Chapter 721 - 665: Ardor (1/2)
It wasn't what one would call an en easy fight, even for a strong and young cultivator such as Ardor. Nonetheless, he was able to prevail and defeat the three opponents. However, fighting one's demon, especially in Ardor's case, wasn't going to be done this fast and with just one fight.
This fragmented piece of his past still haunts the youth, who, like Cristina, was quite arrogant when he entered the MoonStar Sect. Back then, Ardor had thought that apart from his master- now deceased- no one would surprise him, no matter how strong they were. So wrong he was, ignorant of the true prowess of the true experts, unable to accept that there are people who could beat his master. When he witnessed Arthur's myriad techniques, which were just as weird as they were heaven-defying, Ardor knew that he, despite traveling to many a place - dangerous and well-hidden- was still an inexperienced youngster.
There's also Lucy MoonStar, the wife of the notorious Parasite. A woman from the White Specter Clan, and a woman equipped with absurd physical strength and an arsenal of unique skills, such as the Golden Flames, for example.
Ho Qing's ultimate goal was to become an independent and strong cultivator, able to protect himself and his friends. He wanted to explore the mysteries of the world and reach the peak of cultivation.
Ardor's goal wasn't that different either. The youth sought after the title of 'Sword God', which, since ancient time- precisely the Era of Beginning- only one person truly deserved such a title. It was, of course, the Nameless Knight, a terrifying existence that makes anyone shiver with fear and in awe with admiration and fascination. He's, without a doubt, the strongest living being in the current Era
Ardor deeply wished to achieve such strength; To be able to flatten mountains and split seas with a casual swing of his sword. In fact, there hasn't been a book, story, or a fleeting rumor about The Nameless Knight that Ardor hasn't heard or read. His current teacher, Arthur MoonStar, was also a strong sword-user, a monster. A freak of nature. He may not be as strong as the Nameless Knight but Ardor was certain that there are many things he could learn from the Parasite.
When he but a toddler, his master warned him to never join any sect or clan, repeatedly telling him that the pursuit of strength requires constant fighting and non-stop traveling. Secluding yourself in a cave and cultivating can only do so much. It isn't an efficient way and, nowadays, it's only practiced by old decrepit, hermits, and those who are no longer interested in what's going on outside.
And so, Ardor broke the rule and joined the MoonStar sect. His demeanor, slowly but surely, was changing for the better. He got rid of his arrogance and persevered, seeing a hopeful future at the end of the road.
The youth, mumbling inaudible words under his breath, lifted his head and calmly watched three more opponents appear from the rising elevator.
…
Riddled with wounds, his robe tattered and shredded around the waist and knees, Ardor sat on the ground. He has been continuously for eighty minutes, defeating more than twenty-one of those machines. He didn't overexert himself and survived till now, which, fortunately, was the end. The surroundings blurred and, in the blink of an eye, he found himself sitting on the dirt, at the finish line. The two hours were almost up but not all participants had appeared.
”Hey! You good?”
Bora approached Ardor and offered his hand, which the latter tightly held and stood up.
”Did everyone make it?”
”Rosea and Shu Ru are still not here.” Replied Bora, his voice showcasing his nervousness.
Ho Qing, standing a few meters away, nodded at Ardor but did not utter a word, as usual.
”I've got good news, though. Ho Qing was the first to complete the Trial. That ought to give our team bonus points, right?”
”Maybe.” Responded Ardor, taking a deep breath as he raised his head, staring absent-mindedly at the cloudy grey sky.
….
”Arthur, I've been wondering about something.” Curiously said Isadore Malfront, maintaining his eyes on the screen.
”Shu Ru belongs to the Mirage Era Hall. Did she quit her sect.. or was there something I'm not aware of? Quite frankly, I was surprised to see her in your team.”
Arthur didn't reply immediately, he also looked at the screen. Unlike the spectators, who couldn't see what the participants were facing, he- as the creator of the Trial- could see everything.
”I don't see anything that warrants you're incessant wondering, your Majesty.”
”There's an unwritten rule about being at two sects at once. It's understandable if you're in a clan and joins a sect, but it clearly isn't the case with that girl.”
The parasite softly chuckled and retorted, ”I sense the worry in your voice, Your Majesty. Are you angry that I stole the Goddess of Green-Leaf?”
”Stole? Hah! I'm just intrigued.” Isadore snuck a swift glance at the silent and cold-faced Lucy, who did not react to Arthur's words, which- he thought- were going to make her angry.
”You're the King of Green-Leaf and the Mirage Era Hall is in the capital and is under your wing and authority. They say each sect in the city is independent but I highly doubt that. Anyway, there's nothing worth mentioning about her transfer here. And before you ask, I had nothing to do with this. Shu Ru came here out of her own free will and I merely welcomed her.”
”What about you, Madam Lucy?”
Isadore mustered some courage and asked Lucy, who's someone he felt reluctant to look at, much less converse with.
”Nothing in particular. The girl is hard-working and has a lot of promising potential.”
”Yes yes, that's true!” The King agreed, plastering a faint smile.
..
”Say, succubus, how strong is she?”
Edward Ortberg pointed at Lucy with his chin and whispered with a low voice. Fariya sneered at him and, unexpectedly, answered.