Suppressing Cultivation

The appearance of Orion Astor on the stage instantly captured everyone's attention, eliciting a chorus of gasps and whispers.

"Good heavens, it's Orion Astor! He's actually entering the fray!"

"Isn't he already the Golden Commander in the court, a third-rank officer? Why join this sparring match? Isn't it beneath his station?"

"It doesn't matter. Don't forget, Orion Astor is only twenty-one and a prodigy among the royal youth. He specifically mentioned sparring with the Crown Prince, not challenging others."

"Orion reached the Innate Stage three years ago, and by now, he's likely at the peak of that realm. With such strength, who among the younger royals could match him?"

"Exactly. If Sinlon is considered a genius, then Orion and his brother are anomalies with forty spiritual veins each!"

Spectators marveled at the disparity, feeling a mix of awe and envy.

Orion's entry significantly heightened the atmosphere at Apricot Terrace Garden. His presence alone brought a gravitas to the competition that wasn't felt before. Even the high-ranking martial officers present couldn't help but look on with serious expressions.

The weight of the name 'Orion Astor' commanded respect, not only because he was Gideon Astor's son but also for his extraordinary talent and the formidable reputation he earned on the battlefield. His presence on the stage was akin to a radiant star, impossible to ignore.

Even Magnus, harboring resentments towards his brother, couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration looking at Orion's imposing figure on the stage.

Sinlon Astor, who had been effortlessly charming and confident, suddenly stiffened at the sight of Orion.

"He... Why is he here?" Doubt and nervousness flooded Sinlon's thoughts. Orion Astor represented an echelon of power and prestige that Sinlon knew was daunting, even for someone of his caliber.

Orion Astor's strength was a source of intimidation among the royal youth, with only a few daring to challenge him. Most regarded him with reverence, including Sinlon Astor. Sinlon vividly remembered Orion's battle with Crown Prince Emeric Astor last year. The man, wreathed in lightning, seemed more deity than mortal, showcasing his formidable power.

At that time, Sinlon didn't even have the courage to meet Orion's gaze. But now, he stood before him.

"Sinlon, you can step down now. It's time for me and the Crown Prince to have a match," Orion said casually, almost as if telling a child on the playground that it was time to go home.

Sinlon instinctively stepped back, ready to leave, but then paused. He recalled his recent advancement to the Innate Stage and wondered why he should comply so readily.

Noticing Sinlon's hesitation, Orion's brows slightly furrowed, and a hint of his commanding presence emerged.

Facing this change in Orion's demeanor, Sinlon felt the pressure mounting, his forehead beading with sweat. However, bolstered by his recent praises and fearful glances from the crowd, he gathered his courage. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Orion and said.

"Orion, this is a contest where the winner stays and the loser leaves. It wouldn't seem right to step down just like that."

"Oh?" Orion raised an eyebrow, his piercing gaze fixing on Sinlon. "So, you want to challenge me?"

Sinlon felt overwhelmed by the intensity in Orion's eyes. Despite his fear, he was driven by his recent ascension to the Innate Stage and the adulation he had received. Gathering his resolve, Sinlon bowed to Orion and responded.

Facing Orion Astor's challenge on the arena, Sinlon Astor initially hesitated, then confronted him with defiance, "Orion, there are rules to this arena. Expecting me to step down just because you say so isn't appropriate!"

Orion, far from being angered, burst into thunderous laughter and responded, "Fine, if you wish to spar with me, I shall oblige."

He then casually tossed his silver spear aside, where it embedded itself into a nearby wooden pillar with precision. The spear's intricate designs and flowing lines suggested its exceptional craftsmanship.

Facing Sinlon unarmed, Orion declared, "Sinlon, I'll restrain my strength to the initial stages of the Innate Stage. Use whatever skills you have. I'd advise you to use your strongest move from the start, or you might not get another chance."

As Orion consciously suppressed his energy, the onlookers admired his nobility. Unlike Sinlon's sly tactics, Orion's straightforward approach, even in a friendly match, spoke volumes about his character.

Magnus Astor, observing from the sidelines, found his brother's approach far more honorable than Sinlon's underhanded methods.

Sinlon, however, saw Orion's gesture as an affront. His pride stung by Orion's perceived condescension, he clenched his fists and prepared to retaliate. He readied himself, his hands moving in intricate patterns before him, signaling the beginning of his counterattack.

As Sinlon Astor's hands moved rapidly, weaving a complex series of signs in the air, an onlooker curiously asked, "What is Sinlon doing?"

"He seems to be forming seals, a technique for a martial skill," someone with keen eyesight noted.

Indeed, Sinlon's hands were a blur, creating numerous red glimmers of light that hung suspended in front of him. Each time his hands moved, these lights grew in intensity, pulsating with a dangerous energy.

"Is that...?" someone started to ask, awe in their voice.

"A top-tier Yellow Level martial skill!" another exclaimed, recognizing the skill's caliber from the energy it emanated.

The revelation caused a stir among the crowd. Martial skills of such high level were not only powerful but incredibly difficult to master. That Sinlon had managed to learn such a skill while also achieving the Innate Stage spoke volumes of his exceptional talent.

"Top-tier Yellow Level? Shouldn't Orion act now? If he lets Sinlon gather his energy, he might be at a disadvantage, especially since he's suppressed his own power," someone worriedly commented.

Orion Astor, standing opposite Sinlon, appeared undisturbed by the growing power in front of him, remaining stoically in place as if waiting for Sinlon to reach his full potential.

Seeing this, Sinlon couldn't help but sneer inwardly. "Very well, Orion. If you think you can take this lightly, I'll show you what it means to court disaster!"

As Sinlon Astor prepared his powerful top-tier Yellow Level martial skill, everyone's attention was riveted on him. The red ball of energy in front of him grew to the size of a small bucket, emitting intense heat like a massive fireball, suspended in mid-air.

With his confidence bolstered by the formidable energy before him, Sinlon brought his hands together, pointing a finger at the fiery orb. Suddenly, a burst of flame enveloped the orb, transforming it into a fiery phoenix, its wings spread wide in a display of awe-inspiring power.

"Phoenix's Flight!" Sinlon roared, thrusting his finger toward Orion Astor. The phoenix, wreathed in flames, soared towards Orion with a terrifying momentum, its heat felt even from a distance.

People around the arena couldn't help but comment on the skill's sheer power. "Such is the might of a top-tier Yellow Level martial skill. It almost rivals the strength of a mid-Innate Stage warrior!"

Others wondered if Orion, having suppressed his strength to the early Innate Stage, could withstand such an attack. "Orion might have been too confident this time," some murmured.

As the fiery phoenix closed in, only an arm's length away from Orion, the crowd held its breath. The intense heat and energy seemed enough to overwhelm anyone in its path.

Yet, at this crucial moment, Orion finally moved. His eyes, like silver lightning, locked onto the incoming phoenix. As the fiery bird's image grew larger in his pupils, Orion's stillness broke.

With a swift motion that drew everyone's attention, Orion prepared to face the incoming attack. The anticipation was palpable, with everyone wondering how he would counter this formidable assault from Sinlon.