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

The grand hall of Phoenix Cry Palace was silent as the eight defeated prodigies knelt before Huo Feng, their expressions a mix of shame and frustration. The emperor sat on his golden throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over them.

"You are Phoenix Cry's greatest hopes. The ones chosen to represent our empire's strength." His voice was calm, but there was a heavy weight behind each word.

His gaze lingered on his two sons.

"And yet, you were crushed. Not just by the combined efforts of three—but by their superior battlefield awareness, technique, and combat will."

None of them dared to speak. Even the most arrogant among them knew there was no excuse for their loss.

"Xue Mor, despite being weaker than Shinryu and Raikai, has far surpassed you all in battlefield experience and tactical thinking. Even if you possess talent, it is useless if you cannot apply it properly. The world does not care for wasted potential."

The eight lowered their heads further, Huo Feng's presence pressing down on them like a firestorm.

"To avoid embarrassing me and the empire again, you will enter the Flameheart Trial Grounds immediately."

The Flameheart Trial Grounds were among Phoenix Cry's most dangerous training zones, meant for tempering warriors in real-life battle conditions. If they failed there, they would never be worthy of representing the empire.

"By the time you return, I expect you to be warriors worthy of our name."

The prodigies responded in unison.

A Different Path for the Outsiders

Unlike the defeated prodigies, Raikai and Shinryu had no interest in the trials.

They had already proven their superiority—grinding against weaker opponents would do nothing for them. Instead, as a sign of gratitude for their alliance, Huo Feng presented them with high-grade cultivation pills—not just for themselves, but enough to bring back to their clans.

"These will aid your growth, but do not mistake them for shortcuts."

Both Raikai and Shinryu accepted them with respect but understood their limits. True power came from forging their strength through combat and experience, not just from cultivation resources.

Instead of wasting time in the trials, they chose to explore Phoenix Cry Empire with Xue Mor.

Exploring the Empire & Seeking Their Own Growth

For the next few days, the trio wandered through the great cities, markets, and sacred grounds of Phoenix Cry.

They weren't looking for treasures or cultivation techniques—their clans had those in abundance.

Instead, they discussed their weaknesses, hoping to find something that could help balance their fighting styles.

"My biggest flaw is my reach. My scythes are powerful, but against someone too fast to be chained down, I need something else to cover my openings."

"For me, it's energy consumption. My gravity field drains too much too quickly. If a battle drags on, even if I'm stronger, I might lose due to exhaustion."

"So even monsters like you two have weaknesses?"

They both shot her a glare, but she only laughed.

However, she was also thinking about her own limits.

"My battlefield control is strong, but if an enemy sees through my traps, I don't have the brute force to overpower them. I need something to compensate for that."

The trio decided to search for Eternal Arms equipment—legendary weapons or artifacts that could offset their individual weaknesses.

Their journey in Phoenix Cry was far from over, and soon, they would set their eyes on even greater challenges ahead.

The Emperor’s Judgment and the Path Forward