They continuously fought, but Zuzu failed to hit Kimaya's mount. Kimaya removed her armor and fused with her mount, unleashing a fatal attack called the Ancient Ring. This attack can trap opponents in another dimension or kill them instantly if their cultivation level is insufficient.
Given the zero percent chance of winning, Kimaya asked Zuzu: 'Will you surrender or fight to death?'"
The head of the alliance and Wulan Temple said: "This is an extremely delicate situation for Zuzu. Her decision will determine whether she'll live with shame."
Zuzu spoke up amidst Kimaya's fusion with his mount: "I surrender. But remember, this isn't the end. I will defeat you, not now but not never!"
"Quite effortless, wasn't it?" Kimaya said.
The first battle concluded, and Kimaya emerged victorious, securing her spot on the strongest team. The tournament continued, with approximately 20 fighters competing on the first day. After the battle, Zadin proceeded to the Alliance Holy Library to research suitable texts for studying powerful attacks. Upon arriving at the Holy Library, Zadin was greeted by an enormous, towering golden door adorned with intricate designs. As he approached, the door swung open majestically, inviting him in.
Upon entering, he found himself surrounded by countless floating books, each emitting a soft glow. The texts were categorized: some focused on offense, others on protection, and a select few were locked and forbidden, sparking Zadin's curiosity. Zadin wandered through the library's tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by impressive architectural details. The ambiance was serene, with an eerie silence, as if he were the sole occupant. Venturing deeper, he explored the shelves, initially drawn to the Combat section. A glowing purple book suddenly appeared, catching Zadin's eye. As he thought about reading it, the book zoomed towards him, opening with a warm 'Welcome, reader. I'm Holy book 6166, your ultimate fighting guide. Within the book, various combat techniques were detailed, along with associated risks. One attack caught his attention: "Guardian of Seal." This powerful technique required a fighter with Honor Level 50. Its immense strength could potentially shatter demon pillars. Though impressed by the 'Guardian of Seal' technique, Zadin pondered how to accelerate his Honor Level growth. Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts: 'Excellent choice, but beware; this book holds immense power and danger. Zadin replied, 'How did you know?' The voice chuckled, 'Having resided here for a nearly century, I've devoted myself to daily studies, rendering every little details here familiar."'
"Care to introduce yourself?"
"You'll figure me out soon enough."
Zadin wondered why the mysterious voice refused to reveal itself, when Firah suddenly appeared, proudly holding an ancient sword she had won at auction.
"Where'd you get that?" Zadin asked.
" I acquired it at the esteemed Golden Dawn Auction House, A few hours ago, I learned of an auction and promptly attended. Fortunately, the spell you taught me for creating gold coins proved advantageous."
"It's not luck, Firah. Everything in our cultivation life is the result of our efforts, not chance. You've exhausted your mana once again."
"Sorry; I thought the sword suited you perfectly, so I didn't hesitate."
"Firah, life isn't about luck; it's about choices and consequences. If you don't assert yourself, opportunists will exploit you." Zadin said.
" Yeah I know life is unfair, yet choices are yours to make. However consequences are inevitable."
"Don't push yourself further, Firah. If you have a battle tomorrow, return to your chambers, heal, and prepare. I'll take care of things here. You focus on yourself; I'll handle my cultivation. You're right – we're free to choose, but our choices have consequences."
As Firah departed, she suddenly collapsed after three steps. Zadin swiftly lifted her and carried her to her chambers. He placed a soothing talisman beside her to ensure a peaceful slumber and rapid mana replenishment. He exited the chamber and headed to the training grounds. Amidst the profound darkness and silence,he swiftly drew the sword Firah gave him. As he sensed its presence, the sword radiated light and soared upward, nearly causing him to stumble.
Suddenly, swirling bamboo leaves enveloped him. The Princess emerged, saying, "Let's see if you're worthy of wielding that sword."
The moon cast an eerie glow over the deserted training grounds. Shadows danced across the worn stone floor. He was wielding Firah's sacred sword, it's blade shimmering with an ethereal light. While the Princess armed with a slender, jade-hilted sword, her movements fluid and calculated.
Zadin charged forward, his sword flashing in wide arcs. The Princess parried each strike with precision, her jade sword singing as it met Zadin's blade. The clash of steel on steel echoed through the grounds. The Princess riposted, her sword farting like a serpent. Zadin leapt backward, avoiding the strike by a hair's breadth. He countered with a powerful swing, but the Princess sidestepped, using momentum to fuel her own attack. Bamboo leaves swirled around them, stirred by the whirlwind of clashing blades. The air resonated with the hum of steel and the heavy breathing of the combatants. The Princess unleashed a flurry of strikes, pushing Zadin back. He stumbled, his footwork faltering. Seizing the opening, the Princess thrust her sword forward. Zadin barely deflected the blow, his arm shuddering from the impact.
As the blades locked, the Princess's gaze pierced Zadin's. "Your technique is flawed," she whispered, before releasing a devastating combination.
Zadin stumbled, his sword wavering. The Princess stood poised, ready to deliver the final blow. Suddenly, Firah's sword surged with light, channeling ancient power. Zadin's stance steadied, and with renewed strength, he countered the Princess's attack. With renewed strength, Zadin countered the Princess's attack, their blades clashing in a dazzling display. The Princess stumbled, her jade sword wavering. Zadin seized the opening, unleashing a flurry of precise strikes. The Princess parried each blow, but Zadin's momentum was unstoppable.
As their swords met, Zadin's blade emitted a blinding flash. The Princess shielded her eyes, momentarily blinded. Zadin took advantage, landing a decisive blow that sent the Princess's sword flying. The Princess stood disarmed, her chest heaving. Zadin towered over her, his sword poised. Their eyes locked, a mix of respect and wariness passing between them. " Your technique is no longer flawed," she conceded. A pair of piercing eyes watched from the darkness, unseen and unnoted. The observer's face remained hidden, veiled by the night. Each sword strike, each party, was scrutinized with calculated interest. Amidst the darkness, a towering figure radiated intense power. Glowing red eyes, like embers from the underworld, burned with pride, witnessing Zadin's prowess. Zadin's instincts stirred, sending an unseen observer. He felt the weight of a piercing gaze upon him. Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, dagger glinting in the moonlight. "You'll never claim victory!" the assassin snarled, striking of Zadin's exposed back. The demonic presence erupted into motion. A dark , towering figure materializer beside Zadin, it's massive hand closing around the assassin's wrist. Bones cracked as the demon twisted, wrenching the dagger free. With a snarl, the demon hurled the assassin into the air. Ethereal claws unsheathed, tearing through the night, slicing the assassin's body into a dozen pieces. Bloody rained upon the bamboo forest floor. The Princess stumbled backward, horrified. "What manner of creature –"
Zadin stood frozen, gratitude and terror warring within him. "Who are you?" he whispered to the demon. The demon's crimson gaze locked onto Zadin's. Without a word, the demon vanished into the shadows, leaving Zadin shaken and the Princes pale. Zadin's gaze lingered on the darkness, his heart racing. "What have I awakened?" he whispered.
The Princess approached cautiously, jade sword trembling. "Zadin, are you injured?"
He shook his head, still transfixed. "Who was that demon?"
Her eyes darted toward the shadows. "Perhaps a guardian?"
Zadin's thoughts swirled. Guardian? Or harbinger of doom?
"Let's leave," the Princess urged, sheathing her sword. "This place feels cursed."
Zadin nodded, his senses on high alert. As they departed, the darkness appeared to pulse, awaiting his return.
As they stepped back into the manor, the warm glow of lanterns enveloped them, dispelling the darkness. Zadin's thoughts lingered on the demonic presence.
The Princess broke the silence. "We should inform the head about the assassin."
Zadin nodded, his mind racing. "And the demon."
Their footsteps echoed through the vacant corridors. Servants scurried about, unaware of the night's events.
Upon reaching the throne room, they found Wuyi deep in conversation with advisors. "Sir " Zadin began, "an attempt was made on my life."
The head's expression darkened. "Summon the guards. Double patrols tonight."
The Princess hesitated. "There's more, sir. A... creature intervened."
The advisors exchanged worried glances. "Describe this creature," the head commanded.
Zadin paused, choosing words carefully. "Tall, crimson eyes, ethereal claws. It saved my life, but..." He trailed off.
Wuyi's face turned grim. "We'll investigate. Zadin, remain vigilant."
As the night wore on, Zadin couldn't shake the feeling: the demon's gaze still watched him. Zadin paced, his mind racing. The Princess watched, concern etched on her face.
"Why would a demon save my life?" Zadin wondered aloud.
Her voice was soft. "Perhaps it sees value in you, Zadin."
Zadin halted, turning. "Value? What could I possibly offer a creature of darkness?"
She stepped closer. "Your skill, bravery... or something more?"
Zadin's eyes narrowed. "You think it's connected to the prophecy?"
She nodded. "Maybe the demon believes you're crucial to fulfilling it."
Zadin's thoughts swirled. Destiny, demons, and ancient prophecies—what did it all mean? I'm meant to kill them.