Chapter 62 - Something dangerous awakens (1)
The cheers from the previous match still echoed in the arena, but Jin remained composed as he stepped off the platform. Gorr reappeared beside him with an unimpressed yawn, clearly bored from the lack of challenge. Jin ignored him, sitting cross-legged and pulling out a blank scroll. He began redrawing and refining the runes he had tested mid-battle. His fingers danced with rhythmic precision, tracing spiritual ink through the air. Each stroke was faster, cleaner, more refined.
He glanced toward the next platform, where other matches were already beginning. Flames, water, stone, and wind surged across different stages. The crowd roared for each flashy move, yet Jin paid no mind. He was immersed in the flow of creation, testing new arrangements, sharpening his mental execution speed.
On the southern continent, in the massive observation arena, the sect heads of the Blazing Phoenix, Howling Storm, and Luminous Peak watched from private viewing seats. Their eyes were sharp, scrutinizing every movement of the participants. One elder from the Luminous Peak Sect furrowed his brows and whispered to the sect head beside him.
"Still no sign of Reivan. His soul lamp went out, but there's no trace of him in the arena either."
The Luminous Peak Sect Head narrowed his eyes. "I tried to divine it, but some force is interfering. This isn't natural."
Back in the Ascension Realm, the battles pressed on. Lyra was seated beside Jin in the small pagoda he had built, focusing on stabilizing her realm. She glanced at him now and then, still awed at how much he'd changed. His aura was restrained, yet terrifyingly vast. Even though he hid two of his elements, the pressure around him made her cautious.
"You really only used fire and earth?" she asked finally.
Jin nodded without opening his eyes. "For now. Too much attention could hinder progress."
A loud chime echoed across the realm, announcing the next round of matches. Jin opened his eyes and stood.
"Stay here. I need to try something."
He walked toward the platform, his opponent already waiting. A young man with long pale blue hair, cloaked in frost and confidence. Mid-stage Adept Realm, pure water element. He radiated icy arrogance.
"Jin, of the rogue faction," the man sneered. "I've seen your flashy pet. Let's see what you can really do."
Jin summoned Gorr with a wave. The wolf emerged with a lazy expression. "Another one? Ugh, fine."
Jin chuckled. "No killing this time. Just pressure. I need to practice."
Gorr rolled his eyes and surged forward. The battle began.
The water user unleashed a barrage of ice spears, freezing the entire platform beneath them. Gorr blinked through them using short space jumps, never letting any attack touch him. Meanwhile, Jin stood back, drawing runes mid-air with increasing speed. Defensive barriers, essence disruptors, even low-level illusions began taking form, one after another.
The crowd was confused. "Is he not going to fight?"
The water user became increasingly enraged. "Are you playing with me!?"
Jin didn't respond. He waved his hand, activating a trap rune under the opponent's feet. The platform cracked, spiking with earth essence. The enemy dodged, but barely. Gorr leapt past him again, delivering a low kick that nearly knocked him out of the ring.
"STOP MOCKING ME!" the water cultivator roared. Suddenly, his essence flared wildly. Jin paused his drawing, raising a brow.
"He's going to self-destruct," Gorr muttered.
Jin frowned. "Tch. That's a waste."
As the explosion of energy began to build, forming a chaotic storm of blue light, Gorr extended a paw lazily and slashed the air. Space ripped open like paper. With a flick of his will, the entire force of the detonation was redirected into the void.
The audience gasped.
The stage, now scorched and cracked, remained intact. Gorr yawned again. "Seriously. These people are too dramatic."
Jin gave a small nod, satisfied. "Array drawing speed up by twenty-three percent. Good result."
The elders watching grew silent. The Sect Head of the Howling Storm frowned. "That... wolf isn't normal. That was spatial manipulation."
"He's no ordinary beast," the Blazing Phoenix Sect Head replied. "And Jin... he isn't either."
Back in the realm, Jin left the platform, Gorr returning to his side. Lyra raised an eyebrow as they approached.
"That was your plan? Make him explode?"
"It worked, didn't it?" Jin said with a grin.
She sighed, but couldn't help smiling.
Elsewhere in the Ascension Realm, deep underground where light could not reach, something stirred. A pulse of ancient energy rippled outward, unnoticed by most.
The realm was preparing.
The storm was brewing.