Five years later, in the Divine Realm—a realm that now stands as the only unified world among the Four Realms: Divine, Demonic, Beast, and Underworld. Currently, the Divine Realm is governed by the prestigious DongfangSaint Dragon Clan, whose authority has been openly acknowledged by other families in the realm, such as the Angel Clan and the Wind Elf Clan.
Today, the Sacred Dragon Square is packed with people from all corners of the realms. The air is buzzing with anticipation as everyone eagerly awaits the final match of this decade's Sacred Martial Tournament.
The Sacred Martial Tournament, held every ten years, is not just the most magnificent event across the Four Realms but also the most prestigious competition to crown the strongest warriors of the era. Regardless of your origin or background, as long as you have the strength, you can participate. However, whether you rise to fame or meet your end depends entirely on your power.
This year, the tournament is hosted by the ruling Saint Dragon Clan. Its patriarch, DongfangBai, sits at the center of the VIP platform, calm and composed. His presence, however, carries a hint of subtle excitement, for one of the finalists is none other than his son, DongfangYifeng.
To his left sits the loyal retainer of the Saint Dragon Clan, the Angel Clan's leader, Aegler, exuding an aura of elegance and tranquility. On his right is a towering figure—a legendary warrior from the Beast Realm known as Beast King Xie Lun, a former finalist of the last Sacred Martial Tournament.
The previous tournament had ended in a rare three-way draw, as the top contenders were equally matched in skill and power. Those three—Xie Lun, the Priest Isle Master Andy, and the Rainbow Valley Lord Long Huan—are now hailed as the most powerful individuals in the Four Realms. However, Long Huan mysteriously vanished five years ago, and the once-accessible paths to Rainbow Valley have since been sealed.
"Look! It's DongfangYifeng!"
A ripple of excitement surges through the crowd as a white-robed young man strides confidently into the arena. His striking features and calm demeanor immediately draw all eyes. Behind him, a lively four- or five-year-old boy follows, seemingly unbothered by the massive crowd.
"Here comes Situ Juekong!" another voice exclaims. The arrival of the black-clad youth commands equal attention. This is none other than the current head of the Demonic Dragon Clan, Situ Juekong. Four years ago, following the death of the previous clan head during a war, Situ took up the mantle and swiftly consolidated power, uniting the Blood Demon Clan, Shadow Clan, and other factions under his leadership. His growing dominance hints at a possible unification of the Demon Realm.
Behind him is another young boy, visibly shy and wide-eyed, his demeanor a stark contrast to the lively child accompanying DongfangYifeng.
"DongfangPatriarch's son is truly extraordinary," Xie Lun remarked with a chuckle, leaning slightly toward DongfangBai. "To have reached the peak of the Eighth Stage at such a young age is remarkable."
"Beast King flatters us," DongfangBai replied modestly. "Your strength as a Ninth Stage warrior remains unmatched. My son is still far from that level."
Xie Lun smiled but turned his gaze toward the black-robed youth. "And yet, this young master of the Demonic Dragon Clan has also reached the Eighth Stage. Long Huan truly had an eye for disciples."
DongfangBai nodded, his expression tinged with sorrow. "Yes, Yifeng owes much of his growth to Long Huan's teachings. It's a shame that Long Huan vanished after my sister Qing's passing five years ago."
Xie Lun's tone grew solemn. "And the mortal Jian family disappeared not long after, with their city, Hua Town, reduced to ruins. While there's no evidence linking Long Huan to the Jian family's demise, only someone of his caliber could have done it."
DongfangBai's silence was heavy, the weight of unspoken truths evident in his eyes.
The two young contenders stepped onto the stage, their auras clashing even before the fight began. Situ Juekong's eyes locked onto DongfangYifeng's, and he said calmly, "Today, we finally get to settle things."
"I've been waiting for this," Yifeng replied with equal composure before turning to the child at his side. "Xiao Luo, go and watch from Ling'er's side."
Situ Juekong mirrored the gesture, addressing the boy with him, "Xiao Nuo, join them."
The two children ascended the VIP platform, making their way to a young woman with a warm smile. "Come here, Xiao Luo, Xiao Nuo," she said gently, patting their heads.
Despite her calm demeanor, anyone observing closely would notice that the two boys looked identical. It was only their clothes—and the family crest marking Xiao Nuo's chest—that allowed people to distinguish them.
As their eyes met briefly, the boys exchanged awkward glances, their expressions betraying a shared secret.
"Don't worry," the young woman whispered reassuringly, "as long as you act natural, no one will notice."
Relieved by her words, the boys settled down beside her, their gazes fixed on the arena as anticipation filled the air.
On the stage, the two warriors stood ready. DongfangBai rose from his seat and addressed the crowd. "Silence!" His commanding voice instantly quelled the restless audience.
"Today, my son, DongfangYifeng, will face Situ Juekong, the head of the Demonic Dragon Clan. This is a match of honor—neither contestant shall take the other's life. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification!"
His tone softened as he continued, "While I have your attention, I'd also like to announce a joyous occasion. My son will be betrothed to Miss Gan Ling, daughter of Beast King Gan Lie, and their wedding will take place in three months!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs of surprise, their excitement only growing. On the platform, Gan Ling's expression tightened, her calm mask slipping momentarily. Situ Juekong's eyes flickered toward her, while Xiao Luo, seated beside her, asked in a low voice, "Is this true?"
Gan Ling said nothing, her gaze instead fixed on the arena below.
Back on the stage, Situ Juekong's focus returned to his opponent. With a faint smile, he said, "Congratulations, DongfangYifeng. I will be sure to bring a generous gift to your wedding. But for now, let's fight!"
Yifeng said nothing, instead drawing a pendant from around his neck. Chanting softly, he transformed the pendant into a radiant sword, its jade hilt and steel blade shimmering with divine light.
"The Light Saint Sword!" Xie Lun exclaimed. "One of the Upper Three Divine Swords. To wield it at such a young age—Long Huan's tutelage was truly remarkable."
"Your move," Yifeng said.
Situ Juekong raised his wrist, transforming a black bracelet into a sinister sword. Its hilt, adorned with twin demonic heads, seemed to pulse with dark energy, while eerie runes glowed along the blade.
"The Blood Demon Sword…" Xie Lun muttered, his tone grave. "Two of the Upper Divine Swords appearing in one match? This will be a spectacle to remember."
The two fighters clashed, their movements a blur as sword met sword. The arena was soon filled with flashes of light and bursts of darkness, each strike carrying unimaginable power.
Spectators watched in awe as the white-robed Yifeng unleashed a barrage of swift, elegant attacks, while Juekong's dark swordsmanship countered with unyielding ferocity.
At last, with one decisive move, Yifeng's blade came to rest at Juekong's throat.
"I've lost," Juekong admitted, his voice steady. "Your Flying Sword Break is even more refined than it was five years ago."
Yifeng lowered his sword slightly and asked, "Why did you let me win?"
Juekong's answer was lost in the roar of the crowd as they erupted into thunderous applause, celebrating the breathtaking battle they had just witnessed.