As Raikai surveyed the gathering forces, his sharp eyes caught movement. Two figures from the Obsidian Shadow Empire, Hei Xu and Yan Mei, strode toward them with purpose.
At the same time, a trio approached from the opposite side. Sylas Verdant, Skylar Verdant, and, surprisingly, Feng Lieren.
Sensing that the approaching figures had no intention of starting a fight, Shinryu subtly stepped back, allowing Xue Mor and her older brothers, Hou Jian and Hou Liang, to take the lead.
Hei Xu's brows furrowed in confusion. Feng Lieren, however, was less subtle—his temper flared as his cold gaze bore into them.
"What is this?" Feng Lieren's voice carried a sharp edge.
Hei Xu scoffed, arms crossed. "You two dare to mock us? We, the leaders of factions, step forward to talk, and you send your lackeys instead?"
Raikai and Shinryu immediately burst into laughter, their amusement only deepening the offense.
Before tensions escalated further, Xue Mor calmly took the lead.
"Sorry to disappoint you," she said, a wry smile tugging at her lips, "but I am the leader of this mission. Which means—if anyone here are lackeys, it would be these two." She gestured toward Raikai and Shinryu.
Hou Jian, his expression darkening, stepped forward. "Hei Xu, you should consider yourself lucky that my patience has lasted this long after that pursuit your squad led against me and my empire's warriors. Do not mistake my restraint for fear. If even a single member of my group had perished during that chase—I'd be waging war against you this very moment."
Hou Liang followed up with a cold glare at Feng Lieren. "And you—state your business. I don't take kindly to those disrespecting my empire, but since you're here with our friend Sylas, I will not draw my greatsword tonight."
Feng Lieren and Hei Xu, both clearly angered, looked ready to strike. But before they could, Sylas spoke first.
"Let's talk—tonight."
Xue Mor, sensing her brothers' lingering fury, exhaled before addressing the matter. "State your business."
Hei Xu was the first to respond. "That pursuit? I have no regrets." His voice was firm, unwavering. "You annihilated an entire younger generation of a sect from my empire. The reasons behind it don't matter. If I had the chance, I'd retaliate again."
Then, with a slight smirk, he added, "But we lost that exchange. So take this however you like—I approach as a loser, if you wish to see it that way."
Feng Lieren, standing beside him, narrowed his eyes at Hei Xu's bluntness. He hadn't known such violent conflicts had already occurred between their groups.
Turning back to Xue Mor, he spoke with measured restraint.
"The training grounds ahead will be dangerous enough without us being at each other's throats. Once we enter, I propose that we establish territories. No faction should attack another or trespass without permission."
Raikai tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk. "This offer is only extended to competitors deemed strong, I assume? A compliment to our strength, then."
Xue Mor nodded, her voice even. "We have no unresolved quarrels with the Druids. My people won't be the ones to break this peace."
Then, her icy gaze landed on Hei Xu. "As for you—I don't know why you came here, but let me make something clear. We've restrained ourselves long enough. If we sense even a trace of ill intent from your side once we step into those grounds… it will be war."
The air grew colder with each word she spoke, frost creeping along the ground.
Hei Xu chuckled, his expression filled with amusement rather than fear. "I like your fire." Then his smirk turned sharp. "But women have no place in conversations between men."
He glanced at Yan Mei. "See her? Though she is my equal in power, she remains silent."
Xue Mor's lips curled in a dangerous smile. "Lover boy, I noticed your gaze lingering on me this entire conversation. Let me make this easy for you—I'm not interested."
Her voice dropped to a cold whisper, sharp enough to cut through the tension.
"And unlike your Yan Mei over there, you haven't earned the respect to shut me up. In case you're a little slow, let me repeat myself—I am the leader here. My authority is unquestioned. Now, I suggest you leave before my two dogs decide they've played nice long enough. One of them, in particular, is just waiting for me to say—'charge.'"
With that, she turned on her heel, walking away without another glance. Her two brothers followed, their presence radiating silent warning.
Hei Xu's smirk twitched, his expression darkening.
Feng Lieren turned to Skylar, who had been watching the exchange in silence.
Skylar arched a brow, then nudged his brother, Sylas. "Is it just me, or did Prince Lieren just blush?"
Sylas chuckled. "He's your friend, not mine—you should know." Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Hei Xu and Yan Mei remained still, lost in thought.
With a loud laugh, Raikai called out, "You heard our master! You'd best leave before we get orders to bite!" His voice was filled with mockery, barely containing his amusement.
Shinryu bared his fangs in a wolfish grin, adding, "Consider yourselves lucky."
Finally, Yan Mei spoke, her tone composed but firm. "Young Master, we should leave." She reached for Hei Xu's wrist, subtly pulling him away.
As they turned to leave, Hei Xu murmured, "Yan Mei, I never intended to drag you down with me, nor to insult your pride as a woman."
Yan Mei frowned. "Young Master, this wasn't your fault. You're not used to interacting with royalty—you've spent most of your life training."
Then, with quiet steel in her voice, she added, "As for her—you needn't concern yourself. I will personally make her beg for your mercy."
Her expression grew cold as she spoke her next words.
"I, Yan Mei, the number one genius of the Obsidian Shadow Empire, submit only to you. Others must kneel in your bedchambers at night."
Hei Xu's jaw tensed. A flicker of grief crossed his face.
"Meier… is it so painful being engaged to me?" he muttered under his breath.
Watching the two walk away, Shinryu exhaled. "It seems there's a tragic fate between those two."
Raikai scoffed. "Hmph. That Yan Mei seems to want to drag others into her despair. Does she really think our little Mor is hers to bully?" His eyes narrowed. "Still, it's interesting that she's stronger than Hei Xu."
He glanced at Shinryu. "When the time comes, do we really let Xue Mor fight her alone?"
Shinryu's expression remained calm. "Yes. I will not interfere. She is strong—and if she intends to lead us, she must be more than a damsel in distress."
With that, the two turned back toward their group, waiting.
Then, the Ash Gates shuddered.
With a deep, groaning noise, the ancient steel doors began to open.
Their first trial was about to begin.