The coliseum in Blue Wave City pulsed with excitement as the first round of the inter-sect competition unfolded. From the royal pavilions to the commoner stands, every eye was locked on the floating platforms, where young cultivators clashed in dazzling displays of martial prowess.
Makoto stood in the Azure Sun Sect's waiting area, his face calm but his mind focused. The noise of the crowd faded into the background as he prepared for his match. Yet, just as he centered himself, an icy sensation crept along his spine.
Turning slightly, Makoto's gaze landed on a figure within the Crimson Sea Sect's group. Lin Mei. Her crimson robes accentuated her cold, unrelenting glare, the hatred in her eyes palpable even from a distance. She was the same girl who had ambushed him in Blue Wave City, only to be defeated in a single stroke.
Makoto noted the faint trembling of her fingers, clenched tightly into fists. It wasn't fear-it was rage, humiliation, and a simmering need for revenge.
"Lin Mei," one of her sectmates whispered, "focus on your match. You'll get your chance."
Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't break eye contact with Makoto.
Makoto, however, simply turned away, his expression indifferent. She's not worth my time... yet.
The gong for Platform Two resounded, signaling the start of Yuna's match. Her opponent, a young man from the Heavenly Cloud Sect, wielded twin daggers that gleamed wickedly in the sunlight. He smirked at her, spinning the daggers casually.
"I'll make this quick," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Yuna didn't respond, her grip on her sword firm as she stepped into her stance. The crowd murmured as her opponent vanished in a blur, reappearing behind her with his daggers aimed for her back.
But Yuna was faster. Her sword flashed upward, blocking the attack with precision. Sparks flew as metal met metal, and she twisted her blade, forcing him to retreat.
"You're quick," he admitted, circling her.
"And you talk too much," she replied coolly.
Their clash resumed, the platform becoming a whirlwind of movement. Her opponent's twin daggers struck with relentless speed, each aimed at vital points. But Yuna danced between his strikes, her sword a silver blur that deflected every blow.
The crowd leaned forward as Yuna seized an opening. With a fluid motion, she disarmed him, her blade slicing through the leather strap holding his right dagger. Before he could recover, she struck again, her sword pressing against his throat.
"I... I concede!" he shouted, raising his hands.
Cheers erupted from the stands as Yuna lowered her weapon, her expression calm despite the intensity of the battle.
On Platform Four, a disciple from the Crimson Sea Sect unleashed a barrage of crimson flames against his opponent, the flames roaring like a wild beast. The Emerald Blossom Sect disciple retaliated with emerald-green qi, the two forces colliding in a spectacular explosion that left the crowd breathless.
On Platform Eight, Kaizen faced a formidable opponent from the Shi Clan, one of the region's major families. His fiery spear clashed against the Shi disciple's earth-aligned hammer, creating shockwaves that rippled across the arena.
Kaizen smirked as he sidestepped a heavy swing, his spear twisting in a dazzling arc that disarmed his opponent. With a final thrust, he forced the Shi disciple to the edge of the platform. The referee declared his victory, and Kaizen stepped down with a satisfied grin.
Makoto's Turn
Finally, the gong for Platform Five resounded. The crowd quieted as Makoto stepped onto the platform, his aura calm but commanding. Across from him stood a burly disciple from the Heavenly Cloud Sect, his fists glowing with qi.
"I've heard of you," the man said, cracking his knuckles. "The Azure Sun Sect's dark horse, right? Let's see if you're as good as they say."
His golden eyes, faintly glowing with the power of the Heart of Lumina, locked onto his opponent.
"You talk too much," Makoto said, his voice low but sharp enough to cut through the noise of the crowd.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The burly man wasted no time, charging at Makoto like a rampaging beast. His fists, wreathed in fiery qi, came crashing down in a flurry of blows. Each strike created ripples in the air, and the force of his punches shattered small chunks of the platform.
But Makoto didn't flinch. He sidestepped the first punch with ease, the second grazing his robe as he twisted his body. His movements were fluid, almost lazy, as if he were toying with his opponent.
"You're fast," the man growled, increasing the speed and intensity of his attacks.
Makoto dodged again, his feet barely moving as he avoided another barrage of strikes. The crowd gasped, captivated by his effortless defense.
"You think you can win by running away?" the man bellowed, slamming his fist into the platform. A burst of fiery qi erupted, creating a wave of heat that surged toward Makoto.
Makoto raised a single hand, a golden barrier forming around him. The fiery wave dissipated upon contact, leaving him unscathed.
"You're wasting energy," Makoto said calmly, his tone laced with a hint of mockery.
The burly disciple roared, his frustration boiling over. "Let's see if you can dodge this!"
With a deafening shout, he unleashed a technique, his fists glowing brighter as fiery chains shot out from his arms, aiming to ensnare Makoto. The chains moved with incredible speed, their heat distorting the air around them.
Makoto's eyes narrowed. With a swift motion, he stepped forward, weaving through the chains with almost supernatural precision. As the last chain passed him, he struck.
In a blur, Makoto closed the distance between them, his palm glowing faintly with golden light. The burly disciple barely had time to react as Makoto's hand slammed into his chest.
The force of the blow sent the man skidding backward, his feet leaving trails of sparks on the platform. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to stay upright.
"You're strong," Makoto said, his tone flat, "but strength without control is meaningless."
The crowd roared, impressed by Makoto's first strike. But the burly disciple wasn't done yet.
The man wiped the blood from his lips, his aura flaring violently. "Don't think it's over!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the coliseum. He clasped his hands together, gathering an enormous amount of qi.
"Burning Fist Annihilation!" he roared, his fists igniting in flames so intense that the spectators in the front rows could feel the heat. He charged at Makoto, his speed far greater than before, the air around him shimmering with heat distortion.
Makoto stood his ground, his golden eyes unblinking as his opponent closed the distance. Just as the flaming fists were about to strike, Makoto moved.
He sidestepped the first blow, his movements a blur. As the second fist came hurtling toward him, he caught it. The crowd gasped as Makoto's hand gripped the man's flaming fist, the golden glow around him extinguishing the fire.
The burly disciple's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible-"
Makoto didn't let him finish. With a twist of his wrist, he spun the man around and delivered a devastating palm strike to his back. The impact sent the disciple flying off the platform, his body crashing into the barrier before falling to the ground below.
The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting into deafening cheers. Makoto stood at the center of the platform, his expression calm and his robes unscathed.
The referee raised his hand. "Winner: Makoto of the Azure Sun Sect!"
Makoto turned and descended from the platform, his steps measured and deliberate. As he reached the Azure Sun Sect's waiting area, he felt a familiar icy glare on his back.
Lin Mei stood among the Crimson Sea Sect's disciples, her expression a mix of hatred and frustration. Her fingers trembled as she clenched them into fists.
Makoto glanced at her briefly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. You're next, he thought before turning his attention back to his sect mates.
In the royal pavilion, the First Prince, Han Long, leaned back with a smirk. "The Azure Sun Sect has some capable disciples this year. Perhaps they'll provide some entertainment."
The Second Prince, Han Yi, remained silent, his sharp gaze focused on Makoto.
In the Crimson Sea Sect's area, Lin Mei's expression darkened further. "He won't stay undefeated for long," she muttered.
Feng Liang, the younger son of the City Lord, sat in the VIP section, his eyes trailing after Yuna as she returned to the Azure Sun Sect's area. His lips curled into a predatory smile. "She's impressive. I'll make her mine soon enough."
As the first round concluded, Elder Jiang rose to address the crowd. "Today, we have witnessed the strength and determination of the region's finest disciples. Tomorrow, the true battles begin. Those who advance will face challenges that will test their limits."
The crowd roared in approval as the disciples returned to their quarters, the weight of the day's events heavy on their shoulders.
Makoto, Yuna, Kazu, and Hiru regrouped in the Azure Sun Sect's quarters. Yuna recounted her match with a faint smile, while Kazu and Hiru discussed strategies for the next round.
Makoto remained quiet, his thoughts lingering on Lin Mei's glare. If she seeks revenge, she'll have to do better than icy stares.