Ultimate Tournament
As the echoes of meditation chimes faded into the tranquil ambience of his abode, Kai Thanos rose from his seated posture, his eyes revealing a hint of calmness achieved only through months of steadfast cultivation. A year had passed since his arrival at the Heavenly Dragon Sect, and his journey had been nothing short of momentous.
The modest yet luxuriously designed house he had been granted as Elder Wu's disciple was both a testament to his status and a symbol of the Sect's grandeur. The purple aura around him pulsated, signalling his ascension to Stage 3 of cultivation: Body Purification. To Thanos' amusement, Lee had also recently managed to reach the second stage of cultivation. The golden core that was Lee's spiritual energy held a tantalizing allure for Thanos, triggering in him a curiosity, a sense of longing to replace his own core with such power.
As the reverberations of a soft knock permeated the stillness of the room, Thanos commanded, "Enter."
The door creaked open to reveal Lee, his appearance significantly transformed over the past year. Now 11 years old, Lee stood tall and confident. His once childlike features had morphed into a more mature facade. His robe, white and adorned with embroidered golden dragons, accentuated his youthful strength. His wild yet controlled haircut hinted at a controlled chaos, while the air of danger surrounding him was indicative of his rapid progression.
"Is it time?" inquired Thanos, breaking the silence.
"Yes, master," Lee responded, his voice as steady as his gaze.
As Thanos got up, his robe seemed to float towards him, as though guided by an invisible hand. The white robe, embroidered with even more golden dragons, spoke of his elevated status within the Sect.
The Titan had not been idle over the past year. His Swarm had expanded to a staggering 300,000 members, their collective consciousness providing him a mental blueprint of entire regions.
His mind held an intricate map of the entire region, each crevice and corner marked out in precise detail. "If not for the trials, I would have had more," he mused, recalling the series of challenges that his Swarm had faced.
Despite the casualties, the Swarm had brought back immense power from the trials, including Fang Yuan's original martial art, Heavenly Devouring. The technique, while amusingly cringe-worthy in name to Thanos, held an unparalleled ability to absorb a significant portion of a slain enemy's power. While the limited version of the art could absorb between 10% and 15%, the complete version that Thanos had gained from the trials could absorb an astonishing 40%. It was an art of immense value, and Thanos had utilized it to the fullest, allowing him to reach Stage 3 within just a year.
Emerging from his thoughts, Thanos and Lee stepped out of the house, setting foot on a path that led them towards a new adventure. Today was a grand day in the Heavenly Dragon Sect, marking the beginning of the Ultimate Tournaments between the orthodox sects.
Their path led them to a giant ship, a sight that made many disciples stop and stare in awe. The ship was a work of art. Two giant golden dragons adorned its sides, their scales shimmering under the morning sun, their eyes alight with an intimidating aura glaring at anyone daring to approach. Majestic and grand, it was a sight to behold. The ship's majesty was further accentuated by its aura, radiating an intimidating sense of power and grandeur.
People started boarding the ship, each step echoing with anticipation. With no water in sight, the ship seemed out of place, yet it was a symbol of an impending journey. Thanos and Lee made their way towards the ship, ready to embark on the next leg of their journey. Thanos couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation. 'Just a little more, and I can go home,' he thought, his eyes gleaming with an inscrutable light.
Kai Thanos' gaze rested on the enormous ship that stood in front of him, towering over the disciples of the Heavenly Dragon Sect who were busy boarding it. His sharp eyes scanned the ship, taking in the intricate details of its grandeur. The ship bore two golden dragons on each side, their scales glittering under the sun, and their eyes aflame with the same intimidating aura that surrounded the entrance of the Heavenly Dragon Sect.
The ship was a spectacle to behold, not only for its size but for its unusualness - it was built to fly, a fact that Thanos found fascinating. It exuded a majestic aura, a testament to the technology and mystical prowess of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. It seemed to pulsate with an energy that was palpable even from a distance, promising a swift journey to their destination.
As they approached the boarding ramp, Thanos couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. This tournament was not merely a contest of strength and skill, it was also a selection process. Those who would emerge victorious would be hailed as champions, garnering fame and resources. The very best among them would be chosen for an even grander yet perilous mission, a chance for glory and power that outweighed the risks involved.
Eyes of anticipation, hope, and determination were visible on every disciple boarding the ship. Thanos could feel their collective resolve, their willingness to risk it all for a shot at the grand prize. Many were young like Lee, their eyes shining with the dreams of glory and honor.
As Thanos stepped onto the ship with Lee following behind, the world seemed to shift around him. The bustling of the sect faded into the background, replaced by the hum of the ship's energy core as it prepared to lift off. The sensation of stepping onto the ship was akin to entering a different realm altogether.
Once they were inside, the interior of the ship did not disappoint. Luxurious cabins with intricate designs, a grand hall for meetings and discussions, and a massive training area filled the enormous ship. The ship was not merely a transportation vessel but a moving fortress designed to cater to every need of the sect disciples.
Lee's eyes widened at the sight of the ship's interior. Thanos found his reaction amusing. The kid had come a long way under his guidance, growing into a competent cultivator. His golden core had allowed him to progress rapidly, and his wild appearance now was a testament to his potential.
Yet, as they settled into the ship and prepared for departure, Thanos' mind was occupied by more pressing matters. The Swarm had drawn attention due to their increasing numbers and activities. While this was a necessary sacrifice for expanding his army, it was also a danger that needed careful handling. The Heavenly Dragon Sect had sent disciples to handle the Swarm that roamed too close to human settlements, and it was only a matter of time before the Swarm's true nature was exposed.
Lost in thought, Thanos didn't notice the ship beginning to move. It was only when he saw the sect disappearing in the distance, and the world below becoming a blur of colors, that he realized they were airborne. As the ship soared through the sky, its destination lay far ahead - the Grand Tournament of the Orthodox Sects.
The tournament was an opportunity, a stage for him to prove his power and establish his standing. It was also a gateway to the next phase of his journey, an opening to his ultimate goal. Thanos' gaze was determined, his mind resolute. He would seize this opportunity, conquer the tournament, and step closer to the power that he sought.
While he prepared for the battles to come, the Swarm continued its trials, growing stronger with each victory and learning from each defeat. Their efforts echoed his own relentless pursuit of power. And just like him, they would not stop until their goals were achieved. Their collective resolve, mirrored in his own, was the true testament of the Titan's indomitable spirit.
As the ship sailed through the endless sky, Thanos' journey took on a new phase. The battles to come, the victories to be won, and the power to be claimed were all waiting for him at the Grand Tournament. The Titan was ready. The stage was set. All that remained was to conquer it.