Read Novel Full Chapter 238: Cloud Empire (58)
Chapter 238: Cloud Empire (58)
Before the sun had completely risen on the horizon, Kyrian was already on his feet.
He opened the window of the room and felt the cold air of dawn touch his face. The city was still silent, but there was distant movement, merchants preparing stalls, cultivators in morning training, and servants cleaning the main streets.
A few minutes later, he left the room. Bai Zhu was already waiting for him in the corridor.
The two went down to the inn’s courtyard together. The air was cold, carrying a slight humidity that announced the beginning of a new day. The sky was beginning to lighten in bluish and orange tones.
They sat at a simple table in the corner of the courtyard. Freshly baked warm bread and simple tea were served. Neither of them spoke much.
"Who are you going to challenge?" Bai Zhu finally asked, biting into the bread.
"I haven’t thought about it yet. But probably Rank 68." Kyrian replied simply.
Kyrian had a curiosity about Rank 68, who possessed metal Qi, at least that was what Yao’s information said.
They finished the meal quickly, and when the light was already beginning to spread through the streets, they left. The streets near the Coliseum were more crowded than the day before, even so early.
The news of the intense fights had spread through the capital.
Names were circulating. Geniuses. Unexpected challengers. Rapid changes in the ranking.
At the main intersection, they encountered Nan Feng Yu.
"You came early too." He smiled.
"The earlier, the better." Bai Zhu replied.
They then continued together.
The Cloud Coliseum was already showing great movement. A long line of common spectators was forming in front of the main entrance. Luxurious carriages already occupied reserved areas for nobles.
But Kyrian and the others did not need to join the line. They were now ranked. There was a specific entrance for official competitors.
The guards only requested their identity tokens. After a brief inspection, they immediately opened the way. Inside, the atmosphere felt different in the morning. More spacious and colder.
The arena was still empty, but there were already groups of cultivators talking in the exclusive stands. Some unknown ranked cultivators cast evaluative glances when Kyrian entered.
He ignored them. Without wasting time, he headed directly to the sector where an elderly man was registering challenges.
The man slowly raised his eyes.
"Name."
"Kyrian."
"Challenge?"
"Rank 68."
The elderly man showed no surprise. He simply recorded the request in the crystal. Kyrian’s name quickly shone on the ranking wall, indicating the formal challenge.
It was confirmed.
Bai Zhu and Nan Feng Yu did the same, each choosing their respective opponents. After that, the three went up to one of the exclusive stands for ranked cultivators.
There they remained in silence as time passed. The Coliseum began to fill. And not just a little. Much more than the day before.
The common stands filled first. Then the noble ones. Even the private areas were occupied by important figures of the capital, leaders of forces, influential merchants, and representatives of sects.
The volume of voices increased progressively. In the sky above the arena, the holograms began displaying the first scheduled fights.
The bets were open. The amounts circulating were greater than the previous day. Kyrian’s name appeared prominently on the initial list.
The odds were balanced. Many now trusted him. While others still believed that Rank 68 would be different.
"Heh. Today it will be clear how far Kyrian can go."
Time passed quickly. When there were thirty minutes left until noon, Elder Tian entered the arena.
Silence gradually fell. He walked to the center, hands behind his back, posture straight. Waiting.
The spiritual clock above the arena marked the exact moment. When noon arrived, Elder Tian opened his eyes.
"Welcome all to the second day of the open challenges of the Cloud Coliseum."
His voice reverberated throughout the structure.
"I, Elder Tian, will be the judge of all fights."
After a brief pause.
"The first challenge begins now."
The names shone on the panel.
"Kyrian, Rank 74 of the Coliseum, against Kuang, Rank 68 of the Coliseum."
The cultivation of both appeared just below.
Kyrian, at the 6° stage of the Qi Liberation realm.
Kuang, at the 3° stage of the Core Formation realm.
The arena erupted in murmurs. Kyrian stood up without hurry. His gaze was calm. But there was a faint glint in it.
As he descended the stairs of the exclusive stand, the gazes followed him. The gazes carried trust, expectation, and doubts, among other feelings.
Kyrian lightly jumped into the arena. The impact was smooth.
On the opposite side, Kuang appeared.
He was a tall man, broad shoulders, hair tied in a simple ponytail. His eyes were cold and attentive. A long spear rested in his right hand. Unlike his previous opponents, he did not release Qi uncontrollably.
The pressure around him was contained. Stable and experienced. The two walked toward the center.
Kuang observed Kyrian for a few seconds.
"I saw your fight against Li Shen and Su Lian." He said calmly.
"I do not intend to underestimate you."
Kyrian did not respond. He simply positioned his hand on the sword he had just taken from his spatial ring.
Elder Tian raised his hand.
"Begin."
The air changed in the next instant. Kuang was the first to move.
The spear traced a short and precise arc, without waste. Metallic Qi condensed along the blade, forming a silver film that vibrated like steel being forged.
He did not advance explosively. But he took three firm steps.
Each step seemed to measure distance, rhythm, and breathing. And then he attacked.
The tip of the spear shot forward in a straight line, simple and direct. There were no flourishes. Only pure force.
Kyrian drew his sword at the same instant. The clash rang out dry. Metal against metal.
A wave of Qi spread across the arena floor, lifting fine dust. Kyrian felt the weight behind the strike. His arms trembled slightly.
Kuang twisted his wrist, and the spear slid like a serpent, changing angle mid-motion. The second thrust came low, aiming at the legs.
Kyrian stepped back half a step and cut downward. Sparks appeared.
The two separated. Kuang’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Kyrian, on the other hand, finally felt something different. A slightly greater pressure. Kuang was physically much stronger than his previous opponents.
He adjusted his stance.
This time, without waiting, he advanced.