The three groups of geniuses stepped through the Gates of Death under the eerie glow of the eternal night sky. As they moved forward, their gazes lifted toward the heavens—only to freeze in shock.
Enormous chains, each link the size of a mountain, ran through the air like celestial bindings, stretching infinitely across the void. The ground beneath them was not solid earth but floating islands, suspended between the chains, drifting ominously in the darkness.
Gasps spread among the gathered warriors as realization dawned.
"This… this whole land is floating?" muttered Yan Feiyan, her fingers tightening around her Blazing Fans.
A smirk formed on Ling Chen's face as he stepped forward, his dark robes fluttering in the night breeze. "Welcome to the Entrance Trial Grounds of the Death Knights," he declared.
The weight of his words settled upon them, but amidst the awe, Xue Mor's sharp eyes caught a subtle disturbance in her own camp. Two figures, Feng Xuan and Zhao Hui, stood stiffly at the back, their expressions unreadable—yet to her, their unease was clear.
Frowning, she stepped closer to Hou Ren, her elder cousin, who stood nearest to them.
"Hou Ren, have you noticed something off about them lately?"
Hou Ren followed her gaze, observing the two geniuses in silence before sighing.
"Little Mor, those two are realizing something painful."
Xue Mor arched a brow. "Explain."
He turned to her, his voice heavy with understanding. "Since we were children, Phoenix Cry has prided itself as the greatest younger generation of the empire. But after traveling with the Ancient White Tiger Clan and the Azure Dragon Clan, they've come to a hard truth—our pride was built on nothing."
Xue Mor frowned, her arms crossing. "What do you mean?"
Hou Ren exhaled deeply. "You've seen it yourself. We sent seven of our finest warriors, yet in battle, we were outclassed in every way. Take Feng Xuan—he was hailed as our greatest dual-spear user, but when placed next to Shin Aoren, he is completely overshadowed."
Xue Mor's gaze flickered toward the Azure Dragon Camp, where Shin Aoren stood silently, his spear resting against his shoulder, radiating calm dominance.
"And Zhao Hui?" she pressed.
Hou Ren's expression darkened. "He possesses one of the most destructive Death Arms ever seen in our empire. Yet, compared to warriors like Raikai or Shinryu… he lacks real battle experience. The difference is overwhelming. We trained hard before this journey, yet… we aren't even half the warriors they are."
Silence stretched between them before Xue Mor exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You speak as though you also feel this way, Hou Ren. But this isn't the time for them to lose their nerve."
He smirked, rubbing his chin. "And that's why you're the leader, Little Mor."
Xue Mor didn't respond. Instead, she strode forward, standing before all seventeen geniuses, her stance commanding attention. Even the two other groups noticed the shift in the Phoenix Cry camp, their conversations quieting.
Lifting her hand, she gestured for Raikai and Shinryu to step forward.
Raikai shot a glance at Shinryu, his expression questioning. Shinryu merely shrugged before walking up, prompting Raikai to follow. Both stood behind Xue Mor, waiting.
With all eyes on her, Xue Mor spoke.
"The task given to them by their Patriarchs—to protect us on this dangerous journey—ends here." Her words echoed in the night, sending ripples through the group.
"Once we cross these chains, the responsibility of fighting for your lives will be yours alone. Some of you never had the chance to stand out in the last battle, but if you think this is the time to prove yourself—think again."
Her cold gaze swept over the Phoenix Cry warriors, lingering on Feng Xuan and Zhao Hui.
"Your lives are worth more than your pride. Not just to you, but to our empire."
She turned, pointing toward Hou Liang, whose greatsword rested against his broad shoulder.
"Hou Liang's blade alone will not be enough to represent Phoenix Cry's might in the future."
Her finger moved toward Feng Xuan and Zhao Hui.
"We will need a fierce spear, a flame strong enough to burn fear into our enemies' hearts before they even glimpse our weapons."
A pause. Then her voice softened.
"Don't let the strength of these two block your path."
Raikai and Shinryu blinked, caught off guard.
"We all walk different roads. We all have different destinies to fulfill. Their talents may seem unreasonable, but they too will one day encounter talents even more monstrous than theirs—and they will not let it stop them. Neither should you."
A heavy silence followed.
Then, Xue Mor turned, her back now to the crowd. Raikai and Shinryu noticed her lips moving. Though her voice was not heard, they read her words clearly:
"Thank you two… for saving my empire."
An awkward silence settled over them before Raikai and Shinryu both instinctively turned toward the floating chains ahead, avoiding the gazes now locked onto them.
In the Emerald Sovereignty camp, Feng Lieren smirked, leaning toward Skylar Verdant.
"In the future, I hope I can find such a strong woman to conquer the heavens with."
Skylar chuckled, raising a brow. "Why not her?"
Feng Lieren fell silent, his golden eyes dimming with thought.
After a long pause, he murmured, "The me right now… is unworthy."
Then his expression turned sharp as he gave his next command.
"Tell the others—do not cause unnecessary conflict with them."
Skylar smiled, his emerald eyes gleaming. "Got it. I'll make sure they understand."
Meanwhile, in the Obsidian Shadow Empire's camp, Hei Xu frowned, his mind deep in thought.
"My empire has picked a terrible opponent."
With their resolve solidified, the seventeen warriors took their first steps onto the floating chains—toward the trials that awaited them in the Death Knights' domain.