Sovereign's Aura and the Trail of Flames

The sun rose over New Moon City, signaling the start of the sect's highly anticipated competition. Disciples from all corners gathered, eager to prove their might. Fights erupted in rapid succession, each clash shaking the very foundations of New Moon Palace. The once pristine grounds bore scars from countless duels, but amidst the chaos, Raja Rudra stood aloof, an immovable pillar of calm.

While he remained detached, Yuanba, his loyal companion, practiced silently on the sidelines. However, his peaceful demeanor was disrupted when a brash disciple demanded to fight Yuanba. Raja's protective instincts flared, and with a subtle step forward, he unleashed Supreme King's Haki.

A thunderous wave of pressure rippled through the air.

One by one, the participants and spectators alike collapsed to the ground, their bodies unable to withstand the sheer force of Raja's will. Even Lan Xueruo, who was known for her strong spiritual energy, was not spared, fainting after a futile struggle. Silence engulfed the arena as those who remained conscious stared in awe at Raja, their minds echoing a singular thought: What kind of monster is he?

Without a word, Raja turned, motioning Yuanba to follow. They left the field of devastation, leaving behind slack-jawed disciples and a destroyed arena.

The next morning, the city was abuzz with speculation. Rumors swirled about the mysterious blackout, with whispers attributing it to the passing aura of a Sovereign Profound Realm cultivator. Raja, uninterested in the chatter, sat in deep meditation within his room. Yuanba practiced outside, perfecting his mastery of the Six Styles under a gravity field Raja had created for him.

As Yuanba trained with unwavering determination, Lan Xueruo approached, drawn by curiosity and lingering awe. She paused upon seeing Yuanba's focus, but a sudden voice echoed in her mind.

"Enter," Raja's voice commanded telepathically.

Lan Xueruo froze, startled by the invasion of her thoughts. Yet, she willed herself forward, stepping into Raja's room. The sight before her left her breathless.

Raja hovered in mid-air, his body radiating a serene yet commanding aura. His eyes opened slowly, locking onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. With a gentle motion, he signaled for her to sit and offered her tea.

She accepted the tea, her hands trembling slightly, and finally mustered the courage to speak. "Can I know your real cultivation and age?"

Raja smiled, a mixture of warmth and challenge. "Eighteen years old, peak of the 10th level of the Spirit Profound Realm."

The teacup in Lan Xueruo's hand shook as she processed his words. A genius... A monster... How could someone so young achieve such a level?

Raja leaned forward slightly, his tone turning inquisitive. "Now, your turn. Who are you, really, and why have you come here?"

Lan Xueruo—no, Cang Yue—felt her heart skip a beat. How did he see through me? Taking a deep breath, she revealed her true identity.

"I am Cang Yue, the seventh child of the Emperor and the only princess of the Blue Wind Empire. I've been traveling across the empire in search of talents to represent the Blue Wind Profound Palace in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. It was during this search that I found you."

Raja nodded, seemingly unfazed. "I will accept your invitation and win the tournament. However, I have one condition: you will become my subordinate."

Cang Yue's eyes widened. "Subordinate?!" She hesitated, her mind racing. She weighed her options carefully. If I refuse, I lose him as an ally... If I accept, what will become of me?

After what felt like an eternity, she spoke. "I will agree, but only under the condition that I will not harm anyone or betray my empire."

Raja's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "You won't need to harm anyone or your empire. All you have to do is train and cultivate."

Relieved, Cang Yue nodded. As she approached him cautiously, he raised his hand. A faint glow emerged from his Sky Poison Pearl, and she felt a surge of energy course through her body.

"Check your profound entrances," Raja instructed.

Cang Yue obeyed, and what she discovered left her speechless. "These... These are Heavenly God's Spiritual Veins!"

"Consider it my first gift," Raja said. "Now, hand over your cultivation art."

Without hesitation, she retrieved her Blue Wind Art. Raja studied it briefly, his mind already working at unparalleled speeds. Within an hour, he handed her a modified version: the Ultimate Wind Art.

"Train with this until the tournament," he advised, motioning to Yuanba outside. "He will guide you."

A week later, Raja stood at the edge of the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range. Jasmine, his enigmatic companion, floated beside him.

"Jasmine, I sense something hidden here. Let's explore."

"Hmph," Jasmine huffed. "Do whatever you want. Just remember, focus on your cultivation after this."

With a smirk, Raja summoned his partner—a mighty dragon. Its sudden appearance shook New Moon City to its core, cultivators gaping in disbelief as Raja soared into the skies atop the beast.

Never mess with him, they thought collectively.

The dragon carried Raja deep into the mountain range, where his Almighty View quickly pinpointed a bandit den. Landing before it, Raja's dragon roared, sending shockwaves through the bandits. Most fainted on the spot, while the rest cowered in terror.

"Bring out your leader," Raja commanded.

A trembling figure emerged, bowing low. "What are your orders, my lord?"

"Release all hostages," Raja demanded.

The bandit leader obeyed without question, freeing every captive. Raja then turned to his dragon. "Take care of the filth."

The dragon's grin was all the assurance he needed. Moments later, the hostages stood beside Raja, their eyes filled with gratitude.

"Where are you from?" Raja asked.

The villagers pointed toward a secluded village protected by a glowing barrier. Raja led them back, and upon arrival, the elders emerged, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, benefactor," they said in unison.

Raja nodded. "Why is everyone here at the 10th level of the Elementary Profound Realm?"

The elders hesitated before revealing a painful truth. "Our ancestors angered a deity, and we were cursed. This is our punishment."

 Raja asked which Deity is so cruel to punish later generations for there Ancestors mistake.

The elders shaken and begged raja not to offend their Deity the Phoenix are they will be punished Again.

Raja asked them doesn't the Deity leave any solution for their salvation and after the elders discussed themselves and explained that there is a trail ground in the Village if any one complete the trail and request Deity to remove the curse.

Jasmine's interest piqued. "Raja, this could benefit your cultivation."

The elders exchanged worried glances but eventually agreed to let Raja enter the Phoenix Trial Grounds.

As Raja stepped into the sacred grounds, he whispered, "It will be a good Exercise for my Navy Eight Styles."

"Let's see what this Phoenix has to offer," he thought, stepping forward with unshakable confidence.