The Calm Before the Heavenly Storm
Morning rays filtered through the massive academy walls, lighting up the training fields, courtyards, and sky-bridges that connected the mountainside complex. But today, there was a different kind of energy in the air—nervous, electrifying, and sharp.
Every student, elder, and instructor could feel it.
The whispers had already spread across the entire continent, and now, the official invitations had arrived.
The Imperial Invitation
Asura sat on a rooftop, his legs dangling lazily as he bit into a fresh peach, juice dripping down his chin. Beside him stood Instructor Lei, the academy's stoic formation master, holding a golden scroll sealed with celestial jade.
"This is not a mere tournament," Lei said flatly, staring at Asura. "This is a declaration of war from the heavens to the mortals. Are you sure you want to enter?"
Asura didn't even flinch.
"War, huh? Guess I'll need to buy more peaches."
Lei's eye twitched. "You'll be up against beings who've trained in time-locked dimensions, who possess bloodlines from gods, devils, and ancient dragons. And that's not counting the Hidden Ones."
Asura smirked, flicking the scroll open with one finger.
"Perfect."
"I'm getting bored fighting bugs."
The scroll glowed with a divine inscription.
[To: Asura of the Flame Kingdom]
You are hereby summoned as a Primary Combatant for the Celestial Heaven Martial Tournament, held at the Sacred Sky Arena in the heart of the Celestial Kingdom.
You are to arrive in twenty-five days.
Weapons allowed. Killing permitted.
Glory or extinction await.
Signed,
Emperor Yuelong of the Celestial Realm
Across the Continent: The Other Invitations
Windspire Kingdom
High atop the Cloud Pagoda, where lightning dances across eternal sky bridges, a blindfolded youth sat cross-legged.
Feylin Skybreaker
– Known as the "Windstorm Prophet," a genius who could hear fate's whispers.
– Refused all challenges for three years.
– Until today.
He opened his mouth and whispered, "Asura… you're the one the winds warned me about."
He stood and leapt from the pagoda, vanishing into a lightning streak.
Shadowfall Kingdom
In a hall lit only by cursed lanterns, Crimson Saintess Nira, the cursed daughter of the Blood-Moon Clan, caressed her demon-flame whip.
Her invitation pulsed in her hand.
"So he's finally come… the boy of chaos."
"I wonder… if he'll scream beautifully."
Her laughter echoed through the shadows, causing even assassins to shudder.
Celestial Kingdom
At the peak of the Heavenly Jade Spire, surrounded by celestial lotuses, sat Liuyan, the Celestial Emperor's daughter and most feared prodigy.
With an elegance that could silence gods, she read the list of participants.
When she saw Asura's name, her lips curved slightly.
"The boy from the Zhao Clan… finally stepping into the sun."
"I'll crush you… and then offer your body to father's plan."
Back at the Academy – Unexpected Visitor
Asura was mid-bite of another peach when a massive explosion of wind qi sent tiles flying across the courtyard. Before he could even turn, a powerful pressure pushed against him like a crashing tide.
But Asura didn't budge.
A tall youth, silver-haired with sky-blue eyes and armor etched with thunder runes, landed with a boom.
Zerik Stormfang had arrived.
"No delays. Five days is too long."
"We fight now."
The students gasped. Some ran. Even elders narrowed their eyes.
Zerik's power had clearly grown. His lightning was thicker, purer, and his aura was close to Peak Saint Core—approaching the Heavenly Core Realm.
Asura sighed, tossing the peach pit.
"I was gonna nap. You know how rude that is?"
Zerik pointed at him.
"Draw your sword, Asura. Or I'll tear the sky apart until you do."
Asura stood up slowly, brushing dust off his robes.
"You want the sword…?"
"Alright."
He raised his hand.
The blade appeared, sheathed, resting calmly on his back. The moment it materialized, the wind stopped. Clouds froze. Qi itself trembled.
Even Zerik's pupils shrank.
"W-what is that…? That's no ordinary blade… it feels alive."
Asura took a single step forward.
The ground cracked.
"You have three seconds to kneel."
Zerik growled. "Don't test me—"
"Three."
"I'm warning you!"
"Two."
"I'll crush you, Asura!"
"One."
Asura's eyes shimmered faintly gold. The edge of his aura touched Zerik's lightning domain.
It shattered instantly.
BOOOOOM!!!
Zerik flew back, crashing through two mountains before being caught by spatial chains summoned by the elders.
He coughed blood, eyes wide in disbelief.
"H-He… didn't move…"
Final Scene – The True Threat Reveals Itself
At the farthest corner of the continent, where time and space blend into chaos, a cloaked figure walked barefoot across molten stone.
His back held six dark wings, and his eyes glowed with primordial abyssal light.
He paused and looked toward the sky.
"So the Flame Reaper is awake..."
"Then it's time."
He raised his hand.
From the void, a thousand sealed coffins rose—each containing a monster sealed away by ancient heroes.
"Asura. We'll meet… at the tournament."
"Let's see if your soul burns bright enough to survive me."