Chapter 19: It's Me, Iwao

"I have only one path left now," Iwao's voice remained calm. "To heal my sister, I must rely on the experts of the Fiery Fire Sect. Only by becoming a disciple of the Fiery Fire Sect will I have the qualification to request their help. Influenza in my sister's body is getting worse. Without a skilled person to help her expel it, I'm afraid... she won't last much longer." He had a clear plan for the future. Iwao knew exactly what he needed! Joining the Fiery Fire Sect would not only help cure his sister but also protect him from the pursuit of the Wind Sword Sect! Apart from the Fiery Fire Sect, no sect in the Land of the Five Kingdoms could surpass the Wind Sword Sect. In the Imperial City, the square was bustling with noise. Tens of thousands of spectators surrounded the area, waiting for the outcome of this battle. Both Raman and Arata were prodigies of the Great Cyan Empire! With their talents, they could have joined other sects long ago. But they didn't! They were waiting for the Fiery Fire Sect's arena! On the stage, two figures stood like dragons. Arata and Raman! "Arata, you're quite strong, but unfortunately, there's only one spot in the Fiery Fire Sect." Raman's expression turned cold, saying lightly, "In this battle, I will surely defeat you. If you retreat now, you can avoid unnecessary suffering!" Arata didn't mince words, "I've heard about the Silver Radiance Profound Elephant of the Seventh Prince. Today, I'll see its strength for myself!" Both sides were electrifying, their intentions clear. On the main platform sat a youth with a soft face. He was Magar Sexton, an outer disciple elder of the Fiery Fire Sect, responsible for recruiting from the Great Cyan Empire's arena. Beside Magar sat Elian and a formidable eunuch from the palace. Magar glanced at the hour and then said faintly, "Let the finals begin!" Boom! A loud noise rang out. Both summoned their Illusionary Beasts. Raman's Illusionary Beast was a Fourth Rank Silver Radiance Profound Elephant, towering like a mountain with a majestic presence! Arata's Illusionary Beast, on the other hand, was a Fourth Rank Wind Blade Swift Leopard, with a long mane on its back emitting a sharp aura. "Just Fourth Rank Illusionary Beasts? Hmm, a bit disappointing." "Yeah, I thought they would at least be Fifth Rank!" "This reminds me of Iwao, riding the Crimson Rage Blood Wolf, slaughtering a hundred thousand people in enemy cities. It's really impressive!" "A prodigy like him, why cheat?" The audience whispered among themselves. They had expected the finals to be more intense than they were witnessing. The prodigies of the Great Cyan Empire generally had Fourth Rank Illusionary Beasts. Thinking about it, it seemed that only Doris and Iwao had evolved their Illusionary Beasts to the Fifth Rank! In Imperial City Square, people couldn't help but compare Arata and Raman to Iwao, who had lost his glory a few days ago. In this comparison, they fell short by quite a bit. "Hold on!" Just as the two sides were about to start the battle, a deep voice suddenly came from afar. The crowd parted, revealing the figure of a young man. He wore a straw hat, obscuring his features, but emitted an unimaginable aura. His steps were agile like a dragon and steady as a mountain. As he walked, the pressure in the hearts of those around him soared. "Who... who is he?" Some spectators showed surprise. Even Magar, Elian, the old eunuch, and other powerful figures in the arena furrowed their brows, looking at the newcomer. The young man slowly raised his head. Under the straw hat were a pair of blood-red eyes! Fierce, domineering, like an ancient beast! Especially the killing intent in his eyes, it seemed to penetrate people's souls, sending shivers down their spines. Such strong hostility! Such intense killing intent! "It's you! Iwao!" Elian was the first to react. He was first stunned, then couldn't help but sneer, "What are you here for? Last time, you were driven out of Imperial City like a dead dog, and you still have the nerve to come back!" Iwao! At the mention of this name, many spectators were shocked. It's him! The former prodigy of the Great Cyan Empire! Since the age of thirteen, riding the Crimson Rage Blood Wolf, fighting for the family, fighting for the country! He had personally created countless miracles! But after going to the Spirit Path, he was accused of cheating by Mateo, the head of the Wind Sword Sect. His Illusionary Beast was killed, his cultivation base was destroyed, and he was thrown back! That day, in the Imperial City Square, Elian personally judged Iwao. Stripping him of all his honors, wiping out all his glory. In the end, it was Tammy who carried him back to the family. They thought Iwao would spend his life in mediocrity, but unexpectedly, he had returned! "According to the rules, anyone can sign up for this arena battle." Iwao's voice was steady, each word deliberate. "I, Iwao, declare my participation in this arena battle! To compete for the opportunity to go to the Fiery Fire Sect!" "You don't know what's good for you!" Elian burst into laughter. "Your Illusionary Beast was killed, your cultivation was destroyed, you're no different from a waste, yet you still come to participate in the arena battle? Haha, what are you trying to do? Make a fool of yourself?" Other spectators also realized. "A few days ago, I saw him being disabled! His bones were shattered all over, it was so pitiful!" "Has he forgotten the pain of his past wounds?" "He deserved it. He cheated and was disabled, yet he refused Princess Doris's kindness!" "He's too arrogant, thinking he's still the top prodigy of the Great Cyan Empire!" Most spectators harbored ill will towards Iwao. After all, seeing a once lofty prodigy fall to the bottom made them naturally pleased. "Iwao, I've heard about you." Magar spoke slowly. "Your talent is not bad, but unfortunately, you don't have a fire attribute Illusionary Beast! If you did, we at the Fiery Fire Sect would have invited you to join as an Inner Sect Disciple!" Those who are invited to join the sect become Inner Sect Disciples. The treatment they receive is much better than that of Outer Sect Disciples. Compared to Inner Sect Disciples, Outer Sect Disciples have much looser regulations and fewer requirements. But, even a small fly is still meat! That's why Arata was willing to compete fiercely with Raman for the sole Outer Sect Disciple spot in the Fiery Fire Sect! Iwao brushed off the words of the crowd. His gaze was cold and steady. "I'm here to compete. Are you brave enough to accept the challenge?" His figure stood proudly like an unparalleled divine sword! The young man was sharp, his edge piercing! "Iwao!" The old eunuch said coldly, "This is not a place for you to cause trouble. Get out of Imperial City!" "What's the matter? Are you afraid?" Iwao raised an eyebrow, disdainful. "Raman, Arata, you... dare not accept the challenge of a 'waste' like me?" "Insolence!" Arata shouted, "Iwao, you're... seeking death!" Behind him, the Wind Blade Swift Leopard's gaze grew darker, with intense killing intent. Elian's gaze shifted, then he sneered, "Arata since he's so eager to die, you might as well grant his wish!" Last time, he didn't get a chance to make a move. This time, he naturally had to kill Iwao on the spot to prevent future trouble!