Sacred Land Trial Chapter Twenty-Four The Roar of the Lion! The Cry of the Tiger!

In the end, the young woman could no longer hold back. With delicate sobs, she mustered her courage and turned her face downward, gathering the man into her embrace. She gazed at his pallid, lifeless features, and in that moment, her emotions could no longer be reined in. She lifted her face to the sky, letting out a heartrending cry of anguish that echoed through the dense forest, startling flocks of birds into trembling flight.

After a few breaths, she lowered her head, her snow-white hand gently caressing the man's cheek. Tenderly, she smoothed his bloodstained, disheveled hair, a fleeting hint of a smile passing across her features before she bit down hard on her lip. Slowly, she raised her head, her eyes filled with hatred as she looked at the woman floating in midair before her.

"Mother, how cruel you are!"

"Silence!" At the sharp command of the airborne woman, the kneeling young woman gently laid the man down on the ground before her. Staring at his face, she drew from her robes a six-colored, flower-shaped jade token. Clutching it tightly, her grip grew ever firmer.

With a crisp crack, fissures spread across the token. She lifted her gaze to the floating woman, now with a look of unyielding resolve.

"From this day forward, I, Bai Li Luohua, sever all ties with you. Never again will I set foot in the Hundred Flowers Palace! Should I break this vow, let me be as this jade!"

As her words fell, the six-colored jade token crumbled into dust in her palm. Then, after prostrating herself in a heavy bow to the woman aloft, Bai Li Luohua rose, gazing once more at the man before her. She reached out, gently stroking his face, and a faint smile lifted the corners of her lips.

"It’s all right now, Qingmei. Sleep. I’ll take you home."

With that, Bai Li Luohua wiped the tears from her face with one hand, struggled to lift Bai Li Qingmei from the ground, and, with heavy but determined steps, turned her back on the woman in the sky, never hesitating, never glancing back.

"By the order of the Palace Mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace, from this day forth, Bai Li Luohua is to be expelled, never to set foot in the palace again!"

When Bai Li Luohua, carrying Bai Li Qingmei, heard the voice from behind, her steps faltered for a moment, then she smiled coldly and continued deeper into the forest.

At this memory, Bai Li Luohua's expression involuntarily grew solemn. She glanced at Bai Li Qingmei beside her, who looked at her with melancholy eyes, and then smiled gently before turning her gaze once more to the arena.

Time passed.

"The third match, Sacred Cultivation Pavilion versus Myriad Venom Sect. Sacred Cultivation Pavilion wins!"

"Fourth match, Heavenly Sword Hall versus Star Heaven Sect. Heavenly Sword Hall wins!"

...

"Seventeenth match, Celestial Lake Sanctuary versus Beast Wolf Sect. Celestial Lake Sanctuary wins!"

"Today’s competition is now concluded!"

As night descended, the first day of the Sacred Land trial came to an end. The arena gradually emptied as the crowd dispersed. Qing Xingyue remained seated, her gaze fixed with puzzlement on the boy’s black-clad back in the stands across from her.

A few breaths later, after the young man disappeared into the throng, Qing Xingyue turned to Qing Xuan Yu and Luo Xiaoya. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke.

"Luohua, you take them back first. I have something else to attend to."

With those words, Qing Xingyue vanished from sight. Bai Li Luohua's eyes flickered with confusion, but after only a brief pause, she turned to look at Bai Li Qingmei, then walked over to Luo Xiaoya, taking her hand as they left. Bai Li Qingmei watched Bai Li Luohua's receding figure, her lips trembling, her expression hesitant. As Bai Li Luohua was about to disappear, Bai Li Qingmei raised her hand slightly.

"Lu—"

But before she could finish, Bai Li Luohua had already vanished from sight, leaving Bai Li Qingmei to turn away in resignation. She sat down alone, her eyes helpless, gazing up at the endless night sky, her eyes glistening with tears.

Late at night, in a quiet room, a youth draped in a black cloak sat by the window, face obscured, drinking wine in solitude. In the pale moonlight, a cold, blue gleam occasionally flashed across his face. After an indeterminate time, he drained his cup and spoke softly.

"Old Yue, since you’re here, why not show yourself?"

No sooner had he spoken than Qing Xingyue materialized in the room. She regarded the youth by the window in silence, walking over to sit across from him. Once she was seated, the youth removed his black cloak, revealing the ghostly blue mask of Luo Chen.

The two merely exchanged a glance, as though sharing a silent understanding, then sat in quiet companionship, sipping their wine as they gazed at the moon outside.

After a long time, Qing Xingyue set her cup down, looking at Luo Chen with a mix of disappointment and confusion.

"Since you’ve returned, why not go see Xiaoya and Xuan Yu?"

Hearing the sorrow in Qing Xingyue’s gentle voice, Luo Chen glanced at his cup, smiled faintly, finished his wine, and looked out at the moon.

"What good would it do to return? Perhaps not seeing them is the best thing for them."

He spoke softly, not meeting Qing Xingyue's gaze. He knew he had vanished for half a year, and returning or not was a difficult decision. When he had first arrived in Tianfeng City two days ago, after parting from Wang Siyu, he had considered asking about Tianqing Academy and perhaps going to see Luo Xiaoya. But with so many mysteries surrounding his origins since he left Luoyu Village, everything that had happened seemed orchestrated, as if someone was guiding him to uncover the truth. This feeling had only grown stronger since leaving the Thunder Abyss.

Ten Ling had also advised him not to see Luo Xiaoya and Qing Xuan Yu again. Since he had already been gone half a year, some things were now set in stone, and acceptance might be the best course. Though Ten Ling had not spoken plainly, his words hinted at an immense mystery behind Luo Chen’s origins.

If he truly sought the hidden truths, the road ahead might be perilous, with life-and-death decisions awaiting. Luo Chen truly did not wish to see Luo Xiaoya or others grieve for him. Though there was no blood relation between them—only the name of sibling—in his heart, Luo Xiaoya had become his true sister, perhaps his only family. The thought of not seeing her again was selfish, but if his absence could spare her sorrow in the future, he would rather be selfish just this once.

"Alas! Old as I am, I do not know what you experienced after the Heavenly Thunder Array that has shaped your heart so, nor what burdens you carry or what you so desperately seek. But even if you’ve decided to leave and fulfill your purpose, take an old man’s advice: see them both before you go, so you have no regrets."

Luo Chen nodded, smiling faintly at Qing Xingyue. He refilled her cup, and his thoughts turned to the day’s matches, a new confusion arising in his heart.

"Old Yue, may I ask what level Xuan Yu and Xiaoya have reached in their cultivation?"

"Xuan Yu is now at the peak of the Earth Spirit Realm. As for Xiaoya, she broke through to the seventh level of the Earth Spirit Realm just the day before yesterday."

Qing Xingyue’s words stunned Luo Chen. In only half a year, Qing Xuan Yu had reached the peak of the Earth Spirit Realm, and Xiaoya’s progress also exceeded his expectations. No wonder, he thought, during today’s match he sensed that Xuan Yu’s strength was greater than it appeared. He recalled Ten Ling’s words—that within the Mortal Domain, Qing Xuan Yu, possessing the Divine Ice Maiden’s body, was second to none in cultivation speed. But what truly surprised Luo Chen was Xiaoya’s advancement.

"Xuan Yu owes her achievements to you as her master. As for Xiaoya, you siblings have only made this old man more curious. But what intrigues me most now isn’t them, but your own cultivation."

Luo Chen smiled, raising his cup to Qing Xingyue.

"What do you mean by that, Old Yue?"

"Don’t pretend with me. You think you can mask your level at the mid-Earth Spirit Realm with that mask in front of me? Don’t forget who gave you that thing."

Qing Xingyue grinned, and Luo Chen could only smile wryly and shake his head. He had thought to conceal himself, but forgot two things: the mask was Qing Xingyue’s gift, and one cannot hide from someone whose cultivation far exceeds one’s own. Indeed, he had overestimated himself, for even now he could not see through Qing Xingyue’s cultivation.

Without further hesitation, Luo Chen removed his mask and stored it in his ring, revealing his clear, handsome features as he smiled.

"I beg your pardon for my discourtesy."

"Enough with the pleasantries. If you’re truly sorry, tell me why, with only mid-Earth Spirit Realm cultivation, your soul strength is something even I cannot fathom."

Qing Xingyue’s words were full of puzzlement. When she first arrived, she had probed Luo Chen with her spiritual sense, discerning his aura and cultivation, but could not gauge his soul’s strength. Normally, even if Luo Chen focused on soul cultivation, at most he’d be at the peak of the Earth Spirit Realm, which she could easily perceive—unless his soul was as strong as hers, or even stronger. But she dismissed that thought. Since Luo Chen did not answer, Qing Xingyue let it go.

"Tomorrow I plan to have Xiaoya participate in the match. You should come with us."

"Old Yue, I…"

Luo Chen was at a loss. He understood that if Qing Xingyue could see through him, so could the other academy masters. He didn’t understand why Qing Xingyue wanted this, knowing he intended to leave. If he agreed, he might truly be exposed; if he refused, perhaps, as Qing Xingyue said, he would have regrets.

"Enough, I know what you’re thinking."

With a wave of her hand, Luo Chen felt a strange energy merge into his body. When he checked himself, he found that his aura was completely different from before, as if he were a different person.

"Then I thank you, Old Yue. I’ll be there tomorrow as promised."

Luo Chen smiled, and Qing Xingyue nodded in satisfaction, downing her cup before rising. After a moment’s hesitation, she turned away, vanishing in an instant. Luo Chen watched her go, then took out his mask and put it back on, leaning by the window and closing his eyes.

At dawn, bright sunlight spilled across Luo Chen’s face. The clamorous sounds outside woke him, and after a lazy stretch and a bit of tidying up, he headed out.

At the arena entrance, Qing Xingyue led the group, waiting by the door. The others were puzzled by her behavior, and Bai Li Luohua approached her.

"Master Qing, shall we go in?"

"No rush, no rush," Qing Xingyue replied with a smile. Though Bai Li Luohua did not understand, she said no more and stood silently beside her. Shortly after, Qing Xingyue stepped forward.

"He’s finally here. I thought he wouldn’t show."

Everyone followed her gaze to see, in the crowd, a masked youth with a ghostly blue visage approaching. Luo Chen saw the group and quickened his pace to join them.

"You rascal, I thought you wouldn’t come," Qing Xingyue teased.

"How could I decline your invitation, Senior Qing?"

Luo Chen’s answer earned him a glare from Qing Xingyue, and he could only scratch his head awkwardly. The rest of the group looked on in confusion.

"Master Qing, who is he…?"

Luo Chen, seeing their puzzled faces, glanced at Qing Xingyue, then bowed to the group.

"I am called Nameless. Greetings, elders."

"Very well, we’re all here. Let’s go in," Qing Xingyue said with a smile, turning toward the entrance. Bai Li Luohua glanced at Luo Chen, then hurried after her. Only Qing Xuan Yu hesitated, frowning slightly as she exchanged glances with Luo Chen before following. Luo Chen watched Qing Xingyue’s back, paused briefly, then shook his head and followed as well.

Soon, Luo Chen and the others reached the Tianqing Academy’s section. Without a word, he walked to the front, silently watching the center of the arena, while Qing Xingyue smiled at his behavior.

A moment later, the bell tolled, and with the familiar sound of marching feet, the City Lord’s Palace and the Pavilion Masters entered once more. The golden knight followed closely beside the master of ceremonies. As the master took her seat, the golden knight stepped forward.

"The second round of individual matches begins! Contestants, take your places.

"Based on yesterday’s results, the eighteen victorious sects will be divided into nine teams for random duels. The nine winners will advance; tomorrow, one will receive a bye, and the remaining eight will compete for the final four. Now, proceed with the random allocation!"

As the golden knight finished, the master waved her hand and eighteen streaks of light shot forth, transforming into eighteen tokens that landed in the hands of the contestants.

"Random allocation complete. Contestants with token number one, remain for the match. All others, please leave the arena."

Luo Chen watched as Luo Xiaoya returned from the stage, smiling softly. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Qing Xingyue watching him, but he paid her no mind. Qing Xuan Yu hurried over to greet Luo Xiaoya.

"Xiaoya, what number did you draw?"

"Nine."

Hearing their happy voices, Luo Chen felt pleased as well. But more than that, he wondered who else had drawn number nine to face Xiaoya. That, for now, he could not know; he could only watch as the two contestants with number one stood on the stage. He recognized one: the disciple who had won for the Sacred Cultivation Pavilion the day before.

That disciple had left a deep impression on Luo Chen, his mastery of fire arts remarkable. Though Luo Chen had noticed a slight flaw, among his peers, his control over fire was extraordinary. What was even more astonishing was that he manipulated fire with a paper fan.

Across from him stood another contestant whom Luo Chen recognized dimly, a disciple from a renowned fire family, though he could not recall his name.

"I am Ling Feng from Sacred Cultivation Pavilion. May I know your name?"

"Jin Buhuan of the Golden Crow Family. Please instruct me!"

As soon as Jin Buhuan spoke, flames blazed around him and he charged at Ling Feng. Ling Feng, unfazed, swept his fan, conjuring a great blade of fire to meet Jin Buhuan’s fist. An instant later, a boom and a burst of fire engulfed the stage.

Ling Feng emerged first from the flames, retreating as he swept his fan again. Instantly, the swirling fire coalesced into a towering fire tornado. Within its heart, a dark figure struggled, wailing in pain.

Ling Feng smiled, folded his fan, and the flaming tornado vanished. Without hesitation, he leapt back to the Pavilion’s waiting area. On the stage, Jin Buhuan collapsed, his clothes burned away, his face blackened with soot.

Had one not seen it with their own eyes, they would not have recognized him. With a wave from the golden knight, Jin Buhuan vanished from the stage. Luo Chen knew that those defeated who could not leave on their own were transported to a fixed location for healing.

"Interesting—fire against fire," Luo Chen murmured. Perhaps he was not alone in his surprise; among those present, many were astonished. There are always those who find new ways to play with fire. Luo Chen studied their initial exchange; he had not expected Ling Feng to use the explosion to seize control of all fire elements on the stage, instantly trapping and turning them against his foe.

"First match, Sacred Cultivation Pavilion versus the Golden Crow Family—Sacred Cultivation Pavilion wins!"

"Contestants with number two, please take the stage!"

As soon as the words fell, Luo Chen sensed two fierce auras clashing before the contestants even reached the stage. When they landed, a man in brown beast-hide called out:

"Bai Yue, today I’ll show you the might of the Lion King Family!"

Across from him, a man called Bai Yue, with a silver tiger-head pauldron, adjusted his robe and smiled coldly.

"Ye Ri, the match has just begun. It’s too soon to tell who will win—don’t speak too soon."

As soon as Bai Yue finished, both leaped backward, landing simultaneously. At once, golden and silver lights burst from their bodies and clashed head-on.

"Lion King’s Fury!"

"Tiger Roar!"

Both struck at the same time, the roars of tigers and lions echoing through the sky. Luo Chen realized then that both were using sonic martial arts. Though the stage was shielded, many in the audience still covered their ears. Luo Chen was briefly bewildered—was this a lion-tiger contest?

Steeling himself, Luo Chen observed the pair. Their techniques and stances were nearly identical. Had they known each other for years? Yet, something seemed off.

The roars continued for over ten minutes, until both collapsed headlong at the same time. Luo Chen could not help but smile at their persistence; sustaining such imitation roars for so long was impressive. For most, they would have defeated themselves before their enemies.