Lokei headed towards the huge gate, the others trailing behind him, still reeling from the sheer magnitude of the place. He halted at the front of the group and bent down to touch a small part of the gate.
It was metallic, at least at first glance. Lokei pressed his finger against it and didn't feel anything at first, but he immediately withdrew his hand. There was a small bead of crimson at the tip of his finger. Lokei frowned and brought his hand to his mouth, rubbing away the minuscule amount of blood.
Chu Runar raised an eyebrow.
"What was that?"
"Security. Nothing to worry about."
The small part of the gate suddenly glowed, and the great gate began to open. Lokei moved aside to reveal the huge gate. Chu Runar looked at it in astonishment.
"You could have mentioned that it was going to stab you."
"It barely did anything."
"You bled."
"Technically, yes."
Sa Wayong glanced at Lokei's fingertip.
"Are you sure you're fine?"
Lokei waved her off.
"It's nothing."
Sun Yunso was silent as he gazed at the great gate, and even the mere entrance to Lokei's residence. Wondered just what this man kept within his home. Lokei stepped inside before gesturing for the others to follow.
"Come on."
The others followed suit and as they stepped inside the estate, the great gate began to close. They all entered the estate and the moment they stepped through the gate they were stunned. The grounds stretched far beyond what they had expected every part of the estate was carefully maintained.
Beautifully trimmed trees lined the paths, their branches oddly precisely cut. An enormous flower garden full of flowers in all different colors took up one side of the estate, gently swaying in the breeze. Further ahead was a large pond surrounded by smooth stones and beautiful lanterns. Small coins could be seen glimmering under the clear surface, scattered throughout the bottom as if thrown in by visitors over the years.
There were a couple of smaller gardens that could be seen, as well as stone pathways, decorative bridges and nicely kept patches of greenery all over the place. The whole thing looked more like a palace than a mansion, and Chu Runar, Sa Wayong and Sun Yunso were all just stunned. They came from a place where they had lived mostly surrounded by normal houses and small settlements, but the sheer size of the estate was something else completely.
This was the luxury of the rich. Lokei saw their stunned expressions and let them take it all in for a couple seconds before continuing forward, raising one hand and gesturing for them to follow him inside.
The three finally tore their eyes away from the scenery to follow. Lokei opened the large door in front of him and a female servant was waiting on the other side, already bowing.
"Welcome home, Young Master Lokei."
Lokei gave her a small nod.
The others entered after him, taking a first real look at the inside of the Yoshe residence. Compared to the massive place outside the house, it was surprisingly small. It was still the home of the wealthy, nicely decorated with wooden floors, elegant furniture, paintings and traditional ornaments around the place. It didn't have the same extravagance as the grounds.
Lokei turned to the servant.
"Prepare rooms for my friends."
"I'm sorry, Young Master, but I cannot."
Lokei's expression darkened slightly.
"Why?"
"The Clan Head gave us strict orders. He told all servants not to allow anyone into the residence while he is away; he doesn't want any trouble brought into the household."
Lokei stared at her.
"They're my friends."
"I understand, Young Master, but I cannot disobey the Clan Head's orders."
"Then tell me something. Why exactly are my friends being treated like intruders?"
The servant did not say anything but only lowered her head and bowed in a way that showed she did not oppose the orders of the Clan Head. Lokei, who was watching her, narrowed his eyes and came up close to her. He lowered himself onto his knees so that he was at eye level with the servant.
"Why are you looking down?"
His tone no longer had that teasing lilt to it.
"I asked you a question, didn't I?"
The servant became visibly tense.
"I'm sorry, Young Master."
Standing behind the servant were Sun Yunso, Chu Runar, and Sa Wayong. All of them were surprised at how Lokei was acting.
It was not like him at all.
Sun Yunso, Chu Runar, and Sa Wayong were used to Lokei's easy attitude, sarcasm, and jokes but this Lokei was not their friend. As Lokei opened his mouth to say something else, a composed but firm voice spoke from behind them.
"What's going on here?"
They all turned around and a man was standing by the entrance to the residence, slowly approaching them. He was tall and had an athletic build. His good-looking face was framed by black hair styled in a center part that split the scalp into four clean feed-in cornrows per side, sweeping toward the temples, with a high man bun at the crown; the sides were kept clean with a low fade and sharp line-up, as his amber-gold eyes drew everyone's attention. His lightly tanned skin and composed features made him look handsome but still carried an air of mystery.
Lokei turned to face the man and unconsciously became serious. Zi Zan stopped near the entrance and looked at Lokei. His eyes immediately lit up once he recognized the man.
"Oh, hey there, Mr. Zi. How are you?"
Zi Zan gave a calm smile and glanced at the servant.
"I'm doing well, thank you. But what's the meaning of this row?"
Lokei let out a sigh.
"The servant does not want my friends to come inside the residence because of my shitty father's orders."
Zi Zan closed his eyes for a second, before sighing.
"I see. You really do hate your father, don't you?"
Lokei didn't say anything and Zi Zan turned to the servant.
"You don't have to worry. I'll have a little chat with him later and tell him that I gave permission for the friends to come inside."
The servant hesitated for a moment before bobbing her head. With that, she bowed to everyone before quickly exiting the premises. Zi Zan faced the three of them.
"So these are the 'friends' you mentioned, huh?"
"Oh, right. I haven't introduced you yet."
Zi Zan gestured at the three of them.
"These are Sa Wayong, Chu Runar, and Sun Yunso."
"Nice to meet you," said Zi Zan.
Sa Wayong and Chu Runar bowed as well. Sun Yunso only gave a small smile while Zi Zan was watching him. His amber-gold eyes were inspecting Sun Yunso's face. Sun Yunso seemed to realize this and the two of them stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds. Zi Zan's expression softened as he said,
"Yunso? Is that you?"
There was a pause before Sun Yunso gave a small nod.
"Oh...Mr. Zi. It's been a while."
Zi Zan gave a slight chuckle as he went to Sun Yunso's side and gently grabbed him by the head.
"I almost didn't recognize you, and it's understandable because of how much you have grown and also because of the…."
Zi Zan stopped himself from any further talk as he looked at the two scars on Sun Yunso's face, they were going downwards and he also recognized that his eyes were colourless, probably because of the slash wounds. Sun Yunso saw that Zi Zan had paused his conversation with him and immediately understood why.
"I know you're looking at my eyes, but don't stress this much. Even if I can't fully see what you all can do, I have eyes everywhere if that makes any sense."
Zi Zan was surprised by the bold statement that Sun Yunso casually delivered and it put a smile on his face, making him start rubbing Sun Yunso's head, treating him like a little kid.
"So, if I'm not interrupting your heartfelt reunion, may I ask how you guys know each other?" Lokei asked.
Both turned to him after he asked that.
Zi Zan removed his hand from Sun Yunso's head and started to explain:
"Yeah, we know each other and you could say I'm a close…"
"...Friend, that's what he wants to say. Mr. Zi was actually one of the people who was close with my master. I think they were best friends with both Uncle Anyu and my master."
Zi Zan let out another small laugh but still agreed to what Sun Yunso had added. Zi Zan then started to head out the door but was stopped.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm heading out, isn't that obvious."
"Yeah, I can see that, but I wanna know where you're going."
Zi Zan let out a quiet sigh.
"I'm just going somewhere, to fetch something important, that's all. And before you ask, your father is at the ten families meeting."
This shocks Lokei, making his eyes widen.
"Wait, but why didn't he wait for me? Did he forget—"
As soon as he tried to finish his question the realization of why he wasn't taken immediately enters his mind and he just goes quiet. Zi Zan slowly approached Lokei, seemingly bummed-out expression and putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I know it might be tough, and now I wonder why you hate your father so much. But just remember that you're much greater and more talented than she is, always keep that in mind, okay?"
Lokei slowly raised his head and looked at Zi Zan. For some reason his words carried a sense of support, they carried the words of a true man and they carried what a true father would say to their child if they had anything for them. Lokei let out a smile of gratitude for the motivational speech that came from Zi Zan's mouth.
"Now that you're better I have to go, and like I said. You're leagues above her, just because she got chosen by him doesn't mean you're lacking. He doesn't see the picture and the meeting which should be happening right now will prove that."
Lokei nodded in agreement. Zi Zan smiled and looked towards Sun Yunso.
"Yunso, just you know that important thing I was talking about actually relates to your master. So if you want to know more about it then I'll tell you because I already have a feeling that you'd want to come with me to retrieve it."
Those words alone made Sun Yunso's world changed and just like Zi Zan had stated Sun Yunso wanted to come along even if he had no clue what the important thing was. As long as it involved his master, he would do anything to retrieve it.
Elsewhere in Yokai City, a huge hall occupied the heart of the city.
At the center of the hall, a long table stood, five people sat, each at a different place and a young child stood at their side. They were the heads of some of the most influential families in the region, yet there were still several seats around the table that stayed empty. The other Clan Heads had not arrived, and for now, five families had gathered. The atmosphere in the hall stayed calm, but there was a certain weight to the silence.
Each Clan Head remained sitting, their attention occasionally drawn to the empty seats and standing next to the five of them were young men and women who looked like they were reaching their twenties.
Whatever this gathering was supposed to accomplish, it was clearly dealing with something far more important than an ordinary meeting.
The five Clan Heads represented the Shi Clan, the Yu Clan, the Fu Clan, the Mao Clan, and the Yoshe Clan. Each of them sat in their respective seats, carrying themselves with elegance and confidence.
They all carried themselves differently, yet they all had the same unmistakable presence—the presence of a Clan Head.
Their backs remained straight, their expressions composed, and their gazes sharp enough to make the atmosphere around the table feel heavier. None of them needed to raise their voices or make any grand display; their positions alone commanded respect.
These were people who had spent years building their families into forces that could not simply be ignored, and among them, the Yoshe Clan Head sat silently. His expression remained calm, but there was a quiet authority in his gaze as he looked towards the empty seats.
The meeting had not truly begun, well not yet at least.
The Mao Clan head, Mao Liuxian, was the first to show any sign of impatience. Despite her youthful nature, she had been around for quite some time. Her elegance of character prevented her from showing her irritation before time, although the tapping of her fingers on the table showed it.
"They are taking their time."
Her fellow Clan Heads showed no reaction whatsoever.
The Shi Clan head, Shi Yong, a forty-five-year-old composed man, shrugged his shoulders lightly as he leaned back in his seat.
"The Four Great Clans should have arrived by now. It is not in their nature to be late. After all, they are the most powerful of the Ten Families. Perhaps their absence is justified? This meeting is not of their making, anyway." He paused briefly before continuing. "We should start without them."
Fu Yin, the forty-nine-year-old Clan Head of the Fu Clan, nodded in agreement.
"I have no problem with that. Is there anyone who objects?"
Mao Liuxian stopped tapping her fingers and cleared her throat.
"I do not."
The other Clan Heads followed suit.
All of them, except one.
Saikichi Yoshe, the Clan Head of the Yoshe family, said nothing. He kept his gaze on the empty seats and gave no reaction at all. It was not that he objected, but rather that he knew what the reason for the Four Great Clans' absence was.
Saikichi Yoshe finally looked up when the doors to the hall opened. Every Head turned to look at the opening doors, surprised to see Huo Yusaih walking in. The sight of the man drew the attention of everyone at the table. Right behind him was his second son, Huo Shuzoh. The difference between the two was apparent.
The sad, hollow look in Huo Shuzoh's eyes seemed to say that whatever had transpired had sucked the happiness and soul out of him. He did not say anything as he followed his older brother to the table.
Huo Yusaih took his seat without saying a word. His brother stood beside him. Mao Limong looked towards the doors.
"Where are the others?"
Saikichi Yoshe replied calmly.
"They will not be coming."
Mao Liuxian raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"They have yet to decide on their heirs. That means only the six of us," Saikichi said. "So, let us begin, shall we?”
The Yu Clan Clan leader, Yu Yuhua, spoke.
"Seeing as we all know how these meetings tend to go, let us forget the formality and get to the point this year?"
The other Clan Heads gave each other a look and one after the other nodded in agreement.
Yu Yuhua placed his hands on the table.
"Right then, introduce your heir, tell us why you picked them and we shall move onto the next order of business."
All of them agreed and so Yu Yuhua began.
"This is my heir, Yu Yijun. He is seventeen years of age."
The young man standing beside him stepped forward. Beautiful features, dark eyes, combed back black hair and an even expression kept in one place as he stood before the Clan Heads.
"He has been trained in the martial arts of the Yu Clan since childhood and has already surpassed most of his age group in terms of mastery of Seidan and combat skills. This is why I believe the Yu Clan would be best served by him taking up the role of the Yu Clan leader."
Yu Yijun returned to his father's side and Shi Yong followed suit.
"This is my heir, Shi Meng. He is nineteen years of age and has been trained by the finest of our clan."
A beautiful face with sharp, narrow and gray eyes, untidy black hair and an even expression followed him as he stepped forward.
"He has a disciplined mind and is skilled in the arts of combat, this is why I believe the Shu clan would benefit greatly from his talents and skills."
Shi Meng returned to his father's side in silence.
The next to speak was the Fu Clan Head,
"This is Fu Wu, twenty years of age. He is the strongest of our clan in terms of combat and mastery of Seidan."
Fu Wu looked like a strong young man with a sharp face and dark eyes, short black hair that was neatly combed back and a strong, silent demeanor as he stepped forward.
"He has had the best instructors of our clan and I believe he would make a fine heir for the Fu clan."
Fu Wu returned to his position as the last of the heads spoke. Mao Liuxian gave a small, almost amused smile.
"My heir is my daughter, Mao Lian."
A young woman stepped forward.
Beautiful with long dark hair, elegant features and bright, golden-brown eyes that reminded many of her mother.
"She is seventeen years of age and has displayed talent since childhood. Her mastery of Seidan is already impressive and it will take much for her to disappoint me."
Mao Lian returned to her mother's side in silence and at last Saikichi Yoshe spoke.
"My daughter."
A young woman stepped forward.
"Sanori Yoshe."
Eighteen years of age with a beautiful, elegant face, long blue hair and bright blue eyes she followed her father as he stepped forward.
"She is the most talented heir the Yoshe clan has produced in a long time."
Sanori kept her mouth shut as she stood beside her father and all eyes were on Huo Yusaih. He sat in silence for a moment before he looked at the young man standing beside him.
"Huo Shuzoh."
The young man stepped forward, his expression completely void as he gave no explanation.
"He is my heir."
For a moment or two, nobody said anything, the Clan Heads only staring silently at Huo Yusaih. His introduction was significantly shorter than that of all others, and it seemed that the first impression was not very good.
It was Yu Yuhua who finally broke the silence.
"With that, I suppose, we may proceed with the next order of business," he said, standing up from the chair. "We have to establish which clan is the strongest. Which one would be able to rule the others and lead us until the new Supreme Chancellor is chosen."
The rest of the Clan Heads nodded in agreement, and one by one, they also stood up from the table, the Heirs following their example. The meeting was over, and the most anticipated part was finally about to begin.
The Clan Heads and their heirs left the meeting hall. No one said anything as they walked along the long corridor, which led deeper into the building. What began as a trivial meeting between the Ten Families had turned into something far greater. At the end of the corridor, two massive wooden doors blocked the way.
Two guards stood next to the doors and opened them as the Clan Heads and their heirs arrived. Beyond the doors was a large circular arena. The floor was made of stone, and several rows of seats were elevated around the edge of the arena.
The six heirs stopped at the edge of the arena and looked around. This was the place where they would make their decision. The Clan Heads walked up to the viewing area as the heirs remained where they were.
Yu Yuhua turned around.
"All of you have been nominated to represent your clan, but it is not enough to simply have talent. You will have to demonstrate who among you is worthy of being our leader."
The six heirs stepped forward and into the arena, leaving Huo Shuzoh at the back, his expression vacant.
The battle was about to begin.
Yu Yuhua faced the six heirs.
"You all will fight each other in a one-on-one style of competition. The winner shall demonstrate which clan is worthy of temporarily holding the position of Supreme Chancellor until we find a candidate for the role."
He paused briefly.
"Although it is rather disappointing that we have not been able to find a worthy candidate for the post in the past eight years. And do not misunderstand, we all know what has caused this predicament. Now then, does everyone agree to the competition rules?"
One by one, the Clan Heads gave their assent, with the exception of Huo Yusaih, whom Yu Yuhua failed to notice.
"Then, let's begin, shall we?"
Suddenly, Huo Yusaih spoke up.
"One on one is a waste of time."
Yu Yuhua furrowed his brows.
"Do you disagree with the competition style?"
"Yes, I do."
"Then what do you suggest we do, we all have freedom of speech so long as it's doable.."
Huo Yusaih finally faced Shuzoh.
"Five versus one."
All the other Clan Heads turned to stare at him, the heirs being no exception. Shuzoh was left all alone on one side of the arena, with the other five heirs facing him on the opposite side.
"Let's see if my heir can take on all of your self-proclaimed prodigies."
The other Clan Heads began to protest.
"You can't just change the rules because you feel like it!"
"The competition is one on one!"
"And do you think we will just accept this nonsense?"
Mao Liuxian brows furrowed in anger.
"You are being exceptionally arrogant, Huo Yusaih. Just because you belong to the great Huo Clan does not mean you can dictate the rules for the other Clans."
Shi Yong gave a slow nod.
"Agreed. Your heir is already bestowed with the honor to represent the strongest among the Four Great Clans. Do you think it is only fair for five heirs to challenge him at once?"
Fu Yin crossed his arms over his chest.
"This is no longer a competition. This is an execution."
Huo Yusaih said nothing as he closed his eyes. The Clan Heads continued to argue for a while longer, before Huo Yusaih slowly opened his eyes. A strange aura of pressure suddenly filled the arena.
It was hot.
No, not hot. It was scorching!
The air inside the arena became unbearably hot as a massive wave of pressure crashed down on the Clan Heads. It was not physical pressure, not exactly. It felt as if death itself was in the room with them, a force that would swallow them whole and turn them to ash.
Everyone was silent as the oppressive pressure filled the arena.
"Any objections, if so, speak your mind or be silent." Huo Yusaih said in a calm voice.
The Clan Heads fell silent. Huo Yusaih's expression returned to its usual emotionless state, and Na Pomin exhaled slowly.
"It seems the competition will be five versus one."
Huo Shuzoh stood on one side of the arena, and the other five heirs stood on the opposite side. The competition rules had changed. With the terms decided, the six heirs had taken their positions inside the arena. Huo Shuzoh stood alone at one side of the arena while the other five stood across from him. Each one of them was ready to fight.
The Clan Heads watched from the arena seats as the six young warriors prepared to fight.
Yu Yuhua slowly raised his hand and the arena was quiet as everyone listened to his words. He looked over the six heirs and his hand fell.
"Begin!"
For a moment, none of them did anything. The five heirs shot quick looks at one another even if they were all wondering why Huo Yusaih demanded five versus one instead of the original match-up of the tournament but it didn't matter anymore. They all came to the same decision.
Attack as one, then, after the opening clash was over, split and continue their individual battles as planned at first. The five heirs dropped their bodies into a fighting stance while Huo Shuzoh kept his stance the same. And as all five moved in unison, Huo Shuzoh did not move.
It seemed as if for a moment he did not want to fight and his head was lowered.
Suddenly there was a violent surge of Seidan coming out of the young warrior's body. Flames shot out around him like a living fire and his blank eyes slowly opened up revealing a blazing aura around him. His flames created a ring of red, orange and at the center, a most brilliant of gold. The arena's temperature shot up instantly and the five heirs slowed down their movements. Their expressions changed; they expected a single opponent, but not this.
Huo Shuzoh raised a hand.
"Heavenly Flame Arts: Form Second... Sunforge."
The flames around the heir gathered into his arm; they condensed, forming a concentrated mass of flaming Seidan.
Huo Shuzoh suddenly vanished and appeared right in front of Yu Yijun. He threw a punch and the other heir shot backward across the arena.
Before the others could react, Huo Shuzoh twisted his body, and a wave of flame shot from the spot he was standing. The other four jumped back as the fire licked across the stone floor. One of them landed on a pillar nearby and another one circled the burning trail.
The other two attacked from opposite sides. Huo Shuzoh looked between the two, and his aura flared, the flames engulfed the arena and the five heirs separated, forming a pentagon around Huo Shuzoh. No one made any sudden moves, not this time, not when they all knew firsthand what happened to anyone stupid enough to go straight at Huo Shuzoh.
Shi Meng drew back his hands, thin tendrils of Seidan energy dancing at his fingertips, barely visible in the white-hot air, Yu Yijun tensed his grip over his blade, Fu Wu lowered his stance, Mao Lian planted a hand flat on the arena floor. Sanori Yoshe slowly raised the staff from over her shoulder.
The five heirs locked eyes with each other, understanding passing between them: a silent agreement that they had not come this far just to lose so easily, even if it meant risking their own lives to prove the worth of their names.
Huo Shuzoh stood in the middle of the arena, flames still writhing around his form, his gaze sweeping from one heir to the next before finally settling on Sanori. The Yoshe heir took a measured step forward and brought her staff down across the arena floor, Seidan energy bursting from the point of contact. Suddenly she was gone, a small wisp of smoke rising from the scorched ground. Huo's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise crossing his face before a figure suddenly manifested above him.
Sanori Yoshe's staff swept down towards the flame-wreathed man, but Huo Shuzoh caught her wrist mid-swing, his muscles tensing as he strained against the Yoshe heir's grip. Sanori broke away and landed on her feet, whirling the staff around her body in a fast blur of motion. Huo Shuzoh took a step back, a thin strand of Seidan energy wrapping briefly around his ankle before Shi Meng sent the man stumbling sideways, the Seidan thread yanking him off balance. Yu Yijun was already upon him, his blade unsheathed and coming down in a vicious arc.
Huo Shuzoh twisted out of the way, the edge of Yu Yijun's sword narrowly missing his ribs. Mao Lian drove her palm into the ground, a crystalline structure exploding up around her in a shower of shards. Huo took a step back. Fu Wu manifested above him this time, bringing his fist down in a crushing blow. Huo crossed his arms over his chest and let Jin's punch send him flying into the ground.
The five heirs landed lightly, the roiling mass of fire dissipating as quickly as it had appeared. The Clan Heads watched the display in silence, their expressions inscrutable before a small glimmer of orange light flickered amidst the swirling dust and Huo Shuzoh rose to his feet, his flames burning even brighter than before, his gaze locked onto the five heirs who had bested him.
The five heirs prepared themselves.
Mao Lian raised her hand.
"Glass Garden."
Crystals erupted from the arena floor, surrounding Shuzoh in a forest of translucent blades. He jumped back, but the crystals followed with Mao Lian moving her fingers, the structures changed and folded into a shield before Shuzoh's flames could reach her.
A large shadow crossed over him.
Fu Wu dropped down, and his fist was encased in a mass of Seidan. Huo Shuzoh blocked the strike, but it pushed him back and he landed heavily. He didn't let Shuzoh recover as he struck again and again, the physical force behind each hit was massive. Shuzoh blocked several of them until he was forced back.
Fu Wu did not use Seijinism, that was because it wasn't necessary. His mastery of Seidan made the strikes dangerous enough, then a staff shot towards Shuzoh, he ducked and the weapon flew past his head.
Sanori caught it.
She smiled.
"Cloudbound."
The staff suddenly became lighter and her moves quickened. She spun; the staff struck Shuzoh's side, but before he could counter, the weapon became heavier and Sanori struck his guard with far more force. Huo Shuzoh shot back several meters across the arena. Sanori landed gracefully. Huo Shuzoh glanced in her direction, and another figure appeared: that was Yu Yijun. Unlike the others there was nothing special about him.
His sword and his Seidan were all he needed. He lowered his stance, then he disappeared.
Huo Shuzoh barely lifted his arm in time, Yu Yijun’s blade struck him back.
The two exchanged several quick attacks, but Yu Yijun moves were controlled and precise; he pushed Shuzoh back with each one.
All five of the heirs worked together.
The arena became a battlefield full of different fighting styles, but in the middle of it all, Huo Shuzoh continued to stand.
The five heirs refused to grant Huo Shuzoh a second to recover.
Mao Lian filled it with crystal structures which blocked his path, Fu Wu drove forward with brute strength, each strike forcing Shuzoh to defend himself while Sanori moved all over the arena, her staff light and fast. She struck from impossible angles.
Yu Yijun waited for an opening and for a moment, Huo Shuzoh was completely surrounded but he blew his flames out, forcing the five away, and he remained in the middle of the arena. The five heirs slowly regained their positions. They were tired, but so was he.
For a few seconds, nobody moved, and then Shuzoh lowered his head. His expression became calm, and the flames around his body suddenly started pooling.
The temperature rose, and the whole arena trembled. Huo Shuzoh slowly raised his hand. Flames formed behind him; they twisted together, getting larger, brighter, rounder, and finally, a massive sphere of fire appeared behind him. It looked like a small sun, and the Clan Heads immediately became serious.
Huo Shuzoh raised his head.
"Heavenly Flame Arts..."
The sphere continued to grow.
"Form Eighth..."
The five heirs looked at the blazing fire formation.
"Daybreak."
The miniature sun shot forward, and a wave of unbearable heat washed over the arena. The five heirs tried to protect themselves, but their bodies gave out one after another, and one by one, they fainted. Yu Yijun collapsed first, then Fu Wu, and just as Mao Lian's crystals dispersed, Shi Meng got knocked out as well and Sanori's staff slipped from her hands.
The enormous flame dissipated, and there was silence in the arena. Huo Shuzoh remained standing, and the five heirs were defeated. The Clan Heads stared at the arena in silence.
Huo Shuzoh had won the entire battle on his own.