The tension in the air was suffocating. Shinryu's grip tightened on his gauntlets, Raikai's chains slowly coiled around his arms, and Torra Yun planted his feet like an immovable wall. The opposing group from the Obsidian Empire—Hei Xu and his companions—stood their ground, their weapons gleaming under the moonlight.
The way the two sides faced off, it was clear that this would not be an easy battle. At the very least, one of them would fall.
Xue Mor exhaled, stepping forward, her hands relaxed at her sides but her eyes sharp. "We're all heading to the Death Knights for training," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Killing each other here, in the middle of nowhere, is a waste of talent. If we truly wish to prove our strength, let the world see which geniuses emerge stronger after the trials."
Hei Xu narrowed his eyes, his mind weighing her words. His group wasn't weak, and neither was Shinryu's. If they fought here, both sides would suffer losses. That would only make them easy prey for whatever trials lay ahead.
Finally, Hei Xu smirked, lowering his weapon. "Fine. A temporary truce. But don't think this means we're allies. When the time comes, we will see who stands at the peak."
Raikai let out a short laugh. "Looking forward to it."
With the uneasy agreement reached, both groups went their separate ways, their rivalry postponed but not forgotten.
---
Campfire Talks
Days later, under the vast night sky, the crackling campfire cast flickering shadows across their faces. The air was lighter, the tension of past days easing as they rested.
Shinryu leaned back, stretching, his golden claw-like markings catching the firelight. "You know," he said with a smirk, "for all their arrogance, Hei Xu and his group really got the short end of the stick."
Raikai chuckled, shaking his head. "Right? They thought they knew everything, but they didn't even hear about the Black Lotus Sect's elder and their so-called genius getting wiped out. Thirty Flesh and Bone Fortification experts—gone."
Xue Mor sipped her tea, her lips curling into a smile. "Not all battles are won with the sword. The mind is also a weapon."
The group burst into laughter, the fire crackling alongside their amusement. Though their journey was still fraught with dangers, moments like this reminded them why they fought—to grow stronger, to carve their names into history.
And soon, the real tests would begin.
The laughter from that night faded into memory as the group pressed forward. The Death Knights' domain loomed ever closer, but something felt off.
Torra Yun was the first to sense it—his instincts honed from countless battles. He stopped mid-step, his muscles tensing. "We're being watched."
Shin Keilan vanished into the shadows, his Phantom Step Technique making him a blur against the trees. Moments later, he returned, his expression grim. "Hei Xu's group is ahead of us. But they're not alone."
A new presence had entered the field—clad in dark robes, their movements sharp and disciplined. The insignia on their armor sent a chill through Xue Mor.
"The Obsidian Empire's elites," she muttered. "This isn't good."
Raikai's eyes gleamed with excitement. "So, they're sending their young talents to make sure we don't survive the trials? Perfect. Let's send a message that we're not to be underestimated."
Shinryu exhaled, flexing his fingers as golden energy crackled around his claws. "Then let's not disappoint them."
The battle was inevitable. But this time, it wouldn't be a simple standoff.
This time, only the strong would walk away.