Chapter 13: The Path to Strength

(通往力量之路 - Tōngwǎng Lìliàng Zhī Lù)

The morning sun cast a dull glow over the ruins of Azure Sky Academy. Smoke still rose from the collapsed structures, and the scent of burned wood and blood lingered in the air. Students gathered in silence, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.

The attack had shaken everyone.

Raiko Yun stood at the highest point of the academy grounds, overlooking the courtyard where bodies of fallen students and assassins were being carried away. His fists tightened.

"This wasn't just an attack it was a message."

Whoever was behind this wanted to see Azure Sky Academy destroyed before the upcoming tournament.

Elder Zhou, despite his injuries, addressed the remaining students. His voice was steady but heavy.

"We have lost many…" He paused, looking at the faces of the survivors. "But we are still standing."

Murmurs spread among the students. Some doubted their place here. Others questioned if they were strong enough to fight.

"We cannot run from this war," Elder Zhou continued. "But if we are to survive… we must grow stronger."

His gaze shifted to Raiko, lingering for a moment before moving on.

Raiko knew.

This wasn't just a warning it was a call to action.

That night, Raiko stood outside his dormitory, gazing at his right hand.

The power hidden within him the gift from his father remained untouched.

He had always held back. He had pretended to be weak, not because he wanted to, but because he had to. His father's words echoed in his mind.

"Hide your right hand until you reach the level of gods."

But how much longer could he hold back?

The academy was weak. The students were considered losers by the rest of the world. If he wanted to protect them, he had to grow stronger.

He clenched his fist.

"I can't wait anymore."

Just as Raiko resolved to train harder, a voice called out from the shadows.

"You're planning to get stronger, aren't you?"

Raiko turned sharply.

Xue Lian stepped into the moonlight, arms crossed. Her crimson eyes studied him with curiosity.

"You're an interesting one," she said. "A boy who hides his power but refuses to be weak."

Raiko didn't respond.

She smirked. "If you want to stop pretending, then follow me."

He hesitated. "Why would I trust you?"

Xue Lian shrugged. "You don't have to. But the tournament is approaching. If you want to win, you need more than just raw strength."

She started walking away.

Raiko hesitated for only a moment before following her into the night.

Xue Lian led him deep into the academy grounds, past the collapsed buildings and burned courtyards, until they reached a hidden valley behind the mountains.

There, an underground cavern stretched beneath the land, glowing with mysterious blue energy. The air was thick with ancient power.

Raiko felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins the moment he stepped inside.

"What is this place?" he asked.

Xue Lian smirked. "A place only a few know about."

She turned to him. "This is where real warriors are made."

A boom suddenly echoed through the cavern.

Raiko's eyes widened as he saw someone training in the distance.

A massive figure moved like a shadow, his fists crushing giant stone pillars with each strike. His aura was immense, shaking the entire cave.

Xue Lian gestured toward him. "That's my master. And if you survive tonight, he might agree to train you."

Raiko felt his heartbeat quicken. This was it the true beginning of his path to strength.

The figure training in the cavern struck with such force that the entire underground chamber trembled. Each punch shattered boulders into dust, and each movement left behind afterimages of raw speed.

Raiko Yun's body tensed.

"This… this is power beyond anything I've seen."

The man finally stopped, his back facing them. Slowly, he turned, revealing a face covered in deep scars a testament to countless battles. His piercing golden eyes locked onto Raiko with an intensity that felt like they could see into his soul.

Xue Lian stepped forward and bowed.

"Master Hong Tian, I have brought someone who wishes to grow stronger."

Hong Tian studied Raiko for a moment, then spoke in a deep, gravelly voice.

"I know who he is."

Raiko's breath caught. He knows me?

Hong Tian's gaze darkened. "The boy who hides his true power. The child of two great clans, yet shackled by fear."

Raiko flinched.

Xue Lian smirked. "Told you he was interesting."

Hong Tian stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "Boy, do you think power is something you can just awaken when you need it?"

Raiko met his gaze, refusing to back down. "I don't fear my power."

"Liar."

A sudden burst of force erupted from Hong Tian, sending a powerful shockwave through the cavern. Raiko barely had time to brace himself before he was blasted backward, crashing into the cavern wall.

Coughing, he struggled to stand.

Xue Lian crossed her arms. "If you can't handle that, you're not ready."

Raiko clenched his fists. "I can handle anything."

Hong Tian chuckled darkly. "Then prove it."

Hong Tian walked over to a large stone tablet embedded in the cavern's wall. Strange golden inscriptions glowed across its surface. With a single touch, the ground trembled, and the tablet split apart, revealing a hidden entrance.

Beyond it was darkness.

"Step inside," Hong Tian ordered.

Raiko hesitated. The air inside felt… wrong. There was something ancient within that darkness. Something watching him.

He turned back to Hong Tian. "What's inside?"

The master's golden eyes gleamed. "A test. Survive, and I will train you."

Xue Lian smirked. "Or die, and we'll know you weren't worth our time."

Raiko exhaled sharply.

There was no turning back.

He stepped into the darkness.

The moment Raiko entered, the stone door slammed shut behind him.

Pitch-black silence surrounded him.

Then a low growl echoed in the darkness.

Raiko's body tensed. He wasn't alone.

Something massive shifted in the shadows. The ground trembled under heavy footsteps, and two glowing red eyes flickered to life in the void.

A beast its form twisted and unnatural emerged from the abyss. Its massive claws scraped against the stone, and its breathing was like the howling wind.

Raiko took a step back.

"This isn't just a normal beast… It's something else."

The creature suddenly lunged.

Raiko barely dodged, rolling to the side as the beast's claws tore through solid stone like it was paper. Dust and debris rained down.

The beast vanished into the shadows.

Then It reappeared behind him.

Raiko's eyes widened. Too fast!

The creature struck. Instinct took over.

Raiko's right hand flared with power, releasing a pulse of golden energy.

The beast halted, its entire body freezing mid-attack.

Raiko's breath hitched.

"I… stopped it?"

His right hand trembled, the hidden power awakening for the first time in real combat. He could feel it the ability to control the very flow of movement.

Hong Tian's words echoed in his mind.

"You fear your own strength."

No. Not anymore.

Gritting his teeth, Raiko stepped forward, his golden aura intensifying. The beast let out a distorted roar, but this time, Raiko didn't hesitate.

With a single strike, he unleashed a wave of power, shattering the darkness.

Light flooded the cavern.

The beast vanished into nothingness. The stone doors swung open.

Raiko stepped out, his breathing heavy.

Hong Tian and Xue Lian waited for him.

The master gave a nod of approval. "Not bad."

Raiko wiped the sweat from his forehead. "So, does this mean"

Hong Tian smirked. "Training begins tomorrow."

Raiko exhaled in relief.

But Xue Lian only smiled mischievously.

"Good luck, newbie. You're going to wish you never survived that test."

Raiko gulped.

He had no idea what he had just signed up for.