Not in the Same League

It had only been a week since the 10,000 Sect War declaration, but a hegemonic faction of over three million years of history had already been wiped out clean. Worse, all other branches of the dragon clan, millions of cultivators coming from varying backgrounds, but guilty by association, were forced to flee for their lives, seek asylum in the Serpent Domain, change their names, hide for a lifetime, or die horrible deaths.

That event awoke the celestials to the seriousness of their current situation. Driving many into instantaneous depression. Shallow cultivation bases, inexistent background, unremarkable deeds and low position wouldn't protect them. As long as they came from the wrong side, stood at the wrong place at the wrong time, they could suffer the dragon clansmen's fate.

Recognizing their need for irresistible strength and bargaining chips, many of the 33 Heavens' low-level celestials came to the same conclusion: regardless of the cost, for their futures' sake, they had to claim the Sovereign Pupils. So it wasn't 9,000 that Harun faced. Emboldened, determined to compete with their betters, to use the chaos weaved by the colossal numbers to claim the prize, a batch of 3,000 underdogs joined the fray. Three-thousand celestials from all walks of life that held one thing in common: they came from the mortal world—making their Dao Foundation...complete.

This was the only flaw in Harun's plan. Once mortal-born celestials joined the battle en masse, the situation became more troublesome. Without the Decaying Flower in his soul and the 50% vitality he granted the system, defeating them became a painful task. However, as he stood before his pagoda, with his pale face brightened by the rising sun's rays, Harun seemed undisturbed.

Even without those extra fellows, he couldn't unleash the chains at the battle's start. First, he had to draw the attention of the 33 Heavens on this clash, only when all stood glued on his performance could his monstrous legions pour forth and strike with maximum efficiency. That being the case, he naturally came prepared.

As per their agreement, Jiyan concealed her presence and hid in the shadows, convincing the invading army that Harun stood alone. But as she stared at his back, Jiyan had the misconception that deep in the easygoing Harun's soul hid a beast of prey that enjoyed the gathering, enjoyed the thrill, and welcomed the enemy with open arms.

…

Not all had joined the battle yet. In the Golden Crow clan's residence within the Highest Heaven, Rajan faced three youths dressed in battle armor, all with the flaming-gold eyes of the Golden Crow clan.

"Each of you represents the future of this clan. Were it not for all the variables this challenge presents, I wouldn't risk you so early in your cultivation path. However, I must," Rajan said. The three understood well that sooner or later, they would stand on the front lines, battling other forces to compete for resources and impose their clan's supremacy. As the clan's highest ranking chosen, this was their destiny, and they wouldn't shirk from it.

"We pledge to defeat the Serpent Domain's juniors and claim the eyes for our Golden Crow clan!" They clasped their hands, bowed and proclaimed—full of zeal. In those juniors' eyes, the 2600 experts of the Serpent Domain, led by those seven unknown Devouring Serpents, were the genuine threat. Although logic wanted them right, the words made Rajan's heart skip a beat. And a sense of foreboding welled up in his chest.

"You two can go, Soran stays behind," Rajan ordered, and the two at the left and right vanished, leaving the middle one behind. He didn't raise his eyes or relax his stance. Complicated emotions fluctuated in Rajan's eyes.

"Soran, there are many unknowns, be it on the Serpent or that Harun boy's side. Success is far from guaranteed. And while we must take risks, you are different. If you're willing to back off, I can find an excuse for you. You...don't have to do this,��� Rajan said, and though the words sickened him, still hoped to sway Soran. Granted, Rajan believed that lives didn't have the same value, and talents should be given greater focus and care. But those weren't his motivations. In fact, in this precise moment, he sincerely wished Soran was less gifted, so that he could avoid the problem altogether.

What father worth the name could send his youngest child into a potential, lethal trap? As a clan lord and sect master, Rajan wished to avoid bias and focus on benefit. But the father in him clashed with his ambitions, preventing him from speaking the correct words. Soran, however, showed no hesitation.

"A man must live up to his own words. Father, you are the first to say that we must lead by example less we lose the respect of our troops. How then can you justify keeping me out of this fight? If you can send others' children to their death, you must have the resolve to do the same with your own. Otherwise, you cannot lead this clan.

In cultivation and wits, how many surpass you? To compete with them, you must become ruthless. Great-grandfather will not be here forever. I will bring you the eyes, so that you may spread your wings...or die trying!" Soran declared, and with another bow, left for the war. Ashamed, Rajan lowered his eyes and heaved a sigh.

...

Led by Soran, the three Golden Crow clansmen flew toward the Imperial Dao Pavilion, reaching it fast enough to spot 2607 green-robbed youths descending from a battleship: the Serpent Domain's juniors. At their helm stood seven men. Six of which possessed Monochromatic Double Pupils, meaning that their cultivation bases stood at the Celestial Knight Realm already.

The seventh, however, drove the 12,000 celestials gathering in the plaza into a mix of awe and horror with his black and brown, Heterochromatic Double Pupils. Even Jiyan hadn't expected that Silav would be so candid and directly send one such monster for this event.

"An Ascending God..." all celestials on the scene came to this conclusion. Braver than the others, 40% gathered their strength and resolve and...fled toward the Imperial Dao Pavillion's entrance at maximum speed.

"Bullshit! Who came here to fight with a God? My cultivation base is only at the ninth level of the Celestial Kin Realm! Are those braindead geezers trying to kill me?!"

"Screw clan glory! They made the Dao Pledge, let them deal with it!"

Those were basically the thoughts swirling in the runaway celestials' mind. Unfortunately for them, the Heterochromatic-eyed youth raised his right hand, conjuring an invisible barrier that locked all cultivators in the plaza.

With a nimble descent, the seven Devouring Serpent youths landed beside Harun.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Baraw, 21st Chosen of the World Devouring Serpent clan. Lord Silav sent me to support Your Majesty against the fleas," Baraw bowed toward Harun and said with a polite look. The six others did the same. But when Baraw's words reached them, to say nothing of the low-level celestials, even the Golden Crow clansmen couldn't take it.

"21st?"