Chapter 15: The Asura's Conclave

Several years had unfolded since the tumultuous battles that shaped the Li family's destiny. Leori, now a sprightly five-year-old, embarked on his martial arts journey under the tutelage of Shin, a master in his own right. Leo, the Asura, stood as a vigilant spectator, emanating paternal warmth as he witnessed the blossoming skills of his progeny.

The Li family courtyard, adorned with intricately patterned stone pathways and vibrant flora, served as the backdrop for Leori's training. Sunlight filtered through ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the training ground. The soft rustle of leaves intertwined with the rhythmic cadence of martial arts instruction, creating a harmonious symphony of discipline and growth.

After the training session, Leo ascended to the Li family hall, an architectural marvel adorned with ancestral tapestries that whispered tales of bygone eras. Hyakin, the venerable steward of the Li family, presented Leo with a letter—a missive that beckoned him to the summons of the Seven Kings.

With a swift resolve, Leo, donned in the celestial grace of his enhanced gloves, traversed the skies. The Celestial Gloves, now endowed with new capabilities, propelled him toward the Martial Alliance with a grace that defied gravity.

Arriving at the assembly, Leo beheld a congregation of formidable figures. Tiger Beast King, now the successor to the regal mantle, emanated a regal aura. The somber gaze of the Giant King, marked by the weight of past conflicts, met Leo's eyes. Amidst the gathering were unfamiliar faces, each radiating a distinct aura of formidable strength.

The Martial Alliance's meeting ground, an expansive hall adorned with symbols of martial prowess, bore witness to the assembly of the Seven Kings. The ambiance buzzed with a blend of camaraderie, solemnity, and an underlying tension. Greetings ranged from warm smiles to stoic expressions, with a few smirks underscoring the diverse personalities present.

The alliance leader, a figure of sagacious authority, stepped forward to introduce the Seven Kings. Tiger Beast King, Giant King, Poison King, Sword King, and Wind King—all formidable entities in their own right. Leo, absorbing the significance of the moment, reciprocated the various reactions with a composed demeanor.

The alliance leader elucidated the purpose behind the summoning—a foreboding power from the western realms, Shai's homeland, was poised to challenge the East in a tournament of martial prowess. Laughter from the Wind King echoed through the hall, expressing eager acceptance of the impending challenge. The Poison King, ever serious, surveyed the situation with a discerning gaze. The other Kings, each bearing their own response, collectively agreed to face this unknown adversary.

In a surprising turn, the Giant King, his voice resonating like distant thunder, declared his retirement. With solemnity, he announced the passing of his regal mantle to a chosen successor. The revelation reverberated through the assembly, leaving a momentary hush in its wake.

Post-meeting, the retiring Giant King approached Leo, a palpable sorrow evident in his gaze. An apology lingered in the air as the colossal figure conveyed regrets. As he left the gathering, Leo grappled with the weight of unspoken histories and shared destinies.

Returning to the Li family with the weighty news, Shai's countenance betrayed a sense of foreboding. The impending tournament, cloaked in uncertainty and shadowed by the veiled motives of the Western power, cast a looming specter over the Li family's tranquil abode. As Leo navigated through the delicate web of alliances and rivalries, an unseen storm brewed on the horizon, and the Asura prepared to face the tempest that awaited.