Takeda Ryo's figure hovered slowly over the continent, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the radiant burst of light before him. His once-calm eyes, tempered by years of cultivation, suddenly burned with fervor. He murmured to himself, "Decades of training have almost made me forget the thrill of battle..."
A sudden sensation jolted through him, his eyes snapping open in surprise as he focused intently on the beam of light before him. The astonishment in his gaze was unmistakable.
As the beam of light erupted, powerful figures from all directions began to arrive, gathering in this space within mere moments. The younger generation of formidable warriors assembled in great numbers, their strength promising a future of even greater legends.
The descendants of the Yakushi Clan, once saved by Takeda Ryo from the Void Devourer, had continued their bloodline. Likewise, the Kodai Clan had produced many new powerful warriors. Among them, Kodai Gou and Kodai Mei stood as the clan's proud representatives.
Takeda Haru had reached the strength of a Douzong at a remarkably young age. The Taixu Ancient Dragon clan, too, had not fallen behind. With such a surge of power, the future of this world promised unparalleled excitement.
Kodai Gen and Sugawara Katsu floated near Takeda Ryo, their gazes fixed on the beam of light. Sugawara Katsu whispered, "Could this be... the passage to another continent?"
The surrounding warriors turned at his words. Takeda Ryo furrowed his brows slightly before nodding.
At that moment, all those within a thousand-mile radius of the beam of light felt an eerie energy emanating from it, pulling at their spirits. Kodai Gen and Sugawara Katsu's expressions changed instantly, swiftly reinforcing their defenses before retreating in alarm. Their eyes were filled with shock, but Takeda Ryo remained unmoving, standing before the light with unwavering focus.
"This... is the Emperor's Source?" Takeda Ryo murmured in awe. A powerful feeling surged within him. Instinctively, he thrust his palms into the beam of light, gathering the energy. Kodai Gen, Sugawara Katsu, and the other eminent warriors watched him with knowing expressions.
Understanding its significance, they refrained from interfering as Takeda Ryo collected the precious energy. With the Emperor's Source now scattered across the continent, those fortunate enough to obtain it would have the chance to ascend to Emperor status.
Even from a distance, the pressure radiating from the beam of light weighed heavily on Kodai Gen and Sugawara Katsu. This overwhelming force originated from the Emperor's Source itself—far too potent for even battle-hardened warriors like them to withstand. Even Takeda Ryo felt his fighting spirit tremble slightly under its force.
Having gathered a significant amount of Emperor's Source energy, Takeda Ryo turned, pulling Hoshino Kaori into a tight embrace. Resting his forehead against her shoulder, he whispered gently, "Don't worry about me. Take care of our children. Kaori, wait for my return."
Hoshino Kaori trembled slightly. She knew Takeda Ryo was leaving for an unknown world, and her heart clenched at the thought. Yet she understood—Takeda Ryo was not only her husband but the strongest warrior of this continent, constantly striving for supremacy. Holding back her sorrow, she responded softly, "This is the fate of those who walk the warrior's path..."
Takeda Ryo smiled, nodding before whispering playfully in her ear, "Kaori, I have no choice but to go."
A shadow flickered across the sky, and in an instant, Aoki Rin appeared before Takeda Ryo, her expression unreadable.
Takeda Ryo hesitated for a moment before smiling at her. He didn't know how to explain himself, so he turned to Kaori with a pleading look.
Seeing his helpless expression, Kaori chuckled. But before she could speak, Aoki Rin huffed in irritation. "Hmph, don't think you can use Kaori to persuade me. It's useless! How can I let you go so easily? We have a family, children—we can't just leave everything behind! You think you can have it all your way, don't you?"
The surrounding warriors laughed at their exchange. Takeda Ryo sighed in resignation. Kaori, suppressing her amusement, gently patted Aoki Rin's shoulder. "Sister Rin, you know how men like him are. He has to pursue his path. Let him go—we'll take care of things here."
Aoki Rin crossed her arms and pouted. She glanced at Kaori, then at Takeda Ryo's desperate face, and finally relented with a sigh. "Fine! But you'd better return in one piece. If you come back even slightly injured,
I'll make you regret it! The children need their father, and I refuse to raise them alone."
Takeda Ryo let out a nervous chuckle, quickly nodding. "Thank you, my wife. I swear I'll return unharmed." With a wave of his hand, several orbs of light appeared before him. "This is the Emperor's Source. With this, you can break through to Emperor rank. Once you achieve it, come find me."
He distributed the orbs to Aoki Rin, Hoshino Kaori, Kodai Gen, Sugawara Katsu, and the others.
"Elders, after I leave, please take care of the Takeda Clan. I am deeply grateful." Takeda Ryo bowed to the gathered warriors. His only concern was for his clan's safety. With his rise to Emperor status, the bloodline's power had been awakened, benefiting those close to him.
As a result, the Takeda Clan had risen to prominence within a few short years, surpassing all others.
Kodai Gen laughed. "Hah! Do you really think anyone would dare trouble the Takeda Clan with me here?" He glanced at the black-clad youth before him and sighed. "In just a few decades, you've risen from an unknown boy to the pinnacle of this continent. It's truly remarkable."
Sugawara Katsu pounded his chest. "Leave it to us, Ryo. The Kodai Clan and I will break through as soon as possible and follow you."
Takeda Ryo smiled, reassured. "I'll be waiting."
"Father!" A small, delicate voice called out. A girl ran into Takeda Ryo's arms—it was Takeda Sayuri.
Sayuri, now twelve, bore her mother's striking beauty. Her rapid growth had stunned even the elders. With her mother's celestial bloodline and her father's Emperor lineage, she had already reached the Nine-Star rank. At this rate, she might surpass even Aoki Rin in power one day.
Takeda Ryo gently stroked Sayuri's head. "Sayuri, I'm counting on you to look after the family while I'm gone, alright?" He playfully pinched her nose.
Sayuri straightened up, responding solemnly, "Understood, Father! Leave everything to me!" She then pointed excitedly. "Look, Grandmaster is here too!"
Takeda Ryo turned and saw an elderly figure standing quietly. His heart surged with emotion. "Master—"
The old man, Yagami Daisuke, smiled warmly. Watching his once-helpless disciple grow into the continent's strongest warrior filled him with pride.
"Be careful, Ryo. I can no longer protect you, but when you carve your legend, take me along for the ride! Hahaha!"
Takeda Ryo grinned. With a final bow of gratitude, he stepped into the beam of light, vanishing into the unknown, leaving behind a chorus of voices cheering:
"Long live Emperor Ryo!"
His legend would be passed down for generations to come.