"It's about time to go, the day should be here," Ryu said lightly.
He strapped his grandfather's bow to his back and slid on his Glove of Order once again, his mind the picture of serenity.
When he and Selheira left the small world, he waved a hand. At that moment, everything around them warped and vanished.
When they appeared again, they were already in the harsh cold of the snowy mountain range and the ring on Ryu's finger had gained a very small and almost unnoticeable gem. Even Ryu who wore it almost didn't notice anything at all.
Behind them, the cave entrance looked just the same, even the Ruin was just the same, however, if others came, they would find that the true treasures had long since been taken away and they would be none the wiser.
Selheira whistled and a happy snow owl rushed through the skies, descending before them with a sonorous call. Soon, they were in the air and rushing toward the center of the First Heaven… At this point, there was no point in returning to the Radiant Star Sect.
**
Elder Aika sat somewhat grumpily, mumbling beneath her breath.
"A bunch of useless, good for nothings. The Sect finally gets itself a decent talent and you actually let him be bullied by outsiders. I should kill you all, just a pack of worthless scum…"
Elder Aika's "mumbles" were more than loud enough for even Path Extinction Realm experts to hear from miles away, let alone the powerhouses present currently.
Every since Elder Aika heard that her beloved Ryu was being forced to participate in this farce of a tournament because Elder Li didn't' have the backbone to stop experts from the Second Heaven, she had become infuriated, even raining down several slaps on the old man's face without regard for his dignity.
After Elder Aika learned that Ryu had refused to take orders from the Iunae Clan and the Hidden Blade Sect, her fondness for him had increased a hundredfold. Such a filial disciple who actually also enjoyed reading in the library AND was a great talent was too rare, all too rare.
Yet these bastards were sending him off to his death, how could she not be infuriated? Let alone Elder Li, she hit and slapped everyone she could find, even the Grand Elder and Sect Leader weren't spared, suffering her wrath as well.
The elders could only bitterly withstand it, not wanting to get on the bad side of this old woman any more than they already were.
"Hoho, trouble in paradise? Why do you sound so upset, Aika?"
Elder Aika's head snapped up and without a word, she had already grabbed her cane. The elder who had spoken out immediately retreated, their eyes widening and not expecting such a vicious attack.
BANG!
The head of the elder exploded under the stunned gazes of those present.
Right this moment, the Sects and Clans of the First Heaven had all gathered in the skies. Each Sect and Clan, depending on their status, was granted a floating island. Some had to share their islands with others, but the likes of the Radiant Star Sect didn't have to do such a thing. They could be considered to be a top five organization of the First Heaven even if they weren't Two Star, so they would never have to do such a thing.
These countless floating small islands all surrounded a much larger floating island from above. Although they were separated by hundreds of miles, with the eyesight of cultivators at their level, it might as well have been right in front of their eyes.
Just now, an elder of the Hidden Blade Sect was flying by on a flying beast and unleashed some taunting words after hearing Elder Aika's complaints. And yet, despite them being from a Two Star Sect, without the slightest hesitation, Elder Aika pierced outward and shattered their skull into a gory mess.
"Who else wants to say something smart?! Come! Come! This old lady has time for all of you today! It's been so long since I stepped out that some of you think that I, Aika Radiance, am someone you can just speak casually to?
"How many more?! I'm waiting right here!"
A stunned silence took hold.
Did an elder in the Sky God Realm… Just die?
No one who was watching could seem to wrap their heads around what they were seeing. It was difficult even to fathom or comprehend. This wasn't a small matter that could just be brushed under the rug, even the death of a World Sea Realm expert would lead to all out war, let alone a Sky God!
The elders of the Radiant Star Sect stood frozen as well, none of them having any idea what they should do.
The Hidden Blade Sect was a Two Star Sect! Not only were they Two Star, but they were especially known for their insidious methods and long lives. Killing one of their experts was almost impossible with their number of survival methods.
Wait… That was indeed the case, so how had Elder Aika killed one of them so easily?!
"Well?! Where are the rest of you?! My patience is thin! Don't make me come over there, or else I won't stop until all of you are eradicated!"
Elder Aika seemed absolutely furious, but even the Hidden Blade Sect, who should have been more enraged than even her, had no idea what they should do. This change of events was so sudden that they couldn't even react.
It had to be understood that in order to become a Two Star Sect, one needed a False Sky God. But any Sect that could become a Two Star Sect would usually first become a One Star Sect, and then a True One Star Sect with ten Fragmented Sky Gods, and only then would they finally become a Two Star Sect.
This was to say that the Fragmented Sky Gods were the real backbone of a Two Star Sect and was the most solid representation of their power. And yet one had just died so casually?! And why did this old woman sound like she wanted to kill more?!
Just when it seemed that Elder Aika would really storm over, her head turned toward a sudden direction and her murderous aura dissipated into thin air.
"Ah, my handsome little baby boy is here!"
The elders were further rendered speechless. But at this moment, the gravity of what had just happened finally began to settle in for the Hidden Blade Sect and their gazes turned savage.
A mere True One Star Sect dared to infringe on the dignity of a Two Star behemoth?!