, forcing the elder back.

Chaos erupted as more elders joined the fray, their combined efforts creating a dazzling display of power. But no matter how they attacked, Zhen Yang met them with overwhelming force. His movements were precise, his strikes devastating. It was clear he wasn't just defending himself—he was toying with them.

From the sidelines, Zhen Yue watched in horror. This wasn't the younger brother she'd known. The boy who had once laughed with her, who had struggled to find his place in the family—he was gone. In his place stood a monster, one she could barely recognize.

"We have to stop him," she whispered, clutching Zhen Liang's arm. "If he keeps going, he'll…"

"He'll destroy us all," Zhen Liang finished grimly. "But what can we do? Even the elders can't contain him."

"There has to be a way," Zhen Yue insisted. Her mind raced, searching for a solution. But deep down, she feared there wasn't one.

As the battle raged, Zhen Yang's dominance became undeniable. One by one, the elders fell, their strength no match for his abyssal power. The courtyard was in ruins, the air thick with smoke and the scent of charred earth.

Zhen Yang stood amidst the destruction, his gaze sweeping over the defeated elders. They lay scattered around him, their once-proud forms battered and broken.

"This is the fate of those who cling to the past," he said, his voice cutting through the silence. "The Zhen family's future lies with me. And those who oppose me will share their fate."

He turned to leave, the scroll rolling itself shut as the dark energy receded. But as he took his first step, a voice called out.

"Zhen Yang, stop!"

He turned to see Zhen Yue standing at the edge of the courtyard, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Is this what you wanted?" she demanded. "To tear this family apart? To become a tyrant?"

Zhen Yang met her gaze, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the boy he'd once been seemed to flicker behind his crimson eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it came.

"The family was already broken," he said. "I've simply discarded the pieces."

Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving the Zhen family to reckon with the shadow he'd cast over them.