As he adjusted his robes and prepared to return to Blue Wave City, a faint presence caught Makoto's attention. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the surrounding forest.
"Come out," he said, his tone laced with authority. "Hiding won't save you."
A soft laugh echoed through the trees, followed by the emergence of a figure clad in flowing silver robes. The man's aura was refined, his expression calm yet unreadable. He was neither hostile nor submissive—merely an observer who had seen far too much.
"Impressive," the man said, his voice smooth and composed. "A breakthrough amidst such chaos. Few could manage such a feat."
Makoto's gaze remained sharp. "Who are you?"
The man inclined his head slightly. "Merely a traveler passing through. The name is Liang Yue. But I must admit, I wasn't expecting to witness something so extraordinary tonight."
Liang Yue's words carried no malice, but Makoto remained vigilant. "If you're just a traveler, then keep traveling."
Liang Yue chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "Very well, I won't press. But a word of advice, young master. The road you're on is fraught with peril. The power you wield will draw not only admirers but also enemies you cannot yet fathom."
Makoto's expression hardened. "I'll deal with them when they come."
Liang Yue smiled faintly, his figure beginning to fade into the shadows. "I have no doubt you will. Until we meet again, Makoto of the Azure Sun Sect."
And with that, the mysterious figure vanished, leaving Makoto alone once more. He lingered for a moment, his thoughts swirling like the wind through the trees.
"Another player in this game," he muttered, turning his gaze toward the distant city lights. "But it doesn't matter. I'll carve my own path."
With renewed determination, Makoto stepped into the darkness, his silhouette disappearing into the night. The forest fell silent once more, the air heavy with the promise of the trials to come.
Makoto stepped through the forest's edge, his mind still occupied by the brief encounter with Liang Yue. The man's cryptic words echoed in his thoughts, though he paid them little heed. The road ahead would be perilous, but that only made it all the more thrilling. He had always thrived amidst danger.
With a swift motion, Makoto directed his steps toward Blue Wave City, the flickering lights in the distance guiding him back. The night had grown deeper, the shadows thick, but his heart burned with determination. He would solidify his foundation tonight. The cultivation cave would be the perfect place for that.
By the time he arrived at the city, the streets were quieter, the hustle and bustle of the day receding into a peaceful night. He made his way to a cultivation cave he had rented. The space was simple, but it had all he needed: tranquility, isolation, and the serenity of a stone chamber to help him focus.
Makoto entered, sealing the cave behind him and activating the array to block external disturbances. His robes swished as he settled into a seated position at the center of the cave. He closed his eyes, the energy around him thickening with the surge of power coursing through his veins. He needed to consolidate his cultivation, to strengthen the foundation he had built through his recent breakthroughs.
The night passed in quiet concentration. His soul, already fortified from past experiences, melded seamlessly with the surroundings. His cultivation deepened. The refined power within him solidified as he consolidated the progress of the previous night. There were no distractions, no interruptions. Just the pulsing rhythm of his breath and the steady rise of his strength.
When morning broke, the first rays of dawn filtered through the array, signaling the end of his meditative session. He stood, a sense of serenity and power radiating from him. The air felt thicker, the energy within him more profound than before. He had reached another stage—his core now more stable, his foundations stronger.
After a final stretch, he left the cultivation cave and headed toward the competition grounds, where the day's battles would take place. The arena was already packed with spectators, the excitement palpable in the air. He was to fight for a spot among those who would challenge the top ten prodigies—the elite of the sect.
As Makoto walked onto the grounds, he was greeted by Yuna, Kazu, and Hiro, all of them waiting near the edge of the arena. Their expressions shifted between concern and admiration as they noticed the change in Makoto. He was still the same person, but there was something more to him now—an aura of quiet strength that left them uneasy yet fascinated.
"Makoto," Yuna said, her voice soft but probing. "You look different… stronger, more focused. What did you do last night?"
"I just consolidated my cultivation," Makoto replied, his tone even. "No need to worry."
Kazu and Hiro exchanged glances but said nothing, understanding that Makoto was not one to share many details. They trusted him, but the power he now emanated was impossible to ignore.
The announcement soon came, and the competition began with a fury of excitement. Makoto's eyes narrowed as he scanned the arena, preparing for the fights ahead. But it was not long before a murmur rippled through the crowd, drawing his attention.
The First Prince of the Han Dynasty had arrived.
Dressed in a flowing cloak of midnight blue, his presence was striking. His every step radiated authority, and his aura was suffused with the power of someone who had walked through untold battles. His eyes were cold, almost as if he were evaluating everyone around him.
A chorus of whispers began to spread, rumors swirling like a storm. The prince was said to be one of the strongest figures in the Han Dynasty, and his lineage alone commanded respect. But there was another murmur that caught Makoto's attention—a conversation between the prince and another figure nearby.
The figure was none other than the number one prodigy among the top ten—one of the most feared individuals in the sect. Clad in a robe of pure white, his appearance alone could silence any room. He had a calm demeanor, his eyes sharp with intelligence and pride. But when he spoke, it was with a hint of mocking superiority.
The First Prince, visibly nervous, addressed the prodigy with a subtle bow. "I have heard tales of your master," he began, his tone cautious but respectful. "I was wondering if you could shed any light on his whereabouts. His strength is said to surpass even the Nascent Soul Realm…"
The prodigy's gaze flickered toward the prince, his expression unreadable. Then, with a cold smirk, he spoke.
"Is the whereabouts of my master your responsibility to know?" The prodigy's voice was smooth, mocking yet filled with disdain. "Do you even have the qualifications to ask such a question? Tell your old man to come ask me directly if he's so desperate to know."
The prince recoiled slightly, his face flushing with the sting of the prodigy's words. The crowd held its breath, waiting for any further exchange, but the tension was already palpable.
Makoto observed the scene with quiet interest, his expression impassive. There were far more games at play here than a simple competition, he realized. The threads of power were tangled and far-reaching—but none of it concerned him for now. He had his own path to carve, his own goals to achieve.
Still, he would be watching closely.
The prince's discomfort was evident, but it was clear he had no real hold over the situation. The prodigy's disdain was as sharp as a blade, and Makoto could sense the deeper currents running beneath their exchange. His thoughts drifted momentarily to the complex network of alliances, rivalries, and grudges that would surely define the coming battles.
Soon enough, the competition began in full force, but Makoto's focus remained unbroken. His mind was already ahead—calculating, anticipating the moves of his opponents and the larger game that was unfolding.