Chapter 20: True Dragon Competition (part-3)
When Kaal reached the 100th step, the pressure emitted from the statue grew denser. He could feel his Qi leaking, yet his body remained durable enough to withstand it. The sudden surge in both his talent and physical strength gave him newfound confidence. However, what truly surprised him was that he had assumed Samrat would be the only one capable of challenging him.
Turning his head to the left, he saw a short girl with peaceful features, blue hair, and green eyes. Divya was matching his pace step for step, which astonished him. Even though he now possessed an Origin Core and had gained the Myriad Thousand Demon Body, she was still able to keep up with him. But what shocked him even more was the sight of another figure who was managing to match Samrat, a youth with brown hair and a scar over his left eye.
What was his name again? Ashen Kairn is a member of the Shadow Elite faction. Kaal remembered the killing intent Ashen had released toward him when his father was giving his speech earlier. But the sensation lasted only for a moment. Kaal redirected his attention toward Divya while continuing to climb the stairs.
{ Meanwhile, in the Nirvana Tower... }
A small, childlike figure floated silently in the air, watching Kaal and the other participants as they ascended the Nirvana Tower. It was the spirit of the tower. His gaze lingered on the four youths leading the front.
"This generation is far more talented than all the previous ones who have taken this trial," the spirit mused. "That child is Charles' son. He has an exceptionally strong physique, a rarity in the Kilvis clan, which is more renowned for its shadow abilities and swordsmanship. He's managed to take the lead using only his physical strength without even utilizing his Qi. And yet... I sense something more, something hidden deep within his soul."
The spirit's eyes then moved to the girl matching Charles' son's speed.
"That girl also keeps pace with him, yet her talent in Qi or physical strength isn't superior to his or even the boy trailing behind her. But her bloodline... It's purer than all the others here. How delightful. A Black Phoenix bloodline finally appears within the Kilvis clan. The purer the bloodline, the more advantages one holds in this trial."
His gaze shifted again, now settling on the two youths just behind Kaal and Divya. Both had fiercely competitive expressions in their eyes as they ascended the stairs, closely monitoring each other while also keeping an eye on the ones ahead.
"That child carries a strong, resentful, and bloody aura... the kind that only comes from slaughtering innocent lives," the spirit commented while observing Samrat Kilvis. "With such a vicious nature, it will be difficult for him to pass the next trial; it's about a battle of the mind."
The spirit sighed. "What a pity. With his blue-grade talent, he could've surpassed even the current patriarch of the clan if only he could overcome his bloodlust."
Then his attention turned to the youth with brown hair and a scar over his left eye, Ashen Kairn.