Chapter 97: A Storm Among the Stars
The floating plaza of jade and starlight fell into a tense silence after Chen Yu’s defiant words. Around him, his companions stood shoulder to shoulder: Hui’s crimson eyes gleamed with mischief; Roman’s holy aura radiated silent support; Gu Chaewon’s cool gaze betrayed quiet admiration; Vornark’s tail swayed with feline anticipation; Ling Ling watched the elders with icy detachment; Azrael’s massive form loomed like a living fortress; and Nyzelia’s silver hair rippled in the astral wind, eyes sharp as daggers.
Above, the elders of the Celestial Sky Sect and surrounding powers sat on floating thrones arranged in a grand circle. Light from drifting auroras reflected off their ornate robes, each elder bearing the insignia of their sect: the roaring lion of the Thunder God Hall, the frozen lotus of the Frozen Cloud Sect, the blazing sun of the Solar Flame Pavilion, and more—each representing ancient forces vying for supremacy.
A palpable ripple of shock spread among the spectators: never had newcomers spoken with such audacity at the threshold of the upper realm. Many elders bristled, others leaned forward, intrigued. Some eyes glowed with murderous intent, others sparkled with admiration.
Elder Mingtian of the Thunder God Hall rose first, his armor crackling with arcs of golden lightning. His voice boomed like a summer storm. "Human! You presume to set conditions in the land of the immortals? You dare to treat our offers as trifles?"
Before Chen Yu could reply, Elder Xuehua of the Frozen Cloud Sect lifted a delicate hand, snowflakes dancing around her pale fingers. "Calm yourself, Mingtian," she said, her voice soft as falling snow but cold enough to freeze blood. "The boy’s defiance shows spine. Perhaps it is what we need to shake the stagnant halls of the sects."
A third elder rose: a tall man with hair like flickering embers, his eyes twin stars of molten gold. "Our sects have grown complacent," he said, voice carrying across the platform. "If he and his companions can back their words with strength, why not consider them equals rather than mere recruits?"
Roars of approval and hisses of dissent erupted among the watching elders and disciples who had come to spectate. Many disciples hovered at the plaza’s edges on floating discs, pointing and whispering as illusions replayed Chen Yu’s team’s performance in the Trial of Recognition.
Meanwhile, Chen Yu’s gaze swept the floating court. "Strength alone should not dictate respect," he said firmly, voice echoing into the star-filled sky. "Unity, purpose, and loyalty must matter too. If your sects cannot offer us these, we will build our own."
Hui’s laughter cut through the tension like a blade. "He speaks truth! If all you offer is empty tradition and rigid hierarchy, why should we bend the knee?"
Roman slammed his holy sword into the ground with a metallic clang that reverberated across the plaza. "We seek a place where we can grow stronger together, not one that seeks to divide us by race or origin."
Nyzelia stepped forward, her voice like the ring of silver bells. "Make no mistake. We respect strength. But we will not sell ourselves cheaply to those who would pit us against each other."