Chapter 73: Trial of Sequences – Crimson Edge vs. Gale Edge
I. The Roar of the Plaza
The Pavilion plaza vibrated. The twenty platforms of light floated above obsidian slabs, connected only by narrow paths of blue energy. The crowd—junior disciples, elders, foreign emissaries, and even outsiders seeking glory—filled the balconies and ledges. The tension was electric.
The System boomed with a solemn voice:
[First Round of the Trial of Sequences:
Kael, Crimson Edge (Origin Realm, Stage 7; Dragon/Sword)
vs.
Rowan, Gale Edge (Peak Transcendence; Wind/Blade)]
Samael, with the countenance of an ancestral judge, floated above the plaza. —"The era of true pillars begins. Only those who rise here shall be worthy of guiding the next generation."
II. The Blade and the Wind – Preparations
Kael, wrapped in a crimson cloak, stepped onto the platform. His sword—a two-meter monster etched with draconic runes—rested on his shoulder. Dragon fire danced in his eyes, but his expression remained calm.
Across from him, Rowan shed his pale green cloak, letting the wind catch his hair. His sword was simple, but every fiber of his being vibrated with an ethereal, cutting Qi. —"I have dreamed of this challenge," Rowan whispered, gripping the hilt. "Today, I step out of your shadow."
Kael offered a half-smile. —"The wind may surround the mountain, but the edge splits it."
In the stands, Violeta and Eris exchanged looks of excitement, Lys and Elara cheered for Rowan, and Cedric watched with cold attention, evaluating every detail.
III. First Bout: Storm and Fire
The gong resonated. Rowan was the first to move, vanishing in a whirlwind. —"Sword Art: Step of a Thousand Wings."
Dozens of afterimages of Rowan surrounded Kael, each launching wind slashes that twisted space and sound. Most junior cultivators could not follow the combat; they saw only silver flashes.
Kael spun on his heels, his blade shining. —"Crimson Dragon Dance: Guardian of the Dawn." From his sword erupted a crescent arc of red fire, as wide as the platform. Rowan's wind crashed against the heat, forming a storm of steam and lightning. Rowan, instead of retreating, lunged into the heart of the storm, capitalizing on his speed. —"Rising Gale Slash!"
A vertical gust cut through the wall of fire. For an instant, the edge of wind and fire met in perfect equilibrium. The audience held their breath.
IV. Second Bout: Spirit and Strategy
Kael took a step back. The dragon tattoo on his forearm glowed; his lineage power activated. —"Do not underestimate me, Rowan. Dragons do not dance: they hunt."
Kael channeled Qi into his legs and lunged with inhuman speed, his sword moving in unpredictable arcs. Every strike made the platform rumble. Rowan, sweating, knew he could not match that raw strength. Instead of resisting, he shifted tactics. —"Secret Art: Dawn Mist."
The wind grew cold. A pale mist covered the platform, hiding Rowan. Kael, raising his head, closed his eyes and listened. From the haze, Rowan emerged silently, cutting not at Kael's body but at his shadow (a forbidden technique learned by observing Lyra). For an instant, Kael felt the edge at his back, but he spun and caught Rowan's blade between his fingers.
—"Nice trick," he whispered. "But there are no shadows to hide in here." He applied pressure, and Rowan's blade shattered with a resounding crack.
V. Climax: Rebirth of the Gale
Rowan recoiled, panting, the broken sword still in his hand. For a moment, defeat flickered in his eyes. But Lys, from the edge of the platform, shouted: —"Morningstars always rise, even with empty hands!"
Rowan gritted his teeth. —"I didn't come to win. I came to become a true pillar." He closed his eyes, letting the wind envelop him. His Qi overflowed, and the platform shook. —"Forbidden Art: Heart of the Eternal Gale."
Rowan tossed the broken hilt aside and raised his hands. The air around him swirled, forming a spear of pure wind. Kael roared, concentrating all his power into the crimson blade. Both lunged toward the center—wind spear against dragon sword.
The clash shook the adjacent platforms; Qi shot into the sky in the form of a crimson and green aurora. For a moment, both stood still, crossed at the center. Rowan fell to his knees first, exhausted but smiling. Kael reached out a hand to him. —"Today you split the mountain, Rowan. Live in my shadow no longer."
The crowd roared. Samael, from above, nodded in satisfaction.
VI. System Judgment and Brotherhood
[Sequence Established:
Kael – Crimson Edge: Rank 1.
Rowan – Gale Edge: Rank 9.
Reward: Art of Flame and Gale (Combined technique unlocked for both).
Rowan: Immediate ascension to Origin Realm, Stage 1. ]
The elders and the Top 20 applauded. Violeta embraced Rowan, and Eris gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder. Kael approached, and instead of words, he bumped fists with Rowan. —"We will cross blades again, brother." Rowan, still gasping, smiled: —"Next time, I'll bring a sword that doesn't break."
VII. Closing – The Blade as a Path
The platform dissolved into light. The entire clan vibrated with the echo of the combat. Samael, from on high, announced: —"Thus are the true pillars forged. May every duel of the Sequences bear witness to our legend." —"Next combat: Violeta, Void Winter, vs. Draven, Ice Fang!"
The crowd erupted, and the Morningstar saga, once again, burned under the edge of will.