The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as Makoto, Yuna, and the brothers Hiro and Kazu made their way toward Blue Wave City. The path wound through dense forests and open plains, the chirping of crickets and rustling leaves their only companions.
The brothers were talkative, with Hiro leading most of the conversation.
"So, Makoto," Hiro began, walking a few paces ahead. "You've made quite the name for yourself in the sect. Taking down a core disciple? That's no small feat."
Makoto remained calm, his expression unreadable. "It wasn't a matter of choice. He forced my hand."
Kazu, the quieter of the two, nodded. "Still, it's impressive. Most outer disciples would have been crushed under the pressure."
Yuna, walking beside Makoto, glanced at him. "He's always been good at staying calm under pressure," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Makoto didn't respond, his focus on the path ahead.
As night fell, the group set up camp in a clearing near a stream. The crackling fire provided warmth, its flickering light casting long shadows on the surrounding trees.
While Hiro and Kazu were busy roasting meat, Makoto sat cross-legged, his eyes closed in meditation. The air around him grew still, a faint aura of energy swirling as he absorbed the natural qi of the surroundings.
Yuna watched him silently, her thoughts her own.
"You're not like the other outer disciples," Hiro said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Makoto opened his eyes, meeting Hiro's curious gaze.
"What makes you say that?" Makoto asked.
Hiro shrugged, grinning. "You've got this… presence. Like you've seen things we can't even imagine. Kazu and I, we've been in the sect for years, but we've never met anyone like you."
Kazu nodded in agreement. "You don't act like someone trying to prove themselves. It's like you already know your worth."
Makoto's lips curled into a faint smile. "Perhaps I've simply learned to value what truly matters."
Before the brothers could press further, a rustling in the bushes nearby caught everyone's attention.
Makoto stood, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "Stay alert," he said, his voice low but commanding.
From the shadows, three figures emerged. They were rogue cultivators, their tattered robes and sinister grins marking them as trouble.
"Well, well," one of them sneered. "What do we have here? A group of sect disciples, far from home."
Another laughed. "Looks like they've got some valuable supplies. Hand them over, and we might let you go."
Hiro stepped forward, his sword drawn. "You'll have to take them by force."
The rogue cultivators laughed, their auras flaring. They were all at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, their strength a clear threat to the group.
Makoto stepped in front of Hiro, his eyes narrowing. "Stay back," he said calmly. "I'll handle this."
The rogues lunged at Makoto, their weapons gleaming in the firelight. Makoto moved like a shadow, his steps fluid and precise.
In an instant, he disarmed the first rogue, his sword slicing through the man's weapon as if it were paper. A swift kick sent the rogue sprawling to the ground, unconscious.
The second rogue hesitated but charged forward, his blade aimed at Makoto's chest. Makoto sidestepped effortlessly, his hand striking the rogue's wrist with precision. The weapon clattered to the ground, and a well-placed palm strike to the chest sent the man flying into a tree.
The third rogue, realizing he was outmatched, tried to flee.
Makoto raised his hand, a faint glow emanating from his palm. A burst of qi shot forward, striking the rogue's leg and sending him tumbling to the ground.
The entire fight lasted mere moments, leaving the brothers and Yuna staring in stunned silence.
"Are you all right?" Makoto asked, turning to the group as if nothing had happened.
Hiro laughed nervously. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
Yuna smiled faintly, her trust in Makoto unwavering.
The bustling streets of Blue Wave City were teeming with life. Merchants hawked their wares loudly, while cultivators from various sects and clans strode confidently through the crowd. Makoto and Yuna navigated the vibrant chaos, their eyes scanning the cityscape for the auction house.
Makoto carried himself with an air of calm indifference, though his piercing gaze made even the rowdiest onlookers hesitate. Yuna, walking a step behind, occasionally glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Is this your first time in a city like this?" she asked.
Makoto nodded slightly. "It's been a long time since I walked among mortals. Things feel... different now."
Yuna tilted her head. "Different how?"
Before Makoto could answer, a group of young men dressed in the robes of the Azure Sun Sect approached. Their leader, a cocky disciple with a jagged scar across his cheek, smirked as he blocked their path.
"Well, well. If it isn't the outer disciple who caused such a stir back at the sect," the scarred man sneered. His eyes flickered to Yuna. "And your little companion. Quite the pair."
Makoto's expression remained neutral. "Move."
The man laughed, joined by his companions. "You think you can just order me around? You're nothing but a jumped-up outer disciple. Rumor has it you're hiding a treasure you found in the Moonlit Forest. Why don't you hand it over before someone gets hurt?"
Makoto's eyes narrowed. "And what if I don't?"
The scarred man's grin widened as he stepped closer. "Then I'll have to teach you some manners."
The street cleared as the tension thickened, bystanders sensing the brewing conflict. Makoto stood still, his hand twitching slightly at his side.
The scarred man swung a fist, his qi surging as he aimed for Makoto's chest. In a flash, Makoto sidestepped, grabbing the man's wrist with a grip like iron. The sound of bones cracking echoed through the street as Makoto twisted the arm unnaturally.
The man howled in pain, but before he could react further, Makoto's hand slammed against his chest, directly over his heart. A burst of qi surged from Makoto's palm, penetrating the man's body.
"You should've stayed quiet," Makoto muttered coldly. With a sudden squeeze, his qi constricted around the man's heart. The man's screams turned into a choking gurgle as his body went limp.
Makoto let the lifeless body fall to the ground, his gaze shifting to the man's companions. Their faces were pale with terror.
"Take the body back to the sect," Makoto ordered, his voice calm but icy. "Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can provoke me."
The men scrambled to obey, dragging their leader's corpse away. Yuna watched the scene unfold silently, her expression unreadable.
"Stay close," Makoto said, his voice firm. "This city isn't like the sect. Trust is a rare commodity here."
Hiro and Kazu nodded, their usual cheer subdued by the city's imposing atmosphere.
As they made their way through the crowded streets, Makoto's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. He could feel the weight of numerous gazes, some curious, others hostile.
"This place is a nest of vipers," Yuna murmured.
Makoto smirked. "Exactly why it's the perfect place for the exams. Only the strong will thrive here."
Unbeknownst to the group, a figure watched them from the shadows. Clad in dark robes, the man's eyes gleamed with malice.
"So, that's the boy causing all the commotion in the Azure Sun Sect," he muttered. "Kaizen wasn't exaggerating. He's dangerous."
The man disappeared into the crowd, his destination clear—he had a message to deliver to Li Zhang, the strongest disciple in the sect's younger generation.
As the group settled into an inn, the reality of the challenges ahead began to sink in. Blue Wave City was more than just a test of strength—it was a battlefield where alliances would be forged, secrets uncovered, and enemies revealed.
Makoto stood outside the grand auction house, its towering golden doors carved with intricate patterns that gleamed under the city's lantern-lit sky. He turned to Yuna.
"This auction isn't just about selling," he said. "There's something I want to get."
Yuna raised an eyebrow. "Something to improve your cultivation?"
Makoto's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Exactly. Let's head inside."
The auction house's interior was an opulent display of wealth, with chandeliers of spirit crystals casting a warm glow across polished floors. The scent of incense filled the air, and the sound of murmured negotiations echoed through the spacious hall.
Makoto approached a side counter marked "Private Trades" and handed over a sealed letter. The attendant, a neatly dressed man with a reserved demeanor, skimmed the contents before gesturing for them to wait.
Moments later, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence emerged. His robes were embroidered with gold, marking him as the auction manager.
"You must be the seller of these… extraordinary items," the manager said, his tone courteous but probing.
Makoto nodded. "I have something rare to put up for auction. I trust your establishment can handle it discreetly."
The manager's eyes glimmered with interest. "Of course. May I see it?"
Makoto retrieved a small, unassuming jade box from his storage ring and handed it over. The manager opened it carefully, his expression tightening as he examined the contents. Inside lay a radiant Moonlit Herb, its golden glow pulsating with spiritual energy.
"This… is remarkable," the manager said, his voice low. "It will attract significant attention."
"That's the idea," Makoto said. "Make sure it sells for its true value."
The manager nodded, slipping into his professional demeanor. "You'll receive priority seating for the auction. A private booth has been arranged. I assume you'll be participating as well?"
Makoto smiled faintly. "Naturally."
Makoto and Yuna sat in their private booth overlooking the grand auction hall. The room buzzed with anticipation as the auctioneer, a striking woman in a deep crimson dress, stepped onto the stage.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Blue Wave Auction!" Her voice rang out, commanding attention. "Tonight, we have treasures that will inspire envy in even the most seasoned cultivators. Let us begin!"
The first items were minor spirit herbs and beast cores, quickly snatched up by eager bidders. Makoto leaned back, uninterested, until the auctioneer announced something that caught his attention.
"Next, we have the Spirit Channeling Jade! This rare artifact enhances spiritual energy absorption during cultivation, making it invaluable for breakthroughs. Starting bid: 5,000 gold coins!"
Makoto's eyes gleamed. "This could accelerate my progress," he murmured.
"6,000 gold coins!" a voice called from the main hall.
"7,500!" another bidder countered.
Makoto tapped the jade tablet linked to his booth. "10,000."
A murmur swept through the hall. The private booths were reserved for high-profile attendees, and Makoto's sudden bid piqued curiosity.
"12,000!" another voice challenged, this one from a well-dressed young man seated in the VIP section below.
Makoto smirked. "15,000."
The young man scowled, hesitating. Eventually, he sat back, conceding defeat as the auctioneer's gavel came down. "Sold! To our honored guest in Booth Seven!"
Yuna leaned closer, whispering, "You're spending a lot for someone who just sold a rare treasure."
"Investment," Makoto replied simply.
The auction continued, and Makoto remained quiet until a set of crystalline earrings appeared on stage.
"These earrings are imbued with a protective array that shields the wearer from spiritual attacks," the auctioneer explained. "Starting bid: 3,000 gold coins!"
Yuna glanced at Makoto. "You're not bidding, are you?"
"5,000," Makoto said without hesitation.
Yuna blinked. "Why would you—"
"10,000," came a counterbid from the main hall.
"15,000," Makoto said calmly.
The hall fell silent. Few cultivators valued protective artifacts, but Makoto's determination was unmistakable.
"Sold! To Booth Seven!"
Yuna stared at him as the earrings were brought to their booth. Makoto handed them to her, his expression unreadable.
"You'll need them," he said simply. "The path ahead won't be safe."
Yuna accepted the gift silently, a faint blush on her cheeks.
The auction was nearing its climax when Kaizen and Hiroshi arrived. Their presence sent ripples of tension through the room, as many recognized Hiroshi, one of the strongest deacons currently in the Li family .
Kaizen's gaze swept the hall before locking onto Makoto's booth. He nudged Hiroshi, whispering something that made the older man chuckle darkly.
As the final item of the night was unveiled—a Celestial Lotus capable of purifying qi and accelerating breakthroughs—Kaizen's voice rang out.
"20,000 gold coins!"
Makoto's eyes narrowed. "25,000."
Kaizen smirked. "30,000."
The room buzzed with excitement as the two went back and forth, their bids escalating rapidly. Hiroshi watched with interest, his gaze fixed on Makoto.
"50,000," Makoto said, his tone calm but decisive.
Kaizen hesitated, his confidence wavering. He turned to Hiroshi, who shook his head slightly, signaling restraint.
"Sold! To Booth Seven!"
After the auction, Kaizen and Hiroshi confronted Makoto and Yuna outside. Kaizen's expression was smug, but Hiroshi's calm, assessing gaze lingered on Makoto.
"So, this is the infamous Makoto," Hiroshi said, his voice deep and even. "You've caused quite a stir for an outer disciple."
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Makoto's confidence. "Bold words for someone so outmatched."
Makoto stepped forward, his aura flaring dangerously. "If you think I'm an easy target, then come at me."
"You think you're clever, don't you?" Kaizen sneered. "Hiding in your little booth, throwing money around like it makes you untouchable."
Makoto's gaze was cold. "I don't need to hide. If you have something to say, say it."
Kaizen's face twisted in anger, but Hiroshi stepped forward, his aura heavy and oppressive. "Careful, Kaizen. He's not as weak as you think."
Makoto's lips curled into a faint smile. "Smart advice. You should listen to him."
Kaizen lunged first, his blade slicing through the air. Makoto met him head-on, his hand thrusting forward to intercept. His palm struck Kaizen's chest with a burst of qi, sending the younger man flying into a nearby wall.
Hiroshi's smile faded as he stepped forward, his own aura surging. "Interesting. Let's see how far your arrogance can take you."
The confrontation escalated into a fierce battle, Hiroshi's strikes swift and precise. But Makoto fought like a demon, his movements unpredictable and brutal. At one point, he dodged a lethal blow, placing his hand directly over Hiroshi's heart.
"Do you feel it?" Makoto asked coldly, his qi seeping into Hiroshi's chest. "That's your life slipping away."
Hiroshi's expression twisted in pain, but he managed to break free, retreating several steps. Blood dripped from his lips as he glared at Makoto.
"You're dangerous," Hiroshi admitted. "But this isn't over."
He grabbed Kaizen's unconscious body and vanished into the night, leaving Makoto and Yuna alone in the street.
Yuna looked at Makoto, concern in her eyes. "You're making enemies faster than you can count."
Makoto wiped blood from his hands, his gaze distant. "Let them come. The stronger they are, the better."
Yuna sighed but said nothing, following him back to their inn. As they walked, Makoto's thoughts were already on the next challenge.
Back at their inn, Makoto studied the Spirit Channeling Jade in his hands. The path to strength was littered with obstacles, but he was prepared for every challenge.
"Let them come," he murmured to himself, his resolve unshaken. "I'll crush them all."