kaidoakario

Once every 10,000 years, the heavens open, and the Mortal Realm is cast into turmoil. The Great Reset begins—a cosmic reckoning where empires fall, beasts awaken, and only the strongest carve their names into eternity. For those who survive, the path to the Astral Realm and the right to claim divinity awaits.

Raikai, a warrior forged in storms, wields the power of the Celestial Iron Body Cultivation, his flesh tempered into living steel. His Death Arms—twin scythes bound by chains—dance like a mythological dragon, crackling with lightning, capturing and tearing apart those who stand in his way.

Beside him stands Shinryu, swift and precise, blessed by the Celestial Tiger. His Death Arms, a pair of white leather gloves with retractable claws, strike with divine speed—every slash a whisper of the heavens’ fury.

Together, they ascend the path of blood and power, bound by brotherhood yet tested by fate. Their bond is their greatest strength, but in a world where the Death Arms grow with their wielders—feeding on their victories and failures—power often demands a terrible price.

As the 10,000-year Reset begins, ancient titans stir, forgotten sects rise from the shadows, and primordial beasts long thought extinct awaken. The heavens will bear witness as Raikai and Shinryu defy the gods—or die trying.

In an age where flesh is reforged into iron and weapons evolve alongside the soul—two brothers will challenge destiny itself!

imperial celestial

Torra Zhen's golden eyes studied Xue Mor in silence. The flickering lantern light cast long shadows across the chamber, emphasizing the deep lines of wisdom on the Ancient White Tiger Clan Patriarch's face. He leaned back in his seat, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest, his expression unreadable.

"You speak well, young lady," he finally said, his voice calm but firm. "But my clan has stood for centuries without bowing to any empire, sect, or alliance. The Azure Dragons are the same. We are not pawns to be moved by the Phoenix Cry Emperor."

Xue Mor expected this resistance. She met his gaze without hesitation. "I do not ask you to bow, nor does my father seek to command you. The Ancient White Tiger Clan has thrived because you act with wisdom, not recklessness. That is exactly why I came here first instead of going to Shin Rai."

Torra Zhen stroked his beard, watching her closely. "And yet, you still come seeking something from me."

"I seek strength united in purpose, not submission," Xue Mor clarified. "The Great Collapse is a storm that will swallow the weak. You know this as well as I do. When chaos descends, even the mighty can fall if they stand alone."

Shinryu, who had been silent until now, chuckled from his spot by the pillar. "So, you want us to stand with you but not under you?" His silver hair shimmered in the dim light, his smirk amused. "That's a fine line to walk."

Xue Mor turned to him. "It's not a line. It's an understanding." She gestured between them. "Neither of our clans have ever bowed to another. That will not change. But while others scramble for power blindly, we have a chance to set the course. We don't have to rule each other—but if we don't act together, others will try to rule us."

Torra Zhen's expression darkened slightly. He knew she was right. When the Collapse came, opportunists would rise, seeking to exploit the chaos. If the Ancient White Tiger Clan and the Azure Dragon Clan remained isolated, they could find themselves outnumbered, weakened, and ultimately forced into submission by external forces.

"And what of Shin Rai?" Torra Zhen asked. "The Azure Dragons will not be easily swayed, even with my support."

Xue Mor exhaled, choosing her words carefully. "Shin Rai respects strength and action, not words. That is why your decision is so crucial. If the Ancient White Tiger Clan agrees to cooperate, it will set a precedent—one he cannot ignore."

Torra Zhen's eyes narrowed, deep in thought. He glanced at Shinryu, whose expression had shifted to something more contemplative. Then, he gave a slow nod.

"You are bold, Xue Mor. You argue like a ruler, not a mere envoy." He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "But words alone do not earn the trust of my clan. If we stand with you, we must know that you will not falter in the face of adversity."

Xue Mor stood firm. "What do you propose?"

Torra Zhen smiled—a knowing, challenging smile. "A test, of course."

Shinryu sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew this was coming."

Torra Zhen ignored him. "Your test will be twofold: first, you must prove your strength—either in battle or in strategy. Second, you must prove that you understand what it means to fight beside us, not just command from afar."

Xue Mor nodded without hesitation. "Name the challenge. I will not disappoint."

Torra Zhen's smile widened. "Then let us begin.

The Weight of Independence