Inner Devil (4)

Not only did Ryu understand the significance of a Heavenly Wind, he likely knew more about them than almost anyone else. This was because the name of Elena's Holy Wing Clan wasn't for show. They were descendants of a heavenly bird race and as such, were well known for their speed. Through his research, Ryu was able to find a lesser wind for Elena to incorporate into her Spiritual Foundation, causing an explosive increase in her Sky Dominion.

Each Heavenly Wind had an earth-shattering ability the likes of which were rarely seen. Many of these so-called 'lesser winds' attempted to replicate these abilities in part, but couldn't do so perfectly. Still, these lesser winds were highly sought after. Since this was the case, one didn't need to explain just how much value a true Heavenly Wind had.

The East Heavenly Wind was known as the Wind of Sharpness. It was among the most dangerous of the four falling short to only the West Heavenly Wind. One wielding this Heavenly Wind would gain a sharp and defined aura, not to mention a special Dominion the likes of which those who devoted their lives to an edged weapon would kill over.

The West Heavenly Wind was the most violent, earning the Wind of Tribulation namesake. This was the most dangerous wind and it was the combination of this wind and the East that made the Wind Sky God's trial almost impossible to complete. One wielding this Heavenly Wind would gain control over the weather, able to call down destruction with a single roar. The Dominion gained from this Wind would explosively increase one's hand to hand combat and was the treasure of tyrannical war lords.

The South Heavenly Wind was known as the Breath of Life. This Wind was the most docile of the four and gifted its wielder near endless stamina. The Dominion gained by this Wind would be one of healing. Legends say that a master of this Wind could fight for an entire epoch without a moment of rest.

As for the Wind Gale brought forward, it wasn't to be underestimated at all. The North Heavenly Wind was known as the Wind of Natural Order. One had to know that the term 'Natural Order' was never to be taken lightly. Its definition encompassed the quintessence of heavenly laws!

Those who wielded the North Heavenly Wind would become akin to wind itself! Simply put, their swiftness would be unmatched, their flexibility would be uncanny, and their stealth would be impossible to see through! The Dominion of this Heavenly Wind allows its wielder almost unmatched movement. This was the North Heavenly Wind.

Gale sneered at Ryu's lackluster reaction. He had adapted to his opponent's apathetic appearance and was no longer bothered by it. Instead, he began to sharpen his mind. His Ventus Clan couldn't afford to lose this Wind!

Considering his grandfather hadn't sent him messages scolding him, it was clear that he found this to be a worth while risk as well. Why? Because Gale was also a wielder of one of the ten heavenly pupils! One didn't need to follow the Fire Natural Order to make use of an Origin Flame. Gaining this would greatly benefit his cultivation.

"The contest I have devised is simple. We are both wielders of one of the top ten heavenly pupils, as such, Objects of Origin have a certain fondness toward us. We'll both release our wager items, you your flames, and me my wind. The first to gain acknowledgement of one or both heavenly treasures is the winner!"

The mouths of those listening nearly dropped. Only a single word rung in their minds: Shameless!

Who didn't know that one's heavenly pupils evolved with cultivation? Although Gale's were only ranked seventh, while Ryu's were ranked first, the disparity in cultivation more than made up for this! It was no wonder this young master was so confident!

At this point, Ryu had his first change in expression. His brows wrinkled into a frown, his handsome features slightly contorting.

When Gale saw this, his sneer deepened. "It can't be that the Tatsuya Clan Young Master is scared, is it? With the difference between me and you, isn't this the most fair competition possible?"

Many felt like Gale's words made sense. There were only so many forms of competition a mortal and immortal could undergo. It was impossible for it to be perfectly fair. Since Ryu accepted so easily, shouldn't he have to pay the price for his arrogance?

However, Ryu didn't mind Gale's words, instead he looked toward Elena apologetically.

"I'm sorry."

Many thought he was conceding when he said these words and couldn't help but sigh. As for Old Mistress Holy Wing and Gale, they almost couldn't refrain from laughing uproariously. In fact, Valeska's faint giggle still filled the ceremonial hall. That is… It filled the hall until Ryu's next words resounded.

"I'll try to find a way method to extract it from myself later. After all, it's much more useful to you."

Elena smiled sweetly when she heard these words, her heart warming. However, for others, they nearly fell off their seats, suddenly understanding what Ryu was trying to say.

Ryu never had a doubt that he would win. In fact, he had wanted to win the Heavenly Wind so that he could gift it to Elena. However, with the rules as is, it would mean that he and not Elena would become the Master of the Wind. This was something that was almost impossible to undo once the deed was complete. The easiest way was to simply kill the host, but obviously, Ryu couldn't do that to himself.

"Let's begin!" Gale roared, failing to control his anger once more. Wasn't speaking to this man far too infuriating?! How could there be such a man in existence?!

With one movement, Gale and Ryu shifted simultaneously. Ryu pressed a hidden mechanism on the large black box, unleashing the Origin Flame Embryo in the world. Gale wasn't far behind, his eye dimming slightly as a whirlpool appeared before them, releasing the Heavenly Wind.

The display was absolutely beautiful. The Heavenly Wind released a fragrance that sent those present to another world… It was as though they had entered a land of fairies, fluttering with a golden and unblemished beauty.

The Origin Flame fell behind in no way. It flickered in reds and pinks, before shifting to blues and violets, before touching upon golds and silvers. Its mere presence forced many into an involuntary state of enlightenment… Just looking at it made one feel as though they were riding atop a soft cloud.