’”Stay close!”
Ardor repeated again, his eyes jumping from one spot to the other but all he could see was a dense mist. Ghastly howls and strange croaks reverberated from all directions, making the group of five tense and on full alert.
They walked in the same formation for ten minutes before one of them vanished. Ho Qing seemed to have disappeared into thin air, even when his companions called for him, they were answered by a brief and eerie silence.
This was but the beginning of mysterious and sudden disappearance. Rosea, who was at the center, also evaporated into nothingness, leaving in her place the ever-so-spreading thick mist, separating Bora from the rest.
Like that, one after the other, the members of the MoonStar got separated, all within fifteen minutes, at most.
…
The youth, quietly breathing, cautiously and carefully inspected his surroundings, which seemed to have dramatically changed. He was no longer in a misty forest but in a grandiose hall, a very familiar hall. He didn’t call for his membres or move unnecessarily, he stood still, held his breath for a couple of seconds, and circulated his Nether Energy, ready to retaliate in case something attacked.
The hall was exquisitely decorated, orderly pillars made of shiny crimson granite, silver marble under his feet, and the rest was emptiness, purposefully made to glorify the pillars and the floor.
The youth, red-haired, sharp facial features, a slim body, and fully-opened eyes, showcasing vigilance and a slight anxiousness.
Ho Qing kept holding his breath, afraid that any sound might lead to the expected inevitable result, which is being attacked by the unknown enemy, lurking somewhere around, shrouded by invisibility.
More time crept by and the hidden enemy could wait any longer, lunging at Ho Qing, enveloped by a burst of orange flames.
Ho Qing retaliated almost immediately, moving both hands and punching the incoming enemy, also unleashing flames, though his were stronger and more ferocious, as is every fire belonging to the Phoenix.
The youth’s fist clashed with the enemy, hitting his face and blowing him dozens of meters to the back. It was only then that Ho Qing had a clear view of the assailant, who, surprisingly, was his carbon copy, more or less.
The fake Ho Qing resembled his past self… the missing arm, the unrestrained anger, and the ferocious eyes blazing with anger and rage.
Ho Qing didn’t speak or question what’s happening, he backed away and shot two large fireballs, which split into multiple smaller ones once they were close to the target. Wave after wave of phoenix flames engulfed the copy, making him writhe and wail, his clothes burnt and his expression distorting inhumanely.
“How could you go under him? He’s our enemy! He destroyed everything!”
“…”
Instead of needlessly replying, Ho Qing attacked again by leaping into the air and spreading his arms like a bird, his Nether Energy exploded forth, enveloping him wholly by a gigantic screeching phoenix.
The granite pillars and the marble ground melted, the phoenix fire spread to all corners of the hall, turning it into a hellish inferno. The copy wasn’t even able to resist, his body turning into ash as the descending phoenix crashed into him.
It was supposed to be a long and tiresome fight, however, Ho Qing chose the quickest alternative, which is using his strongest technique to put an end to it. He didn’t want to hear what his copy wanted to say, didn’t want to understand him or reach a common ground. He never regretted his decision, even if it was wrong. He had forsaken his sect, friends, and family, and that’s because he knew that Arthur is not someone they could provoke and getaway.
What he wanted to keep wasn’t his useless pride but his life. His goal was to become strong, infinitely strong, everything else did not matter and should not matter. Unlike the Patriarch or the elders, who sat in their caves and meditated, he wanted to explore the Cloud Sea Universe, uncover mysteries and achieve the peak of cultivation. Yes, he had been arrogant in the past, which, consequently, made him lose an arm, nonetheless, he swallowed back his anger, took his closest friends, and left.
“How could I not?”
The youth muttered, his eyes gazing at the scattering black ash, which was all that was left of the furious copy.
A few seconds later, Ho Qing found himself standing at the forest again, however, the mist wasn’t blocking his view. He turned around and soon found out that he was automatically transported to the end of the forest, therefore completing the trial.
“Congratulations, you’re the first to arrive.”
Gutcha picked his nose and took out a large and disgusting booger, but what’s worse is that he patted Ho Qing’s shoulder with the same hand.
The youth frowned but did not comment, his eyes resting on the misty forest, hoping that the rest of the team succeeds.
…
“That’s unexpected.” Said Isadore while sucking a deep breath.
Out of all the participants, Ho Qing was the first to arrive at the end, and in such a short amount of time.
“Not for me.” Calmly said Lucy, a rarely seen faint smile displayed on her face.
Ever since she personally trained the youth and pushed him to the brink, she knew that he was the most special out of the whole team. He discarded his pride and sought naught but power and power alone, which is precisely why he managed to acquire the unique Phoenix Fire.
“He’s kind of handsome.” Surprisingly, Fariya, who stood a few paces behind the couple, opened her mouth for the first time. Her eyes momentarily shone as they focused on the red-haired youth. Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t say anything else as Lucy gave her a cold side-way glance.
“I thought fighting one’s demon is supposed to be hard.” Said Edward, visibly perplexed.
“Not for everyone. Some have it easier than others. Of course, it could be easy but still be done relatively fast.” Explained Arthur. He chuckled and nodded his head, proud that one of his team was the first to complete the trial.
“You think I could do it too?” Cristina leaned closer to Lucy and whispered with a barely audible voice.
In response, the silver-haired woman nodded her head once but did not speak.
Ten minutes after Ho Qing, John and one of the youngsters from the Imoogi Team appeared at the same time. The two looked at each other then focused their gaze on Ho Qing, who also looked back but only for a second.
“Hey you.” John, the young man from the Ancient Federation, approached Ho Qing.
“…”
Although he got no response, he still asked.
“Do you want to join the Federation? We’ll welcome you wi-”
Before he could finish, someone pulled him a few steps backward. The youth was startled as a hideous grinning face appeared before his eyes.
“It’s prohibited to recruit members from the other team.”
Gutcha snickered and fixed John’s slightly disheveled clothes.
“You’ve misunderstood me, venerable host. I didn’t want to recruit him now but-”
Yet again, he was cut-off by the Pigolo.
“I understood and understand what you meant to say. Either way, you can’t do it. Before asking the disciples, ask their master first.”
John was irritated but didn’t flare up, he coldly stared at the pigolo, nodded then respectfully bowed, then backed away.
