Emperor's Reckoning

Chapter 1024 Bell Chimes, Snake Hissed

Old Gu, the wise and respected principal of Nirvana School, stepped onto the center of the stage, his presence commanding the attention of everyone present. His long white beard cascaded down his chest, a symbol of his wisdom and experience. As he raised his hand to silence the murmurs of the crowd, a hush fell over the audience.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, cultivators from all corners of Second Heaven," he began, his voice resonating with authority and warmth. "Today, we gather here to witness the culmination of our student's hard work and dedication. They have trained tirelessly, honing their skills, and now they are one step closer to taking on the world."

The crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging the efforts of the young masters. Old Gu waited patiently for the cheers to subside before continuing. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ (f)ir(e).nᴇt

"We are also honored to have the presence of our esteemed young masters from various clans," he said, his eyes sweeping across the young masters with a hint of admiration. "Your skills and achievements have earned you the respect of the entire cultivation world, and your presence here adds an air of prestige to our humble school."

Azleid, Ning, Mavis, Lyra, Esmeralda, and Yuri, all stood tall, their expressions showing humility and gratitude at Old Gu's praise. Each of them was a formidable cultivator in their own right, and they knew the responsibility that came with the title of a young master.

With the excitement still lingering in the air, Old Gu raised his hand again, signaling for silence. The crowd eagerly quieted down, anticipating the spectacle about to unfold.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before the talented young masters showcase their skills, let us witness the prowess of our esteemed teachers!" Old Gu declared, his voice carrying across the courtyard.

The students, including the three aspiring cultivators, were intrigued. They had seen glimpses of their teachers' abilities during training, but this would be an opportunity to witness their true power. Though, their excitement quickly washed away as they saw them lining up on the stage.

"All six teachers, but the prominent one is missing," mumbled a cultivator sitting behind Cecile. He sighed and shook his head in utter disappointment.

Cecile raised her brows before turning around and smiled at the man, "The prominent one? May I ask who is that?"

The cultivator was shocked as the beauty suddenly strike a conversation with him, he counted his luck and he was sure that it was not enough. He gulped knowing that his ancestors' graves might have exploded altogether.

"D-Don't you know? Lyon, the enigmatic man that defies the tyrannic group of Burgeon Swan."

"Oh, thank you," said Cecile as she nodded before looking back at the stage. She spoke to Kesya, "Remind me to not tell my husband to be lowkey next time."

"Aye aye!" Kesya nodded. "It has failed so many times, but I bet the emperor is doing his best."

"Doing his best the opposite way," Cecile sighed. "I can't believe he always destroys something whenever he landed in a new realm, it's like a pattern."

Nyi looked at his old friend, Cini. The woman went to the same school year together. He smiled and was silently proud of what she has become. Everyone after school chose their own way, everyone, except him.

"Oh, what a lovely lady," Isabella— his mother — uttered as she was surprised with her lips covered.

"You mean Cini?" asked Leander, before he smiled, "She used to come play often."

"No, not her, I mean that lady with the auburn hair," said Isabella as she pointed out at Cecile.

Nyi followed her gaze before he was taken back, an odd group had sat by Lyon's students. His brows furrowed as he muddled in his thought.

"Don't tell me..." Nyi mumbled to himself before a smile emerged. "I knew it..."

Old Gu faced the six teachers, before nodding, "Now then, Marak, Yama, Cini, Vina, Han, and Rokh, begin!"

All six teachers nodded. Cini, Rokh, Marak, Vina, Han, and Yama, the six revered teachers, moved with seamless grace and synchronized precision as they took their positions on the stage. Their auras intertwined, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that left the crowd in awe.

The young masters, including Azleid, Ning, Mavis, Lyra, and Yuri, attentively observed the display of power. Their eyes keenly analyzed the techniques and energies unleashed by the teachers, taking mental notes of potential strengths and weaknesses. They knew they were formidable themselves, but there was an unspoken respect for their teachers' vast experience and knowledge.

Esmeralda, however, seemed less impressed. Her disappointment was apparent, perhaps expecting more of a challenge from the teachers. Nonetheless, she refrained from voicing her thoughts, showing respect for their position and authority.

The six teachers battled it out, displaying their prowess but keeping their distance so as to not severely hurt the others. Everyone seemed to be equal in this heaven-shaking bout. However, for some of the crowd, it was lackluster, especially for Refl and Lenu who saw from the sides, hiding their faces under a cloak.

"Truly, that man sinned for setting a high bar," Refl helplessly chuckles.

"True that," said Lenu.

Esmeralda's eyes slowly drifted away despite the festive of pangs. She yawned loosely before falling asleep. Then... Cecile suddenly smirked.

"?!" Assid, Kesya, and Graham caught something from their senses.

'I sense a great disturbance above, be careful

Yuri had his eyes widened as a voice from within talked directly to his mind. Then from the corner, hisses of the snake.

Esmeralda's opened her eyes wide before she saw her twin snakes hissing at the sky, their attention drawn to something she couldn't see. She followed their gaze, scanning the vast expanse above the crowd.

"W-What's going on?" Noah was the first to catch the anomaly of their reactions before the other two.

"Hajinseh," Cecile uttered before the javelin obeyed and shifted to her hand from the three students.

The three of them were flabbergasted, the lady so casually and effortlessly claimed the javelin with an utter of its name.

Azleid, Lyra, Ning, and finally Mavis took notice of this as well, something about the air was a bit odd. An impending feeling but they couldn't make out what it was until a chime poured their soul.

"It's the Citadel of Celestia," someone whispered in awe, their voice barely audible amidst the silence.

The significance of the Citadel's chime wasn't lost on anyone. It was a revered place, the summit fortress of ancient, and the fact that it had chimed at this moment was a sign that something extraordinary was unfolding.

As the echoes of the chime faded, a murmur of speculation rippled through the crowd. Speculations flew like wildfire - some believed it was a celestial event, others thought it was a message from the higher heavens. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and wonder, as all teachers stopped what they were doing to assess the situation.

Esmeralda's curiosity piqued as well, her eyes narrowing slightly as she contemplated the significance of the chime. She had heard of the Citadel's magical properties, but to witness its power firsthand was truly awe-inspiring.

"Esmeralda, remember when I said that someone interesting might show up?" Mavis grinned as he stood up from his chair.

Esmeralda frowned a bit as she looked at Mavis watching above with great interest.

Nyi slowly relieved from his seat as he watch the sky.

Cecile sighed before she stood up. She held the javelin like a spear before she leered to the right. A thin shadow caught her glint, she struck so confidently that the tip matched the tip of a black sword.

"Right in front of our husband?" said Cecile as she raised her chin.

"Hmph!" Selena snorted on the other hand.

The crowd was stunned. The clash between Cecile's javelin and Selena's sword sent reverberations through the air, capturing the attention of every onlooker, and as the three students were still trying to process the fact that Selena had returned, suddenly, a gust of wind swept through as the sky unfolded.

There, descending gracefully from the sky. His long hair fluttered in the wind, giving him an ethereal and majestic aura. His eyes gleamed with confidence and mischief as he looked up at the clouds, where the sun was hiding.

A knowing smirk played on his lips, and the students could see the spark of excitement in his gaze. It was as if he was challenging the very Paradise, daring the sun to reveal itself and illuminate the world below.

As Lyon touched the ground with a graceful landing right at the center of the stage, the crowd fell silent, captivated by his presence. He stood tall and imposing, like a god among men, radiating an aura of power and authority.

"You...!" Ning gritted her teeth. She called it but didn't believe it.

"Well well," Azleid stood up from his seat and smiled seeing a figure he thought would never see again.

Lyon extended his arms before slowly folding them into a cross. He opened his eyes and a smirk lies on his face as he saw Esmeralda's eagerness lead her to the stage, with a devious smile of her own.