บท 186: Trial of Subjugation

The echo of grinding stone reverberated through the cavern as the massive gate to the trial ground creaked open. A powerful, ancient voice resonated from above, carrying the weight of countless millennia.

"Child of humanity," the Primordial Azure Dragon's voice boomed, majestic and filled with an unearthly presence. "You have achieved what none in ten thousand years have managed. To pass the first stage is no small feat, especially for one of such limited strength compared to the glory of ages past."

Raja stood before the gate, his breathing calm but deliberate. His body bore the scars of the brutal battle, though they were already fading thanks to the restorative prowess of his profound art.

"The second stage awaits you," the Dragon continued. "Prepare yourself, for it shall demand even more of your resolve."

As the voice faded, the stone gate loomed ominously, its surface etched with ancient runes that seemed to glow with a light of their own. Raja's expression remained stoic, but his mind raced.

Reflection and Recovery

Before stepping through the gate, Raja turned his attention to Tsundere, who lay nearby. The Mature Ice Lady, her usually Cold eyes dim with exhaustion. Her injuries were severe from their prior ordeal, but she had managed to pull through because of Raja's Arts.

Kneeling beside her, Raja extended his hand, allowing his profound energy to flow gently into her body. The warmth of his energy intermingled with hers, helping her injured pathways circulate properly.

"Rest, Tsundere," he said softly. "We've made it this far together. I can't afford to lose my companion."

Tsundere's eyes fluttered open, weak but sharp as ever. "You recover so quickly," she muttered, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Your wounds... just minutes ago, you were on the brink of collapse with Exhaustion."

Raja chuckled faintly, a shadow of weariness in his tone. "The Great Way of the Buddha," he explained. "It's a profound art that enhances my healing and endurance. Even in dire moments, it allows me to recover faster than most."

The celestial fox raised an eyebrow. "You really are a monster," she murmured, the faintest hint of admiration in her voice. "Your ability to endure and fight... it's not something ordinary cultivators can achieve."

Raja merely smiled. "And yet, this is only the beginning."

The Stone Gate and the Second Trial

With Tsundere stabilized, Raja turned back to the towering gate. He placed a hand against the cool stone, and the intricate runes began to pulse with light. As they illuminated, a swirling transportation formation materialized before him, radiating power.

"Time to see what's next," Raja muttered, stepping into the formation.

In an instant, he was transported to a new realm. Gone was the harsh, desolate battlefield of the first trial. Instead, he found himself standing in a vast, serene plain, its skies a tranquil azure and its ground lush with verdant grass. The air was crisp, almost deceptively peaceful.

But the voice of the Primordial Azure Dragon shattered the illusion.

"This is the second trial ground," it declared. "Do not be deceived by its tranquility. This place is a sanctuary for profound beasts—a deadly paradise where you will face constant peril."

Raja scanned the horizon. There was no sign of any danger, yet the Dragon's words carried an undeniable weight.

"To complete this stage," the Dragon continued, "you must vanquish 99,999 profound beasts within one year. Their strength has been adjusted to challenge you directly. They will hunt you relentlessly, guided by my influence."

The magnitude of the task was staggering. Raja's eyes narrowed as he contemplated the absurd number. Killing nearly 100,000 creatures was not only physically grueling but also mentally and emotionally taxing.

A Different Path

Raja's mind churned as he weighed the implications of the trial. The beasts held no personal grudge against him; they were merely following orders. Was slaughtering them truly the only way?

"Primordial Azure Dragon," Raja called out, his voice firm. "I have a request."

There was a pause before the ancient voice responded, tinged with curiosity. "Speak, child."

"I wish to subdue the beasts rather than kill them," Raja said, his tone resolute. "They have no enmity toward me. I see no need for unnecessary bloodshed. If they are attacking only because of your command, then allow me to face them on my terms."

The Dragon was silent for a moment, as though considering Raja's words. Finally, it responded, its tone carrying a hint of approval.

"Interesting. To show such consideration for creatures meant to test your resolve... It speaks of maturity beyond your years. Very well. I shall permit this deviation. You may subdue them, but remember—your resolve will be tested all the same."

The Trial Begins

Raja exhaled slowly, steadying his nerves. He began Sky walked toward the center of the plains, his steps measured and deliberate.

"Start the trial," he commanded.

The ground trembled as the Dragon's influence spread across the realm. Profound beasts, their eyes glowing with a primal fury, began converging on Raja's location. From the edges of the plain, hordes of creatures charged toward him, their roars filling the air with a cacophony of dread.

Watching from a distant vantage point, Jasmine and Tsundere observed with a mixture of apprehension and disbelief.

"Does he even know what he's doing?" Tsundere muttered, still weak but unable to tear her gaze away.

Jasmine's expression remained unreadable. "We'll find out soon enough."

As the first wave of beasts closed in, Raja stood his ground. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his black divine sword, Lunar Tempest, from his inventory. The weapon gleamed with an otherworldly aura, its pitch-black blade adorned with golden thunder markings. He planted it firmly into the ground and waited.

Supreme King's Haki Unleashed

The beasts charged, their collective presence a storm of primal energy. They were mere meters away when Raja closed his eyes.

"Raja!" Tsundere shouted, panic lacing her voice. "What are you doing?!"

Jasmine, too, tensed. "This fool…"

Just as the first beast leaped toward him, Raja's eyes snapped open. A wave of energy erupted from his body, invisible yet overwhelmingly powerful. His Supreme King's Haki surged forth, an unrelenting force that swept across the plain like a tidal wave.

The effect was instantaneous. The majority of the beasts collapsed mid-charge, their bodies hitting the ground with resounding thuds. Those with weaker cultivation succumbed to unconsciousness, their wills crushed under the sheer dominance of Raja's aura.

Only a small fraction remained standing—those with stronger cultivation and greater resilience. They trembled but pressed forward, their instincts driving them to fight despite the oppressive force bearing down on them.

The Manifestation of Lunar Tempest

Raja smirked, his gaze locking onto the remaining beasts. He shifted his focus to the Lunar Tempest, channeling his Supreme Kings Haki into the blade. The sword began to hum, its markings glowing brighter as its power awakened.

Suddenly, a shadowy form began to emerge from the sword. It took shape, growing larger and more defined until it became a towering black lion adorned with golden thunder stripes. The sword spirit roared, its voice a thunderous declaration of supremacy that echoed across the plains.

The profound beasts froze, their defiance crumbling under the combined pressure of Raja's Haki and the lion's roar. One by one, they bowed their heads, submitting to the undeniable might before them.

Completion of the Second Trial

The plains fell silent, the once-ferocious horde of beasts now subdued. The Primordial Azure Dragon materialized, its massive form casting a shadow over the entire area.

"You continue to exceed expectations, child," the Dragon said, its voice filled with a rare note of admiration. "Your decision to subdue rather than slaughter these creatures speaks volumes of your character. And your method… truly domineering."

The Dragon's eyes gleamed with approval as it addressed him. "You have successfully completed the second trial. Prepare yourself, for the final stage awaits."

Raja nodded, his grip on the Lunar Tempest tightening as he prepared for what lay ahead. The second trial had tested his strength and resolve, but it was clear that the true challenge was yet to come.

With the Primordial Azure Dragon watching over him, Raja stepped forward, ready to face his destiny.