Part 1: Entrance of Dragons
The Jade Celestial City was a vision of wonder: floating crystal towers, golden bridges, sacred flags, and thousands of cultivators gathered from all corners of the continent. The air vibrated with Qi, and the spiritual pressure was such that many outsiders could not even lift their heads.
But when the Void Herald settled before the main gate, a reverent silence took hold of the crowd. The Morningstar Clan descended in perfect formation, their leaders at the front and disciples forming seamless ranks. Their robes of black and silver, marked by the dragon, contrasted with the ostentatious pomp of other clans. Even the wind seemed to bow before the resurrected lineage.
An examiner from the Purple Light Sect, face haughty and voice scornful, raised the list:
"Morningstar Clan... do you even recognize the rules of this place? Your bloodline is... outdated."
The aura of Samael, Kael, Violeta, Eris, Cedric, Xylia, and Elowen exploded in the plaza. The pressure silenced dozens of disciples from other clans. Samael advanced, the Patriarch's Eye burning.
"We are not here to beg for entry. We come to remind you why the continent once feared the Morningstar name."
The examiner paled, retreating among his own guards. Violeta and Eris, with a glance, froze and ignited the air: Space and Fire Qi entered into resonance, creating a visible distortion.
Part 2: The First Test — The Pressure of the Saint
Upon entering the registration hall, a hidden pressure descended. It was not physical, but spiritual. A Saint hidden in the shadows was testing the newcomers, trying to crush their wills before the tournament began.
Most minor clans fell to their knees, sweating and trembling.
Samael stopped. He felt the weight, a mountain trying to bend his spine.
"A cheap trick," he whispered.
He activated the [Black Iron Will] (Clan Trait).
"Head up!" he ordered his clan. "No Morningstar bows to shadows."
Kael dug his sword into the ground, using it as a pillar. The twins held hands, sharing the burden. Cedric calculated the focal point of the pressure and adjusted his position to deflect it.
They remained standing.
From a high balcony, an old man in purple robes—the Saint of the Purple Light Sect—narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting. They have spines of steel."
Part 3: The Lottery of Fate
The tournament draw was public, but everyone knew the hands of the Great Sects manipulated the tiles.
When Samael's name was drawn, his opponent was announced:
[Samael Morningstar VS The Iron Beast (Purple Light Mercenary, Peak Transcendent)]
The crowd gasped. The Iron Beast was a three-meter monster, famous for tearing rivals apart with his bare hands.
Samael looked at the board and smiled.
"They want a show. I'll give them a lesson."
Part 4: The Combat — One Blow
The arena was immense, surrounded by defensive barriers. The Iron Beast entered roaring, dragging a spiked club.
"I will break your little bones, desert boy!"
Samael entered unarmed, hands behind his back. His robe didn't even flutter.
"You have three seconds to surrender."
The giant laughed and charged. The ground shook.
"One."
The club descended.
"Two."
Samael didn't move. Just as the weapon was about to touch his hair, he whispered:
"[Void: Displacement]."
ZAP!
Samael vanished. He didn't move left or right. He simply ceased to be there and instantly appeared behind the giant, in mid-air, leg raised.
"Three."
His heel descended like a guillotine axe. He used no visible Qi, only the brute force of his new Dragon body and gravity increased by the Void.
CRACK!
The heel impacted the Iron Beast's shoulder. Metal armor crumpled like paper. Bone shattered. The force of the impact was so brutal that the giant was smashed into the arena floor, creating a five-meter crater.
Dust. Silence.
When the dust settled, the Iron Beast was embedded in the rock, unconscious and meridians shattered. Samael landed softly, not a speck of dust on his robe.
Part 5: System and New Mission
While the clan celebrated the victories, Samael felt the System activate:
[Secret Mission Activated: "Dominate the Tournament"]
Main Objective: Have at least three Morningstar members reach the overall top 3.
Secondary Objective: Publicly humiliate the Purple Light Sect or Valois.
Reward: Heaven's Bloodline Chest, access to Hidden Realm, chance to awaken second stage of Primordial Bloodline, and selection of a Divine Favor.
Progress: 3/3 victories in the first round.
Clan Luck Bonus: Active until the end of the tournament.
[Make history and rewrite destiny!]
Samael hid a smile, knowing that destiny was in his hands.
Part 6: Brotherhood and Promise
That night, in the reserved room, Samael gathered the heirs and captains.
"Today they saw us as monsters, as a miracle... and as a threat. Tomorrow, they will see us as the new law."
Kael, for the first time, allowed himself a laugh.
"We no longer fight just to survive. We fight because we can win."
Violeta and Eris embraced, tears in their eyes.
Cedric, looking at Xylia and Elowen, nodded:
"The Morningstar era is just beginning."
Part 7: Cliffhanger
From the top of the Colosseum, Alaric watched the field. The Saint of the Purple Light Sect, behind him, whispered:
"Tomorrow, the true trap will close. Are they ready to lose everything?"
Samael looked up, his eyes meeting Alaric's in the distance.
The dragon roared in his blood.
"Bring it on."